Kris Hartner and Marisa Hird | American Express Business Intel Freelance Contributors

Kris Hartner, owner and founder of Naperville Running Company (NRC), has been involved in the athletic footwear industry for over four decades. As an avid runner and cyclist, Kris opened NRC in May of 2000, and they are now the only two-time winner of Best Running Specialty Store in the U.S. NRC has also received the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Award and Balega’s Ubuntu Award. Kris and his wife Susanna live in historic downtown Naperville, Illinois, where he serves on the boards for the Downtown Naperville Alliance and North Central College.

Marisa Hird has worked at Naperville Running Company for over 12 years, and has been a competitive runner for 25 years, racing the Olympic Trials Marathon in 2020. As NRC's Director of Culture, she is dedicated to supporting her staff, helping others, and fostering connections in the community.