Building the Future of 605 Running Company: Join the 605 Running Collective

By: Greg Koch

The last six months have been a time of major transition for 605 Running Company. I went from having five business partners to being the sole owner, which has meant rethinking how we operate, how we grow, and how we continue to serve this incredible community. While it has been a challenge, it has also been an opportunity to evolve, adapt, and refocus on our mission: to build an inclusive, thriving running ecosystem for everyone.

One thing I’ve learned during this time is that I don’t want to do this alone—and honestly, I shouldn’t. The best businesses are shaped by the communities they serve, and I want to invite you to be part of that process. That’s why I’m launching the 605 Running Collective, a group of passionate, engaged individuals who will help guide the future of our business and our local running community.

What is the 605 Running Collective?
The 605 Running Collective will be a small group—six to eight individuals—who care deeply about the future of running in Sioux Falls. This isn’t just about advising a business; it’s about helping shape a movement that keeps our local running culture strong. We need diverse perspectives, fresh ideas, and engaged voices who can help take 605 Running Company into its next chapter.

This initiative isn’t just about benefiting the business—it’s about developing future leaders. I strongly believe in continued education and professional growth. By engaging in this collective, our staff will have the opportunity to be accountable to this group, gain valuable leadership experience, and further their development in a transparent, community-driven way. The 605 Running Collective will be a key cog in our organizational chart, ensuring that we remain accountable to the community we serve.

Here’s how members of the 605 Running Collective will contribute:

• Bring Unique Perspectives to the Table: Whether you’re a coach, race director, business leader, or passionate runner, your experiences offer valuable insights. We need a variety of voices to help us innovate and push forward.
• Engage in Meaningful Conversations: Honest, constructive discussions about what’s working, what needs improvement, and how we can continue to grow will be at the core of this group. These discussions will be rooted in trust and confidentiality, allowing us to share raw facts about the business and gain valuable insight without fear of public dissemination. Members must respect that the information shared in this setting is for the benefit of the group and the business, not for external broadcast.  
• Be a Connector & Problem-Solver: This isn’t just about offering ideas—it’s about helping bring them to life. While this role is primarily advisory, there will be times when we need hands-on assistance. Whether it’s helping source volunteers for events, facilitating introductions to corporate partners, or ensuring our races run smoothly, members of this group will play an active role in making a real impact.
• Provide Steady Guidance in Key Moments: When big decisions arise—whether it’s launching a new program, expanding services, or navigating challenges—I want a trusted team to provide input and support. In our time in business, we’ve faced major shipping issues, a global pandemic, a shifting local landscape of challenges, and national turmoil. Managing these complexities as a retail business, an event business, and a coaching business is tricky. This group will help shape our messaging and response to evolving challenges that impact our business, ensuring that we remain adaptive and resilient.
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Who Should Apply?
I’m looking for individuals who care about the future of our running community and want to actively shape it. Ideal candidates include:

• Local high school or college coaches who understand the needs of athletes at all levels.
• Board members of local running clubs who want to create deeper connections between our store and the broader running community.
• Race directors looking to collaborate and strengthen Sioux Falls’ running events.
• Passionate runners of all levels who love our sport and want to help others find joy in movement.
• Business-minded individuals who can offer guidance on operations, growth strategies, and community engagement.
  
  

Commitment & Expectations
This is a volunteer role—there are no extra perks, discounts, or swag. Joining the 605 Running Collective means you genuinely care about 605 Running Company and the community we serve. Your commitment is to help shape the future of this business and our local running ecosystem, not to receive incentives.
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• Quarterly, In-Person Meetings: Attendance is expected in person—there will be no virtual option. Meetings will be scheduled in advance, and members are expected to prioritize their participation.
• Primarily an Advisory Role: This group will operate on a 95:5 advisory-to-action ratio. Your main role is to provide insights, feedback, and strategic direction. However, there may be occasional needs for assistance, such as sourcing volunteers, connecting with corporate partners, or helping execute key events.
• Commitment to Respect & Confidentiality: Members must respect the confidentiality of business discussions and commit to constructive, honest engagement.
• Three-Year Term: This will be a three-year commitment with the option to renew at the end of the term. 
• Ambassadors for the Brand: While this is an advisory role, members should be engaged in spreading awareness, supporting initiatives, and advocating for 605 Running Company within their networks.
  
  

Join Us & Shape the Future
605 Running Company has always been about more than just selling shoes—it’s about building something bigger. But to do that, I need your help, your voice, and your ideas. If you believe in what we do and want to make a real impact, I encourage you to apply.

I own this company, but I love this community. I want to be clear that while the final decisions about the business are mine alone to make, I deeply value guidance, support, and thoughtful challenge. To be part of this group is to believe in our mission and to be invested in my growth as a leader. I need people who are willing to support, uplift, and push me to be better—not just for the business, but for the community we serve.

I’ll be accepting applications and conducting interviews for the 605 Running Collective through the end of March, with a goal of holding our first meeting in mid-April. Let’s work together to ensure that Sioux Falls remains a place where movement is celebrated, supported, and accessible to all.

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