Kathy Roat

About Kathy Roat

Passionate about recognizing greatness and potential in each person, and helping others reap the benefits of doing that also. Recently semi-retired, one goal is to promote health through teaching American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED courses to individuals and organizations who want to be ready for emergencies, and of course, the Fleet Feet Des Moines team and volunteer mentors who support runners and walkers. Known as an outgoing and loyal innovator who takes initiative, capitalizes on opportunities, creates community, collaborates, and communicates well. Detail-oriented, with strong work ethic, skilled at discovering resources, and engaging people for a common purpose. Co-owns Fleet Feet Des Moines, a welcoming specialty run store at 521 E. Locust Street in the Historic East Village in Des Moines, which focuses on helping people get moving, enjoy social opportunities without fear of judgement while walking or running, and be outfitted so they feel comfortable. Areas of responsibility since January 2014 include strategic planning, community-building, talent resources, benefits development, marketing, customer satisfaction and merchandising. Prior experience includes business development, both B2B and B2C sales, leading volunteer boards and committees, and managing projects for nonprofit organizations; training and development in classroom and 1:1 settings, serving as an HR business partner, corporate trainer, entrepreneur, consultant and adjunct community college instructor for business courses.

Experience

1. Owner

   Fleet Feet Des Moines

   Jan 2014 — Present

   Responsible for human resource and talent development components of store operations, ensuring a delighted team that welcomes and wows all guests with amazing service-Initiate new benefits programs as the business can support them, including insurance and SIMPLE IRAs-Develop community connections that further the mission of the Fleet Feet Des Moines -Work collabortively with co-owner and franchise partners in strategic planning -Assist with budgeting and determining appropriate products to stock-Contribute to the community on behalf of Fleet Feet Des Moines, encouraging others to begin or continue exercise-Take race and event photographs, and coordinate other photographers for Facebook-Consult with team regarding in-store display and other promotional presentations-Post and upload to Facebook, respond to customers and community contacts by email-Teach American Red Cross Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED for team, volunteer mentors and outside organizations as a Licensed Training Provider-Provide guidance to contractors regarding physical attributes within the store

Education

• Iowa State University

  BS

• North Carolina State University

  N/A: non-degree Lifelong Education