Speaker

Kathy Gates is the owner of The Running Well Store, Kansas City’s leading specialty running retailer with four locations across the metro and a growing online presence. With the store’s promise of being “the place for every pace,” Kathy has built a business that ensures every customer, from marathoners to nurses, finds footwear that supports their unique needs. She is an advocate for independent retailers and a recognized leader in industry conversations on vendor collaboration and consumer experience – most recently through her “Color Conundrum” initiative. Under her leadership, The Running Well Store has become a true community hub, supporting races, wellness programs, and local events. Kathy is a frequent attendee of industry conferences and, outside of work, enjoys running, traveling, and exploring all that Kansas City has to offer.