Webinars

Supply Chains & Partnerships: Navigating Change in Run Specialty

On-demand Webinar | Free

During this conversation, run specialty brand and retail representatives share strategies for navigating supply chain dynamics and industry partnerships in today’s evolving marketplace. Moderated by Danny Smith of Running Insight, this webinar features expert perspectives from Josh Higgins of OS1st, Eileen Urtz of A Runner’s Mind, and Matt Balzer from Reno Running Company.

Panelists dive into key topics including optimizing supply chain operations, addressing shifting consumer demand, and strengthening partnerships across the brand-retail-vendor ecosystem. Learn how collaboration, adaptability, and strategic foresight can help your business thrive through industry disruptions and become more resilient.

Learning objectives include:

Understanding how economic shifts are impacting supply chain dynamics and consumers through the lens of both brands and retailers.
Identifying ways to build adaptable operations and apply inventory management best practices throughout the annual buying cycle.
Exploring how to strengthen and maintain relationships and communication across brand, retail, and vendor partners.

Speakers

Josh Higgins
President, OS1st

Josh Higgins is the President and Co-Founder of OS1st®, a performance brand built with the independent retailer in mind. With over 25 years of experience in the independent channel, Josh is a passionate advocate for small business success, specializing in brand-building, customer engagement, and retailer-first strategies. Under his leadership, OS1st has grown into a trusted partner to thousands of specialty stores across the country.

Eileen Urtz
General Manager, A Runner’s Mind

A lifelong runner, former teacher and athletic trainer, Eileen started working in run specialty in 2014 in NYC and has been with A Runner’s Mind as General Manager since 2016. The guest experience is of utmost importance to her and working with team members to perfect their skills is the most gratifying part of the job. She and her husband have three (almost) grown up children and when she’s not in the shops you can find her running on the coast or among the redwood trees of Northern California.

Matt Balzer
Owner, Reno Running Company

Matthew Balzer is the founder and owner of Reno Running Company, a multi-location specialty run retailer and endurance event organizer. With over a decade of experience in specialty retail, Matthew has built RRC into a community-driven business known for exceptional customer service, expert knowledge, and world class events. In 2024, he expanded his footprint by acquiring Gold Country Run and Sport, a leading specialty running store in Northern California.

Moderator

Danny Smith
Senior Writer, Running Insight

Running Insight senior writer Danny Smith has been penning stories for the run specialty industry’s premier trade magazine since 2012 and writing about the retail landscape since 2004. The Chicago-based journalist has been a frequent presenter at The Running Event and also spent nine years working in a run specialty store.

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