Entrepreneurs Eric Fruth ’02 and Matt DeLeon ’02 Are Running More Than a Business

Two decades later, that mindset has paid off. CRC now works with all the biggest brands in the industry, it employs over 50 staff members who are aligned with the company's values, and it regularly plays a meaningful role in changing people's lives. Fruth and DeLeon have been fortunate enough to see many of these transformations first-hand. Like the man who originally came in to get shoes but then found out about group runs and is now 100 pounds lighter. Or the athlete in one of CRC's recent youth races whose parents met on a group run fifteen years before. Or even DeLeon's own daughter, who has recently joined the company's youth running club.

Stories like these illustrate the true nature of CRC's success. They also reflect the unique way in which the company's impact on the community has become an extension of the relationship between its owners.

"None of this happens with just one of us," says Fruth. "The fact that we have very different skill sets that we can bring to the business has really helped us. What he handles well, I'd do very poorly with, and it would stress me out beyond belief. It's a natural partnership."

DeLeon agrees. "I've had people tell me that we're very fortunate that we get along so well. That's hard in business, especially for 20 years. But we were best friends in college, and we've found that to be an easy transition to business."

As Columbus Running Company continues to grow and expand its reach, DeLeon and Fruth are keeping their focus exactly where it's always been. One of the key questions they're continuing to ask themselves is, "How do we scale this model so we can still have connection with the community?" All these years later, their love for running and passion for service remain at the heart of their strategic outlook.

That consistency is exactly why their former coach Kori Stoffregen - who remains at the helm of DePauw's track and cross country programs - has always been a believer in their potential. "Those two guys are go-getters," he says. "They have a passion for running and for helping the local community, and it's really fun to see how they've grown. I couldn't be more proud or more excited for them. The success they've had with their company doesn't surprise me one bit."

Stoffregen thinks others can benefit from their example as well, particularly by seeing how it demonstrates the climate of possibility that exists at DePauw. "That's a story I tell over and over again in the recruiting process. If you're a student who is coming here undecided, you don't need to be stressed out. You will find your way and be able to do just about anything."

DeLeon and Fruth are just two of the many DePauw alumni who have proven this to be true. And although there have been many influences helping them get to where they are today, they both credit DePauw for giving them confidence they needed to start this journey.

"DePauw has made a massive impact on us," says Fruth. "To this day, we're constantly talking the school up. We wouldn't have had the same experience if we had gone somewhere else."

Eric Fruth has been selected as a member of the 2025 Athletics Hall of Fame Class. He will be inducted on November 8.