April 11, 2022
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2022 Top 25 Women in Business
Steph Blozy, Top 25 Women in Business 2022 Honoree
By Susan Shalhoub
Steph Blozy
Employer: Fleet Feet
Title: Owner
Check out all of the WIB honorees here!
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After 15 years as a meteorologist, most notably at WeatherBug (an app she helped bring to life), Blozy retired her crystal ball to pursue a master’s degree in exercise science from George Washington University.
Fifteen days after graduating at the top of her class, she moved to Connecticut and purchased Fleet Feet Hartford.
Under her leadership, Fleet Feet has grown into one of the largest specialty running stores in the country and consistently receives “Best Running Stores in America” honors.
Q: What’s been your biggest professional accomplishment so far?
I left the stability of meteorology, sold my house, cashed out my savings and took on sizable debt to purchase Fleet Feet during the economic downturn of 2008. Within two years, I doubled the store’s revenues, paid off all my debts and created a thriving running community.
Q: What’s the next big goal you want to accomplish professionally?
Creating more sparks through mentorship and financial assistance to inspire and help people pursue their passions, especially when it benefits a community. I don’t want to leave a legacy, I want to fuel a movement to pay it forward, that continues for generations.
Q: What’s one of the biggest professional challenges you’ve overcome?
The nature of retail is that you have continuous turnover. We are always hiring, training and picking up the slack when someone moves on. It’s super challenging, but I’ve learned to embrace my role to teach staff the skills they need and be a springboard for their next job.
Q: How has the COVID-19 pandemic forced you to adapt as a leader?
COVID jolted me out of my comfort zone. I had to think differently, adapt quickly and work harder than ever. More importantly, I learned to balance the needs of the business with the needs of my staff, all of whom stuck by me.
Q: Who has been your most important mentor and why?
Terry Hambrick was my manager at WeatherBug for 10 years. When I’m faced with a tough situation, I always think ‘What would Terry do?’
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