Just a month and a half into owning Brown’s Shoe Fit Co., located at 937 Main Street, 22-year-old Carissa Rozenboom is still finding her footing — but she’s already thinking about what comes next.
Rozenboom didn’t take a traditional path into business ownership.
She describes herself as having been “poached” while working at a pizza place in Pella, where a Brown’s manager from the Pella branch encouraged her to join the company.
At the time, she was planning to stay in college, but ultimately decided otherwise.
“I was like, ‘Nah, I’m fine. I’ve got to be in college and do all the things.’ And then I decided I didn’t want to do college anymore. So she got me to start working there,” Rozenboom said.
What began as a part-time job quickly became something more.
Rozenboom moved to full-time work and entered Brown’s apprenticeship program, a year-long training that teaches participants how to run a business from the ground up.
“You learn how to deal with people, you learn about taxes and payroll and all of the things you would ever need to run a business,” she said.
The program does not require prior experience or a college degree, but it does emphasize hands-on learning.
Apprentices must first spend time working in a store before formally entering the program, then train under multiple managers to gain a range of perspectives.
After completing her apprenticeship and additional training in Fort Dodge, Rozenboom moved to Grinnell on Feb. 14 to take over ownership of the local store.
Now, as a new business owner in a small college town, Rozenboom is focused on building connections, both with the broader Grinnell community and with students.
“I would love to add more little pop-ups and things like that, getting people to come into town and shop around. I’m bringing in a gal that does permanent jewelry, so that should be fun,” she said.
Even in its early stages under her ownership, the store already serves a mix of customers, including Grinnell College students and staff.
Rozenboom noted that many customers come in for practical needs while others browse more casually.
“A lot of college kids come in here at least to check things out,” she said.
“A lot of the people that work at the College also need slip-resistant shoes or some form of work shoe, so they can get them through us, which is super nice. We also offer tax-free rentals, so if you need anything for the most random things, we have it for you.”
At the same time, she is working to expand the store’s appeal.
In addition to practical footwear, she wants customers to know the store carries popular brands and trend-driven styles and can special order items if needed.
“Honestly, anything I don’t have, I could more than likely get in for you. If you come in, I can get an order started or see if I can bring it in if you’re looking for something special,” she said.
For Rozenboom, the transition into ownership is still unfolding in real time.
She describes herself as “trying to keep my head above water,” balancing day-to-day operations with long-term ideas for growth.
This article has been updated to correct a misspelling of Rozenboom’s last name. Updated 4/14/26 at 1:20 p.m.
