Swags Named One of the 50 Best Running Stores in America!
AUSTIN , TEX. - December 6, 2006 - Swag's Sport Shoes, in Louisville, a local specialty running retailer, was recently recognized as one of The 50 Best Running Stores in America by two leading trade and consumer publications. Read the full text >>
When You've Run 52,000 Miles... You Know Shoes
Swag Hartel, owner of Swag's Sport Shoes, has logged over 52,000 miles of running in his lifetime and has earned a reputation as one of the truly elite runners in the state of Kentucky. His love for the sport is what prompted him to open Swag's Sport Shoes in 1980 as a way to give back to the community. Now he serves thousands of customers who have come by way of a friendly referral for good shoes, good prices, and the best service in town. "Once you go to Swag's, you won't ever go anywhere else", says long-time customer Tara Scovil. "The staff know what they are talking about and can always put you in the right shoe".
A growing segment of Swag's customers are those that are trying to win the battle of sore feet. "One in five people who come in here are stand on their feet all day", says Swag. "They have sore feet, bad feet, or feet that are hard to fit. They can come in here and get the right shoes at the right price".
While Swag has always had a large following of runners, he has found that nurses, teachers, police officers, and warehouse employees are in need of good shoes that will support their feet while on the job.
"We are not just a running shoe store," Swag says. "We carry everything from aqua shoes for the beach to steel toe workboots. When it comes to selection, there's not another store in this part of the country that can compete with us."
Swag's Sport Shoes is owned and operated by former British world-class runner and sub four-minute miler Swag Hartel. Swag is always available to answer your questions about shoes or training, and invites you to visit his newly renovated and expanded store (now twice the size!) in the Auburndale Shopping Center. While you are there, stroll down Alf Tupper Blvd. for walk into Louisvilles running history of the last 20 plus years.
Staff
Mike T., aka "Stanley"
Background: I ran cross/country for Ballard HS and continue to run for receation. I currently enjoy weightlifting and love to go hiking/backpacking.
Experience: I have been with Swag since spring of 1999. I have grown to become one of the managers of the store. In part I pretty much run the daily operations of the store which also includes scheduling, purchasing of socks, accessories, stock managment, and special orders.
Best Part: I love all the people I work with and Swag is the greatest person I could ever work for.
Steve Y., aka "Lloyd"
Background: I have enjoyed running from an early age. I ran organized track from 6th grade thru high school. While in high school, I started running cross country as a sophomore. After high school, I ran for Bellarmine.
Experience: I have been running for many years. While at Bellarmine, I started working at Swags as a part time associate in 1988. I can't believe 20 years has gone so fast.
Best Part: Educating and helping people become the best runner that they can be.
Justin L., aka "Peppy" or "Jason"
Background: Former sprint runner for DeSales High School. Has lived in Louisville all of his life and is now a local singer/songwriter around the area. www.myspace.com/justinpaullewis. Justin is a junior at the University of Louisville and is studying Sociology.
Experience: Around 4 1/2 years of experience at the store. Justin has been running since the age of 7 and began working for Swag in his senior year of high school.
Best Part: The shoes and the comradery.
Andrew L., aka "Pookie"
Background: Started running for Male High School's varsity Cross Country team at the age of 13. A former high school basketball player.
Experience: Four months experience, but I've learned a great deal in that time.
Best Part: The professional training I recieve from Mike and Eddie.
Kaelin W.
Background: I ran cross country for Butler High School for 3 years and track for 4.
Experience: I've worked here for 2 years now and ever since I was a freshman in high school I have been surrounded by running and I love it.
Best Part: Making people's problems go away and educating people on running.
Amanda V.
Background: I went to High School in Indiana at Floyd Central where I ran track from 5th grade through 10th grade and cross country from 5th to through 7th grade. Now I run for health and as a stress reliever. I just graduated with my bachelors degree from IUS in May and got married to my high school sweet heart September 8th, 2007.
Experience: I have been working at Swags since 2002 after my Grandpa Wally passed away. I am in charge of womens clothing orders and displaying all clothing for each season. My boss is the best and the co-workers are great too.
Best Part: I enjoy my job and all the people I help each day. It is great educating people on exercise, the right shoes for each different persons feet, clothing, and joining the running community. I also like to be able to help people with being concious of food and water intake.
Chris L., aka "Noodle"
Background: Well first of all, my name is Noodle...that is a very long story...so we won't get into that. Well I don't run very much, but I used to play basketball all the time. I go to PRP high school and will graduate in May of 2008. I have known Swag since I was I was about 13.
Experience: I started here in June of 2006. I started out as stock and was trained to be customer service after about 3 months, and I have been continuously learning since then. The technology of shoes keeps changing and getting more advanced as we go along and we all have to keep learning so we can stay one of the 50 best running stores in the country.
Best Part: The best part of my job is working with my co-workers and all the people I get to help when I am at work. Also I have seriously the best boss in the world. He treats us all awesome and you could never work for a better guy.
Angela K.
Background: I went to Holy Cross high school and graduated in 2007. I ran cross country for all four years and was a member of the track team for two years. I also played volleyball for a year along with soccer and swimming.
Experience: I started working at Swag's in march of 2007. I have currently been at Swag's for about eight months. I have learned a great deal about shoe technology and still have lots to learn.
Best Part: I love my job! The crew here is amazing and fun to work with. They are all easy going and always provide helpful advice when needed.
Joyce C.
Background: I am from Malaysia. I ran track since eleven years old. I am a personal fitness trainer and run one-milers to mini's locally. I am an artist and musician. I enjoy bowling, hanging out with friends on weekends, playing the guitar and having a good time.
Experience: Fitness training at a gym. I have been in the food industry and sales with cosmetics; footwear experience with Swag's.
Best Part: The concept of servitude and satisfaction knowing that you can make someone's day by giving them happy feet. The friendships you make and the fun working atmosphere Swag himself has always strived for his employees.