Imagine a workplace where team culture is as essential as the work itself—a place where leaders invest deeply in their people, ensuring success not just today but for years to come. That’s the heart of what Kris Hartner and his team—Kyle Brady, Marisa Hird, and Nick Hird—at Naperville Running Company shared at our Fall Membership Luncheon, and it was nothing short of inspiring.
They weren’t just talking about how to build a strong team—they were talking about how to build a lasting legacy. Kris has worked with Kyle, Marisa, and Nick for years, preparing them for the next chapter of leadership through an intentional transition of ownership. Each is working toward earning a stake in the business, a testament to Kris’s dedication to creating a legacy of shared ownership and commitment.
One focus they all share is the commitment to investing in people—from offering living wages and meaningful benefits to developing thoughtful succession plans. Kris and his team reminded us that real growth happens when we put our people first. Their dedication to building a strong culture and planning for leadership transitions really stood out. Systems and SOPs are essential, of course, but it’s that “x-factor”—the deep, accumulated knowledge and history within a leader—that must be intentionally passed down for a team to truly thrive in the long run.
Leadership isn’t just for executives. Every one of us, in every role, has the potential to lead. Whether you’re guiding a team, working directly with clients, or managing behind-the-scenes operations, your actions and values shape the culture around you. Building a legacy isn’t about a title—it’s about the impact we make and the mindset we bring to our work each day.
At NACC, we share this commitment to cultivating strong, values-driven teams. Our goal is to help your businesses thrive, support your goals, and strengthen our community in the process. And we know that to do this, we need a strong, engaged team behind us. Part of that strength comes from our dedication to celebrating, acknowledging, and elevating our employees. It’s intentional, and it’s essential.
This focus on people is something we’re passionate about at NACC, too. Our Vice President of Operations, Sarah Catarozoli Andrusyna, often shares her goal of making NACC an aspirational workplace—a place people look up to and feel inspired to join. Hearing her say this is inspiring because it reminds us that creating a workplace others aspire to be part of requires a continuous commitment. We’re proud of the culture we’ve built, but we know that staying true to that vision is an ongoing journey.
If you’re not already being intentional with what, for many companies, is their largest asset—their people—I encourage you to start thinking about it. Whether you’re building your team today or planning for future leadership and legacy succession, it’s never too early to start investing in those around you.
As we stride forward together, I’m excited to see how each of us can bring this intentional, legacy-focused leadership into our daily lives. Kris wrapped up the luncheon by saying that what he’s most proud of is his team—a powerful reminder of what it means to lead with purpose. It’s a mindset we’re ready to run with here at NACC, and I hope you’ll embrace it too, whether you’re leading a team or supporting one. After all, when we invest in those around us, we’re all moving toward the finish line of success together.