A store for experienced joggers
If you have a question about running, chances are the staff members at Quantum Athletics will have an answer.
By Craig Giammona
Comment
Four of the six staff members at the Fresh Meadows running store have completed marathons and the other two employees are longtime track athletes. That's no coincidence; being a runner is a requirement to work there.
"We have a perspective on what will work," said John Ludemann, a co-owner of the Union Turnpike store. "We know what we're talking about."
Ludemann played football in high school and college, but after an eye surgery mishap left him blind in his right eye, he turned to walking and then to running to get in shape. In 2002, he and Gerry Sullivan, the store's manager, ran the New York marathon together.
The staff at Quantum knows running, said Ludemann, because they participate in the sport and can usually relate when customers come in complaining of leg or foot pain or some other running-related ailment. The staff listens, Ludemann said, then offers informed advice about shoes or other equipment.
Sullivan drew a sharp contrast between the service a customer will receive at Quantum versus a big-box sporting goods store.
"People are shocked when we actually put the shoes on their feet rather than just throwing the box on the floor," Sullivan said.
In recent years, New Yorkers have begun to focus more on exercising and living a healthy lifestyle, Sullivan said. There are far fewer "hard-core" runners these days, he said, but many more who participate in the sport to stay in shape. These casual runners are exactly who Sullivan and Ludemann hope will frequent Quantum Athletics.
Ludemann, who gained 100 pounds after his eye surgery accident, said it was a positive experience at a local running store in Westchester that turned him on to the sport. After he started training seriously, he took a job at the store. Soon after, he began formulating plans to open a store of his own -- a store with knowledgeable staff who would treat customers like clients and take the time to get people into shoes that "work for them."
Ludemann and his partner Jorge Hernandez took over Quantum in April. The store has been at 188-13 Union Turnpike for seven years, so its name is fairly well know. Ludemann also said the location is good. It is close to St. Johns University and Cunningham Park, a popular sport for runners and walkers.
"Those are our customers," Ludemann said.
Reach reporter Craig Giammona by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300 ext. 146.
"We have a perspective on what will work," said John Ludemann, a co-owner of the Union Turnpike store. "We know what we're talking about."
Ludemann played football in high school and college, but after an eye surgery mishap left him blind in his right eye, he turned to walking and then to running to get in shape. In 2002, he and Gerry Sullivan, the store's manager, ran the New York marathon together.
The staff at Quantum knows running, said Ludemann, because they participate in the sport and can usually relate when customers come in complaining of leg or foot pain or some other running-related ailment. The staff listens, Ludemann said, then offers informed advice about shoes or other equipment.
Sullivan drew a sharp contrast between the service a customer will receive at Quantum versus a big-box sporting goods store.
"People are shocked when we actually put the shoes on their feet rather than just throwing the box on the floor," Sullivan said.
In recent years, New Yorkers have begun to focus more on exercising and living a healthy lifestyle, Sullivan said. There are far fewer "hard-core" runners these days, he said, but many more who participate in the sport to stay in shape. These casual runners are exactly who Sullivan and Ludemann hope will frequent Quantum Athletics.
Ludemann, who gained 100 pounds after his eye surgery accident, said it was a positive experience at a local running store in Westchester that turned him on to the sport. After he started training seriously, he took a job at the store. Soon after, he began formulating plans to open a store of his own -- a store with knowledgeable staff who would treat customers like clients and take the time to get people into shoes that "work for them."
Ludemann and his partner Jorge Hernandez took over Quantum in April. The store has been at 188-13 Union Turnpike for seven years, so its name is fairly well know. Ludemann also said the location is good. It is close to St. Johns University and Cunningham Park, a popular sport for runners and walkers.
"Those are our customers," Ludemann said.
Reach reporter Craig Giammona by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300 ext. 146.
ADVERTISEMENT
 |
 |
|
| How's Business? |
Reader Comments
Submit a Comment
We encourage your feedback and dialog, all comments will be reviewed by our Web staff after appearing on the Web site.
|
