MEMBER: Craig Eppler

Name: Craig Eppler
Hometown: Bethlehem, PA
High School: Northampton High School
College: York College of PA
Occupation: Investment Analyst at Hoover Financial Advisors

Personal Bests
3k Track: 9:14
5k Track: 15:52
8k XC: 26:20
10k Track: 33:18
10 Mile Road: 54:58

Career Highlights
1st Team All-Conference in breakout race during senior year of college

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

By: Kevin Brandon (07/10/2018)

Craig, thanks for taking time to speak with us. Could you tell us a bit about yourself? How did you end up in Philadelphia and running with PRTC?

Hi Kevin, thanks for the PRTC interview! I’m from Bethlehem, PA and went to York College of PA where I also received my MBA as part of a five-year program.  Upon graduation I moved to Philly and started working at Vanguard in Malvern as a derivatives analyst. After a year of “half-training” and getting smoked by both Vidos in a local 5 miler, I decided to get a little more serious and started coming to the PRTC group runs.

When did you first become a runner? Did a specific event compel you to take on the sport?

My dad ran in college, so as soon as I was able to walk I was running in local track meets (mostly sprints at the time). I ran my first 5K at the tender age of eight.

Once you began running, how did your career develop? Take us through day one to today.

I ran for fun throughout childhood, running nearly every kid’s “fun run” at the local races in which my parents competed. I joined my middle school XC team in 7th grade. I ran okay as the top guy on my lackluster HS team before deciding I wanted to continue running in college. During my freshman-junior years, I showed glimpses of promise and then had a breakout XC season in my senior year. Post-collegiate running started rough but has recently yielded some better, more consistent performances.

What is a favorite running accomplishment or moment?

Hands down, my favorite running experience was during my senior year college XC season. Our team was coming off back-to-back conference championships, but that year another solid team joined the conference and we knew it was going to be close. I ran a breakout race, PRed by 44 seconds, earned a first team all-conference spot, and our team three-peated. The icing on the cake was that two of my best friends and teammates were right there with me, finishing sixth and eighth.

How about a not-so-great moment?

A not so great / most painful running moment was the marathon that I ran this past spring. I ignored the heat and humidity and ran my goal 2:42 pace through 18-19 miles, before barely completing the race and going to yack city a few times.

Regarding your running future, what are your near and long-term goals?

A near-term goal is to PR in the Rothman 8K this fall (maybe sub 26). Long term goals are to run a respectable half and full marathon.

Can you share with us a bit about what you're currently up to professionally?

After leaving Vanguard in February 2017, I started as an investment analyst at a small investment management shop in Malvern. My role is fairly broad in scope as I trade, conduct mutual fund and ETF research, and evaluate client portfolios. I am the firm’s lead analyst in the domestic small cap and international equities categories.

Do you have an opinion on the current state of the stock market?

I’m not going to speculate on that! As a long-term investor, I continue to buy every short term dip.

How about basic financial advice for young adults? What saving or investing habits would you recommend?

It may be basic, but my advice for young adults, including myself, is to save as much as you can afford. Max out your company’s 401K program, Roth IRA, or any other tax efficient account first. Try to save 10% of your salary. Before you know it, you’ll have accumulated a good-sized nest egg!

Any non-running related hobbies, hidden skills or talents we may enjoy hearing about?

I run and read investment books for fun. So, unfortunately, no.