Contact with New Balance Chicago!

Jan 16th, 2012 - Contact with New Balance Chicago

I got a really warm and welcome email from Jeff Mach. He and his partner own four New Balance Chicago area stores. They are independently owned and operated licensee's of New Balance. He said he found my blog randomly and also said "I like the way you write, what running means to you and the type of person you seem to be in your blog." He said that culture is very important to their family business and asked me if I would like to come into the store and meet them. I have to admit that in many ways, this is more meaningful to me than a connection with New Balance corporate. I thought about reaching out to the ownership before but I didn't want to be pushy. I'm happier that the contact happened this way. Maybe they can give me a tip on how to become a tester? Maybe I can do some charitable effort in partnership with them? Regardless, I am looking forward to meeting with them and chatting. I am also looking forward to buying a pair of MT110's with my shiny new gift certificate. Jeff tells me that the New Balance store has them in stock. I do like to support local running shoe stores. It's a no–brainer because fit is everything and I don't like to wait for new running shoes :) I'll keep you posted.


Nov 22nd, 2011

I got an email from The Charitable Programs Department of the New Balance Foundation. They said that their geographic focus was limited to Norway, Norridgewock and Skowhegan, Maine and Lawrence or Boston Mass. Plus, they will only work with 501(c)(3) organizations. Ugh.


Nov 18th, 2011

I reached out to the New Balance Foundation.

Nov 15th, 2011 - Contact with New Balance Tinley Track & Trail

I emailed with Sarah Grzybek who is tied to New Balance Orland Park. A super nice person who organizes the Tinley Track & Trail. It sounds like a fun group of people. It's a shame that it is too far away.

Nov 7th, 2011

I have decided to shift tactics and see what activities New Balance Chicago has to offer. I have "liked" and "followed" them to see if I can connect to something.

Oct 18th, 2011 - Contact with New Balance Facebook Team
First contact! I got an email from Katie at the New Balance idea submission process on Facebook that said:
"I checked out your blog, and it is pretty impressive! I have sent the link to your website to our Running Team. I hope something works out for you in the near future!"

Oct 9th, 2011
I submitted my blog and ideas as an idea on the New Balance idea submission process on Facebook.

Oct 1st, 2011
I asked an acquaintance who was a former elite runner and the first New Balance store owner in Chicago if he had any contacts. His response was “I don’t know anyone there anymore. There is no way in hell they will sponsor you.” 

Sep 24th, 2011
I applied to be a New Balance Wear Test Program participant.

Sep 22nd, 2011
I unleashed Sponsor The Fool on an unsuspecting Interwebs community and explained my concept of getting a real person (namely me) sponsored by New Balance.

As sponsorship ideas come up, I am going to document them here.