Planning the Future, Together

A Look Inside Brown’s Shoe Fit Co.’s June 2026 Board Meeting

Every quarter, the Brown’s Shoe Fit Co. management team and Board of Directors come together to take stock of where the company has been — and map out where it’s going. June’s planning meeting holds a special place in that tradition: unlike the other three quarterly gatherings, the June meeting is intentionally held in a different city each year. Past meetings have taken place in Omaha and Kansas City, and this year the group made its way to Colorado Springs, Colorado — a fitting destination, as it turns out, for more than one reason.

The June meeting is also the longest of the year, typically stretching across two to three days. That extended time together isn’t filler — it’s by design. This is where the real work of planning happens.

What Happens at a Brown’s Board Meeting?

Every department has a seat at the table. Marketing, Finance, Leasing, Warehouse, Ecommerce, Personnel, and HR each present updates on what has happened, what is currently underway, and — critically — their vision and projections for the next 18 months. It’s a comprehensive look at the full organization, not just the headline numbers.

But what truly sets Brown’s planning meetings apart is who’s in the room. The Brown’s Board of Directors isn’t made up exclusively of corporate leadership — it’s a combination of the management team and actual store owners from across the network. That structure is intentional. Brown’s believes in planning its future alongside its owners, not simply announcing it to them. Store owners bring real-world perspective from their communities, and that voice shapes the direction of the entire company.

Topics on the table this June included future remodels, travel schedules, hiring and retention strategies, training initiatives, and customer relationship priorities. Owners also had the opportunity to submit discussion items in advance, ensuring the conversations reflect what matters most at the store level.

A Message From President Cammie McKenzie

“It’s so exciting to see the growth and next generation of owners being successful!”

— Cammie McKenzie, President, Brown’s Shoe Fit Co.

President Cammie McKenzie came to Colorado Springs energized about the road ahead. The growth Brown’s has seen in recent years — and the momentum building among a new generation of store owners — reflects the strength of a model built on local ownership and genuine investment in people.

A New Voice at the Table: Ashley Freml

This year’s meeting welcomed Ashley Freml as the newest member of the Brown’s Board of Directors. Ashley is the owner of the Brown’s Shoe Fit location in Pella, Iowa, and brings fresh perspective to the board — along with some history in the region where the meeting was held.

“It’s eye-opening to see all the work put into what makes Brown’s successful.”

— Ashley Freml, Board Member & Owner, Brown’s Shoe Fit Co. — Pella, IA

The Colorado Springs trip was also a personal homecoming of sorts for Ashley. She owned the Colorado Springs Brown’s Shoe Fit store from 2014 to 2018, so returning to the area carried a little extra meaning.

Another Colorado Springs Connection: Mark Zinn

Ashley wasn’t the only one with roots in Colorado Springs. Mark Zinn, Warehouse Manager and longtime Board Member, also owned the Colorado Springs store — from 2004 to 2008. Having two board members with ties to the same store, gathered in that same city years later, was one of those moments that quietly says a lot about the kind of company Brown’s is: one where people stay, grow, and carry their history with them.

Big News in Colorado Springs:

A New Location and a New Chapter

The Colorado Springs store itself had some exciting news to share alongside the board meeting. The location has recently relocated to 5691 N Academy Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80918 — a great new space with something not many shoe stores can claim: awesome views of the mountains. If you’re in the area, stop in. Buy shoes with a view.

Along with the new address comes a leadership transition. After a well-earned retirement from Ryan Prickett, Kennedy Anderson has stepped in as the new owner, making the move from Fort Morgan to take the reins at this reimagined Colorado Springs location. Congratulations to Ryan on a fantastic run, and welcome to Kennedy — we’re excited to see where you take it.

Grow With Brown’s: We’re Hiring

The energy at this year’s board meeting was a reminder of something that’s easy to take for granted: Brown’s Shoe Fit Co. is a place where careers are built, not just jobs filled. From store associates to ownership opportunities, Brown’s offers a path for people who want to grow with a company that genuinely invests in them.

Whether you’re looking to get your foot in the door or you’re ready to own a business of your own, we’d love to hear from you. Explore current opportunities at Brown’s Shoe Fit Co. and see what it looks like to build something that lasts.