This is the last Times of 2015. Happy New Year everyone!
There's a lot to look forward to in 2016, as we celebrate Brainsport's 25th anniversary. As we enter this exciting new year, Brainsport continues to evolve, while still staying true to its founding principals. With new ventures such as the Brainsport Running Academy, we're positive 2016 is going to be a great year!
In this week's Q&A Brian is taking a look back at Brainsport over the years, as well as looking ahead at what's to come in 2016.
Brian Michasiw:
Tara: What does it mean to you to be closing in on the 25th anniversary of Brainsport?
Brian: It's a huge milestone. Two and half decades! It's especially meaningful because about half that time in business I didn't think we'd make it. There were lots of times when things were very challenging; and I didn't know if we would be able to keep the doors open.
It was 25 years ago right now, me and some other friends were sitting around a kitchen table creating Brainsport. We didn't know what it was going to look like. We didn't even know it was going to be called Brainsport! When I look back at that time there's so much I didn't know about what was ahead. We've come so far from that. It's sincerely unbelievable to me. I had $500 dollars to my name when we started this.
Brainsport's stockroom in 1991. One isle of Brainsport's current stock area. There are far too many isles to fit into the Times.
Tara: How were you able to make the store a success?
Brian: Not on my own! We had investors who believed in our vision. And, we had well over 100 employees over the years who built the store.
We've also always had two principals: Fit people with the most comfortable shoes they've ever had; and leave the community better than when we started. One of the ways we do that is with initiatives like the Meewasin Valley Spring Clean Up, the Shoe Donation Program, Run Club, and many others.
A throwback photo of Run Club in the 1970's.
For 25 years people have been shopping with us and we continue to grow, which means there's enough people who think our products and services are valuable to them. In fact, we have people that drive here from Regina and La Ronge just to buy shoes from us. That makes me feel like we're doing something right. I also want to mention Debbie Harksen who co-founded the store with me.
Brian and Debbie way back in the days of the beginning of Brainsport.
Tara: What do have planned for the store for this upcoming new year?
Brian: Some of the exciting things for 2016 are, first, the Brainsport Academy.This is the progression of the Brainsport Running Clinics. We've listened to our customers and we've implemented changes based on feedback from past clinics, to give them a better running experience. In 2016, we also want to grow our Free Shoe Program. There's more need than ever.
The calm before the storm at this year's Free Shoe Day.
Upcoming events in 2016:
Brainsport Running Academy
Registration for Brainsport Running Academy will be opening very soon! We'll have more information coming to you in the near future.
Anniversary Sale
Stayed tuned for more details on Brainsport's big 25th anniversary sale in January. More details will be sent out as the sale approaches.
Special Run Club Event
On Wednesday, January 3 there will be a special Rub Club event where we will announce the beginning of a big contest. There is a huge prize from one of our suppliers, you won't want to miss it!
Announcement of contest winner
The contest will end on July 13th, with another celebratory event to announce the winner. More details to come!
There's still time to get signed up for the New Years Eve No Frills Chili Run! Ring in the new year at this fun, and very tasty event. Register at Brainsport.
Thanks for reading the Times this week . . .gotta run . . . Tara