As the owner of 605 Running Company, from a family of entrepreneurs, and someone who is so independent I was born on the fourth of July, I recently took a bold step.
I applied for a job.
You read that right. I took the time to write a resume that speaks to what I’ve been doing for over a decade. I sourced references I believed would speak highly of me. I prayed about it. I got excited about the possibility of doing something new. Yes, I was ready to leave my role as President of my own company.
Why?
Let’s talk about the job. If I’m being honest the thought of not having to provide my own salary for once was very appealing. Investing that money into my current team, new products, or new leadership was nothing short of intriguing; and for real cash flow is always on my mind. Knowing that, I wouldn’t take these steps for just any opportunity. Over the past nine months, I’ve dug deep into what makes small, independent businesses successful. I’ve taken a lot of classes, attended seminars, and read profusely. I wrote a lot on our blog about the challenges and struggles of running our business. Once I started doing that, something amazing happened: other business owners started seeking me out for advice, support, and encouragement.
I was bold enough to say the hard things out loud, and it turns out my struggles were shared by many others. Through this, I began to feel a calling to do more. I wasn’t sure what that would look like until a friend suggested I apply for a role opening in academia—a job that offered unique opportunities to impact our community in meaningful ways.
It feels good to have champions in your corner. Around the time I was considering the position, I went for a run with another friend—someone who works with leaders across the state. This friend told me most leaders don’t necessarily seek out their most impactful roles; instead, someone nudges them toward something they hadn’t yet imagined for themselves. That conversation hit hard. It felt like a nudge toward something special.
So, I did it. I applied. This wasn’t the first time in the past decade that I put myself out there, but it was by far the most serious effort I’ve made. I worked hard to sell myself through a resume, references, and a cover letter. That might surprise some people.
The reality is this: I’ve made significant financial sacrifices to keep 605 Running Company going. This isn’t a complaint. It’s a fact. As someone who’s now been on the hiring side of things, many times for a lot of different roles over the past several months, I see what people in Sioux Falls expect to earn for professional work. For years, I have earned less than what many entry-level jobs pay. An eye opening discovery if I’m being honest.
That’s why I had to at least explore this opportunity. Let’s be real—my job at 605 Running Company has always been one of passion for me. My work has been fulfilling in nearly every way. My wife has had a long-standing rule: I have to love my job. I’ve not shied away from the fact that she is the breadwinner in our family and her corporate position with all of its benefits allows me to be an entrepreneur. Her rule is clear. I have to LOVE my job and believe me I do.
Back to the job I recently applied for: it was exciting. The work was spoke to my passions. The organization is beloved by my entire family. I had a strong champion pushing me to apply. The pay was competitive for what I’ve hired other people to do in our community. It was local. I felt like I checked almost every box in the job description.
Except one: I don’t have a Master’s degree.
That, I’ve been told, was a deal breaker.
Despite having references with Doctorate degrees and plenty of academia experience, despite my decade of real-world experience building a business from the ground up, I didn’t even get a call. Not even an email. I only found out I wasn’t moving forward through a friend involved in the hiring process. After a long period of hearing nothing I can’t say I was shocked at the news.
This hurt. It was humbling. Frustrating. And yes, the process made me angry. Not because I didn’t get the job—but because I didn’t even get a chance. I now know how so many job seekers feel when they pour their heart into an application and get ghosted.
Still, I’m nothing if not a lifelong learner. I recently spoke about resiliency through injury in our monthly mindset webinar with Coach Lauren. One thing I’ve learned: to be resilient, you must adopt a growth mindset. I could fixate on the missing advanced degree that I never had time to pursue. I could believe I’ll never be worthy of a great opportunity. Or I can look at this experience as a lesson.
And I’m choosing the latter.
As a business owner, this experience has already made me rethink how we hire, how we value people, and how we support our team. More importantly, it’s sparked a desire to explore new ways we can grow and offer more. We’ve started asking bigger questions about what’s possible—even when the answers aren’t easy or obvious. But this process pushed me to try.
I’ve started researching what benefits and programs might be possible for my team. It’s a slow process, and it feels overwhelming at times, but it’s a step forward. I’m also creating the 605 Running Collective—an advisory board to help elevate our business. I don’t have all the answers. And that’s okay. I’m resilient enough to know what I don’t know.
Books are great. But they don’t hold all the answers.
In the past six months, I’ve also done a lot of work on myself. I’ve realized I’ve been burnt out for a while. The lack of engagement in things that used to bring us energy—demo runs, races, clinics, community events—has been difficult to manage. We’ve innovated, adjusted, and adapted constantly. But sometimes it feels like all people care about is a discount, deal, or a product we’ve never been able to carry.
I believe a business should make the community better. I volunteer for many different organizations. I give even when I have nothing to give. And yet, I sometimes feel like an imposter in my own community. It hurts when people turn their backs on our team because of price or ego. It’s exhausting being made out as a villain for standing up for my business and its bottom line. I’m well aware that I don’t always get things right. I’ve done a lot of personal work to not take things personally—even when we’ve been abandoned or taken advantage of. It’s not easy, but it’s necessary to keep moving forward with clarity and purpose.
To my amazing team: I have full faith in all of your abilities. I wouldn’t even consider looking for a different job if I didn’t trust that we have a crew that could continue to push us forward without me in a leadership role. One of our core values is transparency. I’m not afraid to talk about this experience and to be open about my role within my own company. This year, I’ve invested more 1-on-1 time with each team member and challenged myself to lead with accountability. It’s working. We’ve been operating in a really strong, successful way in 2025—and that’s a direct reflection of your effort and commitment.
But I’ve come to understand that the only way forward is with intention, reflection, and a willingness to grow—even when the path is unclear.
So I keep building. Coaching. Training. Guiding. Teaching. Trying to make a difference. I’m not perfect. I was never trying to be. I’m just committed to learning, leading, and moving toward better.
This first quarter of 2025 has been a season of growth—personally and professionally. I’ve taken meaningful steps to address burnout, refocus my energy, and lead with more intention. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made at 605 Running Company, and I’m excited for what’s ahead. The vision is becoming clearer every day, and I feel more confident than ever that we’re on the right path—one rooted in clarity, sustainability, and purpose.
And to be clear—I’m not actively seeking new employment. I belong at 605 Running Company. This is my home, my community, and the business I’ve poured my heart into. But just because I own the business doesn’t mean I can’t be open to new possibilities. If the right opportunity comes along that aligns with my values and growth as a leader, I’ll listen. I’m not even 40 yet, and I truly believe my best leadership years are still ahead of me.
P.S. If you’re out there trying, getting ghosted, or doubting yourself—I see you. You’re not alone.
This experience reminded me why I started 605 Running Company in the first place. It’s never just been about selling shoes—it’s always been about building something meaningful, creating space for others, and doing work that matters. That’s still the mission. And I’m more committed to it than ever.
Source: run605.com