Weathering Challenges, Building Strength

By: Greg Koch

​Winter has arrived in Sioux Falls, bringing snow and colder temperatures. In retail—especially in this region—weather significantly impacts business. Despite more than a decade of effort, sales still drop sharply during weather events. As an independent business owner, this presents ongoing challenges. Now five months into solo ownership, I am navigating a difficult season. Simply put, slow sales are not ideal, but we continue to push forward.

With several major shoe launches, we must invest strategically to remain competitive, but extra capital is limited. While taking on debt is an option, I am not willing to put my family at risk. Instead, we rely on careful planning, resourcefulness, and a commitment to financial independence.

My team leaders, have been with me for years, and I see firsthand how business fluctuations affect them. We hold ourselves to high standards—tracking performance, hosting community events, investing in customer service, and staying ahead of industry trends. We create, adapt, and refine constantly. And yet, some challenges persist.

I want to be clear—none of us are drawing large salaries. Our team earns fair, living wages, and every payroll cycle requires careful planning. This is not a plea for sympathy but a reminder of the realities of running a small, independent business. While we had an excellent January and have been thriving since last July, we remain mindful of our expenses and continuously refine our approach to ensure long-term sustainability.

The Power of Eight Minutes
Have you heard of the eight-minute rule? In therapy, patients must engage for at least eight minutes to receive reimbursement for a unit of treatment. I have no idea if this is true as this is not my line of work. Research does suggests that eight minutes is enough time for a meaningful conversation. Even writing this blog has helped shift my perspective—focusing energy on something productive is incredibly powerful.

At times, I question the best path forward. My team depends on this business for their livelihoods, and that responsibility is significant. But my appeals for support aren’t about me—they’re about sustaining a business that uplifts our community. We collaborate with local partners, support nonprofits, and employ dedicated people who serve our customers. We sustain this work through product sales, coaching, race registrations, and a relentless commitment to engagement. I am not perfect, but I am always striving to be better.

Navigating Challenges
Lately, I’ve been reminded that challenges rarely come alone. A long-standing partnership ended unexpectedly, forcing us to reevaluate key aspects of our business. The impact extended beyond finances—it affected our team, our morale, and our sense of stability. Business may be business, but for us, it’s also deeply personal.

Additionally, I received an email that, while professional, was difficult to digest. Leadership requires resilience, but moments of criticism can linger. I hold myself to high standards and work to improve, but setbacks—both personal and professional—are part of the journey.

Finding Perspective
Yesterday, I received a simple but meaningful email from my daughter's teacher, sharing that she had a great day at school. That small message was a reminder that even during difficult times, good things are happening all around us.
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I encourage all of us to look for those moments. Whether it’s an act of kindness, a message of encouragement, or a small win, these things matter. The road isn’t always easy, but with focus, resilience, and community, we will keep moving forward together.