FORT MYERS, Fla., and CARRBORO, N.C. (Nov. 13, 2023) — Fleet Feet announced today the acquisition of Run Florida On McGregor. Fleet Feet Fort Myers owners, Janene and Brian Urichko, will purchase the store from friend and owner, John Rinkenbaugh, who will then join the Fleet Feet Fort Myers team as an outfitter.
As part of the acquisition, Fleet Feet Fort Myers will remain in the Bell Tower Shops at 13499 South Cleveland Avenue, while the Run Florida location will close. This will allow Fort Myers runners and walkers to have one home base to benefit from the exceptional service offered by the entire Fleet Feet Fort Myers team.
The acquisition is expected to take place at the end of November. Black Friday celebrations, including exclusive promotions and exciting activities, will mark the occasion.
“We look forward to continuing the journey of Run Florida with Fleet Feet, a brand synonymous with community and passion,” said Janene Urichko. “Together with John, whose dedication and expertise has significantly impacted the local running community, we envision this location becoming the go-to hub for fitness enthusiasts in the area.”
The Urichkos were first introduced to Fleet Feet as patrons of the Orlando location. Owners Eric and Stacey Bartos captivated them with their supportive, family-oriented approach, and soon, Brian began working at Fleet Feet Orlando. After spending 30 years in education, Janene and Brian, along with their sons, Aiden and Ethan, decided to turn their love of running and community into their own business to help serve and uplift residents. In 2022, the Urichkos started their family journey with Fleet Feet Fort Myers.
Mike Pemberton opened On the Run more than 30 years ago. On the Run evolved into Run Florida in 2007, and in 2010, the store moved to its current McGregor location. Throughout its history, Run Florida was a cornerstone in the Fort Myers running community. The store supported local high school running programs and assisted at key regional events. Rinkenbaugh, a lifelong runner with notable accolades, had maintained this supportive legacy since taking over Run Florida ownership in 2014.
“Joining Janene and Brian’s team at Fleet Feet is the start of a new chapter for our local running community,” said Rinkenbaugh. “I’m excited to bring my passion and expertise for running to Fleet Feet and continue the tradition of providing the best experience possible for active individuals in the region.”
With a climate conducive to year-round activities and steady population growth over the past few years, Fort Myers is a prime location for the Fleet Feet brand to continue to grow.
“Fort Myers is a vibrant and evolving market,” said John Moloznik, vice president of business development at Fleet Feet. “With the Urichkos at the helm and the incorporation of John’s extensive experience, we are confident Fleet Feet Fort Myers will continue to enhance the local running ecosystem, embodying our brand’s commitment to fostering active lifestyles across communities.”
Fleet Feet Fort Myers operates with the brand’s exclusive outfitting experience, fit id®, which includes pressure plates and 3D foot scanning technology that allows the brand to accurately assess the size and shape of customers’ feet and how each foot moves through the gait cycle. This personalized, expert-led approach allows outfitters to offer the right fitting footwear and accessories for each customer.
For more than 47 years, Fleet Feet owners, operating partners and employees have created welcoming environments that allow runners, walkers and fitness enthusiasts of all abilities to conquer their goals at every level, on every surface, at every distance with personalized solutions, knowledge and empowerment. Fleet Feet’s nationwide network of community-based retail stores are a place of inspiration, showing people how Running Changes Everything®.
Visit the Fleet Feet Fort Myers website to learn more about the store and Black Friday activities.
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About Fleet Feet
Founded in 1976, Fleet Feet is the largest franchisor of locally owned and operated run specialty stores. With more than 260 locations in 40 states and a national headquarters in Carrboro, N.C., Fleet Feet is committed to providing runners, walkers and fitness enthusiasts with outfitting expertise, robust training programs, community support and rewards. Fleet Feet believes that RUNNING CHANGES EVERYTHING® and has been recognized in Fast Company’s Brands That Matter List, and Inc.’s Best in Business List and PRWeek’s Purpose Awards. Stay inspired, motivated and connected at Fleet Feet.
