Sustainability is a priority across the running industry, and run specialty retailers can lead meaningful change at the local level. Real progress, though, requires shared responsibility, collaboration, and practical action.
In this free webinar, industry leaders will share ways to implement scalable sustainability initiatives, build a compelling business case for going green, and encourage communities to get involved. The conversation will also highlight how retailers are partnering with organizations to reduce environmental impact across the industry.
Join us ahead of Earth Day for a solutions-driven discussion focused on sustainability, and how your business and team can make a real difference.
Attendees will walk away with:
Amy Johnson
Director of Sales & Partnerships, Sneaker Impact
Amy Johnson is a seasoned sales leader in the outdoor and run specialty industries with more than 20 years of experience building brands and driving wholesale growth. She previously served as Director of Sales for Craft Sportswear North America, where she spent seven years leading wholesale strategy and expanding the brand’s presence across key specialty run and outdoor retailers nationwide.
Today, Amy works closely with Sneaker Impact, helping expand partnerships with brands and retailers to keep sneakers out of landfills through reuse and recycling programs. She also collaborates with partners to develop new products using recycled sneaker materials, supporting a more circular approach to the industry.
Tim Waz
Founder & Owner, Grounded Running
Tim Waz is the founder and owner of Grounded Running, a nationally recognized running specialty store rooted in Beaufort, South Carolina. With a focus on personalized fit, community engagement, and long-term sustainability, Tim has cultivated a space where performance and purpose intersect. Grounded Running is known not only for helping runners of all levels move better, but also for its commitment to giving back through local partnerships, charitable events, and environmentally conscious initiatives such as shoe recycling, responsible product selection and utilizing solar energy for their race production company.
Beyond the store, Tim serves as Chairman of the Beaufort Sports Council and sits on the Beaufort County CVB board, where he works to grow the region’s sporting events and outdoor culture. He believes small businesses have the power to create meaningful change by connecting people, supporting communities, and encouraging more intentional ways of living and moving.
Matthew Gawors
CEO / Instructor, Running & Triathlon, Confluence Running / Binghamton University
Matthew Gawors holds an MBA in Leadership Studies and a BS in Entrepreneurship from Binghamton University. He is a seasoned professional with numerous certifications including the USATF Level 2 Certification (Jumping Specialty), Dynamic Footwear Specialist, Personal Trainer, Wellness Coach, Triathlon Coach, and is an American Red Cross Instructor.
As an entrepreneur, Matthew is the Owner and CEO of Binghamton Health Campaign and manages multiple business ventures such as Confluence Running located in Binghamton, Corning, Middletown, and Watertown, as well as Ruthie’s Run of Lake Placid. He also oversees real estate through Confluence Plaza, LLC.
In academia, he has contributed to Binghamton University as the Coordinator of Running & Triathlon Studies and as the Aquatics Director for Health & Wellness Studies under the Decker School of Health Sciences. Matt has served in other public service roles including the Commissioner of Parks & Recreation and as the Executive Director of the Broome County Youth Bureau for Broome County Government.
Outside of his professional life, Matthew is an avid cyclist, runner, and triathlete. He cherishes family time with his 3-year-old daughter, who loves jumping on the trampoline and visiting the park, and his wife Jenna, who partners with him on his Run Specialty journey.
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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