Join me as I sit down with Chuck Abood, Chief Operating Officer, and industry executive with over 28 years of experience in Run Specialty Retail. From his early days selling health and life insurance to senior citizens, Chuck’s journey led him to discover his passion for the sporting goods industry and eventually climb all the way up the ladder at Roadrunner Sports. We dive deep into the fascinating evolution of his career progression and the growth of the business. Chuck shares valuable insights into the challenges and strategies in expanding the company from one store to a retail network of 46 stores. We also discuss the impact of the pandemic on the industry and the importance of staying active and embracing sustainability.
Get ready to be inspired and gain valuable industry insights in this thought-provoking episode!
01:03 Chuck’s start into the Sporting Goods Industry
02:44 Moving to SoCal
04:19 The original Direct-To-Consumer
05:36 Starting his career at RRS answering phones
10:11 How to choose retail markets
11:13 Consumer Insights
15:35 Scaling the teams during growth
16:02 Building Culture in Specialty Retail
18:03 The right culture fit was…
28:16 Managing retail during the pandemic
Primary Topic 1: Chuck Abood’s Background and Career Journey
– Selling health and life insurance to senior citizens after college graduation
– Moving to San Diego and working at Cal Stores
– Joining Roadrunner Sports and establishing a 28-year career
– Progressing through various roles, including leadership positions
– The impact of the pandemic on outdoor activities and exercise routines
Primary Topic 2: Sustainability in the Outdoor Industry
– The growing discussion of sustainability and recycling in the industry
– Brands implementing reselling and recycling programs for used gear
– The potential for more businesses to follow suit
Primary Topic 3: Creating a Unique Store Experience
– Focusing on hiring employees who embrace a healthy, active lifestyle
– Evolving from solely targeting runners to a broader customer base
– Incorporating technology and a unique fitting experience in stores
– Positive customer response to the fitting process and introduction of custom insoles
Primary Topic 4: Expanding Roadrunner Sports Stores
– Seeking consultation for opening additional stores
– Learning about real estate considerations from brokers and a retail expert mentor
– Opening stores in various locations, including Chicago, Seattle, and the San Francisco Bay Area
– Using customer information for targeted marketing
Primary Topic 5: Adapting to the Pandemic
– Shuttering all stores due to the pandemic and shifting to online and phone orders
– Roadrunner’s previous experience with shipping products directly to customers
– Successfully transitioning employees to remote work and reassigning duties
– Smooth handling of customer calls and availability during the shutdown
Primary Topic 6: The Importance of Adaptability
– Highlighting Roadrunner’s ability to adapt and successfully navigate challenges
– Praising the team’s resilience and agility during the pandemic
Note: These show notes cover Chuck Abood’s career journey, sustainability in the outdoor industry, creating a unique store experience, expanding Roadrunner Sports stores, adapting to the pandemic, and the importance of adaptability.
In this episode of Outdoor Industry Executive Voices, host Tony interviews Chuck Abood, the former Chief Revenue Officer at Roadrunner Sports. Chuck shares his journey from selling health insurance to becoming a key executive in the outdoor industry. He discusses the evolution of Roadrunner Sports, the company’s unique fitting experience, and the success of their custom insoles. Chuck also highlights the challenges faced during the pandemic and how Roadrunner adapted to the shift to online and remote work. Join us for an inspiring conversation about career growth and the thriving outdoor industry.Keywords: Outdoor Industry, Executive Voices, Chuck Abood, Chief Revenue Officer, Roadrunner Sports, fitting experience, custom insoles, pandemic, online sales, remote work.