Most people give no thought at all to their feet, until they start to hurt. Then, it's like the world's going to end.

"When your feet feel good, you feel good," said Dennis Roseleip, who runs Foot Solutions of Billings with his wife, Dixie, and daughter Bobbi.

"Your feet are your foundation," he said.

"If they are not supported properly, your entire body can be affected resulting in foot pain, ankle pain, knee pain, hip pain and lower-back pain."

Foot Solutions at 1505 Rehberg Lane, Suite F, in Billings sells specialty shoes that pain sufferers swear by. The business can be reached at 839-9188. Here's what else Roseleip had to say about the perils of starting a new business:

Nature of the business:

Foot Solutions helps people reduce or eliminate foot pain. We provide a full selection of high-quality shoes to accommodate foot discomfort due to diabetes, narrow/wide feet, hammer toes, bunions, plantar fasciitis, excessive standing/walking and other specific foot problems. We exclusively offer the Chung Shi Rocker shoe, which balances the body, provides additional exercise during walking, protects the hindfoot and forefoot and gives excellent arch support. We specialize in custom arch supports made specifically for the support of your foot and have a full line of over-the-counter arch supports. The Foot Solutions experience includes a free 10-step evaluation of your individual needs related to your feet.

Why start this business?

People are interested in reducing or eliminating foot pain as well as practicing preventive health for the feet. Ninety percent of people are wearing improperly fitted shoes, and many foot problems are caused or aggravated by this. Many people stand or are active on their feet for a significant portion of every day. Foot Solutions will provide relief for your foot problems. Custom arch supports and properly fitted shoes can help tremendously with specific foot pain and unique foot problems.

Where did startup funding come from?

Personal funds and a bank business loan.

How long have you been in business?

Fifteen months.

Biggest challenges in running the business?

Determining the most efficient ways to get the word out that we exist and to let people know the nature of our business, Also, determining the appropriate amount and type of shoe and foot care inventory so we can best serve our clients.

What was done to overcome those challenges?

To begin with, we used many avenues of advertising to inform the Billings area, the rural areas and towns around Billings and northern Wyoming of our opening and existence. Over time, we were able to determine what works best and are concentrating on these methods. Continuous study of our varied inventory helps us to best serve our clients.

What is being done to expand the business?

We continue to use effective avenues to inform people of our business and have found that networking and communication among our clients have helped spread the word about our free 10-step foot evaluation, our rocker shoes and our inventory of high quality shoes. We make referrals to the medical community when appropriate and receive referrals from them regarding high quality shoes and help in reduction of foot pain.

Your best business decisions?

We have been able to monitor our inventory very closely and we work very hard to keep an inventory that is responsive to our clients while keeping our inventory expenses down to a reasonable level.

Your worst business mistake?

Adding to our staff too early in the start-up phase and not always recognizing the best advertising techniques. These two areas can result in additional expenses very quickly.

What advice do you have for someone running a business?

Enjoy the business and have a passion for it. Be patient and always work to give your clients more than what is expected. Put in the necessary time to stay on top of all areas of the business.

Number of workers?

Three people - one full time, two part time.

What's your five-year plan for the business?

To continue to seek new clients and to provide the best service for our loyal clients who keep returning to our business. With increased client load, we will eventually add staff to provide the best service possible. We will always be seeking the newest innovations in quality shoes and additional proven ways to reduce or eliminate foot pain.

A question you would ask other entrepreneurs?

Do you or your employees need relief from foot pain? We would like to help.

If you weren't doing what you are now, what would be your dream job?

I would like to travel to many parts of the world experiencing tourist attractions, lodging establishments and eating venues and then write travel guides to inform future travelers of the best places to visit and experience. I would also recommend the highest-quality shoes and proper foot support for those travelers while on their trips.

If you weren't doing what you are now, what would be your dream job?

"Entrepreneurs" appears regularly in the Sunday Business section. The feature will help readers become familiar with new businesses, as well as educate others in the challenges of starting a business. If you would like to tell your story, please contact:

Chris Jorgensen

Billings Gazette

401 N. Broadway

Billings, MT, 59101

657-1311, office

657-1208, fax

cjorgensen@billingsgazette.com