A businesswoman born in the “Show Me” state is working to make her mark in Marshalltown’s competitive retail sector.

Tori Miller – a native of Sikeston, Mo. – was named owner/manager of the Brown’s Shoe Fit Co. Marshalltown store located at 10 E. Main St. on Sept. 2. Miller immediately jumped into her new role with enthusiasm as reflected in a number of entertaining and fact-filled Facebook posts promoting the store’s products, and she is making it a priority to become acquainted with fellow retailers downtown and elsewhere.

“I have been looking to get involved either with downtown-related or community events,” she said. “It takes time – but I am getting there – I volunteer for anything people contact me about … and I joined a fitness class at the Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA.”

She participated in the Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce’s “Ladies Night” and the Marshalltown Central Business District’s (MCBD’s) “Holiday Stroll.” She walked downtown costumed in a cowboy hat and western wear during the MCBD’s “Haunt the Block” event in late October. She brought along her well-behaved cat and dog, who were also in costume.

“Tori is a pleasure to work with,” said Chamber Vice President Sarah Smith. “She has assisted with a number of our retail events, and we are excited she is in Marshalltown.”

Miller graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau with a degree in business with emphasis in economics and finance.

“I had no idea what I was going to do after college,” she said. “I applied to Brown’s. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I applied for and was accepted into the company’s apprenticeship program, which prepares employees for future opportunities as owner/managers. I was assigned to the Brown’s store in Cape Girardeau, where I worked for slightly more than one year.”

Miller was then transferred to a store in Longview, Texas – a community in the eastern part of the state. She worked at the location for approximately two years.

“I loved Texas … it was great,” she said. “Then I received a phone call and Brown’s wanted me to own/manage the Marshalltown store.”

Miller said it is now her decision to move again.

“That is because I own this store … and that is why I worked with Brown’s three years to become an owner,” she said.

Because customers were familiar with the previous manager, Miller said she has worked aggressively to become acquainted.

“Sometimes people don’t like change, so I have been introducing myself and getting to know my customers and others in town. Everybody has been friendly so far,” she said. “That was something I was a little bit nervous about – not having lived in Iowa and not knowing Marshalltown.”

Miller said some customers have commented on the “back-in parking” policy change which has impacted businesses along North and South Center Streets. The change was part of the removal and new construction on the streets. East Main Street was recently completed and opened to traffic.

“Some customers like it (the back-in parking) – others do not,” she said. “I am glad they installed parallel parking in front of the store.”

Miller said the major construction on East Main did have a minor impact, but she and staff have worked to accommodate customers’ ability to access the store.

“It is fun to come up with new ways on how to work around challenges,” she said. “The MCBD has done a good job directing traffic to downtown businesses. And I was posting updates on our store’s Facebook page almost everyday about how to get to the store.”

Brown’s Shoe Fit Co. is a nationally-known shoe company headquartered in Dallas Center, which is part of the Des Moines metropolitan area. The company was established in Shenandoah in 1911 and is known for locating its stores downtown and in medium-sized communities. It lists 74 stores nationwide. It opened the Marshalltown store in 2007 and offers a complete line of brand name shoes and related products for children, men and women.

“I think Marshalltown has a ton of potential,” Miller said in response to a question of where she wanted to be in the next five years. “I am excited the mall is under new ownership with positive changes forthcoming. I am anticipating the new McDonald’s will open (at the intersection of North Third Avenue and State Street) as well as other new businesses. All of those developments are good for Marshalltown, and I see this community growing in the next five years. The recently completed street project and other investments will be a major positive for downtown. I love the downtown area – it is great to be able to walk to everything.”

When not working, Miller said she enjoys camping and hiking. For more information, contact 641-753-3613 or www.brownsshoefit.com.