The Business Quiz: James Dwyer

James Dwyer

Manager

Running Wild

Cedar Rapids

What was the last book you read or movie you watched?

I'm currently reading “Good To Great: Why Some Companies Make The Leap ... And Others Don't,” by Jim Collins. An inspiring book that anyone in the business world should read. Never rest on your laurels.

Just watched “True Grit” and I always have “The Big Lebowski” on a loop. Best. Movie. Ever. The Cohen brothers are geniuses!

Where is your favorite place to get away?

Home. I love spending time with my 2-year-old daughter, Scarlett, and my wife and I are expecting No. 2 shortly. Our family just keeps on growing. Everything Scarlett does makes me grin from ear to ear.

Did you have a professional mentor?

I've have three. First, my father taught me everything I know to this day about running a family business. Second, Bob Brooker, who used to work at Eby's Sporting Goods years ago - I soaked in as much knowledge as I could from him in the brief time he spent with us as a part of the Running Wild family.

Third, C.J. Ong Jr., owner of the Crucible gym in Cedar Rapids. I truly admire his philosophies in regards to fitness and his passion for it.

Did you start out in this line of work?

I did not start out in the running/walking shoe business. I studied English in college and bartended for many years in Iowa City.

Growing up, I always wanted to be an editor for any sports publication. It just so happened that our business had an opportunity to expand from the Iowa City-Coralville area to Cedar Rapids, and I jumped at the opportunity, and I'm glad I did.

Did I have a job in school?

I bartended for almost six years in downtown Iowa City, and although the tips were nice, I most certainly don't miss working until the wee hours of the morning, seeing how I'm in bed early most nights these days.