A Personal
Introduction
Author – Running with Purpose Former Chairman and CEO Brooks Running Company
Hi, I’m Jim Weber. If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that life—just like business and running—is a journey so more of a marathon versus a sprint. I grew up in a working-class suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota, where I developed a deep love for sports, competition, and the challenge of chasing big goals. I also learned to love being part of a team. From dreaming of an NHL career to an aspiration to become a leader in the world of business, my journey has been one of focus, persistence, resilience, observing, learning, and pursuing the truth on what really matters.
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I’ve always enjoyed building things—whether it was reconstructing my brother’s ’67 Chevy, turning around struggling businesses, or transforming Brooks Running into a global brand. My leadership philosophy has been simple: Focus fiercely, solve for success, stay curious, and earn trust. I believe that the best brands—and leaders—aren’t just about vison, strategy and outcomes; your “HOW” really matters. Sustainable, repeatable success is about excellence, people, culture, purpose and impact.
TIMELINE
I believe that people (and businesses) are largely an outcome of their life experiences. This timeline isn’t just a list of my milestones; it’s a reflection of the lessons, pivots, and defining moments that have shaped my path. Thanks for taking the time to run through it.
1960's
St, Paul Minnesota Roots
One of 6 kids growing up in a family business: Weber's Supper Club & Bowling Alley
LIFE’S SHORT. RUN LONG.
– A guiding mantra for both running and leadership.
Author – Running with Purpose
Former Chairman and CEO – Brooks Running Company
Jim Weber is a serial CEO, entrepreneur, author, speaker and advocate for purpose-driven, authentic leadership. As CEO of Brooks Running Company for over 23 years, he led the Seattle-based brand through a remarkable turnaround, re-founding and transforming it into a global leader in performance running. Under his leadership, Brooks sharpened its customer focus, driving innovation and brand loyalty that ultimately caught the attention of Warren Buffett, who in 2012 made Brooks a standalone subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. His previous experience includes Chairman and CEO of Sims Sports, President of O’Brien International, and Vice President at The Coleman Company, along with corporate development and marketing roles at The Pillsbury Company. His financial experience includes roles as Managing Director of U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray’s Seattle Investment Banking practice and Commercial Banking Officer at Norwest Bank Minneapolis (now Wells Fargo).
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Weber currently serves on the Board of Advisors for Concord Music, SanMar Corporation, the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota and CEOs Against Cancer - Pacific Northwest Chapter. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota and an MBA with high distinction from The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College. Weber has been recognized for his leadership and contributions: EY Entrepreneur of the Year (Pacific Northwest region, national finalist); Runner’s World – One of the "nine most influential innovators" in running; Running Industry Association Hall of Fame Inductee; Footwear News "Power 100" – 10 consecutive years.
In 2022, Weber published a leadership memoir, Running with Purpose: How Brooks Outpaced Goliath Competitors to Lead the Pack, with HarperCollins Leadership, followed by a Chinese edition in 2024 (Cheers Publishing). The book is a compelling story of brand-building, navigating disruption, leading with purpose, fostering a high-performance culture, and driving executional excellence. Weber and wife MaryEllen, have three grown boys and four grandchildren.