Meet the Team
Bob Shooer (& Skyler)-- Owner
Bob, a former department store retail executive and avid runner, is pleased to be able to provide the exceptional services and products that Fleet Feet Sports offers, to everyone in Pittsburgh and the tri-state area. He enjoys working with the community to serve the needs of his current and future customers from the everyday runner, to someone who needs to be FIT in a comfortable pair of shoes. By embracing FITlosophy™, Fleet Feet Sports in Pittsburgh will further differentiate itself as the destination for the complete FIT experience.
Bob brings years of experience and a passion for helping others to achieve their wellness and fitness goals. "Fleet Feet Pittsburgh doesn’t simply sell running and walking products, we provide information on living a healthy lifestyle. We can help you get started in a beginning fitness program or help you find a shoe insert to alleviate foot pain. At Fleet Feet Sports Pittsburgh, you will find a welcoming environment where runners, walkers, and fitness enthusiasts of all abilities receive unparalleled service and support."
Bob grew up in New York, but has called Pittsburgh his home for 30 years. He resides in Mt. Lebanon, and looks forward to meeting you during your next visit to the store.
Claire-- Store Manager-Merchandising, Footwear Buyer, Certified Running Coach
Claire’s running and retail career began at Fleet Feet Sports Pittsburgh in 2008 as a part-time sales associate. Her experience, enthusiasm and drive have ultimately resulted in her becoming Store Manager and Footwear Buyer at the store. Claire trains the staff and enjoys spending time on the sales floor assisting customers with their purchases as well as giving advice to beginner and experienced runners, walkers, and those who just need a good-fitting pair of shoes.
You will see Claire running the streets of Mt.Lebanon where she grew up, but she has traveled and lived in Hawaii, Alaska, and Colorado, where she hiked and backpacked. She began running 5Ks with the Fleet Feet No Boundaries beginner running program in 2009, and enjoyed it so much that she worked to become a certified running coach. With one full marathon under her belt and plans to do more in the future, Claire also enjoys Ragnar Relay races and general fitness. Being healthy and active is essential to Claire, and her customers notice her supportive and nurturing demeanor.
Deb-- Store Manager-Administration/Operations, Apparel & Accessories Buyer
Deb joined Fleet Feet Pittsburgh in April 2012 and is excited to bring the apparel assortment to a new level. As a Store Manager, Deb oversees all store operations and the selling floor, and brings a wealth of experience in this regard.
Deb enjoys yoga and running, and plans to run her first marathon in Columbus in 2013. Deb has run a number of half marathons and is a regular at the Fleet Feet Flyers group runs.
Deb lives in Mt. Lebanon with her husband and two daughters. Deb’s endless energy and positive attitude make her a great addition to the Fleet Feet staff!
Karen-- Director of Running Groups and Running Outreach, FIT Professional, Certified Running Coach
Karen began her running career after age forty as her children become more independent. To date, she has completed dozens of races including 12 marathons and is a three-time competitor at the Boston Marathon. She competes in all running distances but is passionate about the marathon. An avid distance swimmer, Karen also enjoys triathlons.
Karen brings experience pacing, coordinating, and mapping group runs and hopes to motivate other runners to build their endurance and enjoy the social, health, and emotional benefits of running.
Lauren-- Director of Marketing
Lauren joined our team as Director of Marketing in February of 2012. Her diverse background includes a BA in Communication/Journalism from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, where she studied Print Media and Design, and experience in the Advertising Industry as an account executive for a Pittsburgh agency. She practices yoga, enjoys spinning, and recently ran her first 5K at the Pittsburgh Great Race with the No Boundaries Training Program. Lauren grew up in the Wexford area and currently resides in Lawrenceville.
Ariana-- Director of Operations & Receiving, FIT Professional
Ariana has been running since she was in middle school. She made the varsity team her freshman year of high school. Since then she has participated in 3 Pittsburgh marathons (she didn't even run her first marathon until after her 4th child) and many other local races including the Great Race, the Race for the Cure and the Brentwood 4th of July 5K.
Ariana currently lives in Mt. Lebanon with her husband and six children. In her spare time, she enjoys running, pilates, lifting weights, aerobics and spinning. Her experience, knowledge and energy has been a great addition to Fleet Feet, Pittsburgh.
Joe-- Webmaster, FIT Professional
Originally from Steubenville, Ohio, Joe graduated from the University of Notre Dame in Computer Applications and Theology and is now pursuing an education and career in the field of nursing. He began distance running in 2010 after moving to Madison, WI, and has competed in 5Ks, 10Ks, half-marathons, and recently completed his first marathon. Joe focuses his training towards running events but also enjoys CrossFit and various adventure sports. Joe brings experience in providing unparalleled service and knowledge in the areas of nutrition and footwear technology.
Cait-- Bra Manager, FIT Professional
Cait kicked off her distance running career two years ago in preparation for her first marathon right here in Pittsburgh. After heading off to college, she decided to lead a healthier and more active lifestyle. Since then, Cait has completed 4 marathons, most recently the 2012 Philadelphia Marathon where she achieved a PR. Cait also participates in many local races such as the Great Race, YMCA Turkey Trot and Color Me Rad 5k.
Cait has recently assumed the position of Bra manager, and demonstrates a wonderful demeanor with customers, and is a most welcome addition to our staff. Cait is currently pursuing a degree in Nutrition and as a Certified NASM Personal Trainer.
Ryan-- FIT Professional, Certified Running Coach
From Huntington, WV, Ryan ran cross country and track at West Virginia Wesleyan College while he earned his degree in Exercise Science. He specialized in the 4x400, 800 and 1500 and has a PR of 1:56 for the 800. He also now competes in longer distance races and has run a 1:24:27 half marathon. Ryan has been in Pittsburgh for four years and lives in the Southside. He leads our Wednesday evening form drills and speed workouts.
Chris-- Store Trainer, FIT Professional
Chris joined Fleet Feet Sports in August 2012 after moving to Pittsburgh from his hometown of Baltimore, Maryland. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia, where he studied economics and was a member of the triathlon team. Since graduating, Chris has run several half marathons and one full marathon, and ran his first race in Pittsburgh at the 2012 Great Race. Chris is now pursuing a career in medicine and lives with his newlywed wife in Squirrel Hill.
Erica-- FIT Professional
Erica, though always an athlete, didn't start running until she was in college. She ran her first marathon after the birth of her 3rd daughter and has since completed 4 half-marathons. Erica is a group fitness instructor and enjoys running, cross training and teaching in her spare time.
Blake-- FIT Professional
A sophomore at Mt. Lebanon High School, Blake is a competitive swimmer with the Mt. Lebanon Aqua Club and runs track for the Blue Devils. She has completed several local races including Race for the Cure and The Great Race. Always caring and compassionate, Blake aspires to study medicine and become a part of Doctors Without Borders.
Julie-- FIT Professional
Julie joined our team in 2012 after running with the Fleet Feet Flyers group for several years. She has run a handful of half marathons, as well as the Flying Pig marathon in Cincinnati last year. An extremely active individual, Julie also enjoys CrossFit, rowing, trail running, and frequently participates in strength/endurance events including mud runs, obstacle courses, and military inspired challenges.
Amanda J -- FIT Professional
Amanda began running in high school and started running long distance after college when she joined the Fleet Feet Flyers running group. With the group, she completed her first half marathon in 2009. Since then, she has done several half marathons and two full marathons. Amanda has been a mentor for the No Boundaries training program and is currently a mentor for the half marathon.
Amanda S-- FIT Professional
Amanda joined the Fleet Feet Sports team after recently relocating to Pittsburgh from Atlanta with her husband. Always a runner for fitness, Amanda is now training to run her first marathon in Akron, Ohio in September. In addition to exploring and enjoying her new city, Amanda enjoys hiking with her husband and their two dogs.
Katie-- FIT Professional
Katie is currently a senior at Mt. Lebanon High School and has been a member of the cross-country and track teams since middle school. She has run a number of local 5k and 10k races including the Turkey Trot, Father’s Day Race and the Steelers 5K. She is training to run the Pittsburgh Half Marathon, and plans to attend the University of Pittsburgh in the fall to study engineering.
Alex-- FIT Professional
Alex, a freshman at the University of Michigan and on the Cross Country and Track teams, has a mile PR of 4:14. He won the mile at WPIAL Championships twice, and placed 5th and 3rd at States for the mile in 2011 and 2012, respectively. Alex plans to study biophysics at Michigan. Alex's knowledge of both cross country and track brings an additional dimension to Fleet Feet Sports.
