Run Dan Run

If there is one person on our staff who embodies the Fleet Feet vision of inspiring the runner in everyone, it is Dan Defrees.  Dan’s success is driven by his passion for running and exercise, strong product knowledge, and the ability to develop superb relationships.

Dan has been at Fleet Feet Syracuse since May 2006, and is held in high regard by our customers and his colleagues, but this was not his first foray into Run Specialty.  Dan came to Fleet Feet from the Red Shoe Barn in Dover, NH, and before that he was the New England Saucony rep during the 1990’s. 

Dan is legit!  On July 9^th he will line up for his 47^th consecutive Utica Boilermaker 15K, which encompasses every year it has been held.  One year, he even ran the course twice!  Can you imagine doing something for 47 consecutive years? Amazingly, Dan is one of six runners to complete every Boilermaker!  Dan is also an avid bicyclist, and has recently competed in the Trans-Sylvania Gravel Epic, a 4-day gravel stage race.

When working a shift with Dan, you may feel like everyone who comes in knows Dan and came in specifically to see him.  This is often true!  Dan admits that what we do at Fleet Feet changes lives, but in his words, it is not rocket science.  Instead, Dan believes that offering customers a good product, and an honest assessment of what they need to accomplish their goals, is how we create value in what we do. 

Staff quickly learn a number of Dan-isms, such as Motion is Lotion, and In with the calm; Out with the conflict.  Dan embodies this in everything he does.  He typically runs about 15 miles per week and in addition will often bike 100 or more miles.  In his spare (!) time, he also assists his son with a lawn mowing business.

Dan and his wife, Lori, have three children and three grandchildren, whom they spend many happy hours with. 

When I talked to Dan about his work ethic and philosophy on life, Dan replied that he takes what he does seriously, but does not take himself seriously.  I think this statement summarizes Fleet Feet’s core values, and how to apply them to everyday life.  Which Dan does, every day.

Congratulations Dan on your latest Boilermaker finish and thank you for all you do for Fleet Feet and the Central New York running community!