October is National Women’s Small Business Month, which means it is time to celebrate women-owned businesses everywhere. Women own 42% of small businesses in the US which accounts for over 11 million businesses. Kimberly Grogan is the majority owner in Dash Sports which specializes in running, walking, triathlon, and swimming needs for all types of athletes. Located at 741 W Montrose in downtown Clermont, Dash Sports provides exceptional customer service, experienced advice, and high-quality products. As a business owner, homeschooling mother of two, and avid runner, Kimberly manages to prioritize and balance her business during these uncertain times.
Kimberly and Kevin Grogan opened Gear for Multisport in 2006 at the National Training Center with a goal to help customers achieve their personal fitness goals and experience the pleasure of an active lifestyle. In October of 2019, the Grogans relocated to West Montrose Street to increase their retail space but also be able to offer more localized training at the Waterfront Park and other nearby running trails. The new Dash Sports store is 1,900 square feet of retail space including room for conducting free custom shoe fittings.
As small-business owners, Kimberly and Kevin were faced with the challenges of COVID-19 this spring and had to find ways to connect with their customers virtually and keep their business alive. “We brainstormed with other runners and decided that creating an on-line virtual “club” to encourage runners of all levels to get outside and run or walk during the beginning of quarantine,” said Kimberly Grogan. “The goal was to be a positive light during this challenging time and to help keep people moving!” Making Lemonade out of Lemons Virtual Run Group on Facebook started on March 27, 2019, and quickly accumulated fans from across the globe. Runners and walkers posted photos of themselves after exercising and had a community of more than 600 followers quickly encouraging them to continue. For many, this was a lifeline to the outside world during the pandemic. Members uploaded photos from Colorado, New York, and even the United Kingdom. This on-line group continues today with followers posting their fitness goals, personal milestones, and friendly encouragement. Posts by Clermont’s Chief Broadway are a group favorite.
Being able to sell during the pandemic was also a priority for Dash Sports. Kimberly ramped up the on-line shopping options on the website and provided local delivery, shipping, and even curbside concierge service to customers. As the COVID restrictions lessened, the store was classified as “essential” so customers could once again shop in-store.
These days, Kimberly is focused on growing Dash Sports’ customer base. “Getting our name out to people outside Clermont is a priority. We want runners in Winter Garden and Southwest Orlando to know they have options nearby.” Kimberly has also recently accepted the position of President of the Clermont Downtown Partnership (CDP). “It’s important for small businesses to partner to increase traffic to downtown and to our individual stores and restaurants. It’s imperative that we have a strategic plan, good communication and function as a group to improve downtown Clermont. We have so many new businesses that have opened recently and we want to encourage the community to get out and support them.”
