Meet Us

A Humble and Unconventional Beginning

It all started in 1972 when two friends and school teachers, Sally Edwards and Elizabeth Jansen, decided to open the first Fleet Feet store. From that single store located in Sacramento, CA, on the second floor of an old Victorian, Fleet Feet has expanded to become the hub of running communities across the country. On June 1st, 2021, the 45th anniversary of that first store's opening, current Fleet Feet CEO Joey Pointer sent to the employees of 185 Fleet Feet stores a synopsis of the brand's 45-year history. Click here to read it and learn why Fleet Feet is such a special business.

Fleet Feet St. Louis: A New Chapter

We’re excited to announce Fleet Feet St. Louis version 2.0! For a few years now, David and Debby Spetnagel have been actively preparing for an ownership transition by developing a terrific leadership team across all 5 Fleet Feet stores in the St. Louis area. After 30 years of ownership, the Spetnagels have agreed to sell their franchise to Eric and Lissa Johnson, owners of Fleet Feet Springfield (MO).

In late 1992, after lifelong runner David Spetnagel had worked as an aerospace engineer for both NASA and McDonnell Douglas, he convinced his wife, Debby, to turn running – their hobby and passion – into their second careers. On April 12th, 1993, they opened their first franchised Fleet Feet store in St. Charles. At the time, there were only 18 Fleet Feet stores across the USA. Today there are over 250 Fleet Feet stores serving runners, walkers and fitness enthusiasts in almost every state across the nation.

The Johnsons’ journey started in 2008 when they helped open Springfield’s only independent running store, The Starting Block (which was eventually renamed Ultramax). Eight years later, Eric and Lissa purchased the store and converted it to a Fleet Feet franchise. Fleet Feet Springfield is a highly respected and successful member of Fleet Feet Nation, making it very much like Fleet Feet St. Louis.

Similar to David, Eric has big goals for the future of FFSTL and the background to make it happen. Eric is an entrepreneur who is constantly working to improve his business by asking questions and trying new things. He is a member of the Franchise Advisory Council and wholeheartedly supports Fleet Feet Store Support initiatives, but he is also willing to operate outside the box in his search for constant improvement. He recognizes the importance of team and surrounds himself with excellent people. And like Debby, Lissa’s work as a financial professional provides a solid understanding of business finance. This unique combination of qualifications will be sure to advance Fleet Feet St. Louis’ long-term viability and help it thrive for many years to come.

David and Debby will continue their work through April 2023 and then serve as consultants going forward. They express immense gratitude for all Fleet Feet St. Louis employees, customers, athletes, and race participants over the years that have made this endeavor so worthwhile. The Spetnagels look forward to seeing FFSTL maintain its mission to provide runners and other active St. Louisans with gear that fits their individual needs and training that helps them reach their fitness goals!