Episode Ten: Family Ties

Family connections run through Episode 10 of Slingin’ Shoes which features interviews with Genie Beaver of West Stride in Atlanta and one of the founders of Altra, Brian Beckstead who remains an ambassador for the brand. Genie has a powerful connection to the running business through her uncle John McDonnell, who coached the University of Arkansas to 40 national titles and shares the story of attending her first TRE with a six-week-old baby. She also name drops the many women who have been supportive of her as she has built her business: Barbara Gubbins, Cathy Puglsey, Lea Gallardo, and Rebecca Hohenstein.

Brian Beckstead discusses the early days of Altra and how the brand is staying true to its specialty roots under the ownership of VF Corp.

Genie and Brian both respond to the question from co-host Chris Farley, who asks “Would you encourage your children to get into the run business?”

Well, would you? Tune into episode 10 for a thought-provoking conversation.