Looking back after 13 years in business, having four Fleet Feet stores in the Lowcountry might seem like a given — something as comfortable as a worn-in pair of running shoes.
But when Amy and Chris Minkel, both in their early 40s, opened their first franchise store for running shoes in Mount Pleasant on March 14, 2013, it seemed kind of unnatural. In many ways, they were out of their comfort zone.
For years, Chris had been in management at a private golf club in Winston-Salem, N.C. Amy was a registered nurse in home health care. It was a good, stable life. But they were itching to do something else, especially because Chris felt some dissatisfaction at his job since people seemed to have less disposable time to play golf.
“The catalyst for us changing career paths and moving to Charleston really came from Chris feeling like the industry he was in was shifting away from people and becoming more focused on finances,” Amy recalled. “We both knew we wanted to build something that was truly centered around serving others.”
They had been active runners for several years, including participating in the Cooper River Bridge Run.
“It was always one of our favorite events and to now be a part of it is pretty amazing,” Amy said. “The Bridge Run isn’t just a race — it’s a celebration of movement, community, and the impact running can have on people’s lives. It’s one of those days that reminds you why the running community in Charleston is so special.”
Getting started
In Winston-Salem, the Minkels were customers at their local Fleet Feet store and they remember loving how it participated in the community.
“The way they connected with people and helped them move and feel better really resonated with us,” Amy said. “As we learned more about the brand and the franchise model, we realized it was a great opportunity to combine our passion for health and wellness with our desire to create a business built around taking care of people.”
Fortunately, there were no Fleet Feet stores in Charleston, allowing the Minkels to invest here.
Opening a small business was new to the Minkels, but they jumped in — feet first.
“We help people either get moving or stay moving,” Chris said. “It doesn’t matter that you do it at work or night — it’s all encompassing.”
After opening the first store in 2013, they opened one in Summerville two years later. In 2021, they expanded to a location in Carnes Crossroads and in 2023 added a fourth store in West Ashley.
“Opening four stores definitely wasn’t part of the original plan, but once we got here we quickly saw how strong and vibrant the running and walking community was,” Amy said. “Expanding allowed us to serve more people across the Lowcountry and become part of even more communities.”
Keeping moving
This year, as in recent years, Fleet Feet offers a paid, 11-week training program in partnership with the Bridge Run organization. They help runners prepare for the 10K race over the Cooper River. They offer advice to 150 or more participants on what to wear, what to eat, how to blend long and short runs to build stamina, how to prevent chafing and more.
“Providing the official training program for the race, we have the privilege of being an integral part of many participants’ journeys,” Amy said. “For 11 weeks, we are educating, encouraging and commiserating right along with them as they move closer and closer to their goals. Seeing those same people cross the finish line downtown knowing the work they put in is incredibly rewarding.”
Later she added, “We try to give them every possible advantage so that on race day, they’ll be good to go.”
Amy said the best part of her job is helping people who come into the stores.
“Every day I get the chance to work alongside an incredible team while helping members of our community move better, feel better and accomplish goals they may not have thought were possible.
“Whether it’s fitting someone for their very first pair of running shoes, helping a customer stay active after an injury or watching someone cross the finish line of their first race after training with us, those moments are incredibly rewarding,” she said.
But just as important is the work done to help the Fleet Feet team grow.
“Watching someone gain confidence in their ability to help others, build relationships with customers and become part of the local running community is really special,” she said. “At the end of the day, it doesn’t feel like we’re just selling shoes — we’re helping people take care of themselves and connecting them with a community that supports them.”
Lessons learned
The Minkels say they’ve learned a lot over the years in the shoe business and in being part of the Bridge Run team.
“One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned — through running, through business, and through being part of the Bridge Run — is that progress rarely happens overnight,” Amy said. “Whether you’re training for a race, building a team or growing a business, success comes from showing up consistently, doing the small things well and being patient with the process.”
She said running and business teach resilience. Some days, it feels hard and you may not want to get out and run or deal with the business. “But if you stay focused on your purpose, support the people around you and keep moving forward, things tend to work out.”
Finally, running may seem like an individual sport, but runners aren’t alone. With the Bridge Run, they’re part of a community. It’s much the same in business.
“When people support and encourage each other, amazing things can happen. You should never be afraid to ask questions and learn from others.”
Chris added that people should never be afraid to say yes to something.
“You never know what the opportunity is going to present,” he said. “Sometimes you’re surprised at what you get out of it.”
Chris, who still runs a couple of times a week, said Fleet Feet ownership has helped him understand the value of patience.
“When you’re starting a new business, patience is hard to have. Things never go as quickly as you want. Sometimes, take a deep breath.”
Award winners
The Minkels are winners of the Bridge Run’s 2026 Joseph P. Riley Jr. Award. It recognizes “unselfish dedication to promoting health and wellness across the Lowcountry.”
Race Director Irv Batten says they’re being recognized for being valuable to the Charleston community and the Bridge Run.
“Everything they do through Fleet Feet is amazing,” he said. “The Cooper River Bridge Run’s values line up perfectly with theirs and we are very proud they are associated with the Bridge Run.”
Chris Minkey said the award was a recognition of the hard work he, his wife and their team have put in through the years.
“It validates our original goals – to integrate our lives in the Charleston community, promote health and wellness, and give back.”
His wife added it was humbling to receive recognition from a race that is so close to her and Chris’s hearts.
“It’s humbling and deeply affirming for our entire team,” she said. “It validates the intentional work we’ve put into building something that’s far more than selling shoes.
“It’s about serving people and building community through promoting a healthy active lifestyle.”
Help keep the City Paper free.
No paywalls.
No subscription cost.
Free delivery at 800 locations.
Help support independent journalism by donating today.
