We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Allie Vincent a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Allie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So, let’s start with a hypothetical – what would you change about the educational system?

The longer I am in my career the more I wish there were opportunities for students to test out different career paths. I know there are internships and career fairs but it isn’t accessible to all. I think the education system could work closer with all businesses to help the next generation understand what career paths are out there. This could also help these businesses with the employee shortage. I am a believer in on the job training and first hand experiences. Many people do not know how to get connected with people within a career which may be of interest to them. Others have no idea what is out there and need an opportunity to be exposed to them. My story is a little on the unique side. I credit a lot to my parents and the values in which they instilled in me from an early age. I was homeschooled until my junior year of high school and while we focused on the book side of learning there was a huge emphasis on serving others and working in different fields. I began volunteering at the store which I now co own when I was eleven years old. Like I said before, it is unique but it allowed me to begin learning key business principles at a young age. I didn’t know then that it would turn into a career but I am grateful for it. I was taught from a young age how to work hard, be curious, and focus on serving others. Volunteering at Swags then becoming a team member at age 14 helped me grow into who I am today. I think if students were given a clearer path to be able to work or volunteer within different industries it would help them to have a more fulfilling life. That job may not turn into a lifelong career but I believe everything we do compounds and is a learning experience. If we allow it to, it helps to prepare us for the next season. I think the education system could connect with more businesses within their area and expose their students to these businesses and fields.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I grew up in Louisville, KY in an active family. When I was 10 years old I watched some friends run the local half marathon (KDF Mini Marathon) and I thought to myself I want to do that next year. My Dad was a runner so I told him what I wanted to do and he agreed to it. Before I knew it my twin sister, Layney Vincent decided to join us. My Dad knew if we were going to be successful we needed to get fitted for a good pair of running shoes and the place to go was Swags Sport Shoes. When we went to get fitted the owner, Swag Hartel had a small fit because he said 10 years old was too young to run a half marathon. He could tell we were serious about doing it though and had already begun our training but told us once we were finished if we wanted to be good runners to come back to the store and he would start coaching us. My sister, Dad and I ran the race and we fell in love with the sport. We took Swag up on his offer and began running with him two days a week that summer. He coached local kids at no charge just because he wanted them to be the best they could be. This coach/athlete relationship turned into a deep friendship. He told us that one day he would like us to work in his store. In Kentucky the legal age to begin working is 14 years old so we asked him if we could begin volunteering. He took us under his wing and not only coached us in running but began teaching us business principles and new ways of how to serve the community. Yes, Swags Sport Shoes is known for its expertise within the field but it is widely known for how it gives back to the community. It all starts at the top. Swag’s heart is to love and serve others. That is the foundation of the business and one in which my sister and I fully agreed with. Once we started volunteering the store became our second home. We were hungry to learn how we could better serve the community and how we could learn more about the business. We didn’t know getting fitted for a pair of shoes when we 10 years old would turn into a career but we are very grateful. What I love most about what we get to do within our business is connecting with customers to help them find products which will help them be successful on the run, at work and more. We offer shoes, insoles, socks, apparel, nutrition and more which helps them reach their goals. The unique part is we get to be part of their journeys. For some the goal is to complete a 5k or a marathon for others its to be able to go through their day to day tasks pain free. What I am most proud of is that a business which began in 1980 still has the same principles in 2024. Our mission is serving others and helping them be successful. I am grateful to Swag for building a business focused on these principles and honored that my sister and I get to carry it on. We became the majority owners in August of this year. Being a business owner isn’t easy. There are always hurdles to jump over but I am proud of how we have gotten to where we are and I’m excited for what the future holds.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

A book that has had a lot of influence on me and my team is, The Ideal Team Player by Patrick Lencioni. The book put language to what our team has embodied for many years. We want our team to be focused on the three virtues mentioned in the book which are Hungry, Humble and Smart. Because we now have things clearly defined it is easier to understand the expectations of what good looks like. It has helped me grow as a leader. We are not a company who takes our team through team building activities, reads our mission and vision once and goes about our business. Every decision that is made has to align with our core principles.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Our reputation is built on being professionals in our field and truly caring for others. Swag began his business with a passion for running and serving others. That has been the driver for the past 44 years and that isn’t stopping. My sister and I take our roles seriously and want our business to impact the community. We are always looking for new avenues in which to do this.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://swagssportshoes.com/
• Instagram: swagssportshoes
• Facebook: swagssportshoes