Interview with Pete Solano, CEO
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: I had an opportunity to transition from government work into the private sector by opening a franchised running store. After a couple years, I decided to break out from the franchise and go independent as Run Colorado. Running had always been a component of my life in the Marine Corps, so to use the skill sets I learned in the Marine Corps and apply them to specialty running worked well.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: I think our involvement in the community and top-notch customer service separate us from big-box retailers and online footwear providers. In the summers, we do a Tuesday Pub Run and a long Saturday run where we lay out a course, mark each mile and provide water stations so people can get together and do a longer workout that suits their running goals. At the end, we always have something to eat and drink for free. On Wednesday mornings, we do a coffee run. We also support local races, fundraisers for schools and various charitable organizations.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: The biggest joy I get out of this line of work is helping someone who feels like they won’t be active again. Time and time again, we see people in the wrong footwear for their specific biomechanics. As a result, they are dealing with a variety of issues like IT band syndrome, plantar fasciitis, runners knee, back pain, etc., that are limiting their ability to achieve their active lifestyle goals. We take a great deal of time with everyone to get them in the right gear so they can get back outside and do the things they want and love to do.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: There are a lot of options out there for people when buying footwear and apparel, whether it be from a big-box store, online or other specialty stores. Our challenge is to differentiate ourselves to the extent that people specifically seek us out for our expertise in running, our unique product offering and our special events and community involvement.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: A lot of people are intimidated by specialty stores and specialty running stores in particular, but the truth is we serve everyone of all abilities; running or walking or just wanting to be analyzed to make sure they are in the right kind of footwear for whatever they want to do. We’re not elite — far from it. We’re everyday people who like being active in this beautiful state and we want people to enjoy it with us.
Profile
Business: Run Colorado
Address: 8505 E. Arapahoe Road, Greenwood Village
Hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. Sunday
Founded: 2009
Contact: 303-770-5131
Employees: 14
