In this episode of The Best of LKN, Jeff sits down with Jamie Davis, owner of the Charlotte Running Company locations at Northlake and Mooresville, to talk about running shoes, local fitness culture, and his unexpected journey from corporate finance to specialty retail.
From Finance to Footwear: Jamie’s Career Pivot
Before becoming a business owner, Jamie spent more than two decades in financial services, working in trading, portfolio management, and institutional sales. It was a demanding career with heavy travel, long hours, and high pressure.
Running became his escape—a daily ritual he adopted when his daughter was born. Within months, Jamie progressed from casual jogs to completing his first marathon, and the sport became a major part of his life.
When the desire for a lifestyle shift grew too strong to ignore, he stepped away from his corporate path and explored new business opportunities. A conversation with a friend who owned Charlotte Running Company’s Ballantyne location sparked an idea. Soon after, Jamie purchased the Northlake store, and later expanded by acquiring the Mooresville location as well.
Charlotte Running Company: Lake Norman’s Specialty Running Shop
Charlotte Running Company was founded more than 20 years ago by Scott Dvorak, a former professional runner who still holds the North Carolina 5K and 15K records. What began as a single location has now grown into a five-store, locally owned running specialty network serving Charlotte and surrounding communities.
Jamie oversees the northern stores:
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Northlake – Located next to a Trek bicycle shop, offering a convenient hub for both runners and cyclists.
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Mooresville – Found at Exit 35, at the corner of Brawley School Road and Williamson Road, in a center anchored by Lowe’s. Jamie helped design the layout of this newer, larger space to better serve Lake Norman residents.
Not Just for Runners: Shoes for Walkers, Workers & Everyday Athletes
Despite the name, Charlotte Running Company supports far more than just runners. Jamie estimates the customer base breaks down into three nearly equal groups:
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Runners
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Walkers
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“Standers” — people on their feet all day
Nurses, restaurant employees, retail workers, and others who log long hours upright often visit the store after getting referrals from physical therapists, doctors, and chiropractors who trust the staff’s expertise.
Charlotte Running Company carries 13 top running footwear brands, including:
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Brooks — a longtime favorite for balanced support
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HOKA — known for its cushioned, rocker-style midsoles
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On Running, Nike, New Balance — strong performers across training and racing
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361 — an emerging brand the store introduced early to Charlotte
The team focuses on matching customers with the right shoe for their body, gait, and activity—not just what looks good on the wall.
The Fitting Process: Professional, Personalized, and Precise
What truly sets Charlotte Running Company apart is its custom fitting experience. Every customer can receive:
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Video gait analysis, filmed while walking or running
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Foot strike evaluation to determine pronation or supination
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Assessment of foot width, arch height, and mobility
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Personalized recommendations for running, walking, standing, or cross-training
Jamie notes that even people who have worn the same shoe for years are often surprised by what they learn during a fitting.
Choosing footwear based solely on a friend’s recommendation—or an online photo—leads many people to the wrong model. The right shoe, on the other hand, can significantly reduce fatigue, soreness, and injury risk while making daily movement more comfortable and enjoyable.
Races, Community, and Regional Events
Charlotte Running Company maintains a strong presence in the local fitness community through timed races and events. The brand partners with Start 2 Finish, a regional timing company, to support a variety of 5Ks, 10Ks, trail races, and endurance events throughout the Carolinas.
Some of the most popular races include:
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A winter trail race held at the U.S. National Whitewater Center
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Seasonal road races ranging from four miles to half-marathon distances
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Numerous community 5Ks in neighborhoods around Lake Norman
The stores regularly connect with local runners, walkers, and fitness groups, reinforcing their role as a community hub for movement and wellness.
Shop Local: Where to Find Charlotte Running Company
Whether you’re a seasoned runner, a casual walker, or on your feet for long shifts, Charlotte Running Company can help you find the perfect shoe for your needs.
Learn more or shop online:
charlotterunning.com
Connect on social media:
Each store has its own Facebook and Instagram pages, and the brand maintains one central Twitter account.
Both the Northlake and Mooresville stores offer expert fittings, local service, and a highly curated selection of footwear and gear for every type of mover around Lake Norman.
Jeff Hamm is the creator of The Best of LKN podcast.
Since May of 2020, he’s been sharing the stories of Lake Norman’s most adored small businesses and nonprofits.
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