Matthew and Lesley Holleman- Owners
Lesley Holleman joined Fleet Feet Jackson early on and helped it become the hub for runners and walkers alike that it is today. Originally from Baton Rouge, Lesley went to Delta State and walked on the Cross Country team her senior year. An active runner and exercise enthusiast, Lesley has completed seven marathons including the Boston Marathon, Chicago Marathon, and countless area 5 & 10K's and half-marathons.
Matthew Holleman grew up in Jackson and attended St. Andrews and Jackson Prep. After graduating from Ole Miss, Matthew was introduced into running by Lesley and has been on board ever since.
What makes Fleet Feet Different? “Our focus is on our customers, our community, and service. We want to educate our customers and serve our community through running.”
Favorite Running Essential? Garmin Fenix.
Favorite Race? Lesley: “MS Blues Marathon. I’ve watched it grow from 60 people on the Trace to the Premiere Downtown Jackson Event it is today.” Matthew prefers Fleet Feet’s own: Blue Mile
Best Post-Run Food? Soulshine Pizza
Best Spot to Run? Ridgeland Multi-Use Trail. Start from Fleet Feet of course!
Chris Walker - Business Manager
Bio: Straight out of Madison, Chris went to Madison Central and has a Finance Degree from Mississippi State. Chris didn’t start seriously running until about 8 years ago. Chris originally wanted to work at Fleet Feet to meet new people and share his love for running, but now he is preparing to operate and own one for himself!
Running Advice: “Don't start off doing too much too soon. People get burnt out really fast or injured when they start off running a lot without letting their body adjust. I was injured to the point I couldn’t run 14 of the first 33 months of my training because I did way too many miles instead of gradually building up my running.”
What makes Fleet Feet unique? “Fleet Feet stands out from other stores because the staff truly enjoys working here. I have never worked anywhere where I get along so well with my coworkers and even my boss!”
Favorite running essential: “I Love Balega socks because they are so soft and help wick away the gallons of sweat that my feet produce.”
Lynn Williams - Receiving Manager
Lynn grew up in Indianola, Mississippi and went to Mississippi State. Her great grandparents opened up the first family shoe store in Yazoo City in 1906. When she was a teenager, she worked at the shoe store some over the summers. After her grandparents passed away, she bought the family shoe store and operated it for two years. Now she manages Fleet Feet inventory, stocking, receiving, and all sorts of other things.
Favorite local race? FF's own Turkey Day 8K!
What makes Fleet Feet unique? The customers! I love hearing customers share their reasons why they run and hike and the seeing the enjoyment they receive from it. I also enjoy seeing friends from my hometown (Indianola) and from where I live (Yazoo City.)
Favorite Running Essential? "Balega socks-They feel like soft cushioned pillows on your feet and they keep the moisture away."
Michael Harrison - RXM/Shift Leader
Michael is originally from Atlanta and went to school at UGA. He started running to stop smoking and found out that he really enjoyed it! Having worked at the Bike Rack for over 17 years, Michael can both fit you for shoes and give you some good advice on the bike. Michael also helps pace our triathlon programs.
What makes Fleet Feet Unique? The people who work there create positive vibe and the customers recognize it and appreciate it.
Training Essential? HR Monitor.
Post-Race Food? M & M (Mexican food and Margaritas!)
Nicole Aversa - Business Outreach/Social Media Coordinator
Hailing all the way from Long Island, NY, Nicole supervises all of our social media. She's never been big into running because her main focus is usually lifting weights and some cardio, but she has started running more since working at FF.
Life outside of Fleet Feet? School, studying, eating, sleeping and being a mom to the most perfect angel baby, Ella.
Favorite running essential? Definitely music. I cannot run without it!
Favorite Post-Run Food? Whatever snacks I bought for Ella for that week.
Kelsey Shumate- RXM/Shift Leader and Event Coordinator
Kelsey grew up in Clinton, Mississippi, and began her running journey in 3rd Grade. Since then she has continued to love running and has become a little less terrified of the microphone thanks to our friendly fun run crowds. She's always up for a good PB & J with fresh apple jelly.
Motivation for running? Fuels the heart, gotta have a lighter to start a fire.
Favorite running essential? I'd have to say my Artiken bracelet with "BRAVEY" on it.
What is your favorite local race? 12k's for the Holidays
Jonathan Ray - Shoe Buyer
Jonathan Ray is from Jackson, MS, and went to Ole Miss where he earned a degree in engineering. He spent 5 years with the Army Corps of Engineers before deciding to dedicate all of his time to running with friends and fitting you for the perfect shoe.
What makes Fleet Feet a unique place? There is a certain energy around Fleet Feet that makes you want to be the best you can be. Working there feels like being on a sports team.
What is your favorite local race? Big butts! The heat makes this race a challenging test of endurance, grit, and nailing hydration/nutrition. It's an exciting atmosphere with lots of support from runners and volunteers.
Best running song? Christmas music.
Logan Mattox - RXM/Shift Leader
Originally from Oregon, Logan spent almost 5 years in the Army. After his time in the Army, instead of moving back to Oregon, he decided to stay in the South, where the food is better and the sun is brighter. He has his undergraduate degree in Biblical Studies from Belhaven University and is currently pursuing his Master of Arts in Teaching from Belhaven University. Go BLAZERS!
What makes Fleet Feet Different? Fleet Feet in Jackson offers a unique shopping experience by providing a personalized, one-on-one interaction. All of our staff love to help people. This isn’t an ordinary retail store, it’s a place that the customers know they are truly cared about.
Life outside of Fleet Feet? When he isn’t working at Fleet Feet, Logan is a competitive strongman. He has competed in several events throughotu the South and is highly ranked in his class.
Favorite Post-Run Food: Pasta
Jesse White - Shift Leader
Another native of Mississippi, Jesse, got into running by joining the local Victors Homeschool Track and XC Team. Becuase of the amazing friendships and bonds he had with teammates, not to mention his coaches, he decided to keep running and stay active in the sport. Jesse is studying criminal justice at Belhaven University with the hopes of pursing a career in law enforcement. He also plays the drums and loves music.
What makes Fleet Feet unique? All the amazing individuals who work here. Everyone brings their own style to the table and is allowed to thrive.
Motivation for running? "I enjoy pushing myself while running and the pleasant soreness that follows a hard run. It’s also nice having other runners to motivate me to run on days that I don’t feel like getting out."
Best running song? No Excuses by NF
What is your favorite local race? Watermelon Classic
--Fit Specialists--
Peter Davis:
A Belhaven University XC runner, Peter Davis loves running out on any trail he can get his feet on. He is the cross-country coach at St. Augustine and trains the Fleet Feet staff on any and all running products. When he's not running, Peter is off making films, writing stories, or some other sort of art project.
Favorite running spot? Choctaw Trails and Butts Park
Motivation for running? "Running is a kind of meditation for me where I can pray, plan out my day, and clear my head. The harder I run, the more focused I become."
Ryan Crandall
Born and raised in Madison, Ryan graduated from St. Joseph Catholic School and ran cross country for Mississippi College. Ryan was a multiple state champion. After graduating, he has placed in 3 marathons. His future goal is to own and operate his own Fleet Feet store one day.
What makes Fleet Feet unique? The services and tools it provides for the community and they way we help build it through volunteering and sponsorships.
Favorite running essential? Running Hat.
What is your favorite local race? Run Thru History
Chuck Vrana
Opinionated Yankee transplanted to Mississippi from Nebraska in 2013. Retired (2017) Finance Mgr. from Levi Strauss and Co. Likes walking, baking, and giving Peter a hard time every Friday at the coffee run.
What makes Fleet Feet a unique place? Are you kidding me? Tom Hanks would kill to work with a cast of characters like this crew!
Life outside of Fleet Feet: I’m retired which means I can ignore chores at home, travel, and pursue the 50 States Endurance Challenge - (at least before COVID).
Motivation for running? I power walk instead of run. It gets my day going, keeps me healthy, and it’s fun whether I’m alone or with a group.
Favorite There are three I do annually - The Mustard Seed’s “Racin’ for the Seed“, Good Samaritan’s “12k’s for the Holidays“, and of course Fleet Feet’s “Turkey Day 8k”.
Favorite post race food? Chocolate milk and peanut butter crackers.
Elizabeth Hamilton
Originally from French camp, Elizabeth started running in high school on the track and cross country teams. She has since ran multiple half marathons and one marathon. An ultra marathon is her next goal!
Life outside of Fleet Feet? I’ve got 3 kids and one sweet pup that keep me occupied outside of work
Favorite running essential? Can’t run without good shoes.
What is your motivation for running? I run for my mental health. It’s a physical reminder that I am mentally strong.
Best running/workout song? Anything by TSwift.
Favorite running spot: I thought my favorite was from the store to the overlook but now I think the yoch is my current fave.
Alex Nguyen
From Jackson, MS, Alex graduated from NWR High School in 2017. He got into running by being expected to when he joined the Army National Guard. He is a combat veteran and is married with a son, Eren Yeager.
The Fleet Feet Difference: Fleet Feet JXN sets itself apart by having a unique and welcoming staff that are more knowledgable about their products compared to other retailers.
Life outside of Fleet Feet? Anime is love… Anime is life.
Favorite running essential? Shorts with 3 inch inseams. Anything longer is basically running pants.
Abby Porter
Abby grew up in Morton/Pearl Mississippi and is a senior at East Rankin Academy in Pelahatchie, MS. Besides having an active school life, Abby is involved in her church and will be at the latest Marvel premiere if she can make it. She also enjoys giving Sam Oh a hard time.
Life outside of Fleet Feet? I participate in the Lakeside Presbyterian youth band and spend lots of time playing my instruments and watching The Office and Psych. I’m a very huge Marvel nerd, so I also spend lots of time re-watching the movies for the 3000th time.
Motivation for running? To stay in shape and have fun. I usually run with friends which is a lot of fun.
Best running song? I usually just play something along the lines of Megadeth, Foo Fighters, or TOOL and start a station from it.
Markese Lee
A Jacksonion by birth, Markese has lived in Jackson his whole life and is currently attending Belhaven University, where he is an RA. Markese is part of the Army National Guard and plans on graduating with a degree in nursing. Wth activities both on and off campus, Markese enjoys repping Fleet Feet and Belhaven in all that he does and looks forward to serving the greater Jackson area when he graduates. He also likes deadlifting Ryan Crandall.
What is your motivation for Running? To be the greatest soldier I can be. 'Merica
Best Running/Workout Song? Don't Turn away by Manifest.
Hobbies outside of Fleet Feet: Watching Anime, especially Fairy Tale.
Favorite Post-Run Food: Apples. Little known fact, Markese eats around 10 apples a day. Well, when he's not eating rice.
Jacob Galle
Jacob is from Ocean Springs, MS, and went to high school at Resurrection Catholic School. Go Eagles! He then went to Southern Miss for 2 years where he played football and met the love of his life. Jacob now goes to Belhven were he serves on the Belhaven Leadership Council for Marketing and Social Engagement. He is majoring in Sports Management and enjoys playing disc golf with the boys.
What makes Fleet Feet Unique? The social interaction aspect. The staff not only want to get to know you, but they genuinely want to help you succeed.
Motivation for Working Out: If you expect the best out of others, we need to expect the best out of ourselves.
Best Running Spot: Ocean Springs Front Beach
Life Outside of FF: Jacob helps coach at McLaurin High School in Florence and also helps with Belhaven’s various sports programs. He also toys around with photoshop when he's not destroying Charlie in video games.
Charlie Parker
Charlie Parker (known as Charker by some but not many) is from from Morton, MS. He currently attends Belhaven university ( Go Blazers!) where he is majoring in Public Relations with an Emphasis on Sports Communication. He also plays basketball for Belhaven and constantly proves the fact that he is better than Jacob Gallé. He has slowly started to get back into running since working at fleet feet.
Why is Fleet Feet unique? Because it delivers a hands on experience like none other. We put great time and detail into our customers in order to make sure we get them the best fit possible.
Favorite running essential: Would have to be features socks, they are simply incredible.
Motivation to run: Being in the best shape possible for the future.
Favorite workout song: Dirt in your Eye by Bully Maquire.
Emily Katherine Dacus
Emily Katerine Dacus grew up in Clinton where she fell in love with the sport of running when she started Cross Country. She graduated from MC in 2019, where she got her BFA in studio art (starving artist majors where ya at?) Random interests include running, cats, horses, running, jewelry design, running, photography, painting, and running.
What makes Fleet Feet a unique place? The people!! I don’t describe Fleet Feet as a running “store.” It’s more of a community. They take the time to address the concerns of each individual customer who comes in. There are also so many opportunities to grow as a runner, (training groups, races, and coffee runs!!) so it’s just a great supportive place all-around.
Life outside of Fleet Feet? I actually spend a lot of my time making jewelry for local markets and Etsy orders! I love to make wire-wrapped rings. I also attend Chapel of the Cross in Madison, where I sing in the choir.
Best Running/Workout Song? Y’all listen to music??
What is your favorite Local Race? Watermelon classic!
Maya Voborsky
Maya Voborsky currently goes to Madison Central and has danced for Ballet Magnificat for 13 years. It is her favorite way to get in a good workout. She is graduating a year early and will continue her dance training next year at Ballet Magnificat!
What makes Fleet Feet so unique? Fleet Feet has a staff who truly cares about the clients and truly know what they’re talking about.
What is your favorite running essential? Water!!! Must stay hydrated!
Best Running/ Workout Song? Back in Black by ACDC
Erin Polzin
Best running spot? The Natchez Trace
What is your favorite running essential? My aftershokz headphones and Nathan water bottle
Life outside of Fleet Feet? When I'm not working or running I'm usually chasing one of my 3 kids!
What makes Fleet Feet unique? I love working at Fleet Feet because I get to work with a great group of people who love to do what I love to do! I've learned so much from them and they keep me motivated.
Claire Stokes
Favorite local race? My favorite local running event is Death by 5k. And while doing 10 5k’s in 24 hours sounds like only something the fastest and most trained people would do, what I love about it is that it’s totally doable for all abilities (several people walk it each year)! It’s a great time to build friendships in the running community staying up those 24 hours together!
What makes Fleet Feet unique? Definitely the staff. Fleet Feet Jackson is an environment unlike anywhere I’ve ever worked before. They’re a group of people who genuinely care and have your back always.
Favorite running essential? My handheld water bottle! I switch between either a Nathan one or an Amphipod one, but the main thing I love is that the ones I have have pouches on the front where I can keep my keys, phone, nutrition, etc!
Life outside of Fleet Feet? I’m currently pursuing my M.S. in chemistry at Mississippi College this year, where I’ll also be continuing my passion for sports photography as an athletic communications graduate assistant. I also travel as much as I can, which often includes fun race excursions, like Disney’s Dopey Challenge in Florida, the Big Sur Marathon in California, or the Brooklyn Half Marathon in New York. Other than that, my favorite thing to do is to spend time with my goldendoodle, Daisy!
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