John (JR) opened Maine Running Company in 2005. Since then, MRC has been nominated as one of the top three new running stores in the U.S. in 2006 by The Running Network, and was voted Best Running Store, New England in 2007 by Runner's World, as well as being named to the Top Fifty Stores In America in 2008, 2010, 2011 and 2012. As a competitive runner, JR qualified for both the 1984 and 1988 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, while also posting PR's of 4:04 Mile, 14:02 5K, 29:20 10K, 48:45 10 Mile and 2:18:02 Marathon.  Prior to opening MRC, JR worked in various product and marketing executive positions in the Running, Walking and Outdoor categories within the industry, including Reebok from 1987 - 1997 and 2002 - 2004 and Mizuno as VP of Marketing in 1997 -1998. In 2005, JR helped form and serve as a Board Director for the Independent Running Retailers Association as well as serving as its initial Executive Director from 2007-2008.  On the community side, JR is actively involved in supporting Portland Trails sponsoring and supporting the Weekly Back Cove 5K Series each summer to raise money to maintain and support Portland's Trail Network. JR is a strong supporter of the Maine Cancer Foundation and The Center For Grieving Children, sponsoring many events for both Non-Profits. He also serves on both the Center For Grieving Children and Girls On The Run Board of Directors.

Erin joined the team at Fleet Feet Maine Running in the spring of 2013 when was a junior at the University of New England. In May of 2015, she graduated with a degree in Exercise Science. Erin ran competitively for two years on UNE's Cross Country team but now runs recreationally for herself and finds it much more rewarding! She has found a new passion for the half marathon distance and would love to run her fourth half marathon this fall. Erin is a Run Club Coach for Fleet Feet Maine Running and absolutely loves inspiring and motivating other runners! Erin enjoys working at Fleet Feet so she can help grow the running community as well as share her knowledge and experiences with new people every day!  Outside of the running community, Erin enjoys spending as much time as she can outdoors. She loves to travel to new destinations with friends and family where there are plenty of new trails to explore!

Joey began working at Fleet Feet Sports Maine Running in 2009, when he was Senior at South Portland High School. After graduating from High School, he studied Economics and Athletic Coaching at the University of Southern Maine.  At USM, Joey ran competitively on their cross country and track teams.  During the summer Joey enjoys running road races, especially the Beach to Beacon. Recently, his race distances have become longer, focusing on half marathons. He competed in his first half marathon in the fall of 2015 and loved it!  Joey's interests outside of running include coaching, camping, hiking, watching sports, and spending time with his friends and family.

Matt is a South Portland native that has been with Fleet Feet for 7 years now and always a constant source of energy.  He has participated in cross country, indoor, and outdoor track through middle school, high school, and collegiate levels as well as taking on a handful of 10k races and half marathons after completing college with a bachelor's in Health & Fitness. The camaraderie of the sport is the most inspiring and driving force that he enjoys, but events like pole vault, hurdles, and the mile are also some of his favorites to compete in.  Outside of work and running, some of his favorite hobbies include weight lifting, music, swimming, terrible puns, hiking, and simply just being out in the sun. Some of his favorite brands consist of Karhu, Altra, Darn Tough, and Rabbit but will always make sure you leave confident with something you like!

Hi! Kathy Hepner here. . . aka the “shoe whisperer.”  I have worked at Fleet Feet for about 12 years. I worked 3 years at Fleet Feet Pleasanton in California & 9 years here at Fleet Feet Maine. I have worked in run specialty retail for over 20 years. That’s a lot of feet & a lot of shoes! I love owned my own store & worked for 3 different running stores along the way. Currently, I bounce between our Brunswick location & our Portland location & can be found every Wednesday night during the summer at the Back Cove 5K series.   I absolutely love my job! My passion lies in helping others achieve their goals whether it’s running, walking, working or keeping moving. Nothing makes me happier than a happy customer! I started out like most runners by walking then running & then training for races from the mile to the marathon. I believe in running benefitting both physical & mental health. Nothing clears my head better than a good-spirited run!   I have met so many amazing people. I spend my time with my talented coworkers during the day & with my son, Ethan, at night & when possible my older son, Karl.   Life is an adventure! Keep moving forward!

Sam ran his first 5k in 2004 and hasn't stopped running since! After high school he started branching out into longer distance races including a handful of marathons, many half marathons, and two long-distance relays. Even though the half marathon is Sam's favorite distance, he's looking forward to dipping his toes into the ultramarathon distances in the future. Sam joined the Fleet Feet Maine Running team at the beginning of 2020 and loves helping people get and stay active. When he's not running, Sam enjoys alpine skiing, hiking, camping, and walking his two cats.