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Skip Brand
Start-up founder, media executive and now owner speciality running store
Skip Brand is the founder and owner of Healdsburg Running Company (HRC), a specialty running store in Healdsburg, California.12 He opened HRC in 2014 after moving to Healdsburg full-time from Silicon Valley, where he had previously worked in the tech industry.23
Background and Career
- Originally from Red Bud, Illinois2
- Earned a Ph.D. in computer science from Arizona State University23
- Worked in Silicon Valley starting tech companies before transitioning to the running industry23
- Began visiting Healdsburg around 2007 and fell in love with the area, particularly Lake Sonoma23
Contributions to the Running Community
- Cultivated an active running community in Healdsburg and the surrounding area23
- Organizes weekly group runs through HRC on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays23
- Sponsors local races, including the annual Turkey Trot and Fitch Mountain Footrace23
- Took over as race director for the Lake Sonoma 50 ultramarathon in 201823
- Aims to make Healdsburg "the fittest small city in America"23
Notable Achievements
- Grew HRC into a business with a cult following among local runners23
- Works to promote diversity in ultrarunning, aiming for a 50% female participation rate in the Lake Sonoma 503
- Supports local charities, including the Children of Vineyard Workers Scholarship Fund through the Lake Sonoma 50 race3
Skip Brand's passion for running, community building, and promoting fitness has made him a significant figure in Healdsburg's local running scene and the broader ultrarunning community.
Highlights
John Battelle is always the smartest guy in the room (COMMUNITY) & Greg Coleman told me to learn, listen and execute what John says! Greg does it with his IPO (Simply the best in the business!) I am working to create a running & outdoor community online and around the world with Trail Surfer powered by Healdsburg Running Company! John keep educating everyone to realize their business dreams! Miss you guys, but having a ball in wine country with the community. Learning from you all in the tech business everyday ONLINE :-)
John Battelle is always the smartest guy in the room (COMMUNITY) & Greg Coleman told me to learn, listen and execute what John says! Greg does it with his IPO (Simply the best in the business!) I am working to create a running & outdoor community online and around the world with Trail Surfer powered by Healdsburg Running Company! John keep educating everyone to realize their business dreams! Miss you guys, but having a ball in wine country! Learning from you all in the tech business everyday ONLINE :-)
