The Grinnell Rotary Club held its regular weekly meeting on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Following the opening of the meeting, members shared good news and club business. The speaker for this week’s meeting is Carissa Rozenboom, owner of Brown’s Shoe Fit Co in Grinnell.
Carissa grew up in Pella. She attended Peoria Christian Grade School, was homeschooled for several years, and later graduated from Pella High School.
Carissa began working part-time at Brown’s Shoe Fit in Pella in 2023 and joined the Brown’s Shoe Fit Apprenticeship Program in 2024. The program provides hands-on training in all aspects of business ownership and store operations. As part of her training, Carissa had the opportunity to visit several of Brown’s Shoe Fit’s locations and learn from other owners and managers throughout the company.
Brown’s Shoe Fit was founded in 1911 in Shenandoah. Today, there are 73 stores across the United States, with each location individually owned and operated.
In February 2026, Carissa purchased Brown’s Shoe Fit in Grinnell. At 21 years old, she became a store owner and is grateful for the opportunity to serve the Grinnell community while continuing to learn and grow as a business owner. The Grinnell store currently employs four part-time team members and one full-time employee. Store hours are 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays. The store is closed on Sundays.
Brown’s Shoe Fit carries a wide selection of footwear and accessories, including brands such as New Balance, Brooks, HOKA, Birkenstock, and KEEN, along with many other trusted brands.
If you can't make it into the store, customers can visit BrownsShoeFitCo.com to browse brands, styles, and inventory across all Brown’s Shoe Fit locations, including what's currently available in Grinnell. Customers are also welcome to call the store at 641-236-4804 with any questions or to check product availability.
Carissa Rozenboom’s presentation appears on the Rotary Club of Grinnell website in the section labeled “Stories, June 2, 2026.” Grinnell Rotary Website https://portal.clubrunner.ca/1642
If you are interested in learning more about service to the community, membership, and the power of networking, come visit us at the Rotary Club of Grinnell. The club meets every Tuesday evening at 5:30 at West Side Family Restaurant. Peter Jackson
