For two decades, Christi Beth Adams has been the heartbeat of Fleet Feet Nashville — shaping a community, mentoring countless team members and inspiring runners and walkers across Nashville and Middle Tennessee. What began as a temporary job at age 25 became a calling, a career, and ultimately a legacy. To mark her 20‑year milestone, we sat down with Christi Beth to look back at her journey, her leadership, and the passion behind Fleet Feet’s mission of All People, All Paces.
Why Fleet Feet? What first brought you here?
My husband and I had just moved back to Nashville after living, working, and traveling out west. At 25, it felt like everyone else had already figured out their lives and careers, and I was somehow behind. I wasn’t sure what to do next, but I heard Fleet Feet was hiring and thought it would be a good way to have a paycheck while I figured out what I really wanted to do with my life. I’d been a lifelong runner and I loved people, so it seemed like a natural fit. I never intended for it to be more than a stepping stone!
What was that first week on the job like?
I like to joke that our onboarding has come a loooong way. I started on a Tuesday and was fitting customers by Saturday, which happened to be the store's four year birthday; it was so busy! Even as a lifelong runner, I didn’t know much about footwear or gait analysis. After work, I'd go home and watch gait videos for hours. We didn’t have the Fleet Feet fit id® 3D scanner — just Brannock devices and our eyeballs!
Tell us about “Baby CB.” What early experiences prepared you to eventually own six successful run shops?
Well, Baby CB was an accident — ha! But I was always studious, driven, and a competitive runner. In high school and college, I held leadership roles like Team Captain and President of FCA. I also say this about parenting — nothing fully prepares you until you’re doing it. When people say, “I could never run a marathon,” I remind them that you don’t start with 26.2. The same is true of owning six shops. I started as an employee, was given a pathway to ownership, and became the owner of Fleet Feet Brentwood. I never set out to have multiple stores, but I always believed growth meant more opportunities for my team and more communities we could serve. So here we are!
How did you go from Fleet Feet employee to owner?
They say luck is when preparation meets opportunity — and that was absolutely my story. The original owner was ready to move on, and Fleet Feet, Inc. had just created a pathway for employees who didn’t have the financial means to buy a franchise traditionally. They approached three employees across the country, and I was one of them.
For three years, I made every business decision, grew sales exponentially, and earned equity to buy the store. The timing was wild — I had just given birth to my son in July 2010 and was taking him to banks trying to secure backing. On January 1, 2011, ownership became a reality.
What makes Fleet Feet different from other retailers?
Fleet Feet has always felt more like a community center than a retail store. I’m not shy about saying we’re a for‑profit business, but I believe profitability is the outcome, not the focus. If we execute on world‑class service, education, and connection, the outcome will always be positive. We train our team to be educators, not salespeople. I hate a pushy retail experience. We serve, educate, and inspire above all else.
I’m also incredibly proud that we strive to be a safe, welcoming space for every person. Our mantra, “All People, All Paces,” isn’t marketing — it’s the heart of what we do. We want our words and actions to make people feel lighter, happier, better. We aim to be Day Makers.
How has your definition of a “good work day” changed over the years?
As an Outfitter, I loved days that were busy but manageable — meeting interesting people and hearing their stories. And I’ve always loved checking off a to‑do list. Now, a good work day is more about purposeful work and getting things done with people I love working with. Which… actually isn’t all that different from my early days, now that I think about it.
What are your non-negotiables?
All are centered around the guest experience:
- A warm, immediate greeting
- Making a personal connection
- Tying shoes for every guest
- Ensuring every person feels seen and valued
When you look ahead to the next 20 years, what excites you most?
For Fleet Feet, I’m excited to see how the business and our team evolve. One thing I know for sure: Fleet Feet will continue to positively impact our community for years to come.
Personally, I’ve got two teens, and watching them grow into themselves is so much fun. Traveling with my husband is also top of the list. Both of my parents passed away early, and that left a deep impression — don’t wait to do the things that bring you joy.
What’s something you’re still hoping to learn or get better at?
Oh my gosh… everything? Outside of Fleet Feet, I want to keep getting better as a mom. I’m motivated to grow in all my roles — mother, partner, friend, leader.
I heard Jay Shetty talk about weekend immersion experiences, so I made my own list: pottery, beekeeping, dance… more to come!
Connect With Us
See the latest from Fleet Feet Nashville