The idea to own and operate a running-shoe store was born on an airplane in the fall of 2002, when two business colleagues (one of whom was married to the other’s sister) brainstormed ideas on how to turn their passion for running into a business. They recruited their spouses, and the 4 entrepreneurs started Potomac River Running in Ashburn, VA. After considerable hard work and reinvestment of virtually all their profits, the chain is up and running (a terrible pun, I know) - it now boasts 7 stores, as well as several ancillary businesses.

As one of the owners put it, “We always felt we are not selling shoes; we are selling an experience. We are selling lifestyle. The key is developing relationships with customers.”