Celebrating the Heart of Confluence Running: Stories from Our Team

Confluence Running recently received the honor of being named one of the 50 Best Running Stores in America. This recognition, among 1,700 nominations and 216 unique stores, underscores the dedication and passion of our team. In a recent meeting, our employees shared their personal stories, highlighting why Confluence Running stands out in the running community. Here are their stories, each a testament to our commitment to community, customer service, and the love of running.

"More Than Just Boxes: Supporting Our Soldiers"

Brian's Story

In Watertown, we have a unique way of recycling our shoe shipment boxes. Brian, who manages our Watertown store, shared how he offers these boxes to soldiers moving between duty stations. "I'd rather give it to the soldiers than recycle and waste all that cardboard," Brian said. This simple act of providing moving boxes helps soldiers during their stressful relocations. "They come in, pick up the boxes, and sometimes share their stories. It's a warm fuzzy feeling to assist them," he added. This initiative not only reduces waste but also supports our local military community, reflecting our commitment to being more green and community-focused.

"Creating a Personalized Shopping Experience"

Ethan's Story

Ethan from our Goshen store emphasized the importance of personalized customer service. "Customers come in looking for more than just shoes; they come for the experience," Ethan said. He shared how regular customers, like Carl Mabry, feel comfortable and valued in our store. "Carl is almost a stockholder here. He loves chatting and updating us on his life," Ethan explained. This level of personalized service makes customers feel like part of the Confluence Running family, creating lasting relationships and a loyal customer base.

"Medical Outreach and Comfort"

Brynne's Story

Bryn highlighted our outreach efforts with medical professionals, bringing in customers with specific needs. "We get people with prescription cards from their doctors, and we help them find the right shoes and insoles," Bryn shared. She described how customers often feel relieved and comfortable in our store, knowing they won't receive bad news but instead find solutions for their foot problems. "They leave happy and often recommend us to others," she added, underscoring the importance of creating a supportive and stress-free environment for all customers.

"Connecting with the Youth"

Taylor's Story

Taylor, who recently graduated, talked about her role in reaching out to high school athletes in Corning. "I did a lot of plugs at practice, telling teammates to visit the store for better shoes," she said. This connection allowed her to help young athletes avoid injuries and improve their performance. "It's rewarding to see them excited about their new shoes and to support their running journey," Taylor explained, highlighting how we build community connections and foster a love for running among the youth.

"The Joy of Running"

Kristin's Story

Kristen shared a heartwarming story about a young boy getting his first pair of running shoes. "He was dreading the process, but when he found the perfect shoe, his face lit up," she recalled. Kristen invited him to our beginner's run, and he was excited to join. "His enthusiasm was contagious, and it was great to see him excited about running," she said. This story illustrates how we inspire and support new runners, fostering a sense of community and shared passion for the sport.

"Coaching and Certification"

Jim's Story

Jim, a coach at Binghamton University, discussed how his coaching experience enhances his customer interactions. "When customers learn I'm a coach, it builds trust," he said. Jim often integrates his professional knowledge into the fitting process, helping customers find the best solutions for their needs. "It's a unique way to connect and provide expert advice," he added, showcasing how our team's diverse skills benefit our customers.

"Expanding Community Health"

Kate's Story

Kate, new to Watertown, sees potential in improving local health education and community wellness. "We can start a group to run together and improve daily habits," she suggested. Kate's vision aligns with our mission to promote health and fitness, especially in areas lacking health education. "We're building a healthier, more educated community," she said, reflecting our broader goals beyond just selling shoes.

"Online Sales with a Personal Touch"

Reed's Story

Reed highlighted the expansion of our online store, which extends our community beyond physical locations. "We're able to help people across the country, offering deals and personal service," he said. Reed and Kristen have worked hard to create a personalized experience for online customers, including handwritten notes and special packaging. "It feels more like receiving a gift than just a purchase," Reed explained. This attention to detail ensures that even online customers feel the Confluence Running touch.

"Supporting Young Runners with the United Way"

Matt's Story

Matt shared an impactful initiative in partnership with the United Way and the YMCA. "We ran a program for inner-city kids, providing them with running activities and games," he said. This program, funded by a nonprofit grant, hired university students to coach the kids. "We ran to a park, played, and ran back. It was rewarding to see the kids enjoy running," Matt recalled. This initiative not only promoted fitness but also fostered a sense of community and support for children in need.

"Listening and Caring for Customers"

Addie's Story

Addie shared a touching story about a man who came in looking for shoes similar to his old leather ones. Initially off-put by athletic sneakers, he opened up about caring for his wife with dementia. "He needed comfortable shoes for long days on his feet," Addie explained. By listening and understanding his needs, she found him the perfect pair. "He left happy and appreciated our genuine care," she said. This story underscores the importance of empathy and listening in creating a meaningful customer experience.

Conclusion

The stories shared by our employees highlight the core values that make Confluence Running one of the best running stores in America. From supporting the military community to personalized customer service, medical outreach, youth engagement, coaching expertise, community health initiatives, personalized online sales, and empathetic listening, our team goes above and beyond to make a difference. These stories reflect our commitment to fostering a love for running, supporting our community, and creating a welcoming, inclusive environment for all. Thank you to our incredible team for their dedication and passion, and to our customers for their continued support. Together, we run stronger.