Finding the Right Fit: A New Owner Takes Over Brown’s Shoe Fit Co.

College isn’t for everyone, and Carissa Rozenboom knew her heart lived in the business world. Her mind was set on a specific goal, such as being a successful shoe store owner! So a year after graduating from Pella High School, she was inspired to enroll in Brown's Shoe Fit Co Grinnell’s apprenticeship program.

“I’ve always loved shoes,” shares Rozenboom, “and I am a big fan of buying new styles and colors, so working in the shoe world was an obvious choice.”

Rozenboom’s first experience in a Brown’s Shoe store was working at the Pella location under Ashley Feml. There, she learned the everyday tasks of running a store and the extensive work of being an owner.

“We learned about bookkeeping, staffing, displaying your store, and navigating challenges,” explains Rozenboom to Chamber Ambassadors.

The apprenticeship program also prepares future owners for success by training them in at least two different stores. Sure enough, Rozenboom transferred to work in Fort Dodge for six months, where she learned to run a store with a larger inventory.

Across the United States, there are 73 locations of Brown’s Shoe stores, including Iowa, New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma. But instead of these stores being part of a larger franchise, they are individually owned by community members like Rozenboom.

Once the call came to take over the Grinnell Brown’s Shoe Fit Co., Rozenboom knew it was her time to shine as a rising entrepreneur and shoe lover. “When I started working part-time, learning about shoes’ different features made me fall in love with the industry.”

When you visit her store in Grinnell, her staffers — made up of local high school students and one full-time member — provide a proper full fitting experience. According to Rozenboom, Brown’s Shoe stores are one of the last places to offer such a service.

“Most of the time, people are wearing the wrong shoe size and are used to wearing a size too big or too small. We also consider how you walk affects what shoe would work best for you — depending on what your feet need, we can find an option that provides more cushion, support, or stability."

Rozenboom and her staff measure customers’ feet with their Brannock devices, which determine arch length, foot width, and length. (Psst…Brown’s also has kid-sized Brannock devices!)

“The wrong shoe can affect your back, knees, and hips,” warns Rozenboom. “And honestly, the consequences come years after wearing bad shoes. People start getting bunions, hammertoe, and even have to resort to foot surgery.”

So far, the most popular selling shoe is the classic New Balance 928. It’s leather, easy to wipe off, and comfortable. “I call it the best-selling ugliest shoe,” laughs Rozenboom, “but these are the most comfortable shoes for people who are on their feet all day and need extra support.”

Visit Brown’s during their open hours (Mon.-Fri., 9 AM-6 PM, and Sat., 9 AM-5 PM) and check out their colorful, fun, and growing inventory of shoes! Rozenboom can also order narrow-width sizes and extra wide shoes for customers, as well as take in some shoe requests that aren’t in store quite yet.

“I am really intentional with the people around me and I don’t see this as just selling a shoe,” says Rozenboom. With her family nearby, and her entrepreneurial journey in full swing, Rozenboom is excited to continue building connections in Grinnell.

“Grinnell is a breath of fresh air,” smiles Rozenboom. “I’m so excited to be in a smaller town.”

After training in two other stores, you might even argue she found the right…fit.

Chamber Ambassadors, from left to right:

• Donnette Ellis — Grinnell College with Grinnell College Community Connections
• Sarah Smith — Grinnell College & Grinnell College Community Connections
• Cassie Busby — Pioneer Bookshop, Grinnell College
• Ashley Sorensen — Volunteer Iowa
• Nicolle Donnelly — Poweshiek Insurance Agency
• Blake Pearson — Converge Chiropractic PLLC
• Carissa Rozenboom — Brown's Shoe Fit Co Grinnell
• Ethan Bailey — Brown's Shoe Fit Co Grinnell
• Dan McCue — McCue & Associates LLC - American Family Insurance
• Matt Moyer — Bayer Crop Science
• Fran Conn
• Dedee Lehman — All In Real Estate Inc.
• Becky Broadston — Comfort Inn & Suites
• Yesenia Mozo — Grinnell Chamber