Running Toward Purpose: Reggie Luther on Community, Coffee & Going All In Running Toward Purpose: Reggie Luther on Community, Coffee & Going All In
Show Notes
A software consultant quits the cubicle life, opens a niche running store, then converts a century-old bank into the city’s favorite coffeehouse. Reggie Luther explains how raw energy, the right partners, and a willingness to mop floors at 5 a.m. kept the dream alive.
Meet the Guest
Reggie Luther
-
Former IT director and founder of TrackSoft/Que Blue
-
Co-owner, Big Dog Running Company (specialty run retailer & community hub)
-
Co-owner, Iron Bank Coffee Co. (roastery, bakery, and gathering place in a restored 19th-century bank)
-
Lifelong runner, community race organizer, accidental coffee roaster
Big Takeaways
-
Energy attracts customers. Early success came from constant events—injury clinics, gear demos, Wednesday night group runs, you name it.
-
Community first, inventory second. The store thrived once they realized people were buying belonging, not just shoes.
-
Partnerships matter. A contractor-turned-co-owner who could build out spaces saved mountains of cash and headaches.
-
Pivot fast, worry later. Whether it was curbside fittings during lockdowns or roasting coffee when a supplier left town, speed kept revenue flowing.
-
Owners sweep floors. Reggie still fits shoes and handles coffee orders when staff is thin. The team notices—and stays.
Links & Extras
-
Big Dog Running Company — training groups, races, and gear: bigdogrunning.com
-
Iron Bank Coffee Co. — beans, pastries, and weekly live music: ironbankcoffee.com
-
Want to run with the crew? Wednesday night social run details are pinned on Big Dog’s Instagram.