NEW ULM — Eau Claire, Wis. native Lee Knauf is the new store manager at Runnings, 2107 Garden St. N.

Knauf called the New Ulm Runnings store team “very amazing” in becoming accommodating and getting him acclimated to the store and learning the business.

He brings a wealth of experience with him including 12 years as general manager at PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc. in Apple Valley, then in Mankato.

Prior to that, he worked as a store director at PetSmart in Richfield for nearly 10 years and was an assistant store manager in Maplewood. His retail career began at Snyder Drug Stores where he was a store manager for nearly 14 years.

Lee earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Management at the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire.

Runnings customers might be interested to know that at all their locations, leashed pets are welcome in the store.

His wife Cara (Iverson) is a New Ulm native who has worked at the New Ulm Chamber of Commerce. The couple has lived in New Ulm for four and one-half years. The big change for Lee came when he got the job in New Ulm in May of 2019.

“It means I finally get to work in the same place that I live. I’m looking forward to living and working in the same town,” said Lee who worked in the Twin Cities for 30 years. “The opportunity arose to join Runnings and I decided to take it. I’m looking forward to getting more involved with local events and being part of the community.”

Lee said Runnings is very involved in community events. His store participated in “Shop With A Hero,” before Christmas when needy children shopped with local and area law enforcement.

“We raised more than $1,000 in October for the New Ulm Medical Center Virginia Piper Cancer Institute,” Knauf said. “I enjoy doing thinks like that.”

The New Ulm Runnings store features an expanded sporting goods section, including guns and a seven-lane Archery range. In addition, there is a large clothing and footwear section with boots and shoes, women’s clothing and brands such as Carhartt and Wrangler.

Additionally, the store offers STIHL and Honda power equipment and a full, seasonal greenhouse.

Other store lines include automotive, farm supplies, lawn and garden, toys, housewares including furniture, tools, pet and animal supplies and more.

The couple has a passion for history.

Cara has done a lot of volunteering. She serves on boards for the Brown County Historical Society, Wanda Gag House and Heritage Preservation Commission and belongs to CAST (Community And Seniors Together).

Lee enjoys classic cars. He owns three Chevrolet Corvairs. He also enjoys old movies. “Casablanca,” is his favorite.

Lee and Cara have two children. Chelsea, 30, lives in Richfield. Brad, 26, is in Eagan.

Store hours at 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.