Meet Chris Rogers, Owner of Lincoln Running Company (shoplincrunningcompany.com).
Tell us a little about your business. – Lincoln Running Company is a locally owned Running store that specializes in running and walking. Locally owned for 49 years by the same family. We are very committed in what we do and have over 100 years of experience in our line of work. It’s not just selling shoes though to us, It’s about helping our customers and building relationships with them. Selling shoes is a big part of our business but we do much more than that.
How did you get started in the business? – I started selling shoes in 2008 after an injury at my previous job that left me unable to continue in that role. Over the years, I’ve worked my way through various aspects of the job—selling shoes, stocking shelves and replenishing products. As time went on, I realized I truly enjoyed what I was doing. While stocking shelves wasn’t my favorite part, I loved engaging with customers, hearing about their passion for running and walking and helping them find the perfect shoe.
Now, in 2025, I’m still in the shoe business and wouldn’t change a thing! I may do a little less stocking these days, but it’s still a part of the daily routine. :)
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Working in retail, I’ve faced a variety of challenges, not just personally but for the business as a whole. The rise of online shopping has been the biggest obstacle. With more and more people opting to shop from home, businesses that rely on foot traffic need to adapt. The key to overcoming this challenge is ensuring that we have a team of knowledgeable staff who provide excellent customer service. It’s about creating an experience that makes customers want to visit the store, and more importantly, come back. Without customers walking through the door, small businesses like ours won’t succeed.
Tell us a little about your family. – My wife, Miranda, and I got married in 2021, and we have a beautiful daughter, Kennedy, who is 18 months old. In March, we’re excited to be expecting our second child. Miranda is a dedicated 4th-grade teacher at LPS and has been teaching for seven years.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Getting hurt back in 2008 to make me come down and work in the store. For the longest time I thought I was going to go into the military but when I got hurt and started working selling shoes it changed everything. I don’t know where I would be today if that did not happen.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Being with family and friends is one thing I cannot get enough of! Being in the outdoors, whether its hunting, fishing or golf! But most important being with my daughter and watching her grow up!
Who inspires you? – My dad has always been my biggest inspiration. He’s taught me so much, including how to run a business. I honestly don’t think I’d be the person I am today without his guidance and support. I can only hope that I can be the same kind of influence for my own kids.
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – We donate shoes to many different organizations throughout Lincoln. I would have to say that the biggest one we are most involved with is The Bridge Behavioral Health. We began a running club there three days a week that helps with them to overcome their addictions. By making sure they have good shoes on their feet they keep running.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (402) 474-4557 | lincolnrunning@allophone.com | shoplincrunningcompany.com