BlackToe Running Inc

A lifelong dream became a reality for Mike and Maya Anderson in 2013 when they opened their urban running specialty store, BlackToe Running. "We wanted to elevate the run specialty experience. We thought a friendly place with well-educated staff was something that was missing [and] that people would appreciate," Mike says of their decision to start the business.

Mike’s MBA and 17 years of corporate work and Maya’s experience in engineering plus their interests in athletics made the two perfect for the job. Both had played sports since their high school days, Maya running track and field and Mike using running as part of his training. As time went on and Mike’s days became filled with his career as a banker, running was something he could easily fit into his schedule. This became an even bigger part of his life when he met Maya, who showed him that running can be more than just exercise — it can be like being part of a community. BlackToe Running embraces this idea. “We love the community aspect of it," says Mike.