"It’s official. I have now owned the Front Runner longer than Louis Priddy. He founded and started the store in 1982 and retired in 2001 when he sold it to Denise and me. I am now in my 23rdyear of ownership. I hope he would be proud of how we have “stuck to the knitting” of what Front Runner meant - a locally owned store that helps people live a healthy lifestyle and makes Chattanooga a better place to live.

It is a delight to serve another generation as the kids that I first fit are now bringing in their children. I have also been so lucky to have scores of great people who have worked for us over the years. And the energy and enthusiasm at Front Runner continues to grow. I can say with 100% confidence that the future of Front Runner is in great hands. Thanks to all who have made these 23 years an incredible journey." - Chad

Andrew has been a key member of the Front Runner team since 2010, bringing years of dedication and expertise to his role as Store Manager. What he enjoys most about his job is helping people find relief from pain and discomfort through the right footwear. Whether it's a customer with chronic injuries or someone simply looking for added comfort, Andrew finds it deeply rewarding to witness those "Ah Ha" moments when a customer finally feels true support and ease. His passion for finding the perfect fit has made him a trusted figure for customers looking to enhance their comfort and well-being.

An avid runner himself, Andrew’s journey began in high school when he joined track and quickly discovered a love for cross-country running. He appreciates running as a lifelong activity, enjoyed individually or with a team, and continues to stay active through running and strength training. Outside of work, Andrew and his wife love to explore national parks, and he channels his passion for running into coaching athletes of all levels. For anyone considering their first professional shoe fitting, Andrew’s advice is simple: don’t wait. Proper footwear, he says, can transform the way you feel—both in motion and at rest—and is crucial for managing pain, enhancing enjoyment, and preventing injury.

Wendy has been a valued fitting specialist at Front Runner since 2016, focusing on supporting local swim teams with all their gear needs. With a particular expertise in swimwear, Wendy collaborates with the Chattanooga Area Swim League each summer to ensure every swimmer finds the right fit. She extends her expertise to middle and high school teams during the fall and winter, striving to make essential swim gear accessible and convenient for local athletes. Her dedication helps establish Front Runner as a go-to resource for the community, making sure swimmers are well-prepared to perform their best.

Wendy’s favorite part of her role is the connection she builds with customers, getting to know their stories and finding ways to make a positive impact on their lives. She also values Front Runner's community involvement, especially when kids from Bethel stop by each fall before cross-country season. For anyone new to getting professionally fitted for shoes, Wendy's advice is clear: don’t hesitate. The right shoe, she believes, can make a world of difference in comfort and performance. Outside of her work at Front Runner, Wendy dedicates her time to her non-profit, Emily’s Power for a Cure, which supports local families with children fighting cancer. She also enjoys staying active through running and walking, and cherishes time with friends and family.

Rachel has been a dedicated fitting specialist with Front Runner since 2017, working part-time while balancing her professional and personal commitments. She takes pride in helping customers find the perfect shoe, enjoying both the challenge and the shared passion for fitness that she finds within the Front Runner community. For Rachel, her colleagues and customers feel like family, and she loves connecting with people who share her enthusiasm for active living and well-being.

An accomplished runner, Rachel has achieved impressive personal records, including qualifying for college nationals in the 10k with a time of 37:22 and achieving a marathon PR of 3:21 at the 2019 Peak to Creek Marathon. This time qualified her for the Boston Marathon in 2022, a race she ran just five months after welcoming her third child. Running keeps Rachel grounded and healthy, motivated by her husband’s support and her desire to set a positive example for her daughters, showing them that an active lifestyle is invaluable. Her advice for those considering their first shoe fitting? Focus on comfort over color. When she's not at Front Runner, Rachel works at Memorial Cardiac Rehab and stays busy caring for her three daughters, shuttling them to their various activities and making the most of family time.

Tim joined Front Runner as a fitting specialist in 2024 after retiring, bringing with him a long-standing connection to the store, having purchased his running shoes from Front Runner since it first opened in 1982. What Tim enjoys most about his role is meeting the diverse range of customers who visit the store—runners, professionals seeking comfortable footwear for work, and people looking for support for foot issues. He also values the camaraderie he shares with his coworkers, finding that the supportive and friendly team atmosphere adds to his enjoyment of the job.

With nearly 50 years of running and racing experience, Tim continues to participate in annual local races like the Wauhatchie, Scenic City Scorchers, and Turkey Trot, and he looks forward each year to the USATF Cross Country Club Championships. This year, he’s excited to compete in Tacoma, WA, as part of the Chattanooga Track Club’s 60s team. Tim stays motivated by the love of running and the excitement of team events. His advice to those considering their first shoe fitting is to make sure they get measured, as foot shape and size can change with age, and trying shoes on in person is essential. When he’s not at Front Runner, Tim enjoys a couple of shifts each week and keeps active by playing tennis—where he’s thrilled with his new Mizuno court shoes—as well as staying fit through running and the occasional pickleball match.

Bill has been a part-time fitting specialist at Front Runner since August 2019, bringing a passion for customer care and a love for the team environment. He enjoys the variety his role brings, with each day offering new experiences and interactions. For Bill, the camaraderie among the employees is a highlight, making work both fulfilling and enjoyable as he supports customers in finding the right footwear.

To stay active, Bill and his wife prioritize walking together as often as possible, and he hits the golf course once a week to unwind. His advice for first-time shoe buyers is to rely on an expert’s guidance to ensure they find the best fit, as knowledgeable assistance can make all the difference. Bill typically works two to three days a week, balancing his time at Front Runner with the joy of raising his two grandchildren, ages eight and three.

Mathis has been a dedicated member of the Front Runner team since 2022, bringing his passion for running and footwear expertise to his role as a fitting specialist. His connection to the store began in high school, where he shopped for his cross-country shoes and spikes, and it has now come full circle as he helps others find their perfect fit. Mathis loves the positive atmosphere at Front Runner, thriving on the interactions he shares with coworkers and customers alike, and appreciates how his role keeps him closely connected to the running community.

An avid runner since 2020, Mathis has embraced the sport wholeheartedly, completing multiple half-marathons, an IRONMAN 70.3, and recently, his first full marathon. He strongly encourages anyone considering a professional shoe fitting to give it a try, emphasizing the importance of finding the perfect fit in person for comfort and performance. When Mathis isn’t helping customers or training for his next race, you can find him enjoying a game of pickleball, soccer, or other sports with friends, maintaining his active and adventurous lifestyle.

Mary Pat has been with Front Runner for five years, helping keep everything on track behind the scenes so the rest of the crew can focus on serving customers. Her efforts ensure the store runs smoothly.

Outside of work, Mary Pat stays active with daily power walks or runs and enjoys working in her yard. She and her husband participate in local 5Ks and tackle projects together. In her downtime, she loves spending time with family, watching high school sports at her husband’s school, and sewing or crafting.