Content area
Full Text
OAK LAWN - More than 30 years ago, Don Lucas was a practicing attorney and running enthusiast who just happened to sell athletic shoes out of the trunk of his car. His goal was to help fellow runners find the shoes they needed long before giant retailers had gotten into the act.
Lucas progressed to selling shoes out of his home garage. Eventually, as running became a national pursuit, Lucas and his wife, Sharon, opened their first true retail location, Luke's Locker, a small store on Oak Lawn Avenue that Sharon managed.
That was 20 years ago. That specialty operation, where shoes were first displayed in inexpensive peach baskets, has now spawned a growing multi-unit operation. Along the way, the company has faced down the temptation to grow too quickly, as well as competitive challenges from much larger operations, including national sporting-goods chains.
Now, the Lucas' three sons, who helped around the store from very early ages, are running the company.
Matt Lucas is president, Mike Lucas is executive vice president and the chief buyer, Andy Lucas is executive...