MIDDLETOWN — For husband and wife duo Jason and Joy Hunt, running a business is a means of changing lives. Whether the pair are bringing a smile to a customers’ face at a one-on-one appointment or making an impact on the local community at an event, their work is all about helping people.
The Hunts’ passion for their business led them to be selected as the Small Business Association’s Delaware Minority-Owned Business of the Year for 2022.
“I always tell people, I guess it’s age-old, if you do something you love you’ll never work a day in your life,” Jason Hunt told Delaware Business Times. “I really enjoy what I do. I really enjoy working with people.”
The Hunts own Elite Feet, a premier footwear provider located in Middletown. The company provides active families with high quality footwear options designed for running, walking, and cross training using a personalized approach to product selection.
“When someone comes in and they say, ‘My knees are killing me, my back is hurting,’ improving their quality of life … that’s what keeps me going,” Hunt said.
Elite Feet targets back and hip discomfort, pain caused by plantar fasciitis, and more by analyzing foot features like arches, supination and pronation, width, and gait. Using this individualized information, the Hunts are able to identify which shoes are ideal for their customers.
The company seeks to improve customers’ active performance and prevent injury by using their “Elite Fit” process, which includes a one-on-one interview and an in-store treadmill test.
Elite Feet sees customers by appointment only, which ensures that each person taking advantage of the Hunts’ services can find the right product for them, regardless of their age or lifestyle.
“Whether you’re a medical professional that’s on your feet all day, whether you’re a dog walker, whether you’re a runner and training for a 5K … no matter what we’re going to fit you for the right type of footwear,” Hunt said.
Elite Feet has served customers from all walks of life, and have encountered a number of success stories since their start in 2015.
One woman, who suffered with pain for three years even after visiting a podiatrist and trying acupuncture, finally found relief after consulting with Elite Feet and purchasing a proper pair of shoes, Hunt recalled.
Another customer — a teacher unable to play with her students due to a lack of mobility brought on by pain — was brought to tears by the change she noticed during her consultation, according to Hunt.
“She started crying real tears. Stuff like that just gives you another shot of adrenaline that makes you go for another three, four years,” Hunt said.
Inspired by these stories, the Hunts remain dedicated to the community they’ve created since the establishment of their business.
The Hunts have sponsored a number of initiatives throughout the year, including a turkey drive around Thanksgiving, a coat drive and a Toys for Tots event in the winter. The pair’s Cuts for Kids event provides kids in need with haircuts and school supplies; their Summer Track Nights encourage young people to stay active over the summer break.
“We’ve always … wanted to be business leaders in the community,” Hunt said.
Elite Feet’s mobile store will be available at the inaugural Middletown 5K on July 23. To schedule a footwear consultation appointment at the Middletown store, customers should visit https://www.elitefeet302.com/.
By Emma Reilly
Contributing Writer
