Matthew and Lesley Holleman- Owners

Lesley Holleman joined Fleet Feet Jackson early on and helped it become the hub for runners and walkers alike that it is today. Originally from Baton Rouge, Lesley went to Delta State and walked on the Cross Country team her senior year. An active runner and exercise enthusiast, Lesley has completed seven marathons including the Boston Marathon, Chicago Marathon, and countless area 5 & 10K's and half-marathons.

Matthew Holleman grew up in Jackson and attended St. Andrews and Jackson Prep. After graduating from Ole Miss, Matthew was introduced into running by Lesley and has been on board ever since.

What makes Fleet Feet Different? “Our focus is on our customers, our community, and service. We want to educate our customers and serve our community through running.”

Favorite Running Essential? Garmin Fenix.

Favorite Race? Lesley: “MS Blues Marathon. I’ve watched it grow from 60 people on the Trace to the Premiere Downtown Jackson Event it is today.” Matthew prefers Fleet Feet’s own: Blue Mile

Best Post-Run Food? Soulshine Pizza

Best Spot to Run? Ridgeland Multi-Use Trail. Start from Fleet Feet of course!

Chris Walker - Business Manager

Bio: Straight out of Madison, Chris went to Madison Central and has a Finance Degree from Mississippi State. Chris didn’t start seriously running until about 8 years ago. Chris originally wanted to work at Fleet Feet to meet new people and share his love for running, but now he is preparing to operate and own one for himself!

 Running Advice: “Don't start off doing too much too soon.  People get burnt out really fast or injured when they start off running a lot without letting their body adjust. I was injured to the point I couldn’t run 14 of the first 33 months of my training because I did way too many miles instead of gradually building up my running.”

 The Fleet Feet Difference: “Fleet Feet stands out from other stores because the staff truly enjoys working here.  I have never worked anywhere where I get along so well with my coworkers and even my boss!”

 Favorite Running Accessory: “I Love Balega socks because they are so soft and help wick away the gallons of sweat that my feet produce.”

Peter Davis:
Head Retail Experience Manager

Peter likes running and tying shoe laces.

A Belhaven University XC runner, Peter Davis loves running out on any trail he can get his feet on. He is the cross-country coach at St. Augustine and trains the Fleet Feet staff on any and all running products. When he's not running, Peter is off making films, writing stories, or some other sort of art project.

Favorite Running Spot? Choctaw Trails and Butts Park

Motivation for Running? "Running is a kind of meditation for me where I can pray, plan out my day, and clear my head. The harder I run, the more focused I become."

Best Post-Run Food? Anything within arm's reach.

Ben McDonald:
Retail Experience Manager

Growing up Clinton, Ben has been involved in the running and triathlon community for years. A multi-IronMan finisher, mountain biker, and ultra-runner, Ben McDonald loves tackling new distances and better P.R.’s. He currently lives in Brandon with his wife Taylor.

Motivation For Running? I run because God gave me that ability and desire and I want to do it as long as He allows.

What makes Fleet Feet Unique? "Locally Owned and Nationally Known"

Favorite running music? I don’t run with music.  I like to hear whats going on around me, the wind, my feet hitting the ground, my breathing, etc.

 

Jeff Bolton
Retail Experience Manager

Jeff grew up in Raymond and served 26 years in the NAVY.  While at sea for eight months at a time, he would run on the treadmill despite the ship pitching back and forth. Having completed over 50 marathons, Jeff is an ultra-runner who favorite distance is the 50k.

What makes Fleet Feet so unique? The personal attention you get once you walk into our doors. Our Fitid process is so unique and helps the customer to understand our attention to detail for putting them into the correct shoe.

Favorite Local Race? Ways Bluff 50K in Canton.  The team of runners that put on this race do an AWESOME job.

Favorite Running Spot? Two places.  Butts Park trails and Fleet Feet.

 

 Lynn Williams:
Receiving Manager

Lynn grew up in Indianola, Mississippi and went to Mississippi State. Her great grandparents opened up the first family shoe store in Yazoo City in 1906. When she was a teenager, she worked at the shoe store some over the summers.  After her grandparents passed away, she bought the family shoe store and operated it for two years. Now she manages Fleet Feet inventory, stocking, receiving, and all sorts of other things.

Favorite race? FF's own Turkey Day 8K!

What makes Fleet Feet different from other stores?  The customers! I love hearing customers share their reasons why they run and hike and the seeing the enjoyment they receive from it. I also enjoy seeing friends from my hometown (Indianola) and from where I live (Yazoo City.)

Favorite Running Essential? "Balega socks-They feel like soft cushioned pillows on your feet and they keep the moisture away."  

Michael Harrison:
Retail Experience Manager

Michael is originally from Atlanta and went to school at UGA. He started running to stop smoking and found out that he really enjoyed it! Having worked at the Bike Rack for over 17 years, Michael can both fit you for shoes and give you some good advice on the bike. Michael also helps pace our triathlon programs.

What makes Fleet Feet Unique? The people who work there create positive vibe and the customers recognize it and appreciate it.

Training Essential? HR Monitor.

Post-Race Food? M & M (Mexican food and Margaritas!)

 

 

Nicole Aversa - Business Outreach/Social Media Coordinator 

Hailing all the way from Long Island, NY, Nicole supervises all of our social media. She's never been big into running because her main focus is usually lifting weights and some cardio, but she has started running more since working at FF.

Life outside of Fleet Feet? School, studying, eating, sleeping and being a mom to the most perfect angel baby, Ella. 

Running Essential? Definitely music. I cannot run without it!

Favorite Post-Run Food? Whatever snacks I bought for Ella for that week.

 

Kelsey Shumate- Marketing and Training Program Coordinator

Kelsey grew up in Clinton, Mississippi,  went to Delta State University for 2 years, then transferred to the University of Mississippi, where she graduated. Kelsey helps with our marketing and our funs runs around the city.

Motivation for running? It’s relaxing and gets me ready for the day. Also you get to see some pretty sweet sunrises/sunsets.

Favorite Running Essential? Garmin Watch 

What is your favorite Local Race? 12k's for the Holidays 

 Jonathan Ray - Shoe and Apparel Buyer

Jonathan Ray is from Jackson, MS, and went to Ole Miss where he earned a degree in engineering. He spent 5 years with the Army Corps of Engineers before deciding to dedicate all of his time to running with friends and fitting you for the perfect shoe.

What makes Fleet Feet a unique place? There is a certain energy around Fleet Feet that makes you want to be the best you can be. Working there feels like being on a sports team.

What is your favorite Local Race? Purple Dress Run

Best Running Song? Christmas music.

 

 

 

 

 

Ryan Crandall - Assistant Shoe Buyer

Born and raised in Madison, Ryan graduated from St. Joseph Catholic School and ran cross country for Mississippi College. Ryan was a multiple state champion. After graduating, he has placed in 3 marathons. His future goal is to own and operate his own Fleet Feet store one day.

What makes Fleet Feet unique? The services and tools it provides for the community and they way we help build it through volunteering and sponsorships.

Favorite Running Essential? Running Hat.

What is your favorite Local Race? Run Thru History

Jared Allen - Business Coordinator

Jared grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana.  Serving as the Team Captain of Brother Martin High School’s Cross Country and Track and Field teams, he was recruited to continue running at Millsaps College where he would set Millsaps’ school record in the Steeplechase and letter in Cross Country and Track and Field. Jared also likes to party, unlike Kevin.

What is your motivation for Running? My motivation to continue running, even though my collegiate career is complete, is that same spirit of competition. I want to continue chasing that excellence daily.

Best Running/Workout Song? Safari Song – Greta Van Fleet

 Favorite Post-Run Food: Taco Night with the boys

 Kaitlyn Sloan - Apparel Buyer

Kaitlyn is from Madison, MS, and went to Holmes Community College for two years before transferring to Delta State University. She has been a cheerleader all of her college career and needed a hobby to keep her in shape after college and fell in love with running! Being part of the Fleet Feet family has definitely been a blessing and a motivator to continue being part of the running community! 

Best Running Essential? Definitely the right outfit. Wearing something that looks good makes you feel good! Being comfortable and confident while you run is important.

Best Running Song? Mr. Blue Sky by Electric Light Orchestra.

Favorite Local Running Race? Dash n’ Splash 5k for the MS Brain Injury Association is a fun fast run for a good cause! 

 

 

--Fit Specialists--

 

Daniel Burnett

Originally from Gulfport, Daniel Burnett is now the head coach of the Jackson Prep cross country team. He is full-time teacher at Jackson Prep and is an alum of the and track and field program at Mississippi College. He loves calisthenics and runs when he can. 

Best Running Song? Morris Brown - OutKast

Life Outside of Fleet Feet? Pushing his kids in cross country and making them into state champions.  

Favorite Running Spot? The gravel pit, so you can do more calisthenics and then run.  

 

 

 

Wilson Jamison

Wilson is from Birmingham, AL and went to college at Birmingham-Southern College. While at BSC, Wilson played baseball and studied Business Administration. After college, Wilson worked for Reformed University Fellowship at the University of Kentucky where he picked up running as a hobby. Wilson moved to Jackson, MS with his wife, Lindsey, in June of 2019 and soon after began working at Fleet Feet. 

Favorite running essential? I'm the weird guy who thinks GU tastes awesome. Don't know if it helps but it's a wonderful sweet treat!

Motivation for running? I will not be the fastest, nor run the farthest, but I hope to be consistent. I want to steward what I have been given and not take my health for granted. 

Best post-run food? Taco Tuesday at Green Ghost Tacos in Fondren! 

Samuel Oh

Sam was born in Ilsan, South Korea, and immigrated to Guam at the age of 7. He graduated from Saint Paul Christian School in Dededo Guam. In 2017 I moved to Jackson, MS to attend Belhaven University majoring in Biblical Studies and minoring in history. I got into running because I played soccer all throughout my youth and also love to play ultimate frisbee with my friends! 

What makes Fleet Feet unique? Fleet Feet seems to be the only store where customer service is first. Most retail stores simply do not care, but at Fleet Feet, you can tell that the staff really loves the customers and the customers love us back!

What is your motivation for Running? I love the burning feeling after the run (especially on my calves). It makes me feel productive and healthy. Being in shape keeps me not just physically but mentally healthy. 

Best Running/Workout Song? Ancient of Days by Citialight, and Life Defined by Shane & Shane

Best Running Spot: The Treadmill at my gym (I know, I'm basic) 

Cale Taylor

Cale grew up in the Texas panhandle and lived in Amarillo and in Lubbock, TX. Currently he is finishing school at Northwest Rankin High School. Cale got into running in middle school when he ran cross country, but now he runs just for fun, or to avoid bumping into Sam.

What makes Fleet Feet a unique place? The working environment here is really amazing. The people here are super kind, patient and helpful.

Favorite Post-Run Food: A bowl of cereal usually (Honey Bunches of Oats to be specific).

Favorite Running Essential? Light up wristband since I usually run at night.

Life outside of Fleet Feet? I love music and I play several instruments. I play at my church, and I’m also in a band with some of my friends from school.  

 
Emma Elkin

Emma Elkin went to high school right here in Madison Central and ran cross country there. She then went to the University of Oklahoma for her undergraduate degree where she majored in Health and Exercise Science. She ran her first 5k when she was 8 years old and has been running since! 

 

Running Essential? “My fav running essential would definitely be a good ponytail holder. May seem trivial, but if you’ve ever forgotten one, you know how crucial they are.”

 

Reason to Run? My dog, Benny! But running gives me some quiet time that is great for clearing the head and getting some mental clarity. Also great for socializing and catching up at some points! 

 

Best local race? Semi-local but the Mississippi 50 trail race is one of my favorites! 

 

Sklyer Ellis

Skyler was born at a very early age, and started running at the age of 11. When she started going to NorthWest Rankin, she quickly joined the track and field program, where she now hold the school record for the 800m. She is hoping to attend Ole Miss in the fall, and will eventually be serving drugs at your local pharmacy.\

What makes Fleet Feet unique? The environment is friendly, ya know, and happy.

Life outside of Fleet Feet? Surviving School. Complaining about Sarah. Working Out. Given a Cale and Sam a hard time.

Favorite Running Essential? Compression Sleeves for swelling/shin splints.

Favorite Running Spot? Anything that’s a track; otherwise, I hate it.  

Chuck Vrana

Opinionated Yankee transplanted to Mississippi from Nebraska in 2013.  Retired (2017)  Finance Mgr. from Levi Strauss and Co. Likes walking, baking, and giving Peter a hard time every Friday at the coffee run.

What makes Fleet Feet a unique place?  Are you kidding me? Tom Hanks would kill to work with a cast of characters like this crew!

Life outside of Fleet Feet: I’m retired which means I can ignore chores at home, travel, and pursue the 50 States Endurance Challenge - (at least before COVID).

Motivation for Running? I power walk instead of run. It gets my day going, keeps me healthy, and it’s fun whether I’m alone or with a group. 

Favorite  There are three I do annually - The Mustard Seed’s “Racin’ for the Seed“, Good Samaritan’s “12k’s for the Holidays“, and of course Fleet Feet’s “Turkey Day 8k”.

Favorite post race food? Chocolate milk and peanut butter crackers.

Sarah Williams

Sarah was born on Halloween, which is no coincidence, because she sells a ton of Brooks Ghosts. Hailing from the great city of Jackson, MS,  Sarah just graduated from NorthWest Rankin and is going to college in the fall. She likes to cook and go for drives, usually blaring her music, even though she doesn’t like to workout to music. Sarah likes turtles. Sarah likes sarcasm. Sarah is an only child, unless you count her half-brother Cale.

Favorite Running Essential? SportsBeans - Juicy Pear. 

What is your motivation for Running? To clear my head. 

 Favorite Post-Run Food: Spaghetti with mushrooms and marinna. 

 Favorite Running Spot: Anywhere near water

 

Brooks Marion

Brooks grew up in Ocean Springs, MS, and studied music at Millsaps, then moved to Baton Rouge for a Master's in Music at LSU. After finishing school he moved out to Colorado skiing every day in the winter and running up every mountain he could see in the summertime. Last year Brooks moved back home to be closer to family and soak up the Mississippi heat. Brooks got into running his senior year at Millsaps as a way to stay fit and be happy.  

 Life Outside of Fleet Feet: Outside of Fleet Feet Brooks enjoy reading, writing, making music, and dreaming about the mountains.  

 Motivation for Running: I'm motivated to run, because I'm always trying to make myself better. I've never been competitive with other people, but rather focused on self improvement and being a better version of myself than the day before. Also it's simultaneously the hardest and most fun thing you can do wrapped up together in one activity. 

 Best Running/Workout Song: "Don't Take the Money" - Bleachers

 Favorite Local Race: Anything MUTS puts on that's on a trail.

 Thomas Callen

•  Thomas, grew up in laurel MS, went to Belhaven University and is currently a student at Reformed Theological Seminary. Growing up Thomas had never been a runner, however a few years ago he heard about the crazy sport of ultra trail running and decided to give it a try. Since then he has completed multiple ultra marathons and hasn't looked back. “When I'm on the trail, the miles just fly by.'' 

 What makes Fleet Feet a unique place?

• Fleet feet is more than just a running store. The Fleet's Feet crew is committed to loving on and building the running community here in Jackson. Not only do we throw many events for the community but they also support many races throughout our city. Whether you are a runner, walker, or just on your feet all day and need your feet to feel better, Fleet Feet has your back.  

Favorite Running Essential? "For someone who sweats as much as I do, my hydration vest is essential. Carrying enough water and nutrition allows me to keep on keeping on. 

Favorite Local Race? Fondren Urban Ultra

 Favorite Post-Run Food? Without a doubt, BBQ pork nachos form “The Pig and Pint.”

 Favorite Running Spot? Trails trails trails. Although Jackson is not necessarily known for their trails, I love running on the yock, butts park, and the pearl river trails.

Jesse White

Another native of Jackson, Mississippi, Jesse went was too cool for school, so he was homeschooled. Jesse got into running by joining the local Victors Homeschool Track and XC Team. Becuase of the amazing friendships and bonds he had with teammates, not to mention his coaches, he decided to keep running and stay active in the sport. Jese is studying criminal justice at Belhaven University with the hopes of pursing a career in law enforcement. He also plays the drums and loves music. 

 

What makes Fleet Feet unique? All the amazing individuals who work here. Everyone brings their own style to the table and is allowed to thrive.

 

 

Motivation for Running? "I enjoy pushing myself while running and the pleasant soreness that follows a hard run. It’s also nice having other runners to motivate me to run on days that I don’t feel like getting out."

 

Best Running Song? No Excuses by NF

 

What is your favorite Local Race? Watermelon Classic

 

 

Markese Lee

A Jacksonion by birth, Markese has lived in Jackson his whole life and is currently attending Belhaven University, where he is an RA. Markese is part of the Army National Guard and plans on graduating with a degree in nursing. Wth activities both on and off campus, Markese enjoys repping Fleet Feet and Belhaven in all that he does and looks forward to serving the greater Jackson area when he graduates. He also likes deadlifting Ryan Crandall.

What is your motivation for Running? To be the greatest soldier I can be. 'Merica

Best Running/Workout Song? Don't Turn away by Manifest.

Hobbies outside of Fleet Feet: Watching Anime, especially Fairy Tale.

Favorite Post-Run Food: Apples. Little known fact, Markese eats around 10 apples a day. Well, when he's not eating rice.

Favorite Running Spot: Choctaw Trails.

Darby Damon

Mississippi Girl, born and raised, Darby went to Mississippi College for undergrad and is pursuing a masters in counseling. She got into running in high school when a good friend asked if she wanted to try out for the cross-country team. When I started noticing how running affected me mentally, emotionally, and physically, I was hooked. Running has without a doubt changed my life.

Why is Fleet Feet Unique? All the employees are like family, most know by experience that "running changes everything" and encourage others on their health journey by offering community events and getting the right personal fit.

Motivation for running? My motivation for running is my mental health. If I don't run for a few days, I notice a difference. I'm just a better person when I run, which is good for me and everyone else.

Best running song? "Sunshine" by POWERS, "At my Best" by Machine Gun Kelly and "Following the Sun" gby SUPER-Hi & Neeka. "Fight for Me" by Lecrae is a favorite hype song though.

Favorite local race: The one my dad's work puts on: Canopy Children's Solutions. 

 Evan Bergeron

Evan is all the way from Walker, Louisiana, right outside of Baton Rouge! He started running in highschool just to stay in shape in highschool and hasn't stopped since. He graduated from Mississippi College and in my free time I enjoy cooking dinner for friends and playing the piano (not at the same time, though that would be cool). 

Favorite Place to Run: Butts Park in the fall. The best temperature to run is 52 degrees (this is scientifically proven). 

Favorite Running Essential: My running hat (worn backwards of course)

Best Running Song: Cory Wong by Vulfpeck followed closely by Push It To The Limit by Corbin Bleu 

Favorite Local Race: I haven't lived in the Jackson area for very long- I love the Louisiana Marathon and Half Marathon in Baton Rouge and I'm looking forward to running the MS Blues Half, my second local race after the Watermelon Classic 5k!

Post-run food: My mom's homemade chilli.