# Dave Spandorfer

> Dave Spandorfer is the Boston-area co-founder and CEO of Janji, a running-apparel company conceived with college teammate Mike Burnstein on the way to the 2010 NCAA Division III track championships. A history and international business graduate with no apparel background, he helped turn student competition winnings into a durable consumer brand built around exploration, community, responsible production, and giving. Janji donated more than $1 million to clean-water initiatives over 13 years and in 2026 introduced a monthly $10,000 grants program for grassroots groups expanding access to trail and ultra running. Spandorfer remains a competitive runner and completed his first ultramarathon, the 2026 Black Canyon 50K, in 4:49:23.

- **Role:** CEO and Co-Founder at Janji
- **Organizations:** Janji, Washington University in St. Louis
- **Education:** Bachelor's degree with majors in History and International Business, summa cum laude, Washington University in St. Louis
- **Known for:** Co-founded Janji and developed it from a student venture into an eight-figure running-apparel business., Helped Janji direct more than $1 million to clean-water initiatives over 13 years., Won $15,000 in Washington University's 2011 YouthBridge Social Enterprise and Innovation Competition.

## Career timeline

- **2010** — Conceived the idea that became Janji with teammate Mike Burnstein while traveling to the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships.
- **2011** — Won $15,000 in the YouthBridge Social Enterprise and Innovation Competition and $20,000 in the UCCS Sports/Outdoor Business Plan Competition; graduated from Washington University.
- **2011-2012** — Worked part time at Big River Running Co. while developing Janji and learning the specialty-running market.
- **2012** — Launched Janji on May 3 at Big River Running Co. in St. Louis and later moved the company headquarters to the Boston area.
- **2018** — Reported that Janji's website sales had more than doubled year over year and wholesale revenue had grown more than 130 percent.
- **2023** — Janji and women's running brand Oiselle announced a partnership, with each brand remaining operationally distinct.
- **2024** — Janji launched a footwear and apparel collaboration with Merrell at REI.
- **2025** — Served as keynote speaker for the Secured Finance Network Emerging Leaders Summit in Boston.
- **2026** — Completed his first ultramarathon, the Black Canyon 50K, and helped introduce Janji Grants for grassroots running organizations.

## Achievements

- Co-founded Janji and developed it from a student venture into an eight-figure running-apparel business.
- Helped Janji direct more than $1 million to clean-water initiatives over 13 years.
- Won $15,000 in Washington University's 2011 YouthBridge Social Enterprise and Innovation Competition.
- Won first place and $20,000 in the 2011 UCCS Sports/Outdoor Business Plan Competition.
- Placed 35th at the 2012 USA Cross Country Championships 12K in 39:47.
- Finished fifth at the GO! St. Louis Marathon and second at the MO' Cowbell Half Marathon.
- Completed the 2026 Black Canyon 50K in 4:49:23, his first ultramarathon.
- Led Janji through a 2023 partnership with Oiselle and a 2024 product collaboration with Merrell.

## Latest updates

- **2026-06** — Highlighted Janji athlete Ryan Montgomery's third-place finish and top-American result at the 2026 Western States 100, along with Montgomery's role in product feedback and LGBTQ inclusion in running.
- **2026-03** — Janji began announcing recipients for Janji Grants, a program awarding $10,000 each month to grassroots groups expanding access to trail and ultra-distance running.
- **2026-02** — Completed his first ultramarathon, the Black Canyon 50K, in 4:49:23.
- **2025-04** — Appeared as keynote speaker at the Secured Finance Network Emerging Leaders Summit in Boston.
- **2025-04** — Oiselle announced new woman-owned majority investment after its earlier partnership with Janji.

## Links

- Website: https://janji.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-spandorfer-3473092a
- Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/runjanji/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvSXLgTosHEa3OFiAv1Aygw
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runjanji/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/RunJanji

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/dave-spandorfer
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-08-22