Resilient by Design

By: Greg Koch

Running a small business will show you things you never expect — water main breaks, global pandemics, and even the night I was woken up at 2 a.m. because a drunk driver crashed through the front of our building. I’ve weathered a lot with 605 Running Company. But moving from a strong ownership group to becoming the sole entrepreneur behind this store brought a level of responsibility unlike anything I’d experienced before. It pushed me to grow in ways only full ownership can.

Honesty can be uncomfortable. Not everyone wants to hear it, and some don’t believe it when they do. But transparency matters — especially during a time of year when small businesses rely heavily on community support.

The Work You Don’t See
Small-business ownership involves countless decisions most people never see. Behind every product on our shelves is a calculation about cash flow, vendor terms, and inventory risk. When we run out of a nutrition flavor, a sock style, or a shoe colorway, it’s almost never a lack of effort — and never a lack of care. Often, it’s simply cash flow. Small businesses don’t have the automatic replenishment systems big-box stores do.

There are incredible niche brands in the running world — emerging shoe brands, nutrition companies, headlights, hydration gear, unique apparel. I’d love to carry them all. But responsible buying means focusing on turn rates, margins, product demand, and the realities of cost. We choose carefully so we can offer what runners truly need while keeping the business healthy.

These decisions aren’t personal. They’re thoughtful and data-driven.

The Good That Happens Here
Even with the challenges, there is so much good happening at 605 Running Company.

In the past year, we’ve contributed over $30,000 in donations and over 200 volunteer hours to organizations across the region. These acts of service weren’t made during easy times — they were made because giving back is who we are. From small-town races to youth programs to community events across the 605, we’ve continued to show up.

Why Small Business Saturday Matters
As we approach Small Business Saturday, I want to share one simple truth:

Small businesses don’t survive on one big weekend --
they survive because people choose local consistently.

Every visit matters.
Every purchase matters.
Every conversation matters.

Your support keeps this store alive, creates jobs, and fuels a running community I’m incredibly proud of.

Thank you for supporting local.
Thank you for supporting this store.
And thank you for choosing 605 Running Company as part of your running journey.

Small Business Saturday is a reminder that your choices shape your community — and I’m grateful for every single one of them.
​

If you’d like to read my longer personal reflection on leadership and small-business ownership, you can find the full article on my LinkedIn. Click here more >>>>

---