Two Dakota County Businesses Connect Over Running

March 25, 2012 - PRLog -- Two local business owners have found a way to support each other and it started with a stop for some running shoes.  With the economy lagging, local businesses have suffered while competing against big box stores.  What started as a chance encounter between two local small businesses has developed into an example of how supporting local businesses pays back.  

As owner of Closets For Life, a custom closet company in Apple Valley, Rick Lyrek is easy to spot driving around town.  He drives a blue work van that features his company information on the side windows.  So when Lyrek, an avid runner, stopped at Run N’ Fun, a running store in Burnsville, owner Perry Bach took notice of his van. Perry was looking to install employee lockers at his store and asked Lyrek if he would take a look at the employee area and give a project quote.

Lyrek had stopped at Run N’ Fun to look at running shoes for his upcoming race in April, the Boston Marathon.  The Boston Marathon is often heralded as one of the most prestigious marathons in the world.  To enter the Boston Marathon, runners need to qualify by running another marathon in a certain amount of time.  Lyrek had a qualifying time at Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth last June and has been training heavily this winter with a local group of marathon runners to prepare for Boston.  His visit to Run N’ Fun was to replace a pair of running shoes.  Averaging 30-40 miles of running a week, Lyrek wears out his shoes quickly.  He likes shopping at specialty running stores for the expertise and personal service they offer.  Bach also owns the Run N’ Fun location in St. Paul.

With the employee lockers installed at the beginning of March, both parties are happy to be working together.  ‘In this economy, it is great when local businesses can support each other.” says Lyrek.  “It’s an example of how you can make a difference locally and help your community.”

Closets For Life is a custom closet company that works with residential clients as well as designers, builders and architects to create innovative storage solutions for all organizational needs including closets, offices, garages, pantries, laundry rooms, wine cellars and Murphy beds. Closets For Life is a family owned and operated business.

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Closets For Life custom designs and builds closet, office and garage organization systems, Murphy beds and wine cellars.