Stories from the River: Recent Episodes
Broad River Retail
Stories from the River Podcast explores the personal journeys of our very own Memory Makers. Whether it’s interviews or standalone narratives, Stories from the River will bring you closer to what it’s like to thrive together, wherever in the company you may be. We’ll share personal experiences from our stores, Distribution Centers, Call Centers, and corporate campuses, giving listeners a front row seat to what it's really like to be a Memory Maker furnishing life’s best memories every day.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Nss1sTmG56E
A year of generosity, service, and community has shown just how powerful Memory Makers can be when they come together to support one another.
In this episode of Stories from the River, Heather Greenwood, Director, People Experience, welcomes Emelyne Henderson, Senior Manager, Experience & Events, to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Lighthouse Fund, a resource created to support Memory Makers facing unexpected personal hardships. They reflect on the fund's first year, which provided nearly $140,000 in assistance to 99 Memory Makers, while more than 17% of Memory Makers contributed back to help others in need.
The conversation also highlights "Be a Light Day," a week of service that brought Memory Makers together across nine community organizations for more than 140 hours of volunteer work before culminating in a celebration for Memory Makers and their families.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-KeSQq-oZjU
In this spotlight from episode 370 of Stories from the River, the conversation takes a closer look at the strategy behind assortment planning and how Broad River Retail determines which products make it onto the showroom floor. The discussion explores the challenge of building a balanced assortment from the ground up, identifying regional winners, creating differentiation, and maximizing sales per square foot through the right mix of good, better, and best products.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/M-Gv6_xlxSc
In this spotlight from episode 370 of Stories from the River, the conversation explores the vision behind Ashley Luxe, a collection designed to bring elevated style and accessible luxury to a new generation of guests. The discussion highlights the "eager enthusiast" customer—style-conscious shoppers who appreciate the look and feel of high-end furniture but want a more attainable price point. From upholstered beds and configurable sectionals to versatile tables and curated fabrics, Ashley Luxe combines sophisticated design with quality and flexibility.
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Purpose, creativity, and collaboration come together to shape the way Broad River Retail serves both its Memory Makers and guests.
In this episode of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf, CEO, welcomes Lynn Knowles, Sr. Director of Merchandising and Visual Impact at Broad River Retail. Lynn reflects on her journey from the apparel industry into retail leadership, sharing the challenges that shaped her first year and the evolution of her role overseeing a team of nearly 40 Memory Makers across multiple regions.
The conversation explores the creation of the Vibe Collective and its focus on bringing visual design and strategic merchandising together through "Visual Insights and Brand Experience." Lynn shares how listening to her team helped uncover individual strengths and shape the group's identity, while also discussing showroom design, the Ashley Luxe collection, assortment planning, and pricing in a changing retail environment.
AI for Good: How Real People Are Using Artificial Intelligence to Fix Things That Matter by Josh Tyrangiel - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1668082500/?
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4NmmO3ek3ew
In this spotlight from episode 369 of Stories from the River, Tyler Trill and Jaylon Fisher discuss the mindset that helps Memory Makers grow into future leaders. The conversation emphasizes the importance of embracing coaching with an open mind, recognizing that honest feedback is intended to support growth rather than discourage it. Jaylon shares why a willingness to learn, improve, and trust the process is essential for long-term success.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CrGsDPeO2Zg
In this spotlight from episode 369 of Stories from the River, Tyler Trill continues the conversation with Jaylon Fisher, the 2025 Sleep Sales Manager of the Year, exploring the habits that helped him stand out on the sales floor. Bradley shares how working in a lower-traffic store challenged him to maximize every guest interaction, emphasizing the importance of consistency, confidence, and making the most of every opportunity.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_VZjR03kAnY
Leadership is about more than achieving results, it's about building trust, developing people, and creating a culture where everyone can succeed.
In this episode of Stories from the River, host Tyler Trill welcomes Jaylon Fisher, the newly promoted Selling General Manager of the Albemarle Aces, to discuss his leadership journey and the lessons that shaped his growth. Jaylon reflects on his path from focusing on individual performance to leading a championship team, sharing how mentorship, accountability, and a commitment to developing Memory Makers helped transform both his mindset and the culture of the store.
Episode with Bradley Sullivan - https://youtu.be/M84FQVMWT2U
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yCrNndT5XjQ
In this spotlight from episode 368 of Stories from the River, Tyler Trill and McKayla Murdock discuss what makes Broad River Retail a destination for talented Memory Makers looking to build long-term careers. The conversation highlights the company's people-first culture, opportunities for advancement, and the many examples of leaders who have grown from entry-level roles into leadership positions.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2XVrZNb4SW4
In this spotlight from episode 368, Tyler Trill and McKayla Murdock take a closer look at what it really takes to build and sustain great teams. The conversation highlights the proactive nature of talent acquisition, emphasizing the importance of developing relationships, maintaining a strong pipeline of future Memory Makers, and partnering closely with leaders across the organization to meet both current and future hiring needs.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com or more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Bg5Yq89OO4k
Finding the right people starts with building meaningful relationships and creating opportunities for others to succeed.
In this episode of Stories from the River, Tyler Trill welcomes McKayla Murdock, Manager of Talent Acquisition at Broad River Retail, to discuss her journey into recruiting and the role her team plays in attracting and developing Memory Makers across the organization. Michaela shares how her background in sales shaped her passion for connecting with people and explains how the talent acquisition team partners with leaders to recruit for retail, corporate, and supply chain roles.
They also touch on the evolving landscape of recruitment, including the competitive job market and the use of technology such as AI tools, LinkedIn Recruiter, and new applicant tracking systems. McKayla discusses trends like the increased volume of applicants due to industry-wide layoffs, the importance of providing a positive candidate experience, and ongoing efforts to keep stores staffed with top talent by maintaining pipelines and strong partnerships with business leaders.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zq2YI37yZoY
In this spotlight from episode 367 of Stories from the River, the conversation explores the mindset that helps young professionals grow into exceptional Memory Makers. The discussion highlights the importance of staying curious, embracing new challenges, and being willing to step beyond a defined job description to gain new experiences. From taking on unfamiliar projects to building strong relationships in a remote environment, this spotlight emphasizes that growth comes from saying "yes," remaining coachable, and viewing every opportunity as a chance to learn.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/l1pGY-zV4OY
In this spotlight form episode 367 of Stories from the River, Tyler, Julia, and Erin explore the culture at Broad River Retail and the people-first mindset that sets it apart. Julia reflects on feeling welcomed and supported from her very first interview, sharing how genuine relationships and collaboration made her feel like she belonged. Erin adds that Broad River's intentional investment in the personal and professional growth of every Memory Maker creates authentic connections that strengthen engagement, inspire long-term commitment, and drive lasting success.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/X6DQkQ3toz4
Growth, collaboration, and a people-first culture create opportunities that extend far beyond the workplace.
In this episode of Stories from the River, Tyler Trill, Senior Manager, Communications, sits down with Julia Weinburg, Communications Coordinator, and Erin McGuire-Marino, Social Media specialist from Broad River Retail's Communications team to reflect on their first year with the company. They share how experiences like store grand openings, cross-functional collaboration, and creative projects helped them build confidence, strengthen relationships, and grow both personally and professionally.
The conversation also highlights the culture that makes Broad River Retail unique, where Memory Makers are encouraged to support one another, give back to their communities, and embrace opportunities beyond their everyday roles. Julia and Erin reflect on the impact of volunteering with Beds for Kids, the value of authentic relationships, and how a purpose-driven environment continues to inspire their work and personal growth.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/ymCLwjN3K0c
In this spotlight from episode 366 of Stories from the River, Tyler Trill and Jason Baugus focus on what distinguishes the Ashley product line as "elite" within the store setting. One concept discussed was the sustainability and durability of these products, highlighted by the ability to remove cushions, pull out drawers, flip chairs, and showcase construction features such as corner blocking. A key theme that emerged was the demonstration of the product's longevity, with Memory Makers showing customers that these pieces can realistically last seven to ten years if properly cared for, thus justifying a higher price compared to alternatives that may only last a few years.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/ymCLwjN3K0c
In this spotlight from episode 366 of Stories from the River, Tyler Trill continues the conversation with Jason Baugus, exploring the leadership lessons that shaped his growth at Broad River Retail. Jason reflects on the influence of early mentors, sharing how observing experienced leaders helped him build confidence and develop the skills needed to guide conversations and better serve guests.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ymCLwjN3K0c
Leadership, culture, and a commitment to continuous growth can create opportunities that extend far beyond the sales floor.
In this episode of Stories from the River, Tyler Trill welcomes Jason Baugus, General Manager of East Columbia Elite, to share his journey through the furniture industry and his rapid growth at Broad River Retail. From his early experiences in sales, operations, and warehouse roles to leading a high-performing team, Jason reflects on the lessons that shaped his leadership style and the unexpected ways his passion for online gaming helped prepare him to lead people.
The conversation explores the culture behind East Columbia Elite, where teamwork, engagement, and creating memorable guest experiences are central to success. Jason discusses the importance of authentic guest connections, collaboration across the Columbia market, and developing future leaders through coaching and trust.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/crYS5uSGum8
In this spotlight from episode 365 of Stories from the River, Cory Edens continues his conversation with Zoom's Abe Barghouti and Krista Hentz. They focus on the values that drive Zoom beyond its technology. Krista highlights that a core foundation at Zoom is care—not just for customers, but equally for employees, communities, and the broader world. She shares a memorable story from her early days at the company, recalling CEO Eric Yuan's advice to prioritize family and personal purpose, emphasizing that professional success stems from showing up in these core areas. They also discuss how Zoom fosters genuine human connections, even as a remote-first company.
Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/crYS5uSGum8
In this spotlight from episode 365 of Stories from the River, Cory Edens continues his conversation with Zoom's Abe Barghouti and Krista Hentz. The discussion centers on defining what success looks like for both Broad River and its partnership with Zoom. The conversation highlights that success can be measured in several ways, from the simplicity of renewal decisions to a growing curiosity about Zoom's expanding technology solutions.
Strong partnership and open communication are emphasized as the foundation for ongoing innovation that meets both current and future needs. Rather than fixing what isn't broken, the focus shifts to eliminating friction and providing deeper insights, positioning these efforts as initial steps toward even greater operational efficiency.
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Success is amplified when organizations come together around a common mission and a commitment to excellence.
In this episode of Stories from the River, Corey Edens, Vice President, Information Technology at Broad River, leads a roundtable discussion with Abe Barghouti, Senior Account Director at Zoom; Krista Hentz, Senior Sales Leader at Zoom; and Robert Ferguson, Associate Director, IT Infrastructure & User Services, exploring Broad River Retail's growing partnership with Zoom. The conversation highlights the alignment between the two organizations, including a shared commitment to people, process, and purpose, as well as the role technology plays in supporting future growth.
The discussion also explores Zoom's rapid pace of innovation, particularly in artificial intelligence, and how collaboration, accountability, and strong relationships help create better experiences for both customers and employees. Throughout the episode, the panel reflects on the importance of empathy, trust, and human connection as foundational elements of successful partnerships and meaningful transformation.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/P4RxOI4ryCQ
In this spotlight of episode 364, Anita and Drew discuss the critical importance of preventing major transitions from becoming solely technical IT projects. Anita emphasizes the need to ensure that such shifts remain inclusive and not just relegated to IT departments, highlighting an example involving the leadership group to illustrate the point. Drew builds on this, describing the value of a strong partnership with IT, especially as Memory Makers on the contact center side are eager to be involved, learn, and participate actively in the process. By fostering a collaborative environment, Memory Makers gain a better understanding and confidence in the new platform, reaffirming that their concerns and input about current system challenges are being heard and addressed.
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/I3uYs1NB_t8
In this spotlight of episode 364, the conversation focused on a recent CX leadership meeting where the importance of the "three Ps"—People, Process, and Purpose—was discussed in the context of an ongoing technological transformation. One concept discussed was how these foundational elements help maintain focus and clarity during large-scale changes, ensuring that Memory Makers and customers continue to experience positive outcomes. The discussion explored the addition of a "fourth P," Partnership, emphasizing its critical role in supporting sustained engagement, problem-solving, and successfully delivering new technology aimed at creating happy memories.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2zzEE8PxY64
Partnership, innovation, and a people-first approach are essential to creating meaningful change and lasting success.
In this episode of Stories from the River, Wes Dudley, Senior Vice President of Customer Experience at Broad River Retail, sits down with Abe Barghouti, Senior Account Director at Zoom; Krista Hentz, Senior Sales Leader at Zoom; Drew Gorringe, Head of CX Consulting at C-Lect Consulting; and Anita Harris, Director of Customer Experience Operations & Specialty at Broad River Retail. Together, they discuss the implementation of the Zoom Contact Center platform and the strategic thinking behind the transition. The conversation explores the importance of building strong partnerships, finding technology solutions that align with company values, and creating systems that better support both Memory Makers and guests.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/6IAf19oA4b8
In this spotlight of episode 363, Charlie Malouf and Bradley Sullivan focused on the significance of collaboration as a core value at Broad River. One concept discussed was the importance of fostering the growth of internal Memory Makers, highlighting specific individuals who have advanced from entry-level positions to leadership roles. Examples included Memory Makers who have since become sales managers and general managers, demonstrating the value of promoting from within and supporting professional development. The discussion explored how these collaborative efforts enable internal talent to flourish, moving beyond simply hiring externally.
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/qhEhZsJ6fJA
In this spotlight of episode 363, Charlie Malouf and Bradley Sullivan explore the habits and performance metrics that helped make one of Broad River Retail's top-performing teams. The conversation highlights the importance of average ticket and items per ticket, along with the mindset that every guest interaction presents an opportunity to create more value. Charlie reflects on the philosophy of "they will buy more," encouraging Memory Makers to continue serving and recommending solutions even after a guest has committed to a purchase. This mindset, rooted in genuinely helping guests meet both needs and wants, not only boosts sales but also ensures guests leave with greater value and satisfaction.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qhEhZsJ6fJA
Winning cultures are built through consistency, trust, and a commitment to helping people grow.
In this episode of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf welcomes Bradley Sullivan, General Manager of Cary Crushers. They reflect on a landmark year, celebrating the accomplishments that led to recognition as the 2025 GM of the Year and a season filled with team and individual achievements. The conversation explores the habits, mindset, and identity that helped build a high-performing culture, from creating memorable guest experiences to developing unique roles that allowed every Memory Maker to contribute to the team's success.
Books mentioned
Gradually, Then Suddenly by Mark Batterson: https://www.amazon.com/Gradually-Then-Suddenly-Bigger-Lasting/dp/B0F25SW4C8/
Win the Day by Mark Batterson: https://www.amazon.com/Win-Day-Habits-Stress-Accomplish/dp/0593192788/
Do It for a Day by Mark Batterson: https://www.amazon.com/Do-Day-Make-Break-Habit/dp/0593192842/
A Million Little Miracles by Mark Batterson: https://www.amazon.com/Do-Day-Make-Break-Habit/dp/0593192842/
The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson: https://www.amazon.com/Circle-Maker-Praying-Circles-Greatest/dp/0310346916/
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth: https://www.amazon.com/Grit-Passion-Perseverance-Angela-Duckworth/dp/1501111116/
The Art of Business Wars: Battle-Tested Lessons for Leaders and Entrepreneurs from History's Greatest Rivalries by David Brown: https://www.amazon.com/Art-Business-Wars-Battle-Tested-Entrepreneurs/dp/0063019523/
Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/EhPWOPsJILI
In this spotlight of episode 362, Charlie Malouf and John Russo discuss the launch of the 41,000-square-foot Ashley that opened in Easley, SC. The conversation highlights the fast-paced effort required to prepare the new location, along with the challenge of building a team that included many new Memory Makers. John reflects on the passion, resilience, and positive attitude that helped the team overcome early obstacles, demonstrating how strong culture and teamwork laid the foundation for a successful launch.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/EhPWOPsJILI
In this spotlight of episode 362, Charlie Malouf and John Russo focus on the transformation of a showroom styled to the Ashley 7.0 standard. John spoke about the appreciation for the openness, brightness, and inviting atmosphere of the new showroom, which created a positive environment for all who entered. The discussion explored specific elements of the renovation, especially the new sleep shop area.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/EhPWOPsJILI
Growth, opportunity, and strong leadership are at the heart of every successful new beginning.
In this episode of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf welcomes John Russo, General Manager of the newly opened Easley Express, Broad River Retail's newest Ashley Store and Outlet in Easley, South Carolina. John shares his journey to Broad River Retail, his progression into store leadership, and the transformation of a former retail space into a 41,000-square-foot Ashley showroom serving the Easley community.
The conversation explores the excitement and challenges of launching a new store, building a team of Memory Makers, and creating a culture focused on growth and guest experience. John reflects on the positive community response, the importance of consistency and teamwork, and the opportunities ahead as the Easley Express begins its next chapter.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/3YliqB3qyqg
In this spotlight of episode 361, Charlie Malouf and David Kirby discuss what people considering joining Broad River should know, emphasizing the importance of discipline and grit in their backgrounds. According to David, success and belonging at the River are rooted in the willingness to consistently work hard, learn, and persist through challenges. He notes that without the determination to engage fully with the process and maintain daily dedication, one might not fit within the company's culture.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/3YliqB3qyqg
In this spotlight of episode 361, Charlie Malouf welcomes David Kirby, known for his energetic, "wild card" personality. The conversation centers around the his passion for fostering a positive workplace culture, highlighting efforts to create an inclusive, upbeat environment where everyone feels recognized and valued. David describes his outgoing approach, including celebrating successes on the radio and engaging in spirited activities like ringing the cowbell, a favorite among colleagues for boosting morale.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3YliqB3qyqg
Culture, mentorship, and a willingness to embrace new challenges can open the door to unexpected opportunities.
In this episode of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf welcomes David Kirby, Home Furnishings Associate at the newly opened Spokane Ashley Store and Outlet. David shares his unique career journey from serving 20 years as an Air Force inventory manager to working in warehouse operations, flooring, and sales before finding his way to Broad River Retail. He reflects on what attracted him to the organization, the excitement surrounding the Spokane grand opening, and the support he received from leaders and fellow Memory Makers as he transitioned into his first commission sales role.
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/KO747BAYr-I
In this spotlight of episode 360, Charlie Malouf and Derryck Hugson explore the expansion of new offerings designed to create more options and better experiences for every guest. From a 70–80 bed sleep shop to a dedicated outlet and the introduction of Ashley Luxe, the conversation highlights how a broader assortment allows Memory Makers to serve guests across a wide range of styles, price points, and shopping needs.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/vt2_dfeHjnY
In this spotlight of episode 360, Charlie Malouf continues the conversation with Derryck Hugson around the launch of the Spokane Ashley store, exploring the challenges that come with transitioning from a smaller retail environment into a 101,000-square-foot flagship store and outlet. The discussion highlights how, despite differences in terminology across organizations, the core principles of guest engagement remain the same—creating authentic connections that make guests feel welcomed and supported from the moment they walk through the door.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vt2_dfeHjnY
Growth, risk-taking, and a commitment to culture are essential to building something meaningful from the ground up.
In this episode of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf, CEO of Broad River, welcomes Derryck Hugson, General Manager of the Spokane Pathfinders, to discuss the grand opening of the new Spokane Ashley store—a three-story, 101,000-square-foot flagship location that also includes an outlet. The conversation explores the challenges and opportunities that come with building a new team and culture from scratch, including hiring, training, and creating an environment where Memory Makers can thrive. Derryck discusses the importance of authenticity when connecting with guests, fostering creativity and resilience within the Spokane Pathfinders, and maintaining a strong focus on process and execution during a major launch. This episode offers an inspiring look at leadership, entrepreneurship, and the power of embracing new opportunities with confidence and purpose.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/PjT9Z-7YZgk
In this spotlight of episode 359, Charlie Malouf continues the conversation with Dana Mallory, exploring her advice for aspiring female leaders and the lessons that have shaped her leadership journey. Dana shares the importance of understanding both strengths and weaknesses, emphasizing that self-awareness and authenticity are foundational to personal growth, team connection, and effective leadership.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/PjT9Z-7YZgk
In this spotlight of episode 359, the conversation explores Broad River Retail's unique approach to leadership through the concept of being "in a position to impact" (P2I). Rather than relying solely on observation and post-sale feedback, leaders are encouraged to actively engage alongside Memory Makers and guests in the moment—creating opportunities to support, coach, and maximize every customer interaction as it happens.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Watch full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/PjT9Z-7YZgk
Consistency, servant leadership, and a strong team culture are at the heart of building lasting success.
In this episode of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf sits down with Dana Mallory, Broad River Retail's 2025 Senior Retail Leader of the Year and newly promoted Regional Manager. Dana reflects on her journey from humble beginnings in retail to leading the transformation of the "Savage South" region through intentional leadership, accountability, and a deep commitment to developing people.
Books mentioned:
Think Again by Adam Grant - https://www.amazon.com/Think-Again-Power-Knowing-What/dp/1984878123/
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes. Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/H2r4Bf7qDD0
In this spotlight of episode 358, Charlie Malouf and David Moraco reflect on a successful year with the Wolfpack, discussing what drove their achievements and the sense of impact they felt. David talks about running strong numbers throughout the year while acknowledging ongoing opportunities for growth. They highlight the importance of consistency, focusing on key behaviors, and the persistent effort to engage with every guest. David also mentions transitioning some Memory Makers to strengthen the group, emphasizing that the goal goes beyond just transactional interactions.
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In this spotlight of episode 358 of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf and David Moraco discuss the impact and value of the senior sales manager role. Charlie explains that this position was conceptualized as a way for individuals new to the company to learn the system through hands-on experience. David reflects on his personal journey, highlighting how the senior sales manager role provided deeper insight into company processes, bridging the gap between traditional retail experience and Broad River's specialized structure.
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Leadership, culture, and a commitment to serving others are essential ingredients for building strong teams and lasting impact.
In this episode of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf welcomes David Moraco, General Manager at Broad River Retail, to share his journey from retail leadership roles across the country. David reflects on joining Broad River Retail in 2024 through a transitional leadership role designed to immerse outside leaders in the company's systems, language, and culture—an experience that helped prepare him for rapid growth into broader leadership responsibilities.
The conversation explores David's passion for creating a culture of giving among his Memory Makers, particularly through support for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Hope to Dream. He discusses his approach to increasing guest engagement and charitable impact in an outlet environment, while also emphasizing the importance of ownership, vision, and relationship building in retail leadership. David also shares lessons from transitioning into larger operations, developing future leaders, and creating experiences that turn guests into lifelong clients.
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In this spotlight of episode 357, Charlie Malouf and Lee Vang dive into how asking deeper questions about data use leads to more actionable insights and drives a culture of learning within the organization. They discuss how data from business intelligence isn't just about collecting numbers; it's about transforming those figures into strategies for improvement. They emphasize the importance of using data to identify coaching opportunities and pinpoint successes or areas for growth, fostering a smarter, more adaptive organization where Memory Makers continually refine their practices based on concrete results.
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In this spotlight of episode 357, Charlie Malouf and Lee Vang talk about the importance of leveraging large language models to explore the massive trove of organizational data, delving into overlooked areas for new insights. They emphasize the critical need to maintain data integrity and discuss strategies for protecting sensitive information. This includes adopting a "fortress security mindset"—traditionally used in network or infrastructure security—and applying it to data management. The discussion also highlights challenges such as determining the appropriate level of data access, weighing whether to share a decade's worth of information or limiting access to just the current fiscal year to mitigate exposure risks.
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Clarity, resilience, and a commitment to building the right systems can transform how an organization operates and grows.
In this episode of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf welcomes Lee Vang, Senior Business Intelligence Developer, to reflect on his journey at Broad River Retail and the pivotal role he played in rebuilding the company's business intelligence foundation. Joining during a time of significant transition, Lee shares how he stepped into a near non-existent BI environment and took on the challenge of creating the infrastructure needed to support leaders and Memory Makers with accurate, actionable data.
Lee discusses the evolution of data-driven decision making across the organization, including the development of foundational tools like the HFC KPI and Truth Report, and the integration of modern platforms such as ThoughtSpot and Power BI. He highlights the importance of data integrity, system alignment, and making insights accessible across all levels of the business.
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In this spotlight of 356, Bo Pennebaker takes a moment before concluding to express heartfelt gratitude and admiration for the Charlie Malouf and the Broad River organization. Drawing on personal experience from working with a variety of retailers over the years, Bo highlights the unique culture and purpose-driven spirit that sets Broad River apart. He emphasizes the significance of not just achieving impressive results and metrics, but also the remarkable way in which these outcomes are accomplished. He describes the organization's culture as authentic and tangible, noting that it is something one can feel, smell, and taste—evidence of Broad River's distinct approach.
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In this spotlihg episode of 356, Charlie Malouf and Bo Pennebaker highlight the historic launch of the Ashley Luxe Collection, described as the largest launch in Ashley's history. Bo shares insights on the significance of this new offering, which is exclusive to Ashley stores. Unlike past product rollouts that primarily targeted internal markets and existing customers, this launch represents a new level of ambition, including eye-catching digital billboards in Times Square and robust social media engagement.
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Charlie Malouf welcomes Bo Pennebaker, EVP, Licensee Operations of Ashley Global Retail, for a conversation rooted in shared history, industry experience, and a passion for retail.
In this episode of Stories from the River, Charlie and Bo reflect on their Mississippi roots, long-standing friendship, and the career paths that shaped Bo's journey—from manufacturer's rep to retail owner, and now to executive leadership within Ashley's global network. They discuss the evolution of his role following the sale of his business, including his work with DSG and his current focus on real estate, operations, and supporting Ashley's licensees.
The conversation also explores the launch of the Ashley Luxe Collection, the brand's largest introduction to date, aimed at engaging a younger, design-focused customer. They highlight the importance of storytelling, adaptability in a shifting retail landscape, and the role of culture in driving performance.
Books mentioned: How to Get a Return on Failure by John C. Maxwell - https://www.amazon.com/How-Get-Return-Failure-Smarter-Return/dp/B0GR1JCLVD/
Procrastination Proof by Jon Acuff - https://www.amazon.com/Procrastination-Proof-Never-Stuck-Again/dp/154090380X
Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect by Will Guidara - https://www.amazon.com/Unreasonable-Hospitality-Remarkable-Giving-People/dp/0593418573
Podcasts mentioned: The Learning Leader Show with Ryan Hawk - The Only Thing That Separates Great from Everyone Else | Will Guidara - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqIJZlJC6tU
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In this spotlight from episode 355, Charlie Malouf and Manny Rodrigues highlight the company's ambitious growth across multiple regions while reinforcing their core focus on people, process, and purpose. They discuss recent expansions, including grand openings for Project Cascade in Spokane and Moscow, and a forthcoming location in South Portland, Maine under Project Acadia.
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In this spotlight from episode 355, Charlie Malouf and Manny Rodrigues discuss the exciting developments surrounding a new Ashley store location in Statesville. The space will become a 7.0 Ashley showroom, reflecting the company's latest design and renovation standards. Charlie highlights the store's connection to Charlotte, emphasizing ongoing growth and recent upgrades in Mooresville, Hickory, and Salisbury—all now 7.0 stores.
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Growth, intentional investment, and a people-first mindset continue to fuel Broad River's expansion.
In this episode of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf and Manny Rodrigues share the news of Broad River Retail's expansion into Statesville, North Carolina with a new Ashley Store. They explore the importance of this market, highlighting its strategic location at the intersection of I-77 and I-40. They also discuss its connection to the Greater Charlotte area, as well as the thoughtful approach behind entering and strengthening existing markets.
The conversation dives into the transformation of a former grocery space into a modern furniture showroom, along with the broader impact of investing in smaller communities. They discuss ongoing revitalization efforts, the role of Memory Makers in driving success across nearby markets, and the opportunities this new location will create for growth and development.
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In this spotlight from episode 354 of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf sits down with Brian Fuller to explore what it takes to build a reputation for leadership and consistent success. Known as a go-to resource for peers across the business, Brian shares why so many sales managers and HFCs seek his guidance—and what truly makes the difference.
The conversation highlights the importance of creating an environment where Memory Makers feel confident, supported, and passionate about their work. Brian emphasizes that when people genuinely love what they do, it naturally carries over to both guests and teammates.
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In this spotlight from episode 354 of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf sits down with Brian Fuller to explore the impact of the VIP program and the role it plays in supporting both guests and associates. From building confidence through repetition to creating a culture centered on belief, the conversation highlights what it takes to drive consistent performance.
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Confidence, consistency, and a people-first mindset are key to driving lasting success.
In this episode of Stories from the River, host and CEO Charlie Malouf welcomes back Brian Fuller, VIP Sales Manager and two-time VIP Sales Manager of the Year at Broad River Retail. Joining from Wilson, North Carolina, he shares insights into his team's success and the impact of the VIP program—describing it as the lifeblood that supports both guests and associates.
The conversation explores his approach to building confidence through repetition and role play, his commitment to serving guests without judgment, and the meaningful impact of helping others secure the financing they need. He also reflects on motivating his team, embracing continuous improvement, and leading with intention. This episode offers a powerful look at what it takes to develop people, drive performance, and create a culture rooted in growth and support.
Brian's last appearance on the pod: Behind the Scenes of Project Premier: Recognizing and Celebrating Broad River's Memory Makers - https://youtu.be/qN5EQT9cq5g
Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/KEYLu7VfH-c
In this spotlight from episode 353 of Stories from the River, Tyler Trill sits down with Mark Deulley to explore the work behind earning Bridge Builder Awards in both CX and retail. From solving complex data challenges to leading impactful projects, the conversation highlights the power of collaboration across teams.
Mark shares insights from a major CX initiative that improved data accuracy and created lasting value across the business, along with the rollout of new sales tools and the Podium platform that streamlined processes across stores.
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In this spotlight from episode 353 of Stories from the River, Tyler Trill sits down with Mark Deulley to explore the impact of servant leadership, humility, and collaboration in the workplace. From transitioning into data and project management to working alongside teams across Broad River, the conversation highlights a shift from personal achievement to helping others succeed.
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Growth, service, and continuous learning are at the heart of a meaningful career.
In this episode of Stories from the River, host Tyler Trill sits down with Mark Deulley, Senior Manager of Project Management at Broad River Retail, to explore his journey across multiple roles within the company. From earning two Bridge Builder Awards to leading initiatives that enhance data accuracy and sales tools, Mark shares what it means to lead with purpose and serve others.
The conversation also highlights his passion for giving back through programs like St. Jude and Hope to Dream, as well as his approach to project management, personal growth, and lifelong learning. From lessons learned along the way to life outside of work, this episode offers an inspiring look at what it takes to grow, lead, and make a lasting impact.
The Power of Perseverance: Mark Deulley's Founders Scholarship Fund Story - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaFJLy0fy1Y
Books mentioned:
Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki - https://www.amazon.com/Rich-Dad-Poor-Teach-Middle/dp/1612680194
The 360 Degree Leader by John C. Maxwell - https://www.amazon.com/360-Degree-Leader-Developing-Organization/dp/1400203597/
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In this spotlight of episode 352 of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf sits down with Brian Deckelnick to break down the scale and complexity of managing inbound and outbound operations across multiple distribution centers. They explore how real-time visibility into cartons and cases helps teams align labor with demand, maintain efficiency, and stay within budget.
Brian shares a behind-the-scenes look at the volume moving through the network each week, highlighting the importance of close coordination with operations to balance receiving and shipping.
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In this spotlight of episode 352 of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf sits down with Brian Deckelnick to reflect on his journey leading supply chain at Broad River Retail. They explore how the role has evolved over time, from early-stage operations to a scaled, nationwide network, and the shift from manufacturing control to managing external vendor partnerships.
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Operational excellence doesn't happen by chance. It's built through experience, adaptability, and a relentless focus on people and process.
In this episode of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf welcomes Executive of the Year Brian Deckelnick, diving into his journey at Broad River Retail and recent promotion to Vice President. They reflect on Brian's path from his early aspirations in New Jersey to becoming a key leader in supply chain, shaping the systems and strategies that support the company's continued growth—including the critical push toward the 272 milestone in 2025.
Brian shares how his team has navigated complex challenges, from the COVID pandemic to shifting tariff landscapes, while scaling operations from a single distribution center to a nationwide network. He highlights the role of initiatives like Project Ship and vendor scorecards in driving efficiency, accountability, and stronger partnerships across the business.
The conversation also emphasizes the power of culture in sustaining performance. Brian and Charlie discuss how initiatives like Supply Chain Appreciation Week, monthly kickbacks, newsletters, and yearbooks foster connection among Memory Makers, especially in a distributed environment. They close by recognizing that success at this scale is rooted in collaboration, continuous learning, and authentic leadership, with Brian crediting his team of Memory Makers as the driving force behind both his achievements and the company's momentum.
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In this spotlight of episode 351 of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf sits down with Carl Hillesland to discuss the ongoing journey in Spokane, focusing on hiring, staffing, and operational complexities. They explore the challenges of building a strong team in a new market, navigating state regulations, and adapting to different store hours and time zones.
Carl highlights standout talent and the strength of the recruiting process, while also recognizing the team's ability to stay solution-focused in the face of obstacles.
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In this spotlight from episode 351 of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf and Carl Hillesland explore the unique dynamics of their Spokane store, Broad River Retail's first mall-connected location. They discuss the impact of increased foot traffic, the challenge of understanding customer intent, and how the team is navigating multiple entrances and high-volume flow.
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Growth at scale requires more than expansion. It demands clarity, culture, and commitment in every new market.
In this episode of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf, CEO, welcomes Carl Hillesland, Director of Retail Performance, to explore Project Cascade, Broad River Retail's expansion into the Northwest, with new locations in Spokane, Washington, and Moscow, Idaho. Together, they discuss the leadership approach behind launching in non-adjacent markets, the importance of culture transfer, and how Memory Makers are laying the foundation for early success.
Carl shares insights into the team's ability to adapt quickly, navigating everything from complex logistics and IT challenges to new state regulations and unique showroom dynamics—while still delivering strong performance. The conversation highlights how local market awareness, including proximity to college campuses and tailored merchandising strategies, is shaping long-term growth.
Charlie and Carl also recognize the energy and resilience of the Spokane Pathfinders and Moscow Trailblazers, whose entrepreneurial spirit demonstrates how intentional processes and scalable systems can drive results in new environments. They close by reinforcing that Memory Makers remain at the heart of this momentum, as Broad River Retail continues its journey of bold, sustainable growth.
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In this spotlight from episode 350, Charlie Malouf sits down with Idy Csongradi to talk about her recent recognition among her peers and the journey that led to that moment. Idy shares the excitement and nervous energy she felt during the announcement, recalling her path from early training to becoming a finalist and how the recognition fulfilled a goal she had dreamed about for years.
The conversation also explores Broad River's rapid growth and Idy's role in supporting that momentum through efficiency and innovation. She discusses how she uses tools like ChatGPT and tools like Beautiful.ai to refine ideas, streamline collaboration, and help systems scale as the organization continues to grow—always with the goal of better supporting fellow Memory Makers.
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In this spotlight from episode 350, Charlie Malouf and Idy Csongradi reflect on the unique culture at Broad River and what it means to be a "Memory Maker." The conversation opens with both expressing their appreciation for this meaningful title, which reflects the company's mission to "furnish life's best memories." Charlie Malouf shares the origin story of the term, revealing it was linked to the launch of their new purpose statement in August 2018. Rather than using generic or impersonal terms for people in the organization, the company chose Memory Makers to embrace their collective role in creating lasting, positive experiences for guests and one another.
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Growth often begins with stepping into the unknown and trusting the journey ahead.
In this episode of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf, CEO, welcomes Idy Csongradi, Broad River Retail's 2025 Memory Maker of the Year, for a heartfelt conversation recorded in the new broadcast studio at the Mill campus. Idy reflects on her journey from Hungary to Charlotte, sharing how her early career as an executive assistant and her curiosity about the world inspired her move to North America and the challenges of adapting to a new culture.
Idy also discusses how preparation, resilience, and strong family values helped her overcome imposter syndrome and continue growing both personally and professionally.
The conversation explores her path at Broad River—from Retail Experience Coordinator to executive assistant supporting multiple leaders—and her passion for collaboration, culture, and creating meaningful experiences for Memory Makers. Charlie and Idy close with reflections on courage, growth, and the importance of not letting fear or self-doubt hold you back.
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In this spotlight from episode 349, Stacey touches on how despite a packed calendar and the challenges of fitting in special events, the VIP Summit proved invaluable by empowering their Memory Makers with deeper product knowledge. He emphasizes that knowledge builds confidence, which in turn drives successful sales experiences. Through stories of Memory Makers helping customers find tailored solutions—like securing optimal payments or solving unexpected moving mishaps—he illustrates how the Summit's learnings have already begun to resonate and elevate their service.
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In this spotlight from episode 349, Charlie Malouf and Stacey McCormick discuss the thoughtful selection of six breakout sessions, each focusing on unlocking new ways to empower guests and boost business. The sessions ranged from increasing prequalification applications with Versatile, leveraging 60-month no-interest financing with Synchrony, and optimizing same-day credit lines. Peer panels featured Broad River legends, including top-performing managers and experts, who shared real-world strategies and insights, all based on feedback gathered from the Memory Makers themselves.
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Turning inspiration into action takes focus, collaboration, and a clear vision for empowering Memory Makers and guests alike.
In this episode of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf, CEO, welcomes Stacey McCormick, EVP, Retail Performance, to reflect on the impact of the recent VIP Summit, an event designed to unlock the potential of consumer financing across Broad River Retail. Sparked by strategic conversations during a quarterly business review with Synchrony Financial, the summit brought nearly 400 Memory Makers together for three days of focused learning. Through six curated breakout sessions, partners and Broad River leaders shared practical strategies around prequalification with Versatile, Synchrony's 60-month no-interest financing, credit line optimization, near-prime and lease-to-own solutions, and tools like Podium to drive repeat engagement.
Stacey also discusses the momentum following the summit and how the team is translating insights into measurable results. From navigating unexpected snowstorms that disrupted store traffic to launching the Forge Forward challenge tied to key financing metrics, the focus remains on helping Memory Makers move beyond applications to grow the overall finance percent of business. With improved dashboards, surveys, and ongoing coaching, the effort reinforces a simple but powerful strategy: empower Memory Makers with knowledge, give guests flexible options, and play the long game with financing to drive sustainable growth.
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In this spotlight from the VIP Summit episode, Charlie Malouf, Heather Greenwood, and Emelyne Henderson explore the impact of peer-led panels and collaborative learning among Memory Makers. Drawing on experiences from events like Orange Crush and Sleep Summit, they highlight how real-world insights from top-performing peers create practical, relatable takeaways that inspire growth.
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In this spotlight from episode 348, Charlie Malouf is joined by Emelyne Henderson, Debbie Ortega, and Heather Greenwood to discuss the vision behind this first-of-its-kind event. Designed to unite retail performance, experience, and leadership, the Summit centered on financing as a key unlock to success.
The team shares how intentional training from top partners, collaborative sessions, and hosting the event at Fort Mill created an atmosphere of innovation, connection, and shared purpose for Memory Makers.
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Bringing a first-of-its-kind event to life requires collaboration, creativity, and a deep commitment to the Memory Maker experience.
In this episode of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf hosts Heather Greenwood, Director, People; Emelyne Henderson, Senior Manager, Experience & Events; and Debbie Ortega, Manager, Experience & Events, from the Experience and Events team to reflect on the inaugural VIP Summit at Broad River Retail's Fort Mill campus. Designed as a unique gathering focused on financial programs for the company's retail Memory Makers, the Summit was inspired by the success of the Sleep Summit and built to "unlock" new levels of performance through engaging training sessions, peer panels, and partnerships with Synchrony, Versatile, Fortiva, Qualifi, and Progressive.
From navigating winter storms and shifting schedules to delivering warm meals, thoughtful swag, and seamless execution, the team shares what it took to make the event a success. With interactive rotations through six curated sessions and insights from top-performing Memory Makers, the Summit blended education, connection, and celebration. This episode highlights the teamwork behind the scenes, the impact on business goals, and the power of investing in experiences that put Memory Makers at the center.
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In this spotlight from episode 347, Tim Clouse and Bob Dussault dive into the leadership behaviors and cultural traits that distinguish top-performing distribution centers. They emphasize the importance of consistency—showing up daily with the same standards, energy, and expectations. Bob highlights how consistent leadership sets a dependable tone, contributing to the steady excellence at locations like Fort Mill. Together, they discuss how a strong, aligned culture is palpable the moment you walk into a high-performing center.
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In this spotlight from episode 347, Tim Clouse talks with Stacie Pittman, Michael Longshore, and Ryan Kinard about their favorite moments as Memory Makers during DC of the Year events, including Stacie's excitement over beating Four Oaks, Ryan's pride in leading the Falcons to victory, and Michael's first full year in leadership celebrating team achievements.
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It takes pride, accountability, and a united team to build a winning culture.
In this episode of Stories from the River, guest host Tim Clouse celebrates the Fort Mill Otters' third consecutive win in the DC of the Year competition. Joined by Stacie Pittman, Senior Manager, Operations, Fort Mill Otters, Michael Longshore, Senior Manager, Operations, Four Oaks Falcons, and Ryan Kinard, Senior Manager of the Spartan Ridge Bruins, the conversation dives into what motivates these leaders and their Memory Makers, what makes the Otters a powerhouse, and why culture, consistency, and camaraderie are key to high performance.
From the metrics that matter most to the "family away from home" mindset they've built, this conversation is a celebration of leadership, camaraderie, and what it takes to keep raising the bar.
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Watch full episode here: https://youtu.be/OT4safn-FKk
In this spotlight from episode 346, Charlie Malouf and Jeff Willis dive into the story behind Greenville's identity change from "Greenville Drive" to the boldly reimagined "Greenville Green Monster." Jeff Willis shares how the idea first sparked from a desire for something more original, inspired by Greenville's connection to the Boston Red Sox's historic Fenway Park and its legendary Green Monster.
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Watch full episode here: https://youtu.be/OT4safn-FKk
In this spotlight from episode 346, Jeff Willis walks through the challenges and breakthrough moments of the four-month remodel, focusing on the resilience and commitment of the Memory Makers during a period filled with noise, dust, and uncertainty.
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Watch full episode here: https://youtu.be/OT4safn-FKk
It takes vision, resilience, and a committed team to reopen, refresh, and reclaim the top spot.
In this episode of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf celebrates the grand reopening of Broad River Retail's Greenville, South Carolina location, known as the Dreamville Green Monster, with General Manager Jeff Willis.
They reflect on the store's transformation from a dark, dated showroom to a bright Ashley Store and Outlet 7.0 space, and the grit it took for the Greenville Memory Makers to stay energized through months of remodel disruption.
The conversation highlights Greenville's rise to #1 among Broad River stores, the addition of a new sleep gallery, and the pride Jeff has in his team of high achievers. It's a story of teamwork, gratitude, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Watch full episode here: https://youtu.be/qLwxIaHvTHI
In this spotlight from episode 345, the team behind Forge digs into how they built their winning presentation. They talk about wanting the new word to be a natural successor to Pioneer, and how Broad River Retail has transformed from a regional company into a national one. The vision accounted for the inevitable heat and pressure of that transformation, as well as the strength and unexpected results that often come from it.
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Watch full episode here: https://youtu.be/qLwxIaHvTHI
In this spotlight from episode 345, the team behind Forge discusses the significance of choosing the Word of the Year at Broad River Retail and what it means for the company. They also share what it means to them personally and why every company should consider choosing its own Word of the Year.
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qLwxIaHvTHI
What does it take to choose the Word of the Year at Broad River Retail?
In this episode of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf sits down with members of the team behind Forge, Broad River Retail's 2026 Word of the Year. Carl Hillesland, Lynn Knowles, and Corey Edens walk through how they landed on Forge, the thinking behind their submission, and how the idea took shape.
With Broad River's goal of reaching $500M by 2030 in mind, the team built their presentation around pressure, progress, and growth—connecting Forge to the momentum created by Pioneer in 2025.
They also share how they designed a presentation meant to connect not just logically, but emotionally, using storytelling, clear language, and visuals that could land with the entire organization.
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Watch full episode here: https://youtu.be/HJeq7X4Rn4M
In this spotlight from episode 344, Charlie and Manny reveal Broad River Retail's Word of the Year for 2026: Forge. They reflect on other powerful words that were in the running, but explain why Forge fits Broad River's present and future growth.
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Watch full episode here: https://youtu.be/HJeq7X4Rn4M
Why does Broad River Retail choose a Word of the Year, and why has the tradition lasted more than a decade?
In this spotlight from episode 344, Charlie and Manny break down where the idea started, how it's shaped the way teams think and work, and what the benefits are from choosing one each year.
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/HJeq7X4Rn4M
Broad River Retail doesn't pick a Word of the Year lightly. It's a signal of where the company is headed and what it expects of its Memory Makers.
In this episode of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf and Manny Rodrigues explain why FORGE became the 2026 Word of the Year. They walk through how the process has evolved, why more Memory Makers now shape the decision, and what ultimately set Forge apart.
We also reflect on past words, including 2025's Pioneer, and why Forge fits a moment focused less on starting and more on building something that lasts.
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Watch Full episode here: https://youtu.be/0Rii4gb5Snw
In this spotlight from episode 343, Charlie and Tyler break down the term "durable scalability" and how it became a clear guide for how Broad River Retail thinks about growing its company. They also talk about what it takes to grow from a strong regional business into a national one, without losing what made it work.
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Watch Full episode here: https://youtu.be/0Rii4gb5Snw
In this spotlight from episode 343, Charlie and Tyler talk about what it means to grow within an organization. Charlie shares the belief that growth shouldn't benefit just the company, but i t should benefit everyone connected to it. That means all of Broad River Retail's Memory Makers, guests, communities, and partners. When the company grows, people grow with it, through real investment in programs and opportunities that help everyone move forward together.
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0Rii4gb5Snw
Welcome back to Stories from the River. In this episode, Tyler Trill and Charlie Malouf sit down just after Broad River Retail's first Town Hall of 2026. With the presentation still fresh, they reflect on why the kick-off Town Hall matters—recognizing the wins of 2025, celebrating individual and team achievements, and setting direction for the year ahead.
Highlights include the Albemarle Aces earning Ashley Store of the Year and Broad River once again being named Ashley Licensee of the Year.
Looking forward, the conversation centers on DURABLE SCALABILITY. Charlie breaks down the company's shift from a regional operator to a national one, guided by three clear areas of focus: people, processes, and purpose. They also discuss the Rule of 72 as a practical way to think about growth and what it will take to reach $500 million in revenue by 2030.
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Watch Full episode here: https://youtu.be/aqZ5JFtNUQY
In this spotlight from episode 342, Tim Sayles shares how the Lighthouse Fund has grown over time. What began with support from Broad River's leaders has expanded into something bigger, with smaller, steady contributions from across the Broad River community helping sustain it today.
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Watch Full episode here: https://youtu.be/aqZ5JFtNUQY
Since launching in July, the Lighthouse Fund has helped more than 54 Memory Makers. A few of those moments have stayed with Emmelyne Henderson. In this spotlight from episode 342, she shares the Lighthouse Fund stories that left a lasting impression.
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Welcome back to Stories from the River, where Heather Greenwood brings you a bright story of Memory Makers helping Memory Makers. Together with Emelyne Henderson and Tim Sayles, the Lighthouse Fund team is bringing you a six-month update.
First, they discuss the origin of the Fund and their experience with it.
For fulthe l history, watch this video: https://youtu.be/4S-XXofao0c
The Lighthouse Fund, managed with the assistance of Helping Hands, ensures confidentiality and a fair process and is rooted in biblical inspiration. It's there to ensure Memory Makers can get assistance when stuck with an unfortunate event in their lives. The Fund has already helped over 50 Memory Makers, giving over $74,000. The ability to lead and manage this kind of program is in direct harmony with Broad River's culture, and the trio doesn't shy away from acknowledging that.
All three are honored and delighted to be a part of this initiative, and if you would also like to be involved, click on this link to learn more. https://broadriverretail.my.canva.site/website-the-lighthouse-fund
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Watch full episode here: https://youtu.be/rYzlSbx0Emw
How do you garner greatness? In this spotlight from Episode 341, Charlie explains how our profit-sharing business strategy brings every department together, working towards a common goal.
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How do you garner greatness? In this spotlight from Episode 341, Charlie explains how the right annual goals give teams focus, create accountability, and bring Memory Makers together around a shared direction. When goals matter personally and collectively, they stop being checkboxes and start marking real progress toward what's next.
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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This episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/rYzlSbx0Emw
We love First Time Evers. And this week, we paid out $1.6 million in profit sharing to over 640 Memory Makers.
In today's episode, Charlie Malouf and Manny Rodrigues, the owners and executives of Broad River Retail, discuss a celebratory town hall from Friday, January 9th, at which they announced the profit-sharing pay day.
They share their pride and excitement over achieving a milestone $272 million delivered sales goal, an accomplishment which led to a record payout of over $1,600,000 shared among more than 640 Memory Makers.
They discuss how their approach to profit sharing was carefully structured to include Memory Makers who started throughout the year by prorating payouts, and they outline efforts to provide financial education to help Memory Makers make the most of their bonuses.
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Watch full episode here: https://youtu.be/CMAdKWYzgYg
Distribution Center of the Year winner revealed!
In this episode, Charlie welcomes Tim Clouse, Senior Vice President of Operations, to break down how supply chain and distribution center decisions helped Broad River Retail deliver double-digit growth in a challenging year.
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Watch full episode here: https://youtu.be/CMAdKWYzgYg
How do you maximize all the KPIs?
In this episode, Charlie welcomes Tim Clouse, Senior Vice President of Operations, to break down how supply chain and distribution center decisions helped Broad River Retail deliver double-digit growth in a challenging year.
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CMAdKWYzgYg
What does it take to hit aggressive sales targets when operations are under pressure?
In this episode, Charlie welcomes Tim Clouse, Senior Vice President of Operations, to break down how supply chain and distribution center decisions helped Broad River Retail deliver double-digit growth in a challenging year.
They also dig into what it takes to expand into a new market, launch a distribution center from scratch, and build teams that can perform at scale.
Additional Resource:
Congregations for Kids: Foster Care Support in Charlotte - https://www.cfknc.org
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Watch full episode: https://youtu.be/K-7uM5XEJqA
How is Broad River Retail entering the Portland, Maine market? And how is it different when we entered the market in Spokane, Washington? In this spotlight from episode 337, Charlie and Manny discuss how Broad River enters a market to ensure the store's success.
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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In this spotlight episode from episode 337, Charlie and Manny discuss how Broad River gets the confidence to expand thousands of miles away, first in Spokane, Washington, with a three story Ashley Homestore, and next in Portland, Maine, coming to Jetport in spring of 2026.
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/PKfnvI0K0u4
Welcome back to Stories from the River. As we close out 2025, we bring you an exclusive insight into Home Furnishings Expert "Iron" Mike Cohen's success for the year, selling over $2,000,000 for the Cary Crushers in just his 3rd full year with Broad River. Mike has been with Broad River since July 2022. Mike shares his story and his path to success with Head Coach Stacey McCormick (EVP, Retail Performance) in today's episode (our final episode of the year).
Mike began his career with The River as a Home Furnishings Associate in Durham in the Southpoint location, and worked there for two years before transferring to the Cary Ashley Store. Mike sold over $1M in his first full year (2023) in Durham Southpoint, then sold over $1.5M in his 2nd full year (2024), which was split between Durham Southpoint and Cary. But, this year, Mike has continued the torrid pace that really began in the back half of 2024 to reach that elusive and impressive $2,000,000 milestone after only 11 months and 1 day in 2025!
Being only the 5th person in company history to achieve this impressive $2M milestone, Mike leads us through his exciting journey from working part-time during college in New Jersey to finding his passion and career success in furniture sales. Mike shares that his early experiences, personal goals, the support of his team, and Broad River's leadership led him to reach this career goal so early in his career at only 26 years of age.
Learn all about Mike's beginnings, his transition from the Durham Southpoint location to Cary, his personal and professional development, and how his store's pursuit of excellence motivated him. Mike shares how his outlook has changed in the last several years as he tried to chase bigger goals. And, he remarks about the motivational aspect of aspirational goals and big jackpot bonuses, as well as charting the company's performance and success as much as his own.
We hope you enjoy this episode and have a happy and safe end of 2025. We will see you next year with more behind the scenes stories from Broad River Retail.
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Merry Christmas and welcome back to Stories from the River. We hope you are having a lovely day filled with love, joy, peace, family, and support.
Today we wanted to bring you a special holiday episode. Manny Rodrigues, Broad River's President and COO, welcomes his in-laws, Jimmy Kallam and Suzi Kallam, for a heartfelt holiday conversation. Jimmy and Suzi are founders of Tandem Spirituality, a ministry which focuses on supporting pastors, Christian leaders, and anyone seeking connection and guidance.
Jimmy shares the origins and purpose of his latest book, Struggling Well with Life, designed to support anyone in a time of crisis.
Jimmy and Suzi discuss how to show up for others and how seeing people during this Christmas season can impact others' day profoundly.
They share their favorite memories and traditions during Christmas as well as the promise that we have in Christ.
We hope you all have a joyful and Merry Christmas holiday!
Additional resources:
Struggling Well with Life: https://www.amazon.com/Struggling-Well-Life-Jimmy-Kallam/dp/B0F2CC6RSV
Tandem Spirituality: https://www.tandemspirituality.com/ This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sgMg1_d9_70
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This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/K-7uM5XEJqA
Welcome back to Stories from the River. Today, Charlie Malouf and Manny Rodrigues make a very special announcement: Broad River Retail plans to open a new store in Portland, Maine. Internally announced to Memory Makers during a Companywide Town Hall on December 18th, Broad River is expanding into northern New England in 2026.
Broad River is proud to bring an an Ashley Store & Outlet to South Portland in the Jetport Plaza shopping center. The 44,900 square feet store will feature a flagship Ashley 7.0 showroom, an Ashley Outlet, an expanded sleep shop, and introduce the all-new, exclusive Ashley Luxe collection to the market.
The store is set to open in May of 2026, and on today's episode Charlie and Manny discuss the origin story behind their approach on studying the market, selecting the location, and how the area's growth, vibrancy, and demographics made it the ideal next expansion point for Broad River Retail.
They discuss their plans for other stores in the Northeast, particularly in the state of Maine and across the border into Portsmouth, New Hampshire, as they'll look to deploy the hub-and-spoke model that has worked well for them in the Southeast. The current Broad River Memory Makers play a critical role in this exciting new step, especially as this announcment quickly follows the opening of a store in Spokane, WA, this past Saturday, December 20th, also an exciting move for Broad River, who's until now been based in and around the Carolinas and Georgia area of the country.
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This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/S7W07WlBQjc
Welcome back to Stories from the River. In this episode, Charlie Malouf (CEO) and Tyler Trill (Senior Communications Manager) share highlights from Broad River's Holly Jolly Town Hall held earlier this morning (Thursday, December 18th), an internal companywide event that isn't publicly available.
This was Broad River Retail's final town hall of the year, and it celebrated the major milestone of Broad River's first successful year in its six-year plan to double in size by 2030. The company is expected to reach its annual revenue goal of $272M, setting the stage for record Pioneer Prosperity profit-sharing bonuses and continued reinvestment in the business.
You'll also hear recognition for our $2M Memory Maker for 2025, Mike Cohen, who will be featured on the podcast in a future episode later this month.
Charlie and Tyler cover business updates including new store openings, upcoming locations, and store remodel plans for 2026, along with performance updates, people updates, community updates, and what's driving performance.
Additional updates include an increased 401(k) match, news on programs like The Lighthouse Fund, and a look ahead to next year's first major event: the Memory Maker Awards Gala.
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In today's episode, Head Coach and EVP of Retail Performance, Stacey McCormick, is on location in the Spokane, WA, store during its store opening and setup efforts. Stacey takes our audience behind the scenes while on location from Spokane, Washington.
Later this month, in fact this coming Saturday, December 20th, Broad River will open a brand new store in a market over 2500 miles and three time zones away from its headquarters in Fort Mill, South Carolina. That's right, Spokane is finally happening.
We started this year with our word of the year, Pioneer. We end the year with a pioneering accomplishment that is this new store in Spokane, WA. Today on Stories from the River, we hear directly from the Head Coach himself. Stacey McCormick, Broad River's EVP of Sales Performance is in Spokane, overseeing the final preparations. This episode provides a rare, behind-the-scenes look at a store that is about to open.
McCormick answers some major questions on everyone's minds - why Spokane and why now? What is next in the West? And how will this store remain connected to the rest of Broad River Retail?
Are you excited about this store opening? What do you want to learn about next? Let us know in the comments.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WoA5AJ5toXU
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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The holiday season is in full stride at Broad River Retail. On this episode on Stories from the River, Heather Greenwood, Broad River's Director of People and Emelyne Henderson, Broad River's Senior Manager of Experience & Events give us a behind-the-scenes look at Operation Tis the Season, a cherished initiative at Broad River Retail.
It's a Memory Makers Helping Memory Makers program, in which the community comes together to ensure all of the children have something special to open on Christmas Day. Emelyne heads the organization of the program and ensures that every element, from communication, organization, to shopping and putting the gifts into bags, goes flawlessly. This year, the event will serve 37 families and 97 children.
In this episode, we learn the powerful history behind the event which developed after the 2020 pandemic to help Memory Makers who just needed a little extra support during the holidays. Over the last five years, it expanded to assist dozens of families, through an open application process and enthusiastic internal community giving.
The gifts were chosen with the children's interests in mind, and Emelyne will reveal some of this year's themes. This event has become a highlight of the holiday season for the Memory Maker Experience team, and they hope it only grows and helps bring more joy on Christmas Day in the future.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3XjFff4NR6Q
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Welcome back to Stories from the River. December is here, so Charlie Malouf, Broad River's CEO and Stories from the River podcast host is back with a laundry list of updates.
First, we are happy to announce the opening of a brand new store in Easley, South Carolina. A two-in-one, dual concept Ashley Store & Outlet.
https://stores.ashleyfurniture.com/store/us/south-carolina/easley/5149-calhoun-memorial-pkwy/
Even though new store openings are most definitely kind of a big deal around here, the Easley store seemed to have sprouted out of nowhere, and that's all thanks to our incredible team that works tirelessly behind the scenes. Charlie explains the process and acknowledges the team members involved to make this seemingly impossible task come to life. It may look effortless, but thanks to the effort of everyone involved, store number 34 is now live. It will be followed shortly by the iconic, new 3-story Ashley Store & Outlet in Spokane, WA, later this month, and then another new Ashley Store in Moscow, ID, in early 2026
Charlie then moves on to discussing the recently completed 95-Day Challenge and what that means for Broad River's growth. Even though the challenge wasn't technically met all the way, Broad River is still on its way to complete its annual financial goal of reaching $272 million in revenue. This is part of a larger, 6-year goal of growing 12% YoY and reaching a doubling in 2030.
Even though the 95-Day Challenge wasn't fully met, there are some teams that have done an exceptional job, and Charlie takes this opportunity to acknowledge them on the show. Their outstanding performance is what really shines through year over year.
Stay with us as we complete the year with more exciting updates, holiday events, and maybe some remote footage from Spokane, WA, so we can see how that massive store opening is really going.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LLGgNcAgiXk
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Welcome back to Stories from the River. Today we continue our journey behind the scenes of the Ashley's 'Right to Win' Product Knowledge Boot Camp that was held at the Pineville Flagship Store this October. This time, Heather Greenwood, Broad River's Director of People sits across from Kaylee Kirchner, Ashley's AFI trainer.
To start, Kirchner's love and dedication to her craft shine through the episode as she enthusiastically describes what she most enjoys about these trainings (spoiler alert: it's everything!). In all seriousness, Kirchner reveals the origin of the boot camp program, how it came to be, and why it's called "boot camp", its evolution through the years, and her personal experience with it.
She also highlights the passion and drive she found inside Broad River Retail during both 2025 boot camp trainings. She celebrates the unique culture she notices every time she's here and reflects on how Memory Makers experience the training - with a desire to learn, improve, and elevate their product knowledge beyond expectations.
Greenwood and Kirchner truly connect to one another this episode, exchanging success stories from the bootcamp, and light bulb moments of increased confidence amongst the Memory Makers, and the consistent emphasis on improving personal growth and knowledge about Ashley Furniture's competitive advantage.
Enjoy this incredibly delightful episode, and if you're ever interested on becoming a Memory Maker, listen in to some behind the scenes advice from an absolute professional in the industry.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qrxV5jsdv68
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Welcome back to Stories from the River. In this episode, our guest host and Broad River's Director of People, Heather Greenwood welcomes Kelly Villastrigo, a Million Dollar Memory Maker and Home Furnishings Expert, for a behind-the-scenes look at the AFI Boot Camp training at Broad River Retail's Pineville flagship store.
Villastrigo shares his journey at Broad River, celebrating nearly two years with the company, and highlights what makes Ashley Furniture stand out—particularly the "mom and pop feel" paired with big company resources. They discuss the lessons learned during the boot camp, and Villastrigo shares exactly which insights he plans to benefit most from the most.
They discuss how ongoing training builds confidence, product knowledge, and ultimately translates to improved guest experiences and sales.
This episode builds on the Ashley's 'Right to Win' Product Knowledge Boot Camp series we did earlier this year and proves that consistent learning is not just something we talk about, but a daily commitment at Broad River Retail.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/g44vuka43AA
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Happy Thanksgiving, everyone, and welcome back to Stories from the River. As we conclude the Grand Reopening Celebration Series from last month's Mooresville, North Carolina, Ashley Store, we turn to Manny Rodrigues and his guest for the day, Sandy Ruhlin, Broad River's Home Furnishings Expert and Million Dollar Memory Maker.
Ruhlin was around to remember how the store looked years before the remodel, and even though the team at The Lake never stopped winning, she welcomes this new Ashley 7.0 redesign with excitement and joy. The conversation focuses on the impact these new changes have on the showroom's appearance, both agreeing that the improved lighting and polished concrete floor make a huge difference in how the showroom feels and how it's received by the guests.
Ruhlin shares her journey from working in commercial design and architecture in the Chicago area to moving to the Carolinas and finding herself at Broad River. The eye for beauty and design never left her, and she loves helping guests furnish their life's best memories.
The two touch on the new sleep gallery, which streamlines the mattress selection process and showcases the diverse offerings for every guest. As you already know, every mattress sold leads to a Beds for Kids donation, which works on ensuring all children have a bed to sleep on. The team at The Lake prides itself on the new mattress gallery and all the good it will be able to achieve with it.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/T7pbfFsPBPc
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Welcome back to Stories from the River. Today, guest host Manny Rodrigues, Broad River's President and COO, sits across from Dan Pieszchala, an 11-year Million Dollar Memory Maker and Home Furnishings Expert at Broad River Retail. In this continuation of the Grand Reopening Celebration series, Manny and Dan reminisce on their connected history together at Broad River Retail that began 11 years ago, and they discuss the Mooresville Store's history and its journey to the new Ashley 7.0 design.
The conversation digs into Dan Pieszchala's inspiring path as a Memory Maker, highlighting his unwavering grit, passion, and the personal commitments that have shaped his 11-year career with the company. Pieszchala shares personal stories of overcoming life's difficulties, while continuing to thrive as a Million Dollar Memory Maker at Broad River.
Pieszchala shares his history, his previous position prior to getting into retail, and discusses his family at The Lake.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Ut3S10efLz4
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Welcome back to Stories from the River! Today we continue the Lake Norman Grand Reopening Celebration series, focusing on the newest transformation to Ashley 7.0 in Mooresville, North Carolina. Charlie Malouf, Broad River's CEO and show host, sits down with a Home Furnishings Expert and Million Dollar Memory Maker, Ewa Szmigiel.
Szmigiel shares her journey from Poland to North Carolina, describing the challenges she faced transitioning to life in the United States and how she discovered her passion for working with people in the furniture industry. She talks about her progression through various retail roles, ultimately finding her place as a Memory Maker at Broad River Retail. Joy and fulfillment are important parts of one's working life, Szmigiel describes, and she takes pride in being able to build lasting relationships with guests and her team.
Listening to this conversation, you really get a sense of the special atomsphere at the Mooresville location, Szmigiel is particularly fond of her team dynamics and store leader GM Nathan Jeter. (Listen to Jeter's episode from the Mooresville remodel here: https://youtu.be/Nl607F39JFQ. She continues to discuss the positive impact of the store renovation, focusing on the new sleep gallery and the general updated look of the showrooms.
Stay tuned next week as Broad River's President and COO Manny Rodrigues sits across from two other long-time Mooresville Memory Makers and Home Furnishings Experts as they recount their experience with the latest Broad River store remodel.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Ije4QTfEQhU
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Welcome back to Stories from the River! We are continuing our recap series from the Grand Reopening Celebration of our latest Ashley Store 7.0 transformation in Mooresville, North Carolina. In today's episode, CEO Charlie Malouf sits down with Mooresville General Manager Nathan Jeter to discuss the remodel experience and results from the reimagined Lake Norman store, The Lake.
The Mooresville Ashley store has been around for over 17 years, and its success was never questionned. Nathan Jeter and his winning team have stood out in the Company. However, this fall, the team at The Lake welcomed a long-awaited remodel of their beloved store to the Ashley 7.0 model. Expanding the Sleep Shop to twice its size and reinventing the showroom with the fresh 7.0 design will only help this team reach new heights in the coming season.
In today's interview conducted in the showroom following the ribbon cutting held last month on October 7th, we get an insight into what Nathan and his team think about the brand new remodel. The conversation explores the journey leading up to the ribbon cutting, and they reminisce about the seventeen years since the store first opened, its journey to where it is now and the various wonderful Memory Makers who got it to this moment. Jeter particularly reflects on the instrumental impact that Renee Bradley has had on the store and how helpful Tim Sayles was during the construction process.
In a surprising move, the Mooresville store managed to win Store of the Month, the presigious Yoda award, twice amidst the construction. Jeter credits this to his team of Memory Makers. He remarks that the team's resilient mindest, strategic planning, and the support of both long-term Memory Makers as well as some newcomers help make the Mooresville store the award-winning location.
Stayed tuned for other conversations from this event as the stories will highlight Mooresville Memory Makers and their strength, resilience and ability to thrive during chaos.
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Nl607F39JFQ
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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On October 7, the Mooresville store (also known as The Lake) reopened its brand new doors, with a bang and a ribbon cutting! On today's episode of Stories from the River, we bring you the energy and atmosphere from right before the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Broad River leaders attended and spoke at the event, honoring the current and past leadership of the store.
Today, we are joined by Tony Barr, Corporate Chaplain of America, who leads us into the event with prayer and gratitude. Charlie Malouf, Broad River's CEO, takes the stage next, reminiscing on the store's history, acknowledging the ongoing dedication and resilience of the Memory Makers, past and present, to make this store what it is today.
Next is Manny Rodrigues, Broad River's President and COO, who shares the stage with Dan Pieszchala, a long-time Million Dollar Memory Maker and Home Furnishings Expert whose dedication to the team is palpable. (Stay tuned for a full interview with Dan, coming later this month to the channel.)
We hear from Tim Sayles, Broad River's Director of Facilities and Construction, and Lynn Knowles, Director of Merchandising and Visual Impact, and the two share their stories of how the store really came together.
Coach Stacey McCormick, EVP of Retail Performance, takes the stage next and thanks the hardworking team, both past and present, for creating in The Lake an extraordinary store. He highlights the sheer determination of the Memory Makers in Mooresville, winning the prestigious Store of the Month Yoda award, not once, but twice, during the construction process.
We also hear from Chris Berrier, Area Manager and the multi unit leader for this store, who takes a moment to thank Renee Bradley for her past leadership in the store, and tells a story of hitting a very important milestone back in the day.
Nathan Jeter, the General Manager at The Lake, takes the stage next and expresses all of the gratitude towards the leadership team and his own Memory Makers. Nathan has been looking forward to this renovation for years, and now that it's finally happened, he's ready to accelerate his success at the store. Hear from Nathan next week, during a full interview, here on Stories from the River.
Kim Harkness ends the episode with community impact. Broad River's partnership with Beds for Kids is super important, and on this opening day, an additional donation to Beds for Kids was made.
Enjoy this episode, as well as the next four interviews from the Grand Reopening of the Mooresville location.
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1Wu83f4FaTE
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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In this episode of Stories from the River, we revisit the semi-annual Fall Sleep Summit, an event Broad River holds at the Charlotte Motor Speedway to help Home Furnishings Consultants level up their sleep sales game.
Today you will hear from six Memory Makers as they recap their experience at the 2025 Sleep Summit.
Christian Sonander and Domaniek Greene from the Boulevard Believe
Jose Gonzalez from the Albemarle Aces
Ken Wilcox from the Special Forces
Kensley Phillips from the Flagship Enterprise
Nasir Park from the Raleighwood Legends
They discuss why this event is important to them, what their favorite thing they've learned is, and how they plan to apply this new knowledge to future success.
Learn about the nuance of selling sleep, why sleep is important, and the transformative impact Memory Makers can have on guests' lives. They recount memorable experiences and past success stories that have left a permanent effect on them.
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/e-Wj-y-Ap7c
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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In today's episode of Stories from The River, Josh Hatchell, Broad River's Senior Retail Experience Manager, continues his conversation with Charlie Malouf, Broad River's CEO, in part two of Retail Operations "Get To Know You" session held on September 18th at Broad River's Fort Mill, South Carolina, campus.
This conversation dives into Charlie's personal leadership approach, the future of Broad River, and the strategies he uses to stay connected with the Memory Makers across the stores.
As Broad River is about to take root in a completely new part of the country, the audience members exhibit curiosity about continued growth and expansions they expect in the future. With humor and thoughful reflection, Charlie shares his vision for Broad River's next chapter, while at the same time sharing his vision and growth philosophy for the company, summed up in one word: bamboo. The realization is swift and effective, like Broad River, bamboo is resilient, adaptable, and grows quietly underground until it's ready to sprout and reach new heights. This is Broad River's strategy for the next chapter.
Listen carefully for a behind the scenes insight into plans for innovation, motivational advice, and building your own leadership presence in the world.
Books: Shoe Dog by Phil Knight - https://www.amazon.com/Shoe-Dog-Memoir-Creator-Nike/dp/1501135910 Soundtracks by Jon Acuff - https://www.amazon.com/Soundtracks-Surprising-Solution-Overthinking/dp/B08NXXNDSV All It Takes is a Goal by Jon Acuff - https://www .amazon.com/All-Takes-Goal-Massive-Potential/dp/B0C5B4NH32
Listen to Part One of this Conversation: Getting to Know Charlie Malouf: Early Jobs, Failures, & Laying Foundation for Broad River's Culture - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsYEZf2xDO8
This video on Youtube: https://youtu.be/y00Ip9pYWrw
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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In today's episode of Stories from the River, the host becomes the guest. That's right, Broad River's CEO and Stories from the River's host becomes the main conversation topic, as Josh Hatchell, Broad River's Senior Retail Experience Manager, along with a room full of Retail Opertions Memory Makers, ask meaningful and insightful questions into Charlie's past, present, and Broad River's future.
This episode was recorded on September 18, 2025, from Broad River's Fort Mill, South Carolina, campus, during a session with Retail Ops called "Get To Know You" with a leader from Broad River Retail. For this session, the Retail Ops Leaders asked Charlie if he would be interviewed for this Q&A session.
During this part one of a two-part series, we see Charlie candidly reflect on his personal and professional journey, sharing stories from his earliest jobs, the lessons learned along the way, and his philosophy about company culture. If you've been a long term listener, you'll already know Broad River prides itself on the culture they've built, and in this episode, you get a glimpse into its early creation.
Charlie emphasizes how Broad River's culture is rooted in recognizing unique contributions of Memory Makers, building identities, and helping furnish life's best memories. He discusses his inspirations, touching on books, podcasts, and personal interests, and provides insights into the company's growth strategy and vision for the future.
Enjoy this honest and open conversation between Charlie and the entire Retail Ops team and come back for part 2!
Books: Everybody Matters by Bob Chapman and Raj Sisodia - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1591847796 A Million Little Miracles by Mark Batterson - https://www.amazon.com/Million-Little-Miracles-Rediscover-Bigger/dp/B0CXJJPSVK Win the Day by Mark Batterson - https://www.amazon.com/Win-Day-Habits-Stress-Accomplish/dp/B08B6DJXPZ Do It For a Day by Mark Batterson - https://www.amazon.com/Do-Day-Make-Break-Habit/dp/B08ZQMN8BS
Podcasts: Truly Human Leadership Podcast https://www.barrywehmiller.com/blog/podcasts Acquired https://www.acquired.fm/ The Knowledge Project https://www.youtube.com/@tkppodcast No Mercy, No Malice (by Scott Galloway) https://www.profgalloway.com/ A Little Bit of Optimism (by Simon Sinek) https://simonsinek.com/podcast/
This video on Youtube: https://youtu.be/jsYEZf2xDO8
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Welcome to the 4th and final episode from our "Pioneering the Path - a Purpose 8:28 Experience" series.
In this episode of Stories from the River, we bring you a special, behind-the-scenes look into what the "Pioneering the Path - a Purpose 8:28 Experience" really felt and looked like for our retail leaders. These key excerpts from the day's sessions give a rare insight into an even deeper level of this immersive retail leadership development day and into Broad River's culture.
Tune in today to hear Bradley Sullivan's discuss how to enroll your team, get their full support and share in the common vision with Vision, Purpose, and Ownership (VPO). Will Luke will share four key time management tips to keep your team running like clockwork. Steve Ramjit's M.A.G.N.E.T. strategy will help you understand how to attract the very best people, and Gabby Cobos will give insight into how to coach them, consistently. Finally, Chris Wright will weigh in with some trade secrets, a secret sauce to success in a showroom.
Each of our presenters gave their talk three times, to various audiences of small groups of their peers, and they also played a role as active audience members for each other's presentations. (See if you can recognize their jereseys!)
This episode truly highlights the spirit of our Memory Makers. With an "Iron sharpens iron" mindset, they strive to learn from and to teach one another, reinforcing that true leadership is about empowering everyone to own the vision and actively shape both their own and Broad River's legacy.
Watch this episode on youtube: https://youtu.be/4WShHREPMRQ
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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In this episode of Stories from the River, we sit down with three inspiring Broad River Retail General Managers at the end of an impactful day from the Fort Mill, SC, campus where Broad River held its "Pioneering the Path - a Purpose 8:28 Experience" full learning and development day for all of its retail leaders on August 28, 2025. We sit down with Sonya De La Cruz of Hickory; Brett Cary of Asheville; and Seth Logue of Gastonia to explore what makes the company's culture so unique and impactful. Through their personal stories and leadership experiences, they reveal how Broad River's servant-minded leadership approach and people-first values have shaped their careers and their teams. The conversation highlights the power of choosing positivity and leading with purpose, while also emphasizing how vision, planning, and intentional action help drive success. Each retail leader shares how Broad River's senior leadership sets the tone by genuinely investing in every Memory Maker, knowing them by name, supporting their growth, and practicing the culture rather than simply talking about it. Their insights reinforce that success at Broad River is not solely measured by numbers or KPIs, but by elevating people, fostering belief, and building meaningful relationships. This episode is a reminder that the culture at Broad River Retail is alive in daily actions, not slogans on a wall. It paints a vivid picture of a company that dreams boldly, plans thoughtfully, moves with purpose, and grows together as one team. For anyone who values personal development, servant leadership, and the joy of helping others win, this is an inspiring conversation you won't want to miss.
Watch the video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WxeWQ_beD4E
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Welcome to part two of our conversation with Kristen Hadeed on Stories from the River.
Host Charlie Malouf continues his conversation with Kristen Hadeed, author of Permission to Screw Up, diving into resilience, ownership, and courageous leadership. Kristen shares why it's okay to have a short "pity party" after setbacks—but emphasizes the importance of moving forward and learning from mistakes. She introduces practical tools like the "resilience resume," where human-centered leaders reflect on lessons learned from their own screw-ups in weekly meetings, creating a safe space for experimentation, growth, and risk-taking.
The conversation explores how leaders can foster ownership and identity capital while helping team members find their "sweet spot" at work. Kristen highlights the value of embracing both rock star (deep specialist) and superstar (fast-growth, versatile) mindsets as careers evolve. She also explains the "1:3:1" method for collaborative problem-solving, where individuals present a challenge, three potential solutions, and their preferred option—boosting both idea quality and personal accountability.
Kristen underscores the power of courageous conversations and shares her 24-hour rule for addressing tough issues, all designed to build trust, authenticity, and stronger teams. She closes with an invitation to her Human Leadership Program, a pay-what-you-can initiative that helps leaders grow through intentionality, self-compassion, and creating lasting impact.
Additional Resources:
Kristen's Leadership Development Company Website - https://www.kristenhadeed.com
The Human Leadership Program by Kristen Hadeed - https://www.kristenhadeed.com/humanleadershipprogram
Permission to Screw Up by Kristen Hadeed - https://www.amazon.com/Permission-Screw-Up-Learned-Everything/dp/1591848296
Chief Joy Officer: How Great Leaders Elevate Human Energy and Eliminate Fear by Richard Sheridan - https://www.amazon.com/Chief-Joy-Officer-Leaders-Eliminate/dp/0735218226
The Defining Decade by Meg Jay - https://www.amazon.com/Defining-Decade-Your-Twenties-Matter/dp/0446561754
Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity by Kim Scott - https://www.amazon.com/Radical-Candor-Kick-Ass-Without-Humanity/dp/1250103509
What Got You Here Won't Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith - https://www.amazon.com/What-Got-Here-Wont-There/dp/1401301304
Everybody Matters by Bob Chapman & Raj Sisodia - https://www.barrywehmiller.com/bobchapman/book
Watch the video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ozBEpYK1V1o
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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In this episode of Stories from the River, host and CEO Charlie Malouf welcomes keynote speaker and author Kristen Hadeed, fresh off her impactful talk at Broad River Retail's "Pioneering the Path - a Purpose 8:28 Experience" leadership event. Kristen opens up about her unexpected journey—accidentally launching the cleaning company Student Maid at just 19, navigating major failures, and discovering her passion for human-centered leadership. What began as a student side-hustle quickly became a laboratory for learning, where she uncovered how trust, communication, and belief in people can transform a culture.
Kristen reveals the pivotal conversation with her friend and colleague Monique that ultimately shifted her company's purpose, evolving from her cleaning company Student Maid to a leadership development organization. Her story sets the stage for a larger message: leadership isn't about perfection—it's about courage, connection, and owning our impact.
Charlie and Kristen also discuss how she prepares her keynotes, customizing every presentation to the culture and needs of her audience rather than delivering a pre-packaged speech. Together, they unpack themes from her session, including the power of a "resilience résumé," confronting imposter syndrome, and recognizing fear as a signal that something truly meaningful is on the line. Kristen's vulnerability, humor, and practical wisdom invite Memory Makers to lead with heart, take ownership, and collaborate boldly with courageous conversations.
From her first interactions with Broad River, Kristen says she immediately felt the authenticity and electricity of the culture. Part 1 captures that energy—an inspiring conversation about growth, intentional leadership, and the courage to build environments where people can thrive.
Come back for part two of this conversation on Thursday!
Additional Resources:
Kristen's Leadership Development Company Website - https://www.kristenhadeed.com
Permission to Screw Up by Kristen Hadeed - https://www.amazon.com/Permission-Screw-Up-Learned-Everything/dp/1591848296
The Human Leadership Program by Kristen Hadeed - https://www.kristenhadeed.com/humanleadershipprogram
Kristen's Original 2012 TED Talk with over 3.3M Views: How to Retire by 20 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDvoGev5_tk
Kristen Hadeed and Millennials on the Truly Human Leadership podcast: https://feeds.libsyn.com/67290/podcast/ep-19-kristen-hadeed-and-millennials
Kristen Hadeed and Millennials on the Truly Human Leadership on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/truly-human-leadership/id992577373?i=1000581569564
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield - https://www.amazon.com/War-Art-Through-Creative-Battles/dp/1936891026
The Imposter Phenomenon by Dr. Pauline Rose Clance - https://paulineroseclance.com/impostor_phenomenon.html
Silence the Imposter by Gary Frey - https://www.amazon.com/Silence-Imposter-Weapons-Syndrome/dp/B0CJLLLV61
Combining Ministry and Football: The Unique Path of Pittsburgh Steelers Chaplain Kent Chevalier - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJuLje81LNE
Arthur Brooks - The Power of Teaching, The Arrival Fallacy, The Mad Scientist Profile, Lifting Heavy Weights, & The Two Best Practices To Be Happy - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-learning-leader-show-with-ryan-hawk/id985396258?i=1000725431986
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XOAGyXo5auw
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Welcome back to Stories from the River! Host and CEO Charlie Malouf is on location in Columbia, South Carolina, celebrating the Grand Reopening and ribbon-cutting of the Columbia, SC Ashley Store on Harbison Blvd. Charlie sits down with Emily Boyle, Senior Visual Impact Manager, who oversees the visual presentation for three stores in the Midlands area. Emily reflects on her nearly four-year journey with Broad River Retail, sharing her excitement for collaborating with a dedicated group of Memory Makers during a major store remodel—the first of its scale for her. She details the extensive planning and teamwork that went into successfully managing the construction, highlighting the importance of constant communication among various departments, contractors, and retail leadership to keep the project running smoothly, despite the inevitable disruptions.
Emily takes great pride in the store's transformation, noting its elevated status as one of the highest-rated locations for visual impact, thanks to the relentless effort of all the Memory Makers involved. She discusses the satisfaction of receiving both positive customer feedback and impressive results in sales numbers, attributing the success to the collaborative spirit within Broad River Retail. Emily also shares her personal inspiration from brands like Restoration Hardware and Ballard Designs and talks about her educational background in interior decorating. The episode closes with excitement about upcoming initiatives, such as the Ashley Luxe program, and Emily's unwavering commitment to continuous improvement, culture, and bringing creative energy to the Columbia store—a true flagship for Broad River Retail.Watch the other three episodes in this series:
Bloodline's Rebirth: Troy Walker on Transforming Columbia and Leading with Purpose - https://youtu.be/GN_COcShtag
Inside Columbia's Store Remodel: Teamwork, Transformation, and Retail Innovation - https://youtu.be/jQuDnH4mKPI
Don't Give Up Before the Miracle Happens: The Power of Connection w/ the Bloodline's Lance Cline - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZ9EP8Ve9Zw
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-noKbLAU5iA
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
In this episode of Stories from the River, host and CEO, Charlie Malouf, continues the interviews from the Grand Reopening of the Columbia Bloodline store, which has undergone a major transformation into a stunning 7.0 Ashley prototype. Today, we hear from Lance Cline, Home Furnishings Expert, a committed Memory Maker with four years of service and success at Broad River Retail. Lance shares his excitement about the store's new look—especially the expanded Sleep Gallery—and reflects on how his personal journey and focus on serving others has shaped both his life and success at work. He discusses shifting from a "top performer" mentality to one of service and connection, explaining that helping others is key to keeping what he's gained, not only materially but mentally and spiritually.
The conversation delves deeper into Lance's story, from overcoming addiction to celebrating seven years of sobriety and dedicating himself to supporting his community, especially those struggling with alcohol and drug addiction. He emphasizes the importance of connection—the core of his philosophy—and credits other Memory Makers for the store's success, highlighting that retail truly is a team sport. Lance's leadership and passion were recognized through the "Power of Connection" award at the January 2025 Annual Awards Gala, but he insists he prefers to work behind the scenes, driving big dreams for the store and his colleagues. The episode closes with Lance encouraging all Memory Makers facing challenges to "not give up before the miracle happens" and to focus on having fun, selling furniture, and helping others.
Watch the other episodes in this series:
Bloodline's Rebirth: Troy Walker on Transforming Columbia and Leading with Purpose - https://youtu.be/GN_COcShtag
Inside Columbia's Store Remodel: Teamwork, Transformation, and Retail Innovation - https://youtu.be/jQuDnH4mKPI
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dZ9EP8Ve9Zw
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
In this special Stories from the River episode, host Charlie Malouf sits down with Cameron Piersanti, Senior Manager in Merchandising, following the Grand Reopening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of Broad River Retail’s Columbia, South Carolina, location.
Cameron shares insights on the extensive remodel process, highlighting teamwork, strategic planning, and the challenges of transforming the store while staying open for business. They discuss the evolution from a dated layout—including a fountain and kids’ area—to a contemporary Ashley 7.0 format, with a dramatically expanded sleep shop and a “two-in-one” concept that blends outlet and showroom offerings.
Cameron details the logistics behind successful remodels, the importance of optimizing space, and the rising popularity of key product lines and programs. The episode wraps up with reflections on the camaraderie and motivation these grand reopenings inspire, showcasing Broad River’s commitment to excellence and adaptability in retail.
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GN_COcShtag
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
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In this episode of Stories from the River, host and CEO Charlie Malouf sits down with Troy Walker, the General Manager of the newly renovated Columbia Bloodline location for Broad River Retail. The conversation marks the Grand Reopening of this legacy store, which had been in operation in its original form for nearly two decades.
Troy reflects on the transformation of the store, sharing details about its outdated appearance prior to the remodel—complete with old carpet, playground equipment, and a dated fountain. The episode dives deep into Troy’s journey, from joining Broad River as a co-GM in Augusta to being convinced, somewhat reluctantly, to accept the challenge of leading the Columbia store. He describes the atmosphere he inherited: a slow, low-energy environment jokingly referring to it as a “funeral home.” Together, with his fellow Memory Makers, especially Sales Manager Lance Cline, they began to reshape the culture, foster a strong sense of family, and ultimately form what they proudly call the “Bloodline.”
The remodel marked a pivotal new chapter, bringing modern design and fresh energy into the space. Troy discusses how the changes, such as the new sleep gallery and polished floors, have greatly improved both the guest and Memory Maker experience. The process was challenging, with months of dust, noise, and mental strain, but ultimately resulted in a beautiful, revitalized showroom. Throughout the episode, Troy emphasizes the importance of culture, camaraderie, and shared success—highlighting how Memory Makers compete but also support one another so everyone can thrive. With big dreams ahead, including aspirations to become the store of the year, Troy and his Bloodline Memory Makers are focused on driving performance, providing meaningful experiences, and becoming a flagship for both Broad River and the wider community.
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jQuDnH4mKPI
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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In this fourth and final episode of the Stories from the River series on Broad River Retail’s 4th Annual Home Furnishings Expert Soirée, host and CEO Charlie Malouf and EVP of Retail Performance Stacey McCormick reflect on the significance of this special celebration honoring Broad River’s Memory Makers. The soirée is a cherished tradition that recognizes and celebrates Home Furnishings Experts—spotlighting the dedication, discipline, and humility it takes to achieve this distinguished status. Charlie highlights how these top Memory Makers not only excel at their craft but also mentor and uplift others, embodying the company’s values and fueling its continued growth. Gratitude also extends to valued partners like Synchrony, whose support helps make these accomplishments and celebrations possible.
Stacey brings heartfelt appreciation, recognizing not only the experts but also the supporting teams and loved ones who stand beside them. He emphasizes the importance of relationships, trust, and genuine care within Broad River, celebrating both first-time experts and those who have earned this honor multiple times. With deep respect and admiration, he applauds their passion, resilience, and impact.
This episode captures the closing moments of the soirée series, honoring the Memory Makers who drive Broad River’s success and make life’s best memories possible for their guests.
Watch the previous three episodes from this series:
Fresh Takes From the 4th Annual Home Furnishings Expert Soirée - https://youtu.be/h4ipi5QVtoc
Retail Experts: Generating Performance, Rewarding Excellence, and Driving Culture - https://youtu.be/KxBIKL25ESo
A Toast to Dedication, Teamwork, and Home Furnishings Experts - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbMzV0sDrs8
In this third episode from Broad River Retail’s 4th Annual Home Furnishings Expert Soirée, host and CEO Charlie Malouf shares a special recap of the evening’s inspiring speeches. The soirée featured remarks from Heather Greenwood, Director of People; and in this episode, listeners will hear highlights from Manny Rodrigues, President & COO, and Amy Kneeland, GM & SVP at Synchrony. Together, they celebrated and honored Broad River’s exceptional Memory Makers.
The event underscored the values of hard work, consistency, and pioneering spirit. Manny emphasized that true expertise is earned through disciplined habits, persistent effort, and a commitment to leading the industry forward. Amy echoed the theme of partnership, applauding the Memory Makers for their dedication and passion, which continue to set a high standard across the home furnishings space.
This episode captures the gratitude, recognition, and celebratory energy of the soirée—raising a well-deserved toast to every Memory Maker for their remarkable achievements and lasting contributions.
Watch parts one and two:
Fresh Takes From the 4th Annual Home Furnishings Expert Soirée - https://youtu.be/h4ipi5QVtoc
Retail Experts: Generating Performance, Rewarding Excellence, and Driving Culture - https://youtu.be/KxBIKL25ESo
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/gbMzV0sDrs8
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
In the second episode featuring Broad River Retail's 4th Annual Home Furnishings Expert Soirée, host and CEO Charlie Malouf, President and COO Manny Rodrigues, and EVP of Retail Performance Stacy McCormick celebrate the exceptional achievements of Broad River Retail's elite Retail Performance Memory Makers.
They delve into what makes the Home Furnishings Expert program so unique and challenging, emphasizing that achieving expert status requires much more than being a Million Dollar Writer — Experts must excel across multiple areas, consistently demonstrate outstanding habits, and set an industry standard for excellence. The group reflects on the journey to Expert status, revealing that only one in three Million Dollar Writers earn the Expert designation due to the program's rigorous standards and holistic approach to measuring success.
The trio share insights about the culture at Broad River Retail, where recognition, career pathing, and genuine appreciation are cornerstones. The leaders describe the soirée itself, a glamorous night at STK Steakhouse, as a symbol of the company’s gratitude where the Experts and their plus ones are joined by the leaders of the Company as well as premier partners who do business with Broad River Retail. They discuss how the distinctive Experts program offers elite perks such as designated parking, elevated compensation, elevated PTO, greater autonomy, and meaningful recognition.
Throughout this episode, they highlight how fostering a positive and growth-oriented environment inspires Memory Makers to aim higher and creates a sense of belonging, pride, and motivation to continue setting new benchmarks. The soirée is not just a reward, but also an opportunity for these Experts and their loved ones to experience firsthand the deep respect and gratitude the company holds for their dedication and achievement of mastery in their profession.
Watch the first episode in this series: https://youtu.be/h4ipi5QVtoc
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KxBIKL25ESo
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
In this episode of Stories from the River, host and CEO Charlie Malouf launches a new series featuring Broad River Retail's 4th Annual Home Furnishings Expert Soirée by spotlighting three standout Experts: Kent Williams from The Mariners in Wilmington, North Carolina, and Ebony Harrison and Mike Cohen from the Cary Crushers.
These three Experts share their journeys to achieving the prestigious Home Furnishings Expert (HFE) status—discussing the perks that come with it, including elevated PTO, priority parking, financial rewards, greater autonomy in their business, and recognition and distinction. More importantly, they open up about what fuels their drive: daily dedication, personal pride, and a commitment to growth while creating meaningful memories for guests.
The conversation also explores the most rewarding parts of their work at Broad River Retail. From helping relocating families find comfort to fostering connections through community outreach, each Memory Maker reflects on moments that left a lasting impact. Filled with gratitude, this episode highlights the recognition, camaraderie, and family-like culture that make Broad River Retail such a unique place to grow.
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/h4ipi5QVtoc
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
It’s the 9th and final episode in the 2025 Global Leadership Summit Recap Series on Stories from the River! This week, Katrina Batchelor, Associate Manager of Retail Operations for the South and West Regions, and Meagan Guzman, Associate Director of People Operations, reflect on Bradley Rapier’s dynamic session at the Summit.
Bradley Rapier—renowned choreographer, Emmy winner, and founder of the Groovaloos—brought incredible energy and inspiration through his “Groove Theory” and the concept of stepping into the circle. This powerful metaphor challenges leaders to embrace courage, vulnerability, and the boldness to use their voices.
Katrina and Meagan share how Bradley’s message personally resonated with them, sparking insights about stepping out of comfort zones, embracing mistakes as part of growth, and encouraging bravery within the Broad River Retail community.
The conversation highlights: - Why courage and vulnerability are essential for leadership growth - How creating a supportive environment empowers Memory Makers to collaborate and share ideas - The importance of “mining for the gold” within each individual - Practical ways to overcome self-doubt and lead authentically
This episode is a reminder that leadership is a continual journey—one where every Memory Maker has the opportunity to step into the circle, grow in confidence, and inspire others to do the same.
Additional Resources:
Bradley Rapier - https://www.bradleyrapier.com
Connect with Bradley Rapier - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradley-rapier/
Bradley Rapier on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bradleyrapier/?hl=en
The Groovaloos - http://www.groovaloos.com/groovaloos/HOME.html
The Groovaloos on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/groovaloos/?hl=en
Watch the other episodes in the GLS 25 Recap series:
Consistency Over Charisma: Takeaways from Craig Groeschel's Opening Keynote at the 2025 Global Leadership Summit - https://youtu.be/cwNiyzyD-go
Unlocking Potential and Conquering Goals: Takeaways from Jon Acuff's Closing Keynote at the Global Leadership Summit - https://youtu.be/TxtGAFeenSo
Live Life Like a Diversified Portfolio & More Insights from Thasunda Brown Duckett @ GLS25 - https://youtu.be/-qUowzD4-5M
Less Really Is More: Takeaways from Juliet Funt’s Tactics to Cut Clutter at GLS25 - https://youtu.be/aa7gHNA_Wao
Leadership Lessons from Nick Saban: Process, Discipline, and Transformation at the Global Leadership Summit - https://youtu.be/P7ldcRfsQrg
How Regenerative Performance Can Transform Work: Insights from Dr. James Hewitt’s GLS Talk - https://youtu.be/rnMkFRvbqho
How to Leave a Legacy that Matters: Reflections from John Maxwell's GLS Talk - https://youtu.be/kJ4h56zdFWY
Fighting Drift and Finding Purpose: Reflections on Christine Caine's Powerful Message at GLS 25 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhdkM-iFmTs
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/002IfIE0RJQ
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
Welcome to the eighth episode of the 2025 Global Leadership Summit Recap Series on Stories from the River! This week, CEO Charlie Malouf is joined by Carl Hillesland, Director of Retail Performance at Broad River Retail, to reflect on Christine Caine’s powerful session at the Summit.
Christine Caine—author, speaker, and founder of the A21 anti-human trafficking campaign—shared her personal journey of discovering her life’s purpose and the critical turning point that led her to confront the realities of human trafficking. In her talk, she warned leaders about the danger of drift—the subtle but steady loss of vision and purpose that happens when we simply do nothing.
Charlie and Carl explore how Christine’s stories, like discovering she was adopted and later encountering the vast scope of human trafficking, illustrate the need to stay anchored to a clear why. They unpack her vivid analogy of two beach umbrellas representing boundaries that prevent us from drifting and discuss how Memory Makers can apply these ideas in their own work and lives.
The conversation highlights:
- How to recognize and combat “drift” in leadership and life - The importance of boundaries, vision, and purpose to stay aligned - Practical ways Memory Makers are already using Christine’s message to realign with their mission - Why leaders must intentionally Re-Anchor, Rebuild, and Reignite their passion to avoid languishing or losing focus
This episode is a call to action for Memory Makers to be intentional lighthouses—staying grounded, shining with purpose, and helping others navigate life’s currents toward meaningful impact.
Watch the other episodes in the GLS 25 Recap series:
Consistency Over Charisma: Takeaways from Craig Groeschel's Opening Keynote at the 2025 Global Leadership Summit - https://youtu.be/cwNiyzyD-go
Unlocking Potential and Conquering Goals: Takeaways from Jon Acuff's Closing Keynote at the Global Leadership Summit - https://youtu.be/TxtGAFeenSo
Live Life Like a Diversified Portfolio & More Insights from Thasunda Brown Duckett @ GLS25 - https://youtu.be/-qUowzD4-5M
Less Really Is More: Takeaways from Juliet Funt’s Tactics to Cut Clutter at GLS25 - https://youtu.be/aa7gHNA_Wao
Leadership Lessons from Nick Saban: Process, Discipline, and Transformation at the Global Leadership Summit - https://youtu.be/P7ldcRfsQrg
How Regenerative Performance Can Transform Work: Insights from Dr. James Hewitt’s GLS Talk - https://youtu.be/rnMkFRvbqho
How to Leave a Legacy that Matters: Reflections from John Maxwell's GLS Talk - https://youtu.be/kJ4h56zdFWY
Additional resources:
Books by Christine Caine - https://www.amazon.com/stores/Christine-Caine/author/B001JS7NIY?
The Vision Driven Leader by Michael Hyatt - https://visiondrivenleader.com
https://www.amazon.com/Vision-Driven-Leader-Questions-Energize-Business/dp/0801075270
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QhdkM-iFmTs
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
It's the seventh episode of the 2025 Global Leadership Summit Recap Series on Stories from the River, and CEO Charlie Malouf is joined again by Will Luke, Senior Director of Project Management, to dive into John C. Maxwell's session at the Summit.
They reflect on Maxwell’s legacy in leadership, his lifelong dedication to developing others, and the personal stories and frameworks that have shaped his teachings. John was presented with the Lifetime Leadership Legacy Award by Craig Groeschel at the Global Leadership Summit, and Craig referred to John Maxwell as the single greatest teacher and model of servant leadership in our lifetime. After their conversation, John taught on legacy and leadership.
The conversation highlights Maxwell’s influence not only on the world stage—including his founding of the nonprofit EQUIP to do transformative work with countries and then the nonprofit iLead to do transformational work with schools globally—but also within the Broad River Retail community, where his principles have become part of the company culture.
Charlie and Will unpack Maxwell’s three-part framework for leaving a legacy: - the Compass (having a destiny to fulfill) - the Clock (making meaningful contributions in the present) - and Companions (developing others to carry the impact forward).
They share takeaways about the importance of intentionality in legacy-building, the wisdom of thinking long term, and how true significance comes from what you leave in people rather than just what you leave for them. Personal anecdotes about their own families and the practice of distilling their lives into a single meaningful sentence reinforce the episode’s inspiring, relatable message: every Memory Maker has the chance to make a lasting difference by investing in others and living authentically.
Additional resources:
John Maxwell's Nonprofit EQUIP - https://www.iequip.org
Maxwell Leadership Development Company - https://www.maxwellleadership.com
Maxwell Leadership Certified Team - https://johnmaxwellteam.com
iLead - https://www.maxwellleadership.org/ilead/
Maxwell Leadership Foundation - https://www.maxwellleadership.org/nonprofit-programs/
29 Leadership & Life Lessons from My Father (part 1) by John Maxwell - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkfYG2OqVvw
29 Leadership & Life Lessons from My Father (part 2) by John Maxwell - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sj0R_w7gOCs
The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell - https://www.amazon.com/21-Irrefutable-Laws-Leadership-Anniversary/dp/0785288376
Leadership Not by the Book by David Green - https://www.amazon.com/Leadership-Not-Book-Unconventional-Principles/dp/1540902242
The Leadership Challenge by James Kouzes and Barry Posner - https://www.amazon.com/Leadership-Challenge-4th-James-Kouzes/dp/0787984914
High Road Leadership by John C. Maxwell - https://www.amazon.com/High-Road-Leadership-Bringing-Together/dp/B0CSBTNX1P
Today Matters by John C. Maxwell - https://www.amazon.com/Today-Matters-Practices-Guarantee-Tomorrows/dp/1931722528/
Maxwell Leadership Bible - https://www.amazon.com/Maxwell-Leadership-Bible-Hardcover-Comfort/dp/0785218548
Maxwell Leadership Bible (Leather Bound) - https://www.cornerstonechristiansupply.com/product/9780785218647
The Maxwell Daily Reader - https://www.amazon.com/Maxwell-Daily-Reader-Insight-Influence/dp/1400203392
Watch the other episodes in the GLS 25 Recap series:
Consistency Over Charisma: Takeaways from Craig Groeschel's Opening Keynote at the 2025 Global Leadership Summit - https://youtu.be/cwNiyzyD-go
Unlocking Potential and Conquering Goals: Takeaways from Jon Acuff's Closing Keynote at the Global Leadership Summit - https://youtu.be/TxtGAFeenSo
Live Life Like a Diversified Portfolio & More Insights from Thasunda Brown Duckett @ GLS25 - https://youtu.be/-qUowzD4-5M
Less Really Is More: Takeaways from Juliet Funt’s Tactics to Cut Clutter at GLS25 - https://youtu.be/aa7gHNA_Wao
Leadership Lessons from Nick Saban: Process, Discipline, and Transformation at the Global Leadership Summit - https://youtu.be/P7ldcRfsQrg
How Regenerative Performance Can Transform Work: Insights from Dr. James Hewitt’s GLS Talk - https://youtu.be/rnMkFRvbqho
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kJ4h56zdFWY
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
In this sixth episode of the 2025 Global Leadership Summit Recap Series on Stories from the River, CEO Charlie Malouf is joined by Will Luke, Senior Director of Project Management, to recap insights from Dr. James Hewitt's Global Leadership Summit keynote on regenerative performance.
Dr. Hewitt, a former world-class cyclist turned human performance scientist, shared his journey from relentless “go, go, go” living to understanding the necessity of pausing and reflecting, especially after surviving cancer. The discussion introduces the concept of “cognitive gears,” a metaphor for the varying levels of mental focus and energy: low (rest and simple tasks), middle (emails and meetings), and high (deep, priority-driven work). Most workers get caught in the “middle gear” — a cycle of distractions and meetings — which can lead to burnout and inefficiency.
Charlie and Will explore Dr. Hewitt’s practical strategies, like batching emails, rethinking meeting culture, leveraging AI for smarter workflows, and recognizing the value of rest and breaks, not just as luxuries, but as critical tools for sustainability and peak performance. They emphasize aligning work with one’s natural circadian rhythms and highlight the power of quality sleep and strategic downtime for creativity and long-term effectiveness. The episode closes with a call for leaders to model regenerative practices, acknowledging that when Memory Makers are encouraged to replenish their mental and physical capacity, it has a ripple effect throughout the organization, boosting both wellbeing and performance.
Additional resources:
Dr. James Hewitt (Human Performance Scientist) - https://drjameshewitt.com
Regenerative Performance by Dr. James Hewitt - https://www.amazon.com/Regenerative-Performance-Always-Sacrificing-Well-Being/dp/B0F7N8KM55
When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing by Daniel Pink - https://www.amazon.com/When-Scientific-Secrets-Perfect-Timing/dp/0735210632
Win the Day by Mark Batterson - https://www.amazon.com/Win-Day-Habits-Stress-Accomplish-ebook/dp/B088F3HKQ4/
The Art of Impossible by Steven Kotler - https://www.amazon.com/Art-Impossible-Peak-Performance-Primer/dp/0062977512
Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker - https://www.amazon.com/Why-We-Sleep-Unlocking-Dreams/dp/1501144324
The Story of Purpose by Joey Reiman - https://www.amazon.com/Story-Purpose-Creating-Brighter-Greater/dp/1118443691
The Road Less Stupid by Keith Cunningham - https://www.amazon.com/Road-Less-Stupid-Keith-Cunningham/dp/0984659269
Thrive Global (founded by Arianna Huffington) - https://thriveglobal.com
Huberman Lab by Dr. Andrew Huberman - https://www.hubermanlab.com
Watch the other episodes in the GLS 25 Recap series:
Consistency Over Charisma: Takeaways from Craig Groeschel's Opening Keynote at the 2025 Global Leadership Summit - https://youtu.be/cwNiyzyD-go
Unlocking Potential and Conquering Goals: Takeaways from Jon Acuff's Closing Keynote at the Global Leadership Summit - https://youtu.be/TxtGAFeenSo
Live Life Like a Diversified Portfolio & More Insights from Thasunda Brown Duckett @ GLS25 - https://youtu.be/-qUowzD4-5M
Less Really Is More: Takeaways from Juliet Funt’s Tactics to Cut Clutter at GLS25 - https://youtu.be/aa7gHNA_Wao
Leadership Lessons from Nick Saban: Process, Discipline, and Transformation at the Global Leadership Summit - https://youtu.be/P7ldcRfsQrg
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rnMkFRvbqho
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
The 2025 Global Leadership Summit Recap Series continues today on Stories from the River! CEO Charlie Malouf welcomes back guest Kellie Jones, Senior Manager, Retail Operations.
The two deep dive into Nick Saban's interview with Paula Faris at the Global Leadership Summit. The episode kicks off with enthusiastic reflections on Broad River’s recent Experts Soirée at STK Steakhouse and the Grand Reopening of the Columbia store, highlighting the importance of community, transformation, and celebrating success with fellow Memory Makers. They also discuss the recent "Pioneering the Path - a Purpose 8:28 Experience" event, sharing excitement over keynote speakers such as Jon Acuff and Kristen Hadeed, and the motivational trading cards featuring company experts.
The heart of the episode centers on Nick Saban’s leadership insights, with Kellie expressing how, despite not being a college football enthusiast, she resonated deeply with his principles on leadership, routine, adaptability, and self-assessment. They explore Saban’s philosophy of transformational leadership, the necessity of focusing on the process rather than just results, and the value of developing both individual and collective visions within organizations.
Key themes include the importance of discipline, continuous self-assessment, guarding against complacency, and fostering a mindset of positivity and perseverance—parallels Kellie draws to her own journey and to the growth mindset encouraged among Memory Makers at Broad River Retail.
The episode closes on a note of inspiration, with resounding takeaways on legacy, purpose, and being a positive force both within the company and the wider community.
Watch the other episodes in the GLS 25 Recap series:
Consistency Over Charisma: Takeaways from Craig Groeschel's Opening Keynote at the 2025 Global Leadership Summit - https://youtu.be/cwNiyzyD-go
Unlocking Potential and Conquering Goals: Takeaways from Jon Acuff's Closing Keynote at the Global Leadership Summit - https://youtu.be/TxtGAFeenSo
Live Life Like a Diversified Portfolio & More Insights from Thasunda Brown Duckett @ GLS25 - https://youtu.be/-qUowzD4-5M
Less Really Is More: Takeaways from Juliet Funt’s Tactics to Cut Clutter at GLS25 - https://youtu.be/aa7gHNA_Wao
Additional resources:
Your Story: A Tribute to Coach Saban (Video) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJHkjMlVSR0
"The Road Less Travelled" book by M. Scott Peck - https://www.amazon.com/Road-Less-Traveled-Psychology-Traditional/dp/0671250671
"How Good Do You Want To Be?: A Champion's Tips on How to Lead and Succeed at Work and in Life" (Book by Nick Saban) - https://www.amazon.com/How-Good-You-Want-Champions/dp/0345500849
Nick's Kids Foundation - https://www.nickskidsfoundation.org
Saban Center - https://sabancenter.org
The Leadership Secrets of Nick Saban: How Alabama's Coach Became the Greatest Ever - https://www.amazon.com/Leadership-Secrets-Nick-Saban-Alabamas/dp/1637740832
"Permission to Screw Up" book by Kristen Hadeed - https://www.amazon.com/Permission-Screw-Up-Learned-Everything/dp/1591848296/
Kristen Hadeed website - https://www.kristenhadeed.com
"All It Takes Is a Goal" book by Jon Acuff - https://www.amazon.com/All-Takes-Goal-Massive-Potential/dp/1540900819
"Soundtracks" book by Jon Acuff - https://www.amazon.com/Soundtracks-Surprising-Overthinking-Jon-Acuff/dp/1540900800/
Soundtracks: The Conversations Card Deck - https://jonacuff.com/product/soundtracks-the-conversations-card-deck/
Jon Acuff website - https://jonacuff.com
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/P7ldcRfsQrg
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
Welcome to the fourth episode of the 2025 Global Leadership Summit Recap Series on Stories from the River. Host Carl Hillesland, Director, Retail Performance, and guest Kellie Jones, Senior Manager, Retail Operations, dive into insights from Juliet Funt’s talk on Leadership Precision and against gluttony at the Global Leadership Summit. The discussion centers around the dangers of leaders overloading themselves, likening the approach to a buffet where piling on more projects and initiatives gives the illusion of progress but ultimately spreads everyone too thin. Drawing from Funt’s analogy of the "peanut butter spread too thin tears the bread," Carl and Kellie explore why leaders feel compelled to keep adding priorities, the impact this has on organizational effectiveness, and the challenge of letting go of good—but not necessarily great—ideas.
The conversation moves to the alternative: adopting a reductive mindset that focuses on prioritization, improvement, and most importantly, reduction—stripping away nonessential work to sharpen focus and increase productivity. They share practical tools from Funt’s talk, like the "Spin Launcher," a five-step process for cutting clutter and making space for what really matters. Both Carl and Kellie reflect on real-world examples within Broad River Retail, emphasizing how shrinking the pile of work gives Memory Makers more lift and allows for higher-value contributions.
The episode wraps with concrete suggestions for Memory Makers and leaders alike to bring more efficiency, focus, and freedom into their daily work by learning the value of saying no and making strategic cuts.
Watch the other episodes in the GLS 25 Recap series:
Consistency Over Charisma: Takeaways from Craig Groeschel's Opening Keynote at the 2025 Global Leadership Summit - https://youtu.be/cwNiyzyD-go
Unlocking Potential and Conquering Goals: Takeaways from Jon Acuff's Closing Keynote at the Global Leadership Summit - https://youtu.be/TxtGAFeenSo
Live Life Like a Diversified Portfolio & More Insights from Thasunda Brown Duckett @ GLS25 - https://youtu.be/-qUowzD4-5M
Additional Resources:
Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast with Juliet Funt ("Fortune 500 Advisor on Why This One Minute Will Change Your Workday") - https://www.life.church/leadershippodcast/fortune-500-advisor-on-why-this-one-minute-will-change-your-workday-juliet-funt/
Juliet Funt's website: https://www.julietfunt.com
"A Minute to Think" book by Juliet Funt - https://www.julietfunt.com/book/
Watch the first two episodes in our GLS 25 Recap series:
Consistency Over Charisma: Takeaways from Craig Groeschel's Opening Keynote at the 2025 Global Leadership Summit - https://youtu.be/cwNiyzyD-go
Unlocking Potential and Conquering Goals: Takeaways from Jon Acuff's Closing Keynote at the Global Leadership Summit - https://youtu.be/TxtGAFeenSo
Additional resources:
Success Is in Your Reach by Jada Grandy-Mock - https://www.amazon.com/Success-Your-Reach-Leadership-Circumstances/dp/B0C4MWNQHS
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/aa7gHNA_Wao
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
It's the third episode of the 2025 Gobal Leadership Summit Recap Series on Stories from the River! In today's episode, CEO Charlie Malouf welcomes Meagan Guzman, the newly hired Associate Director of People Operations. Just two months into her journey at Broad River Retail, Meagan reflects on her cross-country move from San Diego, her early experiences at the company, and the energizing environment of the Global Leadership Summit. This conversation highlights the value of attending the Summit with fellow leaders from Broad River and other community members, emphasizing the power of collective learning and networking, including a memorable instance of connecting with a potential future Memory Maker.
The heart of the episode centers on insights from the keynote by Thasunda Brown Duckett, CEO of TIAA. Charlie and Meagan delve into Duckett’s inspiring rise from humble beginnings as a "first generation integration" leader to overseeing $1.6 trillion in assets. They discuss her powerful lessons about consistent excellence, gratitude for those behind the scenes, and her refreshingly honest take on work-life balance as a "diversified portfolio," where giving oneself grace is essential.
Meagan relates personally to Duckett’s advice, especially when navigating tough personal moments as a new leader. The episode also celebrates Duckett’s mentorship style—her use of "coffee and tea" conversations to break down barriers, gather feedback from diverse groups, and uplift the next generation of leaders.
Watch the first two episodes in our GLS 25 Recap series:
Consistency Over Charisma: Takeaways from Craig Groeschel's Opening Keynote at the 2025 Global Leadership Summit - https://youtu.be/cwNiyzyD-go
Unlocking Potential and Conquering Goals: Takeaways from Jon Acuff's Closing Keynote at the Global Leadership Summit - https://youtu.be/TxtGAFeenSo
Additional resources:
Success Is in Your Reach by Jada Grandy-Mock - https://www.amazon.com/Success-Your-Reach-Leadership-Circumstances/dp/B0C4MWNQHS
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TxtGAFeenSo
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
In this second episode of the 2025 Global Leadership Summit (GLS) Recap Series on Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf welcomes Steve Ramjit, the Regional Manager of Broad River Retail’s North Region.
Steve, who oversees seven stores and has been with Broad River since October 2024, shares his impressions of attending his first GLS, describing it as an incredible, life-changing experience. The conversation not only highlights Steve’s journey from Florida to the Carolinas and his background with other furniture retailers, but also touches on the significance of August milestones for Broad River Retail and the excitement around hosting Jon Acuff as a keynote at their upcoming Pioneering the Path - a Purpose 8:28 Experience.
Much of the episode centers around Jon Acuff’s practical frameworks for goal setting and overcoming procrastination, vital for the Memory Makers as they pursue the ambitious goal of $272 million in revenue for 2025. Steve and Charlie break down Acuff’s memorable strategies, such as the "Dream-Plan-Do-Review" model, the importance of positive soundtracks, and the necessity to confront self-doubt.
Insights on leadership, the psychology behind reaching one's potential, and the need for intentional positivity—backed by data—are emphasized as essential tools for Memory Makers to unlock greater productivity and fulfillment. The conversation ends with encouragement to lead with purpose, stop procrastinating, and give one’s best both at work and at home, reinforcing the company’s commitment to growth and empowerment.
Additional resources:
Soundtracks: The Surprising Solution to Overthinking by Jon Acuff - https://www.amazon.com/Soundtracks-Surprising-Overthinking-Jon-Acuff/dp/1540900800
All It Takes Is a Goal: The 3-Step Plan to Ditch Regret and Tap Into Your Massive Potential by Jon Acuff - https://www.amazon.com/All-Takes-Goal-Massive-Potential/dp/1540900819
Procrastination Proof: Never Get Stuck Again by Jon Acuff (Available April 14, 2026) - https://www.amazon.com/Procrastination-Proof-Never-Stuck-Again/dp/154090380X
Consistency Over Charisma: Takeaways from Craig Groeschel's Keynote at the Global Leadership Summit - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwNiyzyD-go
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TxtGAFeenSo
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
Welcome to a brand new series from Stories from the River featuring the 2025 Global Leadership Summit. 19 Memory Makers attended the Global Leadership Summit on August 7th and 8th from the local host site at The Park Expo and Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, where there was a big screen for all of the Memory Makers along with all attendees to virtually watch all of the speakers and videos from GLS 25. This GLS 25 recap series will highlight the experiences and takeaways from one speaker at a time.
CEO Charlie Malouf introduces the series and sets the stage by expressing the importance of not just absorbing powerful leadership talks but deeply internalizing them and discussing how their messages can lead to real application in the company. The episode kicks off with a recap of the opening keynote message from Craig Groeschel, who emphasized that "great leadership is boring"—underscoring that consistency, faithfulness powered by keystone habits exercised over a long period of time are the key to lasting impact.
This episode features return guests Carl Hillesland, Director of Retail Performance, and Mark Deulley, Manager of Retail Data, Strategy, and Platforms, who dive deeper into Groeschel's message by discussing how consistent, small actions and faithfulness over time are the true drivers of meaningful leadership and personal growth. They reflect on the idea that Memory Makers don’t need to be flashy or possess exceptional charisma; rather, becoming a great leader is about finding and sticking to those keystone habits that spark positive change across all areas of life. Carl and Mark share personal insights on scheduling true priorities, the practical power of persistence, and how embracing the "boring" can actually bring balance, peace, and significant long-term results for both Memory Makers and the people they serve.
The episode wraps up with encouragement to stay faithful, keep growing, and bring the heat every day—reminding listeners that the results everyone admires are built on the quiet, unseen disciplines their Memory Makers practice consistently.
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cwNiyzyD-go
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
Welcome back to Stories from the River! Broad River Retail's CEO and podcast host Charlie Malouf sits down with President and COO Manny Rodrigues to share a mix of personal updates and major company news. They kick off with some lighthearted banter about summer vacations, soccer coaching, and family milestones before diving into the exciting announcement.... of a new Ashley store opening in Easley, South Carolina!
The new Easley location will be Broad River's 5th overall store in the Upstate of South Carolina, joining Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, and Greenwood. And, the new Easley location will follow in the footsteps of Spartanburg, Anderson, and (soon-to-be-following-its-remodel) Greenville as another two-in-one, dual concept store as an Ashley Store & Outlet. Similar to Greenville, Spartanburg, and Anderson, which are all over 40,000 sq. ft., it will be one of Broad River's larger locations at 41,479 sq. ft. The new Easley location will be serviced by Broad River's Spartanburg Distribution Center, which not only serves the Upstate of South Carolina but also Broad River's two locations in western North Carolina (Arden & Asheville). The new store is expected to open as soon as this December or early 2026.
The conversation highlights the journey and strategy behind Broad River's growth, emphasizing how crucial it is to take a long-term, disciplined approach. They also reflect on the evolution of their presence in the Upstate region, touching on renovations, successful market entries, and the collaborative efforts between partners, landlords, and their Memory Makers.
The heart of the episode revolves around the upcoming Easley location—which will mark Broad River Retail's 35th store and further strengthen their footprint in South Carolina. Charlie and Manny express their enthusiasm about entering this vibrant, growing community with a freshly designed 7.0 Ashley Store & Outlet featuring a broad product mix, including the Ashley Luxe line and a best-in-class Sleep Shop. They underscore that such growth is only possible because of the dedication and excellence of their Memory Makers. As the company continues to expand—locally and even into Spokane, Washington—they invite listeners to be part of their journey, whether as a Memory Maker, customer, or partner, and encourage everyone to stay tuned for upcoming episodes, grand openings, and special events.
Read about the announcement: https://www.furnituretoday.com/furniture-retailer/broad-river-easing-into-easley-as-part-of-upstate-s-c-growth/
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/91cTlp3-exc
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
In this special 300th episode of Stories from the River, host and CEO of Broad River Retail, Charlie Malouf, reflects on the podcast's journey from its humble beginnings as a passion project to its current success, marking over three and a half years and four seasons of storytelling. Charlie also credits the podcast's success to the collaborative efforts of guest hosts and contributors, and highlights the positive impact that Stories from the River has had both within Broad River and among potential future Memory Makers.
Throughout the episode, Charlie celebrates the milestones and growth of both the podcast and the company, noting how Stories from the River has become a meaningful tool for connection and culture. He discusses recent and upcoming company events, new series about store remodels, leadership development, and the important role the podcast plays in elevating the stories of Memory Makers. Charlie finds the greatest joy in seeing Memory Makers light up when their experiences are shared, and he acknowledges the podcast’s unexpected benefits, including helping to attract new talent by showcasing the company’s culture. He wraps up with gratitude for listeners and supporters, expressing confidence in Broad River’s bright future and inviting everyone to continue following the journey as they strive to reach new heights together.
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/RxA8KWiZStw
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
In this episode of Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf, recognized as one of Charlotte's most admired CEOs, is the one being interviewed! Jacotron Potts, Director of Community CARE at The Park Church in Charlotte, welcomes Charlie onstage on Day One of the Global Leadership Summit at the local host site, where they delve into the culture and leadership approach at Broad River Retail. Charlie shares insights about how Memory Makers are central to the organization's purpose of "Furnishing Life's Best Memories." He highlights initiatives like the Pioneer Promise from the recent GM Rx where the Retail Performance leaders made a commitment towards achieving the 2025 Pioneer goal, and discusses the importance of faith and resilient leadership, referencing pivotal moments from the company's history, including a challenging period in 2015 when faith became the foundation and cornerstone for overcoming obstacles.
A significant focus of the conversation is The Lighthouse Fund, a crisis assistance program designed to offer confidential support to Memory Makers facing personal hardships. Charlie explains how the fund was inspired by a desire to institutionalize compassion through structured processes, drawing inspiration from other successful organizations. He emphasizes the importance of leading with purpose, mentoring others, and prioritizing personal growth for all Memory Makers—regardless of title. The episode is filled with heartfelt stories, leadership wisdom, and encouragement for anyone striving to make a lasting impact within their organization or community.
Learn more about The Lighthouse Fund: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYZpX9KD7OqYBbLy1GJzYteB1Q4kT4jwu
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tBlgUOGIe_0
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
In this episode of Stories from the River, Emelyne Henderson, Senior Manager, Experience & Events; Heather Greenwood, Director, People; and Tim Sayles, Director, Facilities & Construction, dive into the creation and rollout of The Lighthouse Fund at Broad River Retail. The conversation begins with an overview of how the idea for The Lighthouse Fund originated from a leadership challenge a few years back, where the group identified supporting Memory Makers through personal hardships as a core need. They discuss the early brainstorming stages that led to "Project Upstream," reflecting on their shared vision of developing a formal, consistent, and compassionate crisis assistance program for Memory Makers. Both Heather and Tim share the personal motivations behind their investment in the project, emphasizing the authentic heart behind the initiative and how their own experiences shaped its purpose.
The episode also explores the practical steps taken to launch The Lighthouse Fund successfully, from drawing inspiration and advice from other organizations with similar programs to building a brand identity with a thoughtfully designed logo. Emelyne, Heather, and Tim discuss the rollout strategy, including an exciting countdown campaign, secretive launch details to build anticipation, and the importance of making the Fund feel inclusive and welcoming to every Memory Maker. They reflect on the early impact of the Fund, sharing stories of gratitude and hope from Memory Makers who have already benefited from its support. The group wraps up by highlighting the role of leadership, the foundational support from Charlie and Manny, and their hopes for The Lighthouse Fund to become a lasting source of light—multiplying hope, compassion, and good across the entire Broad River community.
Watch the first episode on the Lighthouse Fund - Introducing The Lighthouse Fund, a Crisis Assistance Program for Memory Makers at Broad River Retail - https://youtu.be/4S-XXofao0c
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8w8OwG46m2w
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
In this episode of Stories from the River, podcast host and CEO Charlie Malouf is joined by President and COO Manny Rodrigues to introduce The Lighthouse Fund, a new crisis assistance program at Broad River Retail designed to formally support Memory Makers during times of need and personal crisis.
Inspired by their faith as Scripture says to be light and by the desire to care first for Broad River's own Memory Makers, Charlie and Manny discuss why the name "The Lighthouse Fund" made sense for this program. The fund was created from a desire to provide a dignified, systematic approach to crisis assistance for Memory Makers during their times of need - something previously handled on a less formal, more ad hoc basis. Drawing on best practices from organizations like Movement Mortgage and Riverstone Logistics, The Lighthouse Fund was established to ensure no Memory Maker has to face challenging, unexpected events alone, whether dealing with potential eviction notices arising from rent concerns; unexpected medical bills; or transportation and vehicle breakdowns.
The conversation highlights Broad River Retail’s longstanding culture of generosity, referencing existing support programs such as Operation Magic School Bus and Operation Tis the Season, but noting the unique, formalized nature of The Lighthouse Fund. Manny and Charlie also reflect on the collaborative journey of building the fund, from the careful vetting of partners like HelpingHands Charitable and the National Christian Foundation, to crafting a meaningful brand identity rooted in the symbolism of a lighthouse as a beacon in stormy seas.
The Lighthouse Fund was initially seed funded by the Company's owners with an invitation from other Memory Makers to contribute via payroll deduction if they voluntarily desire and choose to do so. Amazingly, to no surprise and without an expectations, over 10% of fellow Memory Makers stepped up to initially and voluntarily donate to the fund. Charlie and Manny are proud to see the initiative fostering a deeper sense of community, care, and compassion within the company.
Additional Resources:
National Christian Foundation: https://www.ncfgiving.com
HelpingHands Charitable: https://hhcharitable.org
Donate to The Lighthouse Fund: https://hhcharitable.org/cap-programs/the-lighthouse-fund/
Movement Mortgage: https://movement.com/about
LoveWorks Booklet by Movement Mortgage: https://store.ecompanystore.com/movement/Shop/#/product/Search/MOV100032.000000-Loveworks-Booklet
Kyree's LoveWorks Story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8PdFGpbSYo
Stephone's LoveWorks Story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIH7XyZJK5U
The LoveWorks Story as featured and produced by Faith Driven Entrepreneurs: https://app.frame.io/presentations/2ccbf15a-dba4-4281-91bd-1846d0ce46b4
Riverstone Logistics: https://rlx.us
Previous series of Stories from the River:
Founders Scholarship Fund series - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYZpX9KD7Oqb22Apq_6qBhE2-KZlRpN56
Memory Makers Helping Memory Makers - https://youtu.be/E3HZFLpIXQY
Furnishing Life’s Best Memories with Operation Tis The Season - https://youtu.be/sJ--C7NIyO0
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4S-XXofao0c
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
In this episode of Stories from the River, CEO Charlie Malouf wraps up a four-part mini-series on Broad River Retail's approach to budgeting, financial discipline, and their own version of the "great game of business." This episode focuses on the Q & A segment with retail leaders and general managers, diving into the practicalities and philosophies behind their monthly budgeting process.
In this series, Charlie emphasizes transparency and the importance of learning from the company's early years, their pivotal 2015 moment, and the disciplined planning and forecasting that now defines their culture. He illustrates how rigorous budgeting serves not only to meet obligations and cover fixed expenses but also to fuel growth, mutual prosperity, and performance bonuses for Memory Makers. A standout example he mentions is the story of DASH, which encapsulates their approach to abundance and responsible planning.
The Q & A discussion for this episode touches on recent successes—like 91 straight months of wins—and how the company invests significant profits back into the business, from opening new stores to shoring up inventory and paying down debt. The conversation also addresses challenges tied to expanding into non-adjacent markets (such as the Spokane project), and how risks are managed to protect the "mothership." Charlie and other contributors reiterate their commitment to fair and long-term decision-making, ensuring that any growth or new ventures are weighed carefully to sustain both the company and its Memory Makers.
The episode ends on a forward-looking note, previewing new series topics like The Lighthouse Fund, which aims to support Memory Makers in times of crisis, and celebrates the company's milestone of reaching its 300th podcast episode.
Watch the other episodes of the series:
Building Broad River Retail: How We Play the Game of Business | Part 1 (2003-2014) - https://youtu.be/ZacOr4KMGqk
Breaking and Rebuilding: The Bold Reset That Saved Broad River Retail - https://youtu.be/67hsX3ly19A
From Scarcity to Abundance: Lessons in DASH and Budgeting at Broad River Retail - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eoeU7N-Mt8
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4ToD9zhKVfA
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
It's the third episode of Broad River Retail's new summer series on Stories from the River, where CEO Charlie Malouf takes listeners behind the scenes of the Story of Broad River with a full explanation of Monthly Budgets and the way Broad River plays the game. Charlie opens this episode by sharing the pivotal story of DASH (an acronym for Broad River's Home Delivery program: Delivery. Assembly. Service. in your Home.) and its transformational impact on the business.
Charlie recounts Broad River's journey from a scarcity mindset—where delivery was seen merely as a break-even cost and low fees resulted in subpar delivery service—toward a spirit of abundance. By restructuring delivery pricing, investing in higher-quality service, and introducing commissions for Memory Makers on delivery sales, the company cultivated mutual prosperity and elevated both customer and Memory Maker experience while also boosting profitability. The DASH program became not just a service, but a brand differentiator, emphasizing white-glove care and quality that customers truly value.
Charlie also dives into the evolution of the company’s financial discipline, particularly the budgeting process, as Broad River moved from turbulent years and near-bankruptcy to a streak of consistent profitability. He discusses how transparent goals, departmental accountability, and a dual-budget approach—conservative bank budgets and more moderate stretch retail performance budgets—have helped drive both financial reliability and the rewarding of Memory Makers through generous bonuses. This approach nurtures a people-centric, performance-driven culture with a focus on long-term, shared success. Throughout the episode, Charlie stresses the importance of playing the long game, embracing change, and fostering a culture where Memory Makers are challenged, supported, and can share in the company’s abundance.
Watch the first two episodes of the series:
Building Broad River Retail: How We Play the Game of Business | Part 1 (2003-2014) - https://youtu.be/ZacOr4KMGqk
Breaking and Rebuilding: The Bold Reset That Saved Broad River Retail - https://youtu.be/67hsX3ly19A
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8eoeU7N-Mt8
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
Welcome to the second episode of Broad River Retail’s new summer series on Stories from the River. This episode continues to listen in on the talk that CEO Charlie Malouf gave to the retail leaders on July 10th, 2025, at the in-person, offsite, monthly GM Rx meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina. Charlie revisits the pivotal year of 2015—a crucible moment and turning point for the company. What began with excitement over new store acquisitions, a major ERP conversion, and a new HQ quickly unraveled into operational chaos, financial strain, and a brush with bankruptcy.
Thrown into the bank’s Special Assets division, Broad River faced a defining moment. Charlie candidly shares how the team, rather than folding, began holding weekly cross-departmental "Change the News" meetings during the 2nd quarter of 2015. Those meetings then led into the launch of a Bold Reset and a 100 Day Challenge. They restructured operations and entered into a period of massive creative reinvention to create what would become modern-day Broad River Retail.
By focusing on core stores, reallocating talent, and embracing a more transparent, human-centered culture, the company stabilized and returned to profitability. The year ended not in ruin—but with renewed hope, resilience, and a stronger foundation for the future.
Come back next week for the rest of the story and the conclusion of Charlie's presentation on The Story of Broad River Retail and the way we play the game.
Watch the first epsiode of the series:
Building Broad River Retail: How We Play the Game of Business | Part 1 (2003-2014) - https://youtu.be/ZacOr4KMGqk
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stories-from-the-river/id1608553391
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0tB33vSX8cRc7OHmeQgbSS
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/67hsX3ly19A
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
Welcome back to Stories from the River and a brand new summer series! This new series comes from a talk that CEO Charlie Malouf gave to the retail leaders on July 10th, 2025, at the in-person, offsite, monthly GM Rx meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina. The acronym 'Rx' stands for "Retail Excellence" and also is our prescription for how we win the month, the quarter, and the year. The topic of this talk and of this series began as "Monthly Budgets Explained." But, to really explain the way that the Company sets its monthly budgets, Charlie presented the full story of how we got here with a presentation that can be called, "The Story of Broad River Retail and the Way We Play the Game - Our Version of the Great Game of Business."
In the first part of this talk, Charlie took a moment to reminisce on Broad River Retail's beginnings. This episode is part one of a four part series that will feature Charlie's keynote from the meeting as well as some audience questions.
In this first episode, Charlie addresses the much-requested topic of how monthly budgets are developed, emphasizing the importance of transparency and context. He shares stories from the company’s foundational years (2003 - 2014), tracing its journey from its early days as Ish Moore, Inc., the establishment of the 2nd operating company, Hillsboro Retail Group, Inc., and the creation of the 3rd operating company, Broad River Furniture, Inc.
Through significant milestones, challenges during the Great Recession, buying out one of the cofounders, surviving the Great Financial Crisis, and pivotal decisions that shaped Broad River into the premier Ashley Store operator it is today. Charlie relates lessons learned from both successes and failures, highlighting the company’s relentless pursuit of excellence and the value of collaboration.
In the next episode, Charlie will be focusing on the transformative events of 2015 and beyond.
Additional Resources:
Nick Saban Video Clip on High Standards that was played at the beginning of this presentation - "Mediocre People Don't Like High Achievers, and High Achievers Don't Like Mediocre People" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14_PNe3lcaE
From Stories from the River General Manager Series - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYZpX9KD7OqbAb8ZN5KEk5fCQt0vLMaXR
From Stories from the River Founders Scholarship Fund Series - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYZpX9KD7Oqb22Apq_6qBhE2-KZlRpN56
From Broad River's Archives - the Savvy Spaces YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@SavvyFurniture
"The Great Game of Business" by Jack Stack - https://www.amazon.com/Great-Game-Business-Expanded-Updated/dp/0385348339
The Great Game of Business - https://www.greatgame.com/
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZacOr4KMGqk
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
On this episode of Stories from the River, the Scholarship Fund Series wraps up with it's fourth and final episode. President Manny Rodrigues introduces listeners to scholarship recipients Jordyn Collins, Don and Joseph Limekuller, and Vince Sayles, who share their journeys as they prepare for college and the next chapter in their lives. Each scholarship recipient discusses their school selection process, academic interests, extracurricular passions, and the impact the scholarship has had on them and their families. They reflect on overcoming self-doubt, the importance of authentic essays, and the pride they feel as many are first-generation college students or pioneers within their families.
Throughout the episode, these young scholarship recipients express gratitude for the support and encouragement they've received and offer advice to future applicants: be genuine, focus on personal growth, and don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. From stories of leadership in student government and community volunteering to the important lessons learned from athletics, music, and faith-based communities, the episode highlights the diverse paths these scholars are forging. The closing message celebrates the Founders Scholarship Fund's role in uplifting Memory Makers and their families, encouraging continued support and involvement for future generations.
Watch the other videos in this series:
Empowered to Learn: The Impact of the Founders Scholarship - https://youtu.be/g2ubeaebLyM
Dreams in Motion: Kate & Tamya’s College Pathways - https://youtu.be/YnZUehdI_9g
College Countdown: Scholarship Winners Discuss College Expectations - https://youtu.be/tqLta1vwKDI
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tqLta1vwKDI
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
Welcome back to the Scholarship Fund Series on Stories from the River! In this third episode, Manny Rodrigues introduces the special guests, including for the first time ever, two brothers—Don and Joey Leimkuhler—both scholarship recipients and sons of Memory Maker Janet Leimkuhler.
They are joined by fellow scholarship winners Kate Nettles and Jordyn Collins, who share their excitement and anticipation for starting college, from dorm decorations and campus exploration to the thrill of making new friends and joining clubs. Each guest reflects on their high school experiences and offers tips for future students, encouraging balance between academics and personal passions.
Throughout the episode, the college-bound scholarship recipients open up about their chosen majors, from criminal justice to business administration, and discuss what excites them most about campus life, such as unlimited meal swipes, athletic programs, and forming lifelong friendships. They offer honest insights into study habits, favorite study snacks, and the importance of building community. The conversation is filled with humor, sincerity, and practical advice, underlining the value of living out the company’s purpose of "furnishing life’s best memories" not just at work, but in the next chapter of life as well.
Watch the other videos in this series:
Empowered to Learn: The Impact of the Founders Scholarship - https://youtu.be/g2ubeaebLyM
Dreams in Motion: Kate & Tamya’s College Pathways - https://youtu.be/YnZUehdI_9g
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tqLta1vwKDI
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
In the second episode of the Scholarship Fund Series on Stories from the River, we meet four remarkable women from the Broad River Retail community: Shari Nettles, Kate Nettles, Shamieka Smith, and Tamya Ormond.
Shari, Senior Marketing Manager, and Shamieka, Customer Experience Specialist, reflect on their journeys as proud parents of scholarship recipients and share how their daughters are stepping into exciting new chapters. Kate is headed to East Carolina University to study exercise physiology, while Tamya, inspired by her professors and mentors, is attending North Carolina Central University to pursue early childhood education. Both moms express heartfelt pride in their daughters’ perseverance, kindness, and determination—and emphasize the importance of starting conversations about higher education early.
Kate and Tamya open up about the key influences in their lives, including the role of sports, supportive teachers, and strong family foundations. They speak about their hopes for college, gaining hands-on experience, forming lasting friendships, and ultimately making an impact in their communities.
At the heart of this episode is a celebration of growth, leadership, and opportunity, made possible through the power of education and the unwavering support of the Broad River community.
Watch the first part of this series:
Empowered to Learn: The Impact of the Founders Scholarship - https://youtu.be/g2ubeaebLyM
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/YnZUehdI_9g
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
Welcome to the first episode of this season’s Scholarship Fund Series on Stories from the River!
In this kickoff episode, Manny Rodrigues, President & COO of Broad River Retail, explores the profound impact of Broad River Retail’s Founders Scholarship Fund—launched in 2019 to honor co-founders Jonathan Ishee and Jackson Moore. Created to support the educational goals of our Memory Makers and their families, the fund has already empowered more than 40 recipients on their academic journeys.
This episode hears from two of this year’s scholarship recipients—Lindsay Shelby, HRIS Analyst, People Allies, and Emily Boyle, Visual Impact Manager, Visual Impact Rockstars—who open up about their personal paths, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the difference this scholarship has made in their lives. Lindsay is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in human resources with a focus on talent development at Mercer University, while Emily is earning her master’s in professional writing at Liberty University.
Their stories are filled with perseverance, purpose, and a deep appreciation for the Broad River community. Hear how they’re redefining their futures, fueling their passions, and embracing the discipline it takes to grow—both academically and personally.
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/g2ubeaebLyM
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
It's the fourth and last episode of the General Manager series on Stories from the River as host Heather Greenwood welcomes Ric Rush and Joshua Stanely, two seasoned General Managers at Broad River Retail.
Both Ric, Senior General Manager of Port City, The Mariners, and Joshua, Senior General Manager of Special Forces, Pinehurst Patriots, share insights from their extensive journeys with the company, discussing the unique challenges and rewards of leading multiple store locations. They emphasize the importance of fostering a positive culture, building trust, and creating an environment where Memory Makers feel supported and empowered to grow both personally and professionally.
The conversation also explores how Broad River's investment in its people—through training, leadership development, and recognition—drives personal success and company growth. The leaders highlight the company's purpose of "furnishing life's best memories," not only for guests but for Memory Makers as well, celebrating milestones such as million-dollar sales achievements and career advancement.
Both Ric and Joshua stress that being a General Manager at Broad River is fast-paced and action-oriented, offering those willing to take the leap a vibrant, supportive, and competitive career path where high performance is recognized and rewarded.
Watch the other episodes in this series!
Behind the Scenes with Broad River Retail’s General Managers: Heart, Hustle, and Culture - https://youtu.be/2AJKPAxjQJQ
Leading With Heart: General Managers Chris Morrell and Mitch Dixon on People, Passion, and Retail - https://youtu.be/b2yEN0TvSco
More Than Managers: General Managers as Builders of Trust and Talent - https://youtu.be/2AJKPAxjQJQ
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/S4Sa4LRQhAY
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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We're back with the third episode of the General Manager series on Stories from the River!
Heather Greenwood hosts a lively discussion with two dynamic General Managers from Broad River Retail: Troy Walker, who leads the Columbia Bloodline, and Jason Sessoms, General Manager of the Aiken Thoroughbreds. The conversation dives into their journeys with the company, highlighting the evolution of the General Manager role over the years—from a focus solely on selling furniture to embracing standardized processes and fostering a culture of consistency across stores. Both Troy and Jason share how their roles center around competition, setting the tone each day, and cultivating a winning mindset among the Memory Makers in their stores.
The episode also explores the importance of recruiting, training, and retaining top Memory Makers, with Jason emphasizing the long-term value of investing in people through thorough onboarding and continuous development. Troy reflects on building successful groups by fostering trust, supporting each other's growth, and ensuring that the right people are in the right seats. Both General Managers pay tribute to their personal and professional mentors—especially their multi-unit leader Dana—for her supportive and impactful leadership. They celebrate Broad River Retail's ongoing investment in Memory Makers' growth and development and offer advice for those seeking a rewarding, people-first career at the company.
Watch the other episodes in this series!
Behind the Scenes with Broad River Retail’s General Managers: Heart, Hustle, and Culture - https://youtu.be/2AJKPAxjQJQ
Leading With Heart: General Managers Chris Morrell and Mitch Dixon on People, Passion, and Retail - https://youtu.be/b2yEN0TvSco
Welcome to the second episode of the General Manager series here on Stories from the River!
Heather Greenwood sits down with two esteemed General Managers from Broad River Retail: Mitch Dixon of Rock Hill Raiders and Chris Morrell of Team Gold Rush. Both share their journeys within the company, discussing what it means to translate the company’s vision into reality at their stores. Chris emphasizes the importance of having seasoned, passionate Memory Makers on his roster, highlighting how the General Manager role focuses on turning strategy into daily action and nurturing a supportive environment. Mitch, fresh off the grand opening of Rock Hill, underscores success not just by numbers, but by the happiness and growth of the Memory Makers he leads, driving home the point that people are at the center of everything they do.
The discussion dives into what makes Broad River’s culture unique—especially the emphasis on empowering Memory Makers as intrapreneurs, fostering a sense of ownership and entrepreneurial spirit at every level. Both Chris and Mitch recount standout moments—from success stories where Memory Makers doubled their earnings and made life-changing purchases, to heartfelt guest interactions, such as the story of an Ashley sofa saving lives during Hurricane Helene. Through candid reflections, they explain how leadership, resilience during challenging days, and a caring, driven culture have shaped their own careers and those of the Memory Makers around them. The episode wraps up with advice for those in the industry: Broad River is a place where you’re truly valued, supported by Leaders who care about people as much as results.
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/b2yEN0TvSco
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
Welcome to the first episode of the General Manager series here on Stories from the River!
Heather Greenwood kicks off a special series focusing on the pivotal role of the General Manager at Broad River Retail. Filming from the Ashley store in Pineville, North Carolina, Heather is joined by Dana Mallory, District Manager of the Savage South, and Renee Bradley, Associate Director of Retail Onboarding and Education, two outstanding leaders who have both served as General Managers and now support, teach, and motivate current General Managers throughout the company. The conversation delves into the unique culture at Broad River, emphasizing how General Managers act as the nucleus and heartbeat of each store—driving sales performance, shaping store culture, and forging authentic connections with Memory Makers and guests alike.
Dana and Renee share their perspectives on what makes someone a successful General Manager; stressing qualities like influence, curiosity, adaptability, resiliency, and, above all, the ability to lead wholeheartedly. Unlike other retailers, Broad River's General Manager role is highly focused on sales and fostering a positive, impactful culture. They also discuss why Broad River stands out as a great place to work: the strong family-oriented culture, the focus on leadership development, and the balance between high performance and genuine care for people. Renee and Dana encourage aspiring General Managers from other retailers to consider Broad River, not just for competitive compensation, but for the opportunity to be part of something bigger—furnishing life’s best memories for Memory Makers, guests, and the community.
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kV_IoPG9O6c
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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In this episode of Stories from the River, guest host Tyler Trill, Senior Communications Manager at Broad River Retail, sits down with Broad River Retail’s IT experts Robert Ferguson, Associate Director, IT Infrastructure & User Services, and Tim Sobkowiak, Associate Director, Retail Technology & Project Management, to dive into the world of cybersecurity, with a specific focus on phishing attacks.
The discussion breaks down how phishing techniques have evolved from suspicious emails to sophisticated text messages, QR code scams, and AI-powered voice impersonations. Robert and Tim share real-life examples of successful phishing scams, explain why these attacks remain effective, and offer practical advice on how to recognize and respond to threats. Key takeaways include the critical roles of strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, and most importantly, ongoing education for every team member—not just IT. The episode emphasizes that staying safe online is everyone’s responsibility, both at work and at home. Listeners will walk away better prepared to spot and stop phishing attempts before they cause harm.
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Aj8A5NqKmq8
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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In this episode of Stories from the River, guest host Kim Harkness sits down with Rachel LoPresto, the Corporate Events Manager, to go behind the scenes of Broad River Retail’s signature gatherings, including the annual Sleep Summit at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Rachel reflects on her first year in the role—highlighting her favorite moments, especially the Experts Soirée, and discussing what goes into crafting memorable and purposeful events for the Memory Makers. Together, they explore how listening to needs, coordinating with premier partners, and creating engaging, themed experiences help drive team connection, learning, and excitement for new products—all while keeping the focus on business goals, like elevating Sleep ROI.
The conversation expands into the full range of company events, from Learning & Development events like the Sleep Summit’s to marque events like the Home Furnishing Experts Soirée and the Memory Maker Gala, and celebrating the Company's growth through Grand Openings and Grand Reopenings. Rachel shares insights into the creative planning that goes into venue selection, unique giveaways, and fostering community ties during Grand Openings—including charity partnerships and regional touches like custom coffee carts and local treats. Looking ahead, Rachel expresses excitement for new challenges, particularly the upcoming, pioneering Spokane Grand Opening, while also sharing a few personal summer traditions and rapid-fire preferences. The episode is a vibrant exploration of how intentional details and a focus on Memory Maker experience set Broad River’s events apart.
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KR19YwfJmnY
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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In the second part of this two-part series on Stories from the River, Heather Greenwood welcomes Memory Makers from the recent Sleep Summit held at the Charlotte Motor Speedway.
The conversation brings together insights from various Memory Makers, who share how the summit has influenced their approach on the sales floor, deepened their product knowledge, and enhanced their confidence in connecting guests with the perfect sleep solutions. Memory Makers discuss specific takeaways that challenged or energized them, how sleep training translates into improved guest experiences, and the role ongoing education plays in boosting both individual success and company growth.
Hear from: -Cristina Shields, Sales Manager, VIP, The Hype -Isaiah Taylor, Home Furnishing Consultant, Flagship Enterprise -Brett Farmer, Home Furnishing Associate, Rock Hill Raiders -Jaylon Fisher, Sales Manager, Sleep, Albemarle Aces -David Boyd, Sales Manager, Sleep, Hub City Hive -Melanie Pratt, Home Furnishings Professional, Hub City Hive -Kota Bennett, Sales Manager Expert, VIP, Port City -Jefferson Lizaire, Sales Manager Expert, Sleep, Augusta Annihilators
Beyond product expertise, the episode delves into the unique culture at Broad River Retail. Memory Makers reflect on the importance of connection, collaborative learning, and the company’s investment in their growth—citing moments of genuine care and camaraderie, from knowing each other’s names to celebrating personal milestones. Many mention how the Sleep Summit reinforces the family-like environment and support system that sets Broad River apart, inspiring them to pioneer new levels of performance and leadership as they look ahead to 2025. The episode closes with reminders to tune in for upcoming special segments and to engage with the Stories from the River community across platforms.
Part One of the Sleep Summit series: Grid, Grit & Guest Experience: A Summit to Remember - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lBGUfKMt2I
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WayK5G4P13c
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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In this special two-part edition of Stories from the River, Heather Greenwood guest hosts to spotlight the highlights of the recent Sleep Summit held at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. The episode features eight Memory Makers from various Broad River Retail locations, sharing their unique experiences, key takeaways, and the powerful "aha" moments that made the event memorable.
Hear from: -Cristina Shields, Sales Manager, VIP, The Hype -Isaiah Taylor, Home Furnishing Consultant, Flagship Enterprise -Brett Farmer, Home Furnishing Associate, Rock Hill Raiders -Jaylon Fisher, Sales Manager, Sleep, Albemarle Aces -David Boyd, Sales Manager, Sleep, Hub City Hive -Melanie Pratt, Home Furnishings Professional, Hub City Hive -Kota Bennett, Sales Manager Expert, VIP, Port City -Jefferson Lizaire, Sales Manager Expert, Sleep, Augusta Annihilators
Each Memory Maker, representing various sales and sales management roles, reflects on how the Summit broadened their perspectives, enhanced their knowledge of innovative sleep products like Purple, Tempur-Pedic, and Sealy mattresses, and inspired new ways to connect with guests. Their collective enthusiasm underscores the Summit’s value as an opportunity for learning, growth, and genuine connection.
Throughout the episode, Memory Makers discuss not only the fun and interactive energy of the Summit, but also the practical techniques and product demonstrations that sparked their excitement to bring new ideas back to their showrooms. Memorable anecdotes include trying out the latest mattress technologies, engaging in sales demonstrations like "float the grid," and sharing personal stories that highlight the importance of guest comfort and finding the right sleep solutions. The episode concludes with a strong sense of passion for delivering life-changing experiences through thoughtful product recommendations and a consistent dedication to guest satisfaction.
Come back on Thursday for part two!
Watch this episode YouTube: https://youtu.be/9lBGUfKMt2I
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Welcome back to Stories From the River, where Charlie Malouf continues his conversation with Bradley Sullivan, the General Manager of the award-winning Albemarle Aces, for an in-depth discussion on leadership, motivation, and what it takes to build a high-performing retail team at Broad River Retail. Against the energetic backdrop of the Charlotte Motor Speedway, Bradley shares how his obsession with performance metrics, consistency in routines, and a deep investment in the growth of his Memory Makers have been the driving forces behind his team's repeated successes, including multiple top store awards and coveted cheeseburger trophies for sleep sales excellence. He highlights the importance of embodying the business, emphasizing the motto "be the business," and fostering a culture that values both results and personal connections.
Bradley delves into the unique culture of the Albemarle Aces, describing it through the metaphor of poker—where patience, strategy, and embracing the hand you're dealt are essential to winning. He reflects on meaningful moments, like witnessing Memory Makers achieve personal financial milestones and seeing them feel at home in the store's nurturing environment. Motivated by the desire to create a legacy of excellence, Bradley stresses the importance of passionate leadership, the impact of teaching others to surpass their own expectations, and a love for "playing the game." The episode wraps up with Bradley sharing personal anecdotes about family, literature, and the comeback journey that's defined his return to Broad River, leaving listeners inspired to lead with heart and a competitive spirit.
Additional resources:
The Motive: Why So Many Leaders Abdicate Their Most Important Responsibilities by Patrick Lencioni - https://www.amazon.com/Motive-Leaders-Abdicate-Important-Responsibilities/dp/1119600456
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton - https://www.amazon.com/Outsiders-S-Hinton/dp/014240733X
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas - https://www.amazon.com/Count-Monte-Cristo-Wordsworth-Classics/dp/1853267333
Marry the Process, Divorce the Outcome: Lessons on Success with Keith Jones - https://youtu.be/z3autMe8m3Y
Broad River's Original Purpose Summit, Purpose 8:28 (held on 8.28.2019) - https://www.purpose828.com
Watch this episode YouTube: https://youtu.be/4qfkK_n6mD4
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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In this episode of Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf sits down with Bradley Sullivan at the Charlotte Motor Speedway to dive into Bradley's unique journey as a Memory Maker at Broad River Retail. Bradley, affectionately known as Sully, recounts his path from his early days in the furniture business, his meaningful recruitment experience at the transformative Purpose 8:28 event (Bradley's 'Day Zero' in Fort Mill, South Carolina, on August 28, 2019), and his rise through various leadership roles within the Company—from his start in Cary as an AGM with Michael Childers, to taking on the GM role in Bull City, to revamping the culture at the Ashley Outlet in Charlotte, N.C., on South Boulevard (which changed its identity during Bradley's tenure from the Boulevard Bulldogs to the "Boulevard Believe"), and now leading the Albemarle Aces to success. Bradley's remarkable story is marked by resilience, personal growth, and a knack for seeing potential in the underdog.
Throughout the conversation, Bradley emphasizes his love for developing people, not just selling furniture. He highlights how culture is the cornerstone of thriving stores and shares heartfelt stories about the Albemarle Aces' journey to becoming a top-performing memory-making group, including winning the North American Ashley Store of the Month a record-setting three times within the past five months. The discussion also explores the importance of confidence, overcoming setbacks, and the challenge of consistency in retail. Bradley gives a special shoutout to the individual Memory Makers who make the Albemarle Aces shine, reinforcing the deep bonds and connections that drive success within Broad River Retail.
Additional Resources:
Broad River's Original Purpose Summit, Purpose 8:28 (held on 8.28.2019) - https://www.purpose828.com
Watch this episode YouTube: https://youtu.be/3irD0s0Rpic
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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In this episode of Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf sits down with Jose Blanco, the General Manager of the Glenwood Gladiators, as part of the GM Series. Coming to you from the Charlotte Motor Speedway during a week of special events, the two dive into Jose’s extensive 11-year leadership journey at Broad River Retail. Jose shares stories from his beginnings in liquidation furniture sales prior to joining The River and then through his progression through nearly every possible leadership role across many store locations—including Hickory, Arden, Asheville, Matthews, University, Columbia, Northeast Columbia, Fayetteville, Southern Pines, and now at the Raleigh Outlet (a/k/a the "Glenwood Gladiators"). With each move, he highlights his adaptability, focus on sales growth, and a deep commitment to leading by example. Jose credits much of Broad River’s evolution to the adoption of consistent processes, like the C4 playbook, and emphasizes how these have shifted the Company from a store-by-store approach to a unified operational culture.
Jose opens up about understanding the analytics of the business and those learnings that he gained during the preparation from the Orange Crush tours.
Jose opens up about the importance of building trust, showing genuine care for other Memory Makers, and creating a family atmosphere in every store he leads. He discusses the rewarding aspects of being a GM, from celebrating high-performing Home Furnishings Consultants achieving the elite Home Furnishings Expert status, to fostering cultures where everyone feels supported and heard—regardless of age or background. Jose’s story also touches on his personal challenges, including being legally blind, and expresses gratitude for the Company’s support.
As the General Manager, Jose discusses how he constantly wants to be the lead learner and drops the mic when he says that 'Learning is an everlasting gobstopper.'
Throughout the conversation, Charlie highlights Jose’s resilience, service-driven leadership, and the perspective on growth at Broad River that is driven by its leaders like Jose: growing as far as their Memory Makers will take them. The episode concludes with advice for top sales professionals who may be contemplating a leap into leadership, underscoring the performance-driven, transparent, and deeply supportive environment that makes Broad River’s GM role unique.
Watch this episode YouTube: https://youtu.be/Rg_dzfjKxMQ
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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In this episode of Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf welcomes Alexis Strafuss, the General Manager of the Augusta Annihilators, during the GM Rx and the Mission Possible Sleep Summit at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Alexis shares her journey from food and beverage management into the furniture retail world with Ashley, starting in 2020 in Florida during the COVID-19 pandemic. She describes her growth from a Rookie Sales Associate to various leadership roles, including her first General Manager position in Inverness, Florida, and later at flagship locations with Ashley Global Retail (AGR) in Florida, highlighting her successes such as winning Rookie of the Year and Top Gun awards, and even earning a vacation to Napa Valley as part of various incentive programs.
The conversation dives deep into Alexis's leadership philosophy, especially her focus on culture and the well-being of Memory Makers. She discusses the rebranding of their Augusta store to the Augusta Annihilators, complete with the vulture mascot "Vinny," chosen for representing loyalty, passion, teamwork, and drive. Alexis emphasizes the importance of listening and connecting with her Memory Makers, fostering a competitive yet uplifting environment where everyone feels heard and motivated to excel. Her thoughtful and intentional approach to leadership, grounded in her competitive sports background and previous management experiences, shines throughout the episode, as she shares her ambitions to continue growing—setting her sights on a regional manager position by 2027.
Watch this episode YouTube: https://youtu.be/nbMqOnA-l4E
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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In this episode of Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf takes viewers and listeners on a behind-the-scenes journey through Broad River Retail’s 2nd Quarter Companywide Town Hall that took place on Friday, May 16, 2025. He explains the origins and purpose of the quarterly Town Halls, highlighting how they have become a crucial channel for transparent communication and engagement with Memory Makers across the company. Charlie walks through the meticulous planning and collaborative preparation that goes into these events, emphasizing the blend of important companywide updates, recognition of recent promotions, the celebration of new leaders, and shout-outs for outstanding achievements—like high retention rates and major awards for the Company or specific departments. The Town Hall is packed with insights on organizational performance, business goals, and the values that unite everyone at Broad River, all delivered over 113 slides and an engaging live Zoom chat with hundreds of Memory Makers tuning in.
The episode also captures key business highlights and initiatives, such as progress towards sales goals, store remodels and conversions to the Ashley 7.0 format, and the launch of new product lines like Ashley Luxe. Charlie and other leaders discuss continued innovation, operational efficiency, and the company’s growing community impact, including Founders Scholarship awards and charitable giving milestones. There is a special focus on the Company’s major projects like Project Cascade—Broad River’s expansion into Spokane, Washington—and operational successes like record-low return rates in home delivery. The episode wraps up with encouragement for all Memory Makers leading into the busy Memorial Day retail weekend, a reminder about the meaning behind the holiday, and a look ahead to future episodes and possible summer updates from The River.
Watch this episode YouTube: https://youtu.be/xpKABVpQ0R4
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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This episode marks the fifth and final installment in the Ashley's 'Right to Win' Boot Camp series on Stories from the River, hosted by Charlie Malouf. The focus of this series is a four-day intensive training held across eight host locations, aimed at elevating the product knowledge and confidence of Broad River's Memory Makers. Charlie interviews Kensley Phillips, Jim Walker, and Josh Hatchell from the Flagship Enterprise, along with Angel Santana from the Rock Hill Raiders, as they reflect on their biggest takeaways and practical insights from the Boot Camp. The Memory Makers emphasize how the training dramatically increased their understanding of Ashley's product quality, manufacturing processes, and competitive advantages, inspiring pride and confidence in representing the brand.
Throughout the discussion, the Memory Makers share how the training went beyond typical product information, delving into the benefits behind each feature and offering new strategies to help customers connect with Ashley's story of quality, sustainability, and innovation. They highlight the value of continuous learning, the impact of intentional investment in their growth, and a deep sense of belonging within Broad River. The Boot Camp not only revitalized their passion for customer interaction but also equipped them with new language and knowledge, empowering them to stand out on the sales floor and contribute to Broad River's ongoing success.
There's enthusiastic anticipation for future sessions, with the group agreeing that ongoing education is vital for personal and professional growth in a Memory Maker's journey.
Previous episodes in this Ashley's 'Right to Win' Boot Camp Series:
Product Smart, People Driven, Purpose Fueled: Mobilizing Ashley's 'Right to Win' Boot Camp - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Owyi81Q9dOU
Ashley's Right to Win Boot Camp is a Force Multiplier - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHhcdcNEG4o
Power in Preparation: Inside the Product Knowledge Boot Camp with Chris Berrier: https://youtu.be/MLKum9AwskI
Memory Makers On Sustainability, Innovation and Product Quality at Ashley’s 'Right to Win' Boot Camp - https://youtu.be/0hNtGoNLAZU
Watch on this episode YouTube: https://youtu.be/R03T17gq1OE
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
In this episode of Stories from the River, we continue the Ashley's 'Right to Win' Product Knowledge Boot Camp series, focusing on insights from four Memory Makers who participated in the intensive training event at the flagship Pineville location. Joined by Kensley Phillips, Jim Walker, Angel Santana, and Josh Hatchell, the conversation highlights each Memory Maker’s unique perspective on the boot camp’s hands-on approach—especially impressive demonstrations showcasing the durability and innovative construction of Ashley Furniture products, like standing on dresser drawers and sofas to prove their strength. The Memory Makers emphasized how the boot camp deepened their understanding of product materials, Ashley’s commitment to sustainability, and the cutting-edge processes that set their furniture apart from competitors.
Throughout their interviews, Memory Makers expressed appreciation for the engaging, interactive training style, led by energetic instructors like Teresa, which kept everyone involved and eager to learn. The episode underscores how this experience not only boosted their product knowledge and confidence in sharing Ashley’s story with customers but also equipped them with new skills to inspire excellence in their fellow Memory Makers. The takeaways ranged from technical details about materials like LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) and mixed woods to newfound pride in the brand’s long-lasting quality. Ultimately, the episode serves as a testament to how effective, immersive training can empower Memory Makers to deliver superior guest experiences and articulate the unique value of Ashley Furniture.
Previous episodes in this Ashley's 'Right to Win' Boot Camp Series:
Product Smart, People Driven, Purpose Fueled: Mobilizing Ashley's 'Right to Win' Boot Camp - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Owyi81Q9dOU
Ashley's Right to Win Boot Camp is a Force Multiplier - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHhcdcNEG4o
Power in Preparation: Inside the Product Knowledge Boot Camp with Chris Berrier: https://youtu.be/MLKum9AwskI
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0hNtGoNLAZU
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
Welcome to the third episode in the Ashley's 'Right to Win' Product Knowledge Boot Camp series from Stories from the River. Charlie Malouf introduces Chris Berrier, Area Manager of Supernova in the North region.
The conversation highlights the extensive boot camp training underway, which draws Memory Makers from three states, taking place in eight different host stores, with sessions led by experienced trainers like Teresa Thompson from Ashley Furniture's Field Sales team. The training focuses primarily on deepening product knowledge across various categories, while also weaving in essential sales techniques to help Memory Makers better connect with guests and boost both confidence and performance.
Chris shares insights on the broader impact of such hands-on learning, emphasizing the vital role it plays in both immediate sales success and long-term growth for Broad River Retail. He points out that investments like these not only sharpen skills—embodying the "iron sharpens iron" philosophy—but also contribute to higher retention and better paychecks for HFCs (Memory Makers).
The conversation covers how Chris plans to sustain the momentum after the boot camp, from ongoing coaching to refresher activities, and reinforces the value of an open, eager approach to learning. Chris leaves listeners with advice for new Memory Makers: "Be a thief of knowledge," always ready to soak up information. Wrapping up, he suggests that bringing the sleep category into future training sessions will bolster confidence even further, and sums up the boot camp spirit with a proposed T-shirt slogan: "Be ready."
Previous episodes in this Ashley's 'Right to Win' Boot Camp Series:
Product Smart, People Driven, Purpose Fueled: Mobilizing Ashley's 'Right to Win' Boot Camp - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Owyi81Q9dOU
Ashley's Right to Win Boot Camp is a Force Multiplier - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHhcdcNEG4o
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/MLKum9AwskI
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
Welcome to the second episode in the latest series from Stories from the River - Ashley's 'Right to Win' Product Knowledge Boot Camp. Today, Charlie Malouf sits down with Teresa Thompson, Ashley Furniture Industries Field Sales Manager and trainer at this year's Boot Camp held in Pineville, North Carolina (one of the eight host sites for the training sessions).
Teresa shares her journey from a long career in retail, including stints at Williams Sonoma and in fine jewelry, to her current role with Ashley, where she is part of the original group that launched the field sales training initiative. She highlights her passion for training and developing talent, especially in onboarding and product knowledge, and explains how Ashley’s thorough and extensive 12-week onboarding—complete with factory visits and hands-on learning—set up the new field sales training team up for success.
The conversation delves into the origin and success of the "Right to Win" Boot Camps, describing them as intensive, interactive sessions designed to instill confidence and deep product knowledge in retail sales consultants. Teresa outlines how these boot camps are tailored to individual licensees and retailers, focusing on Ashley's unique strengths and how to leverage those against competitors. She emphasizes the positive cultural atmosphere at Broad River, the long-lasting impact of the training on sales and morale, and the importance of keeping Memory Makers engaged through active participation.
Come back next week for attendee impressions and more stories from this year's Ashley's 'Right to Win' Product Knowledge Boot Camp.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/MHhcdcNEG4o
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
Welcome to a brand-new series on Stories from the River as we go behind the scenes of Ashley's 'Right to Win' Product Knowledge Boot Camp with Charlie Malouf and Renee Bradley as they unpack what it means for Broad River Retail. Find out how this company-wide training is shaping retail teams and driving results across multiple locations.
Charlie and Renee sit down at the Pineville Flagship Ashley Store location and discuss the massive undertaking involved in orchestrating this four-day, multi-site training initiative. Over 330 Memory Makers from all aspects of retail — ranging from Home Furnishings Consultants (HFCs) to General Managers — participated across eight different host locations, all designed to enhance product knowledge and sales confidence within the organization. Renee shares details about the logistical coordination, collaboration with Ashley Furniture field sales trainers, and the intentional timing of the event between major sales periods to maximize impact.
The conversation highlights not only the practical aspects of the boot camp, such as the five and a half hour sessions packed with demonstrations on features like Platform Seating and performance fabrics, but also the deeper goals of building community, ensuring consistent retail rhythms, and cultivating a sense of excitement and confidence among the Memory Makers.
And how do we measure success? After the training, success is measured through specific retail performance metrics like sales per guest (SPG) as well as through surveys and anecdotal feedback from participating Memory Makers. Renee underscores the value of in-person training for fostering engagement and lasting sales excellence, and closes with a forward-looking perspective, emphasizing continuous improvement, community, and the shared purpose that unites everyone at Broad River Retail.
Join us again on Thursday to take a glimpse into a conversation Charlie has with Teresa Thompson, a field sales manager with Ashley Furniture Industries, and Ashley's 'Rights to Win' Boot Camp's most talked about trainer on Stories from the River.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Owyi81Q9dOU
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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We’re back for part four of our Retail Operations series on Stories from the River! In this second half of a dynamic two-part conversation, guest host Sam Blum, Director of Customer Experience, continues the discussion with a powerhouse panel from Broad River Retail.
Jessica Blackstock, REM of Mooresville, Nathan Jeter, GM of Mooresville, Cindy Orrick, Sales Audit Manager, and Karrin Reed, Manager of Retail Inventory, dive even deeper into the collaborative spirit that drives success across departments. From building trust with store teams to cross-training efforts and building consistency across locations, this episode highlights how strong relationships and shared goals fuel efficiency, accuracy, and exceptional guest care.
The group reflects on how far they’ve come—from feeling siloed to operating as an integrated support system—and how Retail Ops continues to evolve thanks to technology, training, and heart. You’ll hear impactful stories, leadership insights, and laughter along the way as the panel celebrates what it truly means to be a team.
This episode is packed with practical wisdom and authentic connection—don’t miss it!
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/JX9vtjKovPY
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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This lively episode of Stories from the River marks part three of our Retail Operations series! Guest host Sam Blum, Director of Customer Experience, brings together a dynamic group of retail collaborators from Broad River Retail to spotlight the essential partnerships that power day-to-day operations.
Nathan Jeter, General Manager of Mooresville, and Jessica Blackstock, REM of Mooresville, share how their close working relationship ensures smooth processes and exceptional guest experiences—Jessica, often compared to a lineman protecting the “quarterback,” safeguards every order from start to finish. Meanwhile, Cindy Orrick, Sales Audit Manager, and Karrin Reed, Manager of Retail Inventory, explain how their teams serve as a vigilant “second pair of eyes,” supporting store Memory Makers behind the scenes and drawing on their own REM experience to provide proactive and empathetic support.
The conversation dives deep into collaboration—highlighting daily communication habits as well as innovative approaches that have streamlined audits and inventory management through shared expertise and technology. From stepping in to save guest experiences to transforming perceptions of audit partners, the group showcases a culture of open communication, continuous improvement, and unwavering teamwork.
The conversation doesn’t stop here—tune in to Thursday’s episode for part two with this inspiring crew!
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ekuY0Q-_Y00
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Guest host Sam Blum, Director of Customer Experience, is joined by three Retail Operations leaders from Broad River Retail — Wes Dudley, VP of Customer Experience & Retail Operations, Andrew Bartlett, Associate Manager, Retail Operations, and Katrina Batchelor, Associate Manager, Retail Operations. Together, they explore how the Retail Ops team has grown, transformed, and redefined its role in delivering exceptional support to both Memory Makers and guests.
From their unique journeys into Retail Ops to navigating early inefficiencies and learning curves, the group shares how the department has become more agile, innovative, and forward-thinking. They dive into the creation of the Associate Manager role, the importance of building strong store partnerships, and the culture of collaboration and consistency that fuels their work today.
Looking ahead, they share how Retail Ops plans to be pioneers in 2025 and beyond, including efforts to standardize processes, expand digital tools, and continue empowering teams to provide seamless experiences. The episode wraps with a fun twist—each guest shares which fictional character best represents Retail Ops, spotlighting the adaptability, grit, and heart of the team.
Don't miss this insightful conversation about the evolution of a team that’s always moving forward!
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/n1U7Vx6wlLY
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Welcome to the first episode in our special Stories from the River series spotlighting the evolution and impact of Retail Operations at Broad River Retail!
In this nostalgic kickoff episode, guest host Sam Blum, Director of Customer Experience, is joined in studio by a panel of incredible pioneers who helped lay the foundation for what we now know as Retail Ops: Kellie Jones, Senior Manager of Retail Operations, Molly Angelo-Teisch, Associate Manager of Retail Operations – North, and Cathy Aleman, Senior Retail Experience Manager.
Together, they take a trip down memory lane—reflecting on what Guest Services looked like nearly a decade ago, from fielding countless store calls and manually uploading documents, to the early inefficiencies that sparked a need for change.
Listeners will hear how the team navigated a major transformation—moving from a support-heavy model to a system that empowered Home Furnishing Consultants to own the guest journey, supported by new technology, training, and structure. Through it all, these Memory Makers share how they supported stores, embraced change, and built a culture focused on service, innovation, and operational excellence.
The episode wraps with reflections, pride in the journey, and a fun twist: each guest shares the theme song they think best captures the spirit of Retail Ops.
Don’t miss this foundational episode—and be sure to tune in for Part Two coming soon!
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/d9hMVBQ9gWU
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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In this episode of Stories from the River, Broad River Retail's CEO and host Charlie Malouf takes listeners behind the scenes at Broad River Retail to discuss a sudden and impactful development in the home furnishings industry: tariffs. Charlie reflects on the recent announcement of reciprocal tariffs, focusing particularly on the shock of a proposed 46% tariff on goods imported from Vietnam, a country where Ashley Furniture Industries (a principal supplier) has a significant manufacturing presence. He explores how these rapid changes in trade policy could disrupt pricing, demand, and overall market stability—especially given that home furnishings are often considered discretionary purchases. Charlie ties in the uncertainty of tariffs with larger economic and industry rhythms, likening the sudden shock to the COVID-19 shutdown.
Throughout the episode, Charlie emphasizes the importance of focusing on what can be controlled, even in times of external uncertainty. He encourages Memory Makers to continue showing up every day with a commitment to a premier guest experience, operational excellence, and long-term growth strategies, regardless of economic headwinds. He highlights that Broad River Retail remains committed to its goals and vision, adjusting expenses and plans only as needed without losing sight of the bigger picture. Charlie wraps up with well wishes for Easter and reminds listeners that while tariffs introduce unpredictability, the company’s core values and dedication to guests remain constant. He offers a preview of upcoming episodes and encourages everyone to maintain their focus, adaptability, and pioneering spirit in service of both their guests and the organization’s future.
Book Referenced: The Furniture Wars: How America Lost a 50 Billion Dollar Industry by Michael Dugan - https://www.amazon.com/Furniture-Wars-America-Billion-Industry/dp/1439225109/
Links used: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/13/sport/rory-mcilroy-wins-career-grand-slam-masters-spt/index.html
https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/national-international/fact-check-trumps-misleading-tariff-chart/3535201/
https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/02/trump-reciprocal-tariffs-countries-chart-imports-united-states.html
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lw0aNARuVB4
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Welcome to the third episode of the Knights of the Ledger Summit series from Stories from the River!
We continue the Q&A with Broad River Retail's CEO, Charlie Malouf with Hope Stocker, Manager, Retail Accounting, as guest host. Charlie shares stories about his early jobs, from mowing lawns at a young age to working in his uncle's deli and eventually serving as a busboy and waiter. The discussion highlights what Charlie's most proud of about Broad River Retail, the challenges he and the team faced in 2015 when Broad River was at a critical point, and his determination to steer the company away from the brink of bankruptcy. Despite the adversity, Charlie's leadership, driven by optimism and resilience, was pivotal in turning the company's fate around, embodying the Stockdale Paradox of unwavering faith through hardship.
The episode also explores Charlie's life beyond Broad River, focusing on his commitment to family and health. He shares tidbits of family activities, like attending his son's track meet and celebrating birthdays, emphasizing the importance of balancing work with personal life. Throughout the conversation, Charlie reflects on the significance of legacy and stewardship, envisioning a future where Broad River continues to thrive long after his leadership tenure. He underscores the role of investing in oneself, learning continuously, and passing on knowledge to future Memory Makers to ensure the company's enduring success. The session concludes with a Q&A segment, where Charlie provides advice on entrepreneurship and recommends impactful books that have shaped his journey.
Charlie's favorite books:
Win the Day by Mark Batterson - https://www.amazon.com/Win-Day-Journal-Harness-Power/dp/0593192869
The Road Less Stupid (Advice from the Chairman of the Board) by Keith J. Cunningham - https://www.amazon.com/The-Road-Less-Stupid-audiobook/dp/B07DJWQ7JN
Everybody Matters by Bob Chapman - https://www.amazon.com/Everybody-Matters-Extraordinary-Caring-People/dp/1591847796
The Power of Moments by the Heath Brothers - https://www.amazon.com/Power-Moments-Certain-Experiences-Extraordinary/dp/1501147765
Recommended Family-Friendly Finance and Money Management App for Kids and Teens:
Greenlight - https://greenlight.com
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/hX0JNo94vMw
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Welcome to the second episode of the Knights of the Ledger Summit series from Stories from the River!
Hope Stocker, Manager, Retail Accounting, guest hosts this episode and sits down with Broad River Retail's CEO, Charlie Malouf, for a Q&A about the company's growth and future opportunities with questions from the summit attendees. Charlie talks about the company's pioneering spirit in their northwest expansion, particularly with the introduction of Project Cascade and its entry into the Spokane market. This ambitious project is all about cascading Broad River's award-winning culture to a new territory which will introduce new and unique challenges to overcome, such as operating a single-store market with limited resources. Hope and Charlie also delve into the importance of retail leadership, explaining how having top-tier general managers is crucial for maintaining consistency and excellence across their stores.
The episode highlights Broad River's dedication to innovation and staying ahead of the competition, as demonstrated in their bold initiatives like launching Riverstone Logistics and introducing an elevated home delivery service branded as Ashley DASH. Charlie emphasizes the company's commitment to reinvesting in their Memory Makers and communities through ventures such as an upcoming Crisis Assistance Fund and potential mission trips to further enrich their award-winning culture. Looking ahead, Charlie outlines the exciting opportunities for Broad River, targeting ambitious growth goals, maintaining excellent retail performance, and potentially exploring new regional markets beyond 2025, all while nurturing their unique company culture.
Additional Resources:
"The Explorer's Gene: Why We Seek Big Challenges, New Flavors, and the Blank Spots on the Map" by Alex Hutchinson - https://www.amazon.com/Explorers-Gene-Challenges-Flavors-Blank/dp/0063269767
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CzHJ8RkD9UM
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Welcome to a the new Knights of the Ledger Summit series from Stories from the River! This episode captures a presentation that podcast host and Broad River CEO Charlie Malouf gave at the 2nd Annual Knights Summit on March 26, 2025, in Fort Mill, South Carolina. Charlie begins by sharing insights into Broad River's growth journey over the last 20-plus years, focusing on past milestones and plans for the next year including Project Cascade, which aims to expand the company's geographical reach into the Inland Northwest in Spokane, Washington. Charlie discusses the four key areas of focus for 2025: driving revenue, continued innovation, operational efficiencies, and ensuring fortress security. He also discusses longer term future plans like the 2030 vision to grow to $500 Million.
He emphasizes the importance of the pioneering spirit, encapsulated by the word "Pioneer," which was chosen as the company's 2025 word of the year. This encapsulates the aim to be innovative and exploratory in their endeavors.
Charlie further engages the audience with thought-provoking exercises that demonstrate the power of compounding and investing in oneself. Through interactive dialogue, he illustrates the potential of small, consistent improvements leading to significant growth. This aligns with Broad River's philosophy, which values goal-setting and strategic planning to achieve long-term growth. Charlie reiterates the importance of Memory Makers in realizing these goals, noting that the company's success hinges on their growth and development. Overall, this episode serves as both an informative and a motivational session, aiming to prepare the finance department, fondly known as "Knights of the Ledger," for future challenges and opportunities.
21:24 "Nobody ever drifted to a destination they would have chosen." -Michael Hyatt 28:05 "If someone offered you a penny that doubles every day for 30 days or a million dollars today, which would you take?" 32:09 "If you improve by 1% every day, within a year you will have improved 365%. Think about that" 33:57 "When nothing seems to help, I go and look at a stonecutter hammering away at his rock perhaps a hundred times without as much as a crack showing in it. Yet at the hundred and first blow it will split into two, and I know it was not that blow that did it, but all that had gone before." - Jacom Riis The Stonecutter's Credo 34:27 "The best investment you will ever make is in yourself." Warren Buffett
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rX0TnFIQCmY
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Welcome to the second mini-series episode introducing People Allies on Stories from the River!
In this episode Heather Greenwood, Director, People is joined by Renee Bradley, Associate Director of Retail Onboarding and Education, and Nicole Gere, Senior Manager of Talent Acquisition, integral leaders of the People Team at Broad River Retail. Together, they discuss the transformation from a traditional Human Resources Department into the more dynamic People Team shedding light on the profound change in perspective and operations. The conversation reflects on the unveiling of the People Department and its emblematic elephant logo, which symbolizes strength, wisdom, and protection, mirroring the values and work culture that the team wants to instill and embody across the organization.
Renee and Nicole share their experiences and insights on what it means to be a "People Ally," emphasizing the team's commitment to creating exceptional experiences for all Memory Makers. Nicole discusses the pivotal role her talent acquisition team plays as the first point of contact for potential Broad River Memory Makers, while Renee reflects on her journey and the shift from Human Resources to a more partner-focused People Department. They delve into their department's vision and strategies, highlighting the "RIGHT" approach—doing the right thing, the right way, for the right reasons. The episode concludes with personal reflections on the upcoming spring and summer, underscoring the deep connection to the community and the importance of experiencing joy and growth, both professionally and personally.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qNTWscUPFkw
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Welcome to the mini-series Introducing People Allies on Stories from the River!
Heather Greenwood, Director, People, hosts a thought-provoking discussion with Carlos Mendez, Manager, Learning & Development, and Emelyne Henderson, Manager, Memory Maker Experience, about Broad River Retail's transformation from the Human Capital Department to People. The episode begins with Heather introducing her guests and exploring their roles at the company. Carlos talks about his year-and-a-half experience with Broad River and the sense of connection and care that characterizes the People Team. Emelyne reflects on the department's growth from a small group that used to meet weekly to a much larger team requiring monthly all-hands meetings. She fondly recounts the shift from Human Resources to Human Capital and now, to People, as part of the company's ongoing effort to stay relevant and strategic while focusing on the business as well as the individual needs of its Memory Makers.
The conversation further delves into the significant December 2024 meeting where the department's name change was revealed. Heather, Emelyne, and Carlos share their thoughts on this transition, emphasizing the power of being seen as allies to the Memory Makers. Emelyne remembers the initial uncertainty to change but highlights how the department has elevated by involving Memory Makers in decision-making processes. Carlos shares the excitement and energy of presenting end-of-year projects, noting how the name shift aligns with their vision for constant innovation and strategic support. The episode concludes with optimistic anticipation for the upcoming year, focusing on the implementation of new projects and strengthening leadership within the department, all while maintaining the core value of being true allies to the people at Broad River Retail.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Uxz1XZMXMrU
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Welcome to the fourth episode of our C4 series on Stories from the River, in which we go behind the scenes at a recent C4 Sales Training event in Charlotte and speak with some of the Memory Makers at Broad River Retail who attended.
Essentially, this episode has two components. Half of the episode features Head Coach Stacey McCormick providing a robust explanation and unpacking of the purpose and science of our proprietary C4 process. The other half of the episode features interviews and feedback from three Memory Makers who participated in the recent C4 training class.
Head Coach Stacey McCormick welcomes you back and dives into the intricacies of the C4 training process at Broad River Retail, explaining its significance in creating memorable experiences for guests. Stacey highlights that the C4 process is foundational for how guests should experience stores, focusing on key aspects of the C4 process - Connecting, Customizing, Committing, and Continuing relationships with guests. Stacey emphasizes the importance of language, timing, and positioning in sales, anchoring the process on authentic connections with guests to foster long-term relationships. He also stresses the necessity of having the right mental and physical positioning to create positive impacts and enjoy mutual success with the guests.
Stacey also provides the five personal and emotional Connection principles: 1. Connect and engage. 2. Be fun, endearing, and build credibility. 3. Influence outcomes. 4. Be urgent. 5. Extend the relationship.
The 2nd half of this episode features insights from Madelin Brown, VIP Sales Manager, Ebony Lee, Home Furnishings Professional, and Steven Ramjit, Regional Manager of the North, who share their experiences with the commission-based environment at Broad River Retail. They discuss how the supportive and collaborative atmosphere among Memory Makers promotes productivity and a sense of family rather than competition. The Memory Makers elaborate on how connecting with guests authentically helps in customizing services to meet their needs, fostering trust and building credibility.
The answer questions related to the biggest myths of commission sales, the biggest takeaways from the C4 training, and how various tools like Draw the Room and 3X optimize the process.
The episode emphasizes that following the C4 process ensures a consistent and rewarding experience for both Memory Makers and guests.
Additional resources:
Pre-Suasion: A Revolutionary Way to Influence and Persuade by Robert Cialdini - https://www.amazon.com/Pre-Suasion-Revolutionary-Way-Influence-Persuade-ebook/dp/B01C36E2YS
The C4 Process Series
Connecting the Dots - How C4 Customizes the Memory Maker Experience - https://youtu.be/W2CWJJ3YF38
Harnessing C4 Techniques: Improve Retail Performance with Connect and Customize - https://youtu.be/zcVz2-UBWsQ
The C4 Playbook: Focusing on the Fundamentals - https://youtu.be/zgHImYaAbHk
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/635LhND724Y
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Welcome to the third episode of our C4 series on Stories from the River, in which we go behind the scenes at a recent C4 Sales Training event in Charlotte and speak with some of the Memory Makers at Broad River Retail who attended.
Head Coach Stacey McCormick introduces this episode and dives into the purpose for and the evolution of the C4 process at Broad River Retail. This C4 process focuses on Connecting, Customizing, Committing, and Continuing as a sales strategy. Stacey has worked extensively to transform the C4 process from a single-page overview into a refined, structured approach that reduces variability in guest experiences. Memory Makers, whether or not they are new or have been with The River for years, participate in C4 training to train, hone, refine, and refresh their skills and ensure a consistent and exceptional guest journey. The goal is to provide a roadmap to provide consistent retail experiences as they assist guests with their home furnishing needs, catering to individual demands without the typical sales pressure while also being able to influence the outcomes in a mutually beneficial way.
The episode features insights from Madelin Brown, Ebony Lee, and Steven Ramjit, who share their experiences with the two-day C4 sales training event. Madelin, a VIP Sales Manager, and Ebony, a Home Furnishings Professional, emphasize the importance of connecting with guests on a personal level to meet their needs comprehensively. Steven, the Regional Manager of the North, appreciates the unique nature of the training and the direct involvement of Stacey McCormick, valuing the hands-on approach that equips Memory Makers to deliver exceptional service. The biggest takeaways for the Memory Makers included a shift in mindset towards always seeking additional opportunities during a sale, building higher sales tickets, and the value of creating a consistent, guest-focused experience. The C4 process helps build lasting relationships with guests and the regular C4 sales training events foster a culture of continuous learning within the organization.
Additional resources:
The MR.MO series with Coach Stacey
A Primer on Business Operating Systems - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRQNLtuOsQY
The Origin Story of Mr. Mo - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuHenu3l51U
How Mr. Mo Changed the Game for Broad River Retail - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApFNYx_wZJo
Accelerating to a Retail Revolution and an A+ Life with Mr. Mo - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYp1WDneO7E
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zcVz2-UBWsQ
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Welcome to the second episode in our series covering the C4 process at Broad River Retail on Stories from the River!
This episode focuses on how Memory Makers can enhance their sales strategies through connecting and customizing. Host Charlie Malouf introduces this episode that welcomes back Gabby Cobos, General Manager; Bryan Clark, VIP Sales Manager; and England Montgomery, Home Furnishings Consultant, who each offer unique perspectives from the recent two-day C4 training. The episode explores the misconceptions about working in commission sales, with Bryan clarifying that commission-based income can actually be predictable with consistent performance. England and Gabby further share their insights on the importance of genuine connections with guests, emphasizing non-business greetings and honesty as key elements to establishing rapport.
The speakers delve into the "customize" aspect of the C4 process, where understanding a guest's personal space through tactics like "Draw the Room" can significantly enhance the sales experience. They highlight how this approach allows for better customization, fostering a deeper connection with guests by helping them envision their home spaces. The role of sleep in the C4 process is also discussed, underscoring the importance of promoting healthy sleep options while providing a comprehensive service. The episode concludes with conversations about professional goals for 2025 and the impact of the C4 training on achieving these objectives, reinforcing the value of following a structured but adaptable sales process.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zgHImYaAbHk
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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In this Stories from the River episode, host Charlie Malouf introduces a new series focusing on the C4 process at Broad River Retail!
The C4 process, comprised of Connect, Customize, Commit, and Continue, is central to Broad River's approach to sales. It emphasizes the importance of connecting with guests and customizing their shopping experience. This episode kicks off a four-part series featuring insights from three of Broad River's retail Memory Makers: Gabby Cobos, General Manager; Bryan Clark, VIP Sales Manager; and England Montgomery, Home Furnishings Consultant. These Memory Makers share their experiences and perspectives on the C4 process, highlighting its significance and effectiveness in achieving consistent results in sales.
The Memory Makers express their appreciation for the company's investment in their development, noting the importance of the two-day intensive C4 sales training led by head coach and EVP of Retail Performance Stacey McCormick. They emphasize how the training enhances their ability to connect with customers and furnish life's best memories. Gabby Cobos highlights the unique aspect of the C4 process, where customers are put in the driver's seat, and Bryan Clark appreciates the ability to customize the process and make it his own. Overall, the episode provides insights into how the C4 process contributes to Broad River's success and the commitment to continuous learning and development.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/W2CWJJ3YF38
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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In this episode of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf welcomes Gabby Cobos, the new general manager for the Salisbury, North Carolina store, which has been recognized as the 2024 Ashley store of the year. Gabby shares her unique journey from Ecuador to the United States, settling in Orlando, Florida, where she began her career with Ashley Corporate. She started as a customer service representative and worked her way through various roles, including Office Manager, Sales Manager, and General Manager. Her passion for training and development led her to serve as a regional trainer for Ashley in Florida, responsible for onboarding and developing Memory Makers across 26 stores.
Gabby shares that she has even been the host of a podcast. During her tenure at Ashley Furniture, Gabby also was able to interview three people for their own, internal podcast, called Ashley Spotlight, which was shared internally via their intranet on Ashley Discovery.
Gabby's transition to Broad River Retail as a General Manager is driven by her belief in continuous growth and a passion for furnishing life's best memories. She appreciates Broad River's culture, their emphasis on words like "Memory Maker" and the value placed on personal development. Gabby is excited to be part of a company that aligns with her values and offers opportunities for professional growth.
Gabby shares her goals for 2025 along with her habits that serve her well (like practicing gratitude and positive affirmations) and the best advice she's received. She's looking forward to investing in herself in 2025 while making a significant impact at the Salisbury store. Gabby encourages others considering a move to Broad River to take the leap, highlighting the culture and sense of being part of something bigger.
Additional Resources: Loving Our Memory Makers - The Power of Memory Maker Appreciation Week! - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7_-ZVZlnq0
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/oGwTfbOBpVQ
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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In this special episode of Stories from the River, Manny Rodrigues, Presiden & COO of Broad River Retail, welcomes Charlie Malouf, CEO of Broad River Retail, and host of the podcast, into the studio. The discussion focuses on a significant new venture for Broad River Retail: the planned expansion into Spokane, Washington,and the Inland Northwest, scheduled for late 2025 or early 2026. Charlie explains that the decision to move into a 101,000 square foot former Macy's at NorthTown Mall in Spokane was driven by a chance conversation with an executive from Ashley Global Retail. The venture represents a strategic expansion aimed at broadening Broad River's traditional aperture relative to new markets and seizing new growth opportunities. The project is known as "Project Cascade" because it involves an attempt to expand and replicate Broad River's culture and operational methods far from its current geographical base, and the Cascade Mountains are nearby geographically.
Charlie highlights the rationale behind choosing Spokane as a market, citing the opportunity to select prime real estate and the potential of the greater market area, which boasts a population approaching one million. The project will include a dual-store concept featuring a 7.0 Ashley Store with an Ashley Outlet and an expansive Sleep Shop on the 3rd floor. In fact, the Spokane store will be the first multi-level, multi-floor store that Broad River will open. Manny and Charlie emphasize the importance of executing this venture in the "Broad River Way," ensuring a blend of cultural values and operational excellence. This expansion provides growth opportunities for current Memory Makers, with several already expressing interest in contributing to the success of the Spokane store.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2Q_H3Mjltjk
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Welcome to Season 4 of Stories from the River!
Host and CEO of Broad River, Charlie Malouf, kicks off season four by introducing Broad River Retail's Word of the Year for 2025—"Pioneer."
Guests Heather Greenwood and Will Luke discuss their roles in the new, creative process of selecting the Company's Word of the Year. Historically, the Word of the Year has been selected by the executive team, but this year, a collaborative and innovative approach was introduced during a Leadership offsite meeting in early November. The Leadership Team was separated into three teams of six people, and each team had to use guidelines and a framework to present their suggested Word of the Year for the Company for 2025. Each team was charged with the responsibility of nominating and presenting a word, aiming to find one that adhered to the framework and encapsulated the zeitgest (the spirit of the times) for the country, the industry, the Company, and its Memory Makers.
Heather and Will describe their journey and thought process in choosing "Pioneer" as their final submission. They originally considered "Forge" but later pivoted after realizing one of its negative connotations. The word "Pioneer" was chosen for its multi-dimensional nature, symbolizing courage, innovation, and leadership. Although unexpected, the word resonated deeply with Charlie and the executive team, as it aligned with their vision of empowering Memory Makers to be intrapreneurs and drive forward-thinking growth initiatives. The episode concludes with a discussion on how the word Pioneer will guide organizational programs and individual actions throughout the year, aiming to inspire Memory Makers to embrace change and propel Broad River Retail into exciting frontiers.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4RmDdkvV51g
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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We are back behind the scenes of the Grand Reopening of the Raleigh Glenwood store!
In the 3rd and final episode of this series, host Charlie Malouf speaks with Rich Smith, the General Manager of the Raleigh Glenwood store, following the grand reopening ceremony and ribbon cutting of their remodeled 7.0 Ashley Store on Glenwood Avenue. Rich, who began working with Broad River Retail in July 2022, shares his journey from joining as an Associate General Manager in Cary to being promoted as the General Manager of various locations, including leading the nearby Raleigh Outlet (a/k/a the Glenwood Gladiators) and the Cary Crushers to great success as GM of those two stores.
The focus of the conversation is on the challenges and triumphs of guiding a team through a store remodel, emphasizing the importance of maintaining energy and motivation among the Memory Makers throughout the process. Rich highlights the transformed showroom's clean and organized appeal, aligning with current market trends and elevating the shopping experience.
The episode also delves into the importance of relationship building with guests, as Rich recounts a touching story of helping a guest unexpectedly furnish her home within her financial means. He stresses that providing an exceptional retail experience revolves around understanding and connecting with guests from diverse backgrounds. The conversation is peppered with a discussion on future goals, including achieving titanium status and the potential rebranding of the Raleigh Reign as the Rainmakers. Throughout the episode, Rich embodies enthusiasm and optimism, driven by a belief in his team's capacity to elevate the shopping experience and achieve new heights in sales and customer satisfaction in the competitive retail furniture landscape.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/e2ZyTLXWv1Y
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Welcome back to the Grand Reopening of the Raleigh Glenwood store!
In this episode of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf, CEO, hosts Karen Ohar, the Associate Director of Visual Impact for Broad River Retail. Karen shares her journey with the company since joining in October 2017 and discusses her significant role in overseeing the renovation and remodel of the Raleigh Glenwood store. The conversation highlights Karen's responsibility for overseeing 33 stores alongside Janet Leimkuhler, Broad River's Director of Visual Impact, focusing on the meticulous planning and execution required for store remodels. Karen explains the intricate processes involved in a store conversion to a 7.0 model, including coordinating with construction and merchandising teams, setting timelines, and the precision required to manage the movement and display of products without disrupting the shopping experience for customers.
Karen emphasizes the importance of specialization within the Visual Impact Memory Makers to efficiently complete the remodel, which resulted in one of the quickest turnaround times for a floor reset, receiving and arranging 5,000 cubes of products in just ten days. The remodeled store offers a refreshed look with improved areas like the Millennium area, featuring high-value and elevated-design Ashley furniture collections. The episode also sheds light on the positive reception from the Raleigh store team and customers, with an overall excitement for the store's enhanced aesthetics, such as improved lighting and expanded areas. Karen concludes by expressing her anticipation for future renovations, aiming to continue enhancing shopping experiences at Broad River Retail locations.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/V-mp85JMCbQ
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Welcome to the Grand Reopening of the Raleigh Glenwood store!
In this episode of Stories from the River recorded on location inside of the newly renovated Ashley 7.0 Store following the Ribbon Cutting from the Grand Reopening, host Charlie Malouf welcomes Lindsey Walton, Home Furnishing Expert, back to the show. Lindsey has been with Broad River Retail at the Raleigh store since May 2018 and takes the opportunity to discuss the grand reopening of the Raleigh location following a significant remodel. Lindsey shares her experiences of working through the renovation process while keeping the store open and maintaining customer service standards. The remodel, referred to as an Ashley 7.0 Store design, features updates such as brighter lighting, contemporary walls, and polished concrete flooring, which have received positive feedback from returning guests.
Lindsey also discusses the expanded and vastly improved Sleep Shop, highlighting the variety and quality of new mattresses now available. She shares her excitement for the new Active Breeze from Tempur-Pedic and the dozen new Sealy Posturepedics. She expresses excitement about new furniture collections, including her favorite, the Elissa Court, which features trendy Nuvella fabric. Lindsey shares her optimistic outlook for the year, focusing on achieving higher sales goals and potentially setting records in the newly revamped sleep area. To close, she offers impactful business advice, emphasizing the importance of getting comfortable with being uncomfortable, which speaks not only to advice for professional growth but also to personal growth.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jHCdrBI6gVM
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Welcome back to the second episode of the Freshworks series on Stories from the River!
Guest host Sam Blum led a discussion with Wes Dudley and Anita Harris, recognized as the CX Executives of the Year, and Alicia Thompson, a River award recipient for 2024. From Freshworks, Patrick Rhoads and Lauren Lee join the conversation.
They discussed the benefits and lessons learned from utilizing Freshdesk, highlighting its positive impact on operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. Wes Dudley and Anita Harris emphasized the effective change management process, credits to Alicia Thompson, which allowed the organization to seamlessly transition to the new platform before the busy retail season. Anita shared that the new automations have decreased mistakes and improved efficiency, resulting in minimal customer complaints and a positive overall experience for their Memory Makers using Freshdesk.
The episode also explored the future plans and potential upgrades within the Freshworks platform, as well as the significance of ongoing partnership and collaboration between Broad River and Freshworks. Alicia and Anita highlighted the exciting upcoming features that Freshdesk offers, such as a knowledge base and a customized customer portal, which aims to enhance problem resolution speed and customer engagement.
Together, they further delved into the importance of a technology solution that is adaptable to the client's needs, ultimately enhancing the customer experience while maintaining a humanized approach. Throughout the episode, there was a strong emphasis on trust, collaboration, and the shared goal of continuously improving the customer service journey with the aid of Freshdesk technology.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BCm_iXeXOhw
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Welcome to the first episode of the Freshworks Series on Stories from the River!
To kick off the series, guest host Sam Blum leads a vibrant discussion about Broad River Retail's integration with Freshworks' Freshdesk platform. Sam introduces Wes Dudley and Anita Harris, recognized as the CX Executives of the Year, and Alicia Thompson, a River award recipient for 2024. From Freshworks, Patrick Rhoads and Lauren Lee join the conversation.
The dialogue revolves around the vendor selection process, the decision-making journey, and the implementation of Freshdesk. Anita Harris elaborates on how Broad River is leveraging Freshdesk to manage customer concerns efficiently, making use of its case management ticketing system. Alicia Thompson highlights that Freshdesk serves multiple departments, including sales audit and inventory, beyond the customer-facing sides of the business.
The transition to Freshdesk has had a significant impact due to its collaboration capabilities, which align well with the needs of Broad River's various Memory Makers. The episode details the advantageous features of Freshdesk, such as its ease of use, supportive admin side, and collaborative potential, emphasized by Anita and Wes. Patrick Rhodes and Lauren Lee speak to the personalized approach and partnership that Freshworks offered, making them the perfect fit for Broad River. Freshdesk has become a valuable tool in enhancing customer service and adaptability within Broad River Retail.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZULpOf8quQU
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Welcome back to the final episode in our 2024 Memory Maker Awards Gala Series! In this episode, we hear from seven Retail Performance and Retail Operations Memory Makers shortly after each of them accepted their River Award. Jamar Wray, Katrina Batchelor, Chris Wright, Kent Williams, Mike Cohen, Jeff Willis, and Kerry Malak share their inspiring personal journeys and milestones within the company that led to a successful 2024 and to being recognized with a presitigious River Award at the Gala. They all were awarded and recognized in their respective categorires, showcasing their dedication and the thriving culture of excellence at Broad River Retail. Their reflections highlight the importance of teamwork, leadership, mentorship, and personal growth, with these Memory Makers emphasizing how collective success leads to individual achievements.
The episode also delves into the personal growth that 2024 brought for these Memory Makers, with many experiencing professional advancements, new responsibilities, and deeper connections with their peers. Jeff Willis and Chris Wright both express pride in their teams and the supportive environment that has allowed them to excel. The discussion emphasizes the importance of setting and achieving goals, the support network among Memory Makers, and the culture of learning and development at Broad River. The Memory Makers offer insights into their success, underscoring the value of building relationships, embracing challenges, and continuously seeking personal improvements for future success.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KgOnXgPM4ww
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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In today's epsiode of Stories from the River, we are back at the 2024 Memory Maker Awards Gala! We hear from four River Award recipients after accepting their award and walking off the stage. Memory Makers Maddie Seymour, Supply Chain; Nicholas Del-Rosario, Operations; Angel Lockwood; Visual Impact; and Allie Webb, Finance, share their personal journeys and milestones while working at Broad River. Maddie, who has been with the company for nearly three years, reflects on how her growth at work has paralleled her personal development, particularly as a mother. Nicholas discusses his transition from sales to operations, attributing his success to the support of his management. Angel expresses her gratitude for being recognized, and Allie shares her appreciation for the collaborative effort that her role relies upon.
They also recount the surprise of being recognized, not knowing they would be awarded. Maddie enthuses about how significant this recognition is, comparing it to achievements she had not received since middle school days. Nicholas, Angel, and Allie echo sentiments of surprise and honor, and discuss how the year 2024 was pivotal in their professional growth and achievements at Broad River. They conclude with insights into what it takes to be successful at Broad River, emphasizing belief in oneself, dedication, teamwork, and tackling each day as a fresh opportunity.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/oGZO4sEagBk
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Welcome back to another episode of the 2024 Memory Maker Awards Gala Series! You will hear from two Memory Makers from Broad River Retail - Dana Mallory, District Manager of the "Savage" South Region, and Cameron Piersanti, Category Manager in our Merchandising Department. Dana shares insights into her past two years with the company, highlighting significant milestones like the Awards Galas she attended. She mentions her excitement in celebrating the wins of her Savage South Region, particularly noting the achievements of Memory Makers who hit Million Dollar milestones. Dana also reflects on the challenges and successes her region faced in 2024, including their response to Hurricane Helene, demonstrating a strong culture of support and teamwork within the organization.
Cameron, who has been with Broad River Retail for over three years, discusses the importance of events like the Awards Gala in fostering a family-like atmosphere and providing an opportunity for Memory Makers to pause and reflect on their achievements. She highlights the merchandising team's efforts in connecting with Memory Makers at the store level and their participation in collaborative activities like the book club and vision board projects. Cameron also shares fond memories of being awarded the Merchandising MVP award at last year's Gala and praises the connections developed within the company. Both Memory Makers express their excitement for future accomplishments and the continued success of Broad River Retail in 2025.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Y71bWa2AVRk
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Welcome to another episode of the 2024 Memory Maker Awards Gala Series! You will hear from two Memory Makers from Broad River Retail - Jeff Willis, GM of the Dreamville Drive, and Alice Barnes, Home Furnishings Professional in Columbia Bloodline. Jeff has been with the company for nearly three years and this marks his third gala, while Alice has been with the organization for nine and a half years and is celebrating her first gala. They express their excitement about the opportunity to connect with Memory Makers from various regions and celebrate their achievements at the Million Dollar Memory Maker Gala. Alice is especially thrilled to mingle with her fellow million-dollar achievers and fondly recalls the moment she reached her first-ever million-dollar milestone, emphasizing the importance of this achievement for her and her family.
The conversation also highlights the culture and achievements at Broad River Retail, with Jeff mentioning several standout Memory Makers like Jamar, who achieved a $2 million milestone, and Abby Hardaway, who earned expert status. Alice discusses the Columbia location's transformation and their efforts to work as a team under the new name "Bloodline," with the goal of having everyone in the store reach the million-dollar milestone. Jeff and Alice also convey their admiration for their fellow Memory Makers, including Troy Walker, Bradley Sullivan, Josh Stanley, Melanie Pratt, and Sheri Williamson. Looking ahead to the future, they share ambitious goals for continued success, with Alice aiming for a $1.5 million achievement in the coming year.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CGcrtXqjYFY
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Welcome back to the 2024 Memory Maker Awards Gala Series, where we go behind the scenes of the Gala and hear from Memory Makers about their 2024!
In this second episode of the series, we talk to Chris Wright from the West Region. Chris shares his experiences and excitement surrounding the Annual Awards Gala, where he looks forward to connecting with fellow Memory Makers. The conversation highlights Chris's achievements, including his recognition as the Multi-Unit Leader of the Year in 2023 and the improved performance of the Wild West region in 2024. Chris expresses pride in the accomplishments of several standout Memory Makers in his region, including Jamar Wray and Brian Johnson, who achieved significant milestones in sales and performance.
Chris also discusses the significant challenges and triumphs of 2024, particularly the impact of Hurricane Helene and how the company came together to support those affected. He commends the efforts of Memory Makers like Brett Cary and Chris Morrell for their outstanding contributions during the crisis. Looking ahead to 2025, Chris is optimistic about building a dynasty in the West region and continuing to foster strong connections among Memory Makers.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-m_4Z38b9CU
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Welcome to the 2024 Memory Maker Awards Gala Series, where we go behind the scenes of the Gala and hear from Memory Makers about their 2024!
In the first episode of the series, we kick off with this year's top Million Dollar Memory Maker - Jamar Wray! Jamar has been with the company since January 2016 and has consistently achieved the status of Million Dollar Memory Maker for eight consecutive years. Notably, 2024 marked his most successful year, with record-breaking sales exceeding $2 million. Jamar attributes this stellar performance to a heightened sense of competition and a pivotal moment halfway through the year when he realized $2 million was within reach. His focus on maximizing opportunities with each guest, rather than the volume of foot traffic, played a crucial role in his success.
During the interview, Jamar shares his excitement about winning a car for the first time and receiving a substantial jackpot bonus of $62,000. He discusses his plans to invest his jackpot bonus as well as planning some upcoming trips with his wife. Reflecting on his past experiences, Jamar highlights his role in the 2024 Sleep Connection event at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, where he enjoyed connecting with fellow Memory Makers and sharing insights.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dkFY3YFpxCk
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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In this solo episode of Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf, CEO of Broad River Retail, discusses the importance of identity and its profound impact on our lives. A favorite saying at The River is, "Purpose begins with identity." Charlie introduces listeners to the concept of identity within Broad River Retail, where each store and department is encouraged to craft its unique identity or nickname. This identity serves as a North Star, guiding and anchoring Memory Makers in their roles. From Distribution Center identities like the "Fort Mill Otters" to departmental identities such as the "The Knights of the Ledger," Broad River Retail invests heavily in creating a strong sense of identity. This process, according to Charlie, not only elevates how Memory Makers see themselves but also reinforces a sense of purpose within the organization.
The episode further delves into the idea of identity as a personal internal thermostat, an analogy Charlie borrows and elaborates on from the Ed Mylett Show. He emphasizes that success and achievement are deeply intertwined with internal self-perception rather than external circumstances. By raising their internal thermostat settings—their self-identity—Memory Makers can achieve sustainable results in various aspects of their lives, whether it's in business, relationships, or personal growth. Charlie encourages listeners to reflect on and invest in their identity, asserting that a well-defined personal and professional identity provides a stable foundation for achieving long-term goals.
Stay tuned for our 2024 Memory Maker Awards Gala Series coming up next!
Additional Resources:
The Most Underrated Way To Change Your Life | Ed Mylett - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaFOGcOmlpo
The Power of One More: The Ultimate Guide to Happiness and Success by Ed Mylett - https://www.amazon.com/Power-One-More-Ed-Mylett/dp/1119815363
Stories from the River Episode 191: Leaving Drift Behind: How Goals and Standards Propel You Forward - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SyCd3a5u_o
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/V64zrRwe_eI
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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In this episode of Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf welcomes back guest Nick Craig, best selling author as well as President and Founder of the Core Leadership Institute (CLI), a global development firm committed to waking up those who will wake up the many.
Charlie reflects on how he was deeply inspired by an article Nick wrote over five years ago, which led to their ongoing collaboration. The conversation delves into Nick's journey of discovering and living his purpose, transitioning from focusing on being the smartest person in the room to realizing the importance of deeper wisdom in leadership. Nick shares transformative experiences, including his collaboration with Bill George at Harvard Business School to co-create a successful course on authentic leadership and how that led to the global success of his Purpose to Impact program. Additionally, Nick recounts his interaction with Brené Brown, who encouraged him to write his influential book ("Leading from Purpose") and also wrote the foreword for it after he helped her discover her purpose.
The episode also highlights a recent Purpose to Impact event hosted at Broad River Retail, led by Nick himself. Charlie enthusiastically shares how this program has profoundly impacted those who attended. The conversation touches on the universality and adaptability of the Purpose to Impact program, which has been successfully implemented across various cultures and organizations worldwide. Nick emphasizes that purpose helps individuals navigate through life's uncertainties and encourages everyone to explore what deeply excites and scares them a little—a combination that often reveals their true purpose. The discussion concludes with mutual admiration and a commitment to continue fostering purpose-driven cultures within Broad River Retail and beyond.
Additional resources:
Core Leadership Institute - https://coreleader.com From Purpose to Impact article in Harvard Business Review by Nick Craig and Scott A. Snook - https://hbr.org/2014/05/from-purpose-to-impact
Purpose to Impact events - https://coreleader.com/events/
Leading from Purpose: Clarity and the Confidence to Act When It Matters Most by Nick Craig - https://www.amazon.com/Leading-Purpose-Clarity-Confidence-Matters/dp/031641624X
Discover Your True North by Bill George - https://www.amazon.com/Discover-Your-True-North-George/dp/1119082943
The Discover Your True North Fieldbook: A Personal Guide to Finding Your Authentic Leadership - https://www.amazon.com/True-North-Fieldbook-Warren-Bennis/dp/1119886260
Man's Search for Meaning - https://www.amazon.com/Mans-Search-Meaning-Viktor-Frankl/dp/0807014273
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cl7jFE2pfNY
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Welcome to the second episode of the Purpose to Impact series on Stories from the River. In this episode, host Charlie Malouf introduces Teri Frangie, the newly appointed Senior Vice President of Global Business Development with Core Leadership Institute, and Kip Meyer.
Both Teri and Kip attended the two-day Purpose to Impact program held on October 22nd and 23rd in Fort Mill, South Carolina, facilitated by Nick Craig from the Core Leadership Institute. Before diving into their reflections from the two-day experience, they discuss the evolution of the program over the past several years from its initial focus on authentic leadership to its current dedication to discovering and refining one's purpose.
During the course of the conversation, they reveal the process of discovering their own personal purpose statements. Teri shares her inspiring purpose statement of "To uplift others and bring their score to light" with a tagline of "Co-creating melodies that inspire light and harmony,"
Kip reveals his refined purpose of "Excavating for hidden treasures within," which derived from "To help people see something meaningful that they do not see on their own."
Then Charlie also reflects on his purpose, distilled to "Play the game," which started as a more lengthier version of "Play the game of life with a driven commitment that echoes and inspires others to rise to the occasion and reach their potential," before getting reduced to "Play the game of life." Charlie is still weighing whether or not to include the 2nd part, which in full would then be, "Play the game. Rise to the occasion."
The episode delves into their personal growth experiences and the power of collaborative reflection and storytelling. They highlight the value of the program in fostering deep, non-judgmental relationships and gaining clarity and confidence through shared vulnerability. They appreciate the iterative process of creating and refining purpose statements, emphasizing that self-discovery is an ongoing journey. Charlie, Teri, and Kip urge listeners to consider the Purpose to Impact program for its significant impact on personal and professional development. Charlie also underscores the importance of "slowing down to go fast," ensuring one aligns with their true direction in life.
Additional links and resources:
Core Leadership Institute: https://coreleader.com
Connect with Teri: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terifrangie/
Connect with Kip: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kipmeyer/
The Power of Purpose: Find Meaning, Live Longer, Better by Richard Leider - https://www.amazon.com/Power-Purpose-Meaning-Longer-Better/dp/1626566364
Richard Leider - https://richardleider.com
Richard Leider Explains How To Find Your Purpose: https://www.bluezones.com/2011/11/richard-leider-explains-how-to-find-your-purpose/
Lois Holzman - the art of becoming through play and performance - https://www.engagingpresence.com/lois-holzman-the-art-of-becoming-through-play-and-performance/
Lois Holzman, East Side Institute - https://eastsideinstitute.org/about/our-people/lois-holzman/
Maureen Kelly, Performance of a Lifetime - https://performanceofalifetime.com/member/maureen-kelly/
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dxQVujiN3lQ
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Welcome to the first episode of the Purpose to Impact Series here on Stories from the River.
In this episode, Charlie Malouf, Manny Rodrigues, and Heather Greenwood dive into their enriching experiences from a two-day workshop hosted by Broad River Retail and created by Nick Craig of the Core Leader Institute. The workshop, focusing on the Purpose to Impact program, brought together a diverse group of leaders from across the country and a few Memory Makers from Broad River for two days (October 22-23, 2024) in Fort Mill, South Carolina, and was led by Nick Craig along with Davin Salvagno.
Charlie, Heather, and Manny found the intimate setting and pre-work exercises beneficial for deep self-reflection. There were a dozen overall leaders who were then put into smaller cohorts of four people each. The smaller group size facilitated candid sharing, enabled the participants to form strong bonds, and minimized passive participation. Each person was encouraged to explore significant life challenges and leadership successes, paving the way for meaningful discussions and authentic connections.
Charlie, Heather, and Manny shared personal reflections and takeaways, underscoring the importance of fully engaging with the process. The effective facilitation by Nick and Davin allowed for impactful one-on-one sessions and cohort sharing. The two-day workshop culminates in crystallizing your personal purpose statement. Charlie, Heather, and Manny each revealed their own personal purpose statements that came about through this intensive and reflective workshop.
Heather's purpose statement, "To light the spark that ignites greatness in others," resonated with her belief in supporting and inspiring others.
Manny's purpose statement, "Illuminating the path one story at a time," echoed his commitment to understanding and sharing stories to help others.
Charlie's simplified purpose statement of "Play the game" defines his philosophy and approach to life.
The trio emphasized the value of forming deep relationships and the transformative potential of fully participating in the workshop, ultimately advocating for intentional living and continuous personal growth.
Additional Resources:
Core Leadership Institute: https://coreleader.com
Core Leadership Institute Purpose Assessment: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VHP9K58
Leading from Purpose podcast with Nick Craig: https://coreleader.com/podcast/
Leading from Purpose: Clarity and the Confidence to Act When It Matters Most by Nick Craig: https://www.amazon.com/Leading-Purpose-Clarity-Confidence-Matters/dp/031641624X
HBR article From Purpose to Impact by Nick Craig and Scott A. Snook: https://hbr.org/2014/05/from-purpose-to-impact
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/umRWYRkL8eU
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Welcome back to the second episode of the Retail 101 Series on Stories from the River. The episode includes perspectives from GM Alexis Strafuss, REM Amanda Parrish, Home Furnishings Associate Jacob McMillan, and Home Furnishings Consultant Kay Edwards, who share their unique experiences and takeaways from the Retail 101 onboarding and educational program. Each guest brings a unique perspective and represents a different role within the Company from Retail Leadership to individual contributor and producer. The guests speak about the benefits of the Retail 101 program, the growth of the Company over the years, and their renewed enthusiasm and motivation upon returning to or joining the Company.
Jacob McMillan and Kay Edwards, both returning Memory Makers, express their appreciation for the improved processes and technologies that have been integrated since their last tenure. Amanda Parrish highlights the practical benefits of the training, such as better managing the CXM process, while Alexis Strafuss reflects on the meaningful relationships formed and the motivational impact of leaders who presented like CEO Charlie Malouf and EVP of Retail Performance "Coach" Stacey McCormick. The episode captures a broad spectrum of experiences and insights, all pointing towards a shared goal of mutual growth and excellence within Broad River Retail. Each Memory Maker emphasizes the supportive and family-like environment that characterizes the Company's culture, leaving listeners with a sense of commitment and passion that drives their success.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yV2-ocx_444
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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In this exciting episode of Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf introduces the eagerly anticipated Retail 101 Series, aimed at offering a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look into the retail onboarding and education program at Broad River Retail. To help kick off this new series, Charlie is joined by Bre Dolphin, Broad River's Retail Onboarding and Education Senior Specialist, who plays a pivotal role in running the onboarding and training program for new Memory Makers. Bre brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the table, having started her journey with Broad River Retail in 2014 on the sales floor, then becoming a Sales Manager, and eventually combining her experience from the sales floor with her passion for training and development to the Learning and Development department to support all new Memory Makers.
Bre elaborates on the structure and objectives of the Retail 101 program, which spans two intensive training days. She outlines the blend of company culture, technical sales frameworks, and positive mindset development that the program encompasses. Through engaging activities, guest speakers, and personalized attention, the Retail 101 series aims to equip new Memory Makers with the tools they need to succeed and grow within the company. Bre's insights and dedication to the program highlight its critical role in maintaining Broad River Retail's reputation as a premier retailer and enhancing its supportive, growth-focused culture.
Previous Episodes Referenced:
Go Boldly and Be Brave: Managing Change in Retail Accounting with Hope Stocker - https://youtu.be/hSvl0lFzQ5s
The Evolving Role of Women: Navigating Leadership and Personal Lives - https://youtu.be/UzSFNNjL3eU
Breaking Barriers: Women Leaders on Trust, Support, and Success - https://youtu.be/eIA_tya2bt8
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/obk_aJ6oV1I
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Happy New Year from Stories from the River! Charlie Malouf offers a comprehensive reflection on an eventful 2024 for Broad River Retail, dubbed the year to "Connect." 2024 will be remembered as the year in which Broad River Retail was recognized as the Retailer of the Year by the International Home Furnishings Representatives Association (IHFRA).
The year saw numerous initiatives and accomplishments designed to foster deeper connections among the company's Memory Makers and their communities. Highlights included the Purpose Summit, attended by 105 Memory Makers, which featured transformative leadership experiences and culminated in a 12-episode podcast series. The Company's Annual Awards Gala celebrated outstanding achievements, including Frank Gastelum's two million dollar year and various accolades for top performers. Numerous events throughout the year, like Memory Maker Appreciation Week, the Home Furnishings Expert Soirée, and the Sleep Connection events, underscored the Company's commitment to celebrating and investing in its people.
The reflection also brought attention to the exemplary performance and community-oriented initiatives led by Broad River Retail's various departments. The CX All-Stars' contact center achieved a remarkable ranking as the number two large call center in the country, and the Operations department broke records with new, elevated KPIs. Significant recognition was given to efforts during crises, including Hurricane Helene relief. The episode wrapped up with exciting announcements for 2025, which include store remodels and a focus on innovative storytelling through the podcast. The overarching theme was a commitment to stewardship, positivity, and creating a legacy that ensures Broad River Retail continues to thrive as a purpose-driven business, inspiring others and contributing positively to their communities.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Zhc_Vl4UQ0Q
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Welcome back to the final episode of the Furniture Industry Awards Gala Series on Stories from the River. In this episode, host Charlie Malouf shares the speech he delivered at the Furniture Industry Awards Gala where Broad River Retail was honored as Retailer of the Year. He opens the episode with a warm introduction, thanking key figures and reminiscing about significant milestones, such as Manny Rodrigues joining the company in November 2014. Charlie emphasizes the importance of the Memory Makers who have contributed to the company's success, mentioning various leaders and partners who have supported their journey. He shares personal anecdotes, including the surprise visit of his Mom to attend the awards gala, adding a heartfelt touch to the speech.
Charlie goes on to reflect on the company's evolution, noting the strategic shift to a brand-new identity of putting the word "Retail" in its Company name, symbolizing the counter-cultural backbone of Broad River by changing from Broad River Furniture to Broad River Retail during the period many had referred to then of the Retail Apocalypse. He describes the organization's commitment to embracing challenges and the pivotal role of a united team in achieving their vision.
He highlights the values of perseverance, faith, and long-term thinking, acknowledging the foundational work of those who came before them. Concluding on a gracious note, Charlie extends gratitude to his family, especially his sons, and underscores the philosophy that the greatest blessing in life is the ability to be a blessing to others.
Broad River is a Company that is mindful of its organizational wake, and as such, is one that is constantly striving to be a purpose-driven Business that is a force for good in this world.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/u_biAw1ZtB0
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In this episode of the Furniture Industry Awards Gala Series, listeners are treated to an inspiring speech by Broad River Retail's Chief Operating Officer Manny Rodrigues at the Furniture Industry Awards Gala held Friday, October 25th, 2024, at High Point University's Nido & Mariana Qubein Arenda Conference Center. Broad River Retail, honored with the Furniture Retailer of the Year award, is celebrated for its commitment to excellence in the home furnishings industry. Manny extends heartfelt thanks to various industry partners and recognizes the collaborative spirit that makes the industry special. He emphasizes the importance of community, relationships, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Mentioning Ashley Furniture Industries and several other key partners, Manny highlights how these partnerships contribute to Broad River's success.
Manny also expresses deep gratitude towards the 800+ Memory Makers at Broad River Retail who work tirelessly across the Carolinas and Georgia. He shares personal anecdotes, acknowledging his family members, business partner Charlie Malouf, and the supportive network that has been pivotal in his journey. Manny closes his speech with a poignant message about the power of community and the importance of working together to create lasting impacts—underlining that retail is indeed a team sport and celebrating the collective efforts that lead to shared success.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Z5u_lBqMwSQ
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In this heartwarming episode of Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf is joined by his mom, Salwa, and sister, Carmen, as they recount their experiences at the prestigious Furniture Industry Awards Gala. They retell the story of the surprise visit by Charlie's mom and how that came to fruition, including the experience at the airport when Charlie thought that he was only picking up his sister along with his Uncle Tommy Malouf who had flown in together from Tampa.
After the surprise pickup, the four of them made their way from the Charlotte airport with a first stop in Salisbury, North Carolina, where they visited one of Broad River Retail's newest stores (a two-in-one Ashley Store & Outlet) that opened in 2023. Following the Salisbury store visit and a quick lunch, they continued on to High Point, North Carolina, where they attended High Point Market.
In High Point Market, they primarily visited the Ashley Furniture showroom in the IHFC building. As they shopped the new introductions in the Ashley Furniture showroom in High Point, they got to meet Ashley Furniture executives including Ron Wanek, Todd Wanek, and even the 3rd generation of the Wanek family. They shared the story of how Ron Wanek presented Uncle Tommy with a touching silver dollar keepsake.
Following their adventure from High Point Market, they made their way to the Convention Center at High Point University. This is where the Furniture Industry Awards Gala would be hosted, and Broad River Retail would be recognized as the Retailer of the Year. They recounted the story of getting access to the green room where they could change and get ready prior to the cocktail hour and the start of the show.
The family discusses their time navigating the bustling event, sharing humorous and heartfelt moments, such as spending time in the luxurious green room and attending the cocktail reception. Throughout the episode, Carmen reflects on the valuable lessons learned from Charlie's long-standing involvement in the furniture industry, emphasizing the importance of hard work and dedication. Salwa expresses profound pride in Charlie’s achievements and the kindness extended by his colleagues and industry professionals, noting how the positive impact of Charlie's work was evident during the gala. The episode underscores the family’s appreciation for the strong support network around them and the seamless blend of business and personal connections they experienced at the event. Charlie concludes by inviting listeners to explore further episodes, preserving the family’s legacy and highlighting the admirable qualities of their Memory Makers.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/buysUbj5bWM
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Welcome back to our Furniture Industry Awards Gala Series! COO Manny Rodrigues sits down with Wes Dudley, Vice President of Customer Experience at Broad River Retail, to discuss their shared experience from the Gala.
Wes shares his reflections on the event, marking it as his second time attending with Broad River, remarking that this year was particularly special. The night was filled with reunions and introductions, including meeting the families of Manny and Charlie. The highlight was undoubtedly Broad River Retail receiving the Retailer of the Year award. Wes was touched by the emotional reel presented during the awards ceremony, which showcased the dedication and hard work of all the Memory Makers. This recognition not only celebrated the company's achievements but also emphasized the deep care and connection among its leaders.
The discussion goes beyond the event itself, touching upon what sets Broad River apart in the retail industry. Wes speaks about the company's intentionality, culture, and family-centric atmosphere that fosters openness and collaboration. Both Manny and Wes stress the importance of recognition and celebration, not just for the accolades but for the reinforcement of their shared goals and values. They acknowledge the role of the broader furniture industry and the significance of generational impact and networking at such events.
Looking forward, Wes hints at future aspirations, specifically the desire to win the Call Center of the Year award, while emphasizing the importance of striving for excellence every day. The episode ends with a call for potential Memory Makers to explore opportunities at Broad River, highlighting its vibrant and supportive work environment.
Books mentioned:
"Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of NIKE" by Phil Knight - https://www.amazon.com/Shoe-Dog-Memoir-Creator-NIKE/dp/1471146723
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5CK67hUYOM0
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In this episode of the Furniture Industry Awards Gala Series, President ans CEO Charlie Malouf sits down with Bill Woodman, EVP of Finance at Broad River Retail, to discuss the significant achievement of Broad River Retail being named Retailer of the Year.
The conversation starts with their experience at the International Home Furnishings Representatives Association Industry Awards Gala, held at High Point University. Bill shares his awe and pleasure at attending the gala for the first time and meeting Charlie's family during the cocktail hour. The event was a milestone for Broad River Retail, and Bill highlights the importance of family and the sense of community present throughout the evening.
Charlie and Bill dive deeper into what winning the Retailer of the Year award means for Broad River Retail and their collective journey. They reflect on overcoming past challenges, particularly the crucible moments of 2015, attributing their success to the resilience and dedication of their Memory Makers. They emphasize the importance of not resting on their laurels and continuing to push forward with daily excellence. Bill notes that sharing their story and learning from other retailers has been pivotal, and they extend their gratitude to the broader industry network that supported them. The episode closes on an optimistic note, focusing on the excitement for the future and the continuous pursuit of excellence by the Memory Makers at Broad River Retail.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qMF70bdjbzo
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In this episode of the Furniture Industry Awards Gala Series, COO Manny Rodrigues sits down with Lynn Knowles, the Director of Merchandising at Broad River Retail, to reflect on their experiences at the recent market event and the gala.
Lynn shares her enthusiasm for attending the market, expressing how much she enjoys seeing new products and building relationships within the industry. They discuss attending the gala at High Point University, where Broad River Retail was recognized as Retailer of the Year among industry icons. Manny and Lynn both acknowledge the impressive organization and hospitality at the event.
Lynn is particularly touched by the support shown by various partners, including those from Ashley Furniture, Tempur Sealy and other partners. She highlights the generational nature of the furniture industry and the deep connections formed over time. Both Manny and Lynn express gratitude and pride in being part of an organization that values people, care, compassion, and culture as much as it does financial performance. The episode wraps up with Lynn's encouraging words to fellow Memory Makers, emphasizing that Broad River Retail is a great place to work and grow, thanks to the shared values and supportive environment.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8_kQLsdYEkU
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Welcome to the third episode of the Furniture Industry Awards Gala Series. Today, CEO and host Charlie Malouf welcomes back Stacey McCormick, the Executive Vice President of Retail Performance for Broad River Retail. The spotlight for today's episode is on the recent awards gala honoring Broad River Retail as the Furniture Retailer of the Year.
Stacey shares his most memorable moments from the event, highlighting the immense pride and support shown by the families of the company's leadership who attended the event. Stacey underscores the importance of this recognition as a testament to the hard work and commitment of every Memory Maker from the past and present. He emphasizes that such accolades are a manifestation of a long-term, collective effort based on unwavering commitment to their purpose and vision.
The conversation also dives into what it takes to achieve and sustain excellence in the highly competitive retail industry. Stacey discusses the pivotal role of innovation, continuous improvement, and strong leadership within Broad River Retail. He highlights specific advancements from this past year, like Versatile Credit for unlocking financing, the 3X pricing tool, digital business cards, and the unified customer service platform of FreshWorks, all of which have significantly contributed to the company's recent success. The dialogue touches on the collaborative spirit among Memory Makers across various departments, including sales, customer service, and supply chain, emphasizing that their collective efforts are fundamental to achieving the prestigious Retailer of the Year title.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qixVg6-8BFo
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In this second episode of the Furniture Industry Awards Gala Series, Heather Greenwood returns as host to welcome Charlie Malouf, President and CEO of Broad River Retail, and Manny Rodrigues, COO of Broad River Retail, after Broad River Retail's achievement of being named Furniture Retailer of the Year. The conversation looks ahead to the future of Broad River Retail while also celebrating its past.
The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing the foundational contributions of previous leaders and the company’s co-founders, Jonathan Ishee and Jackson Moore, as well as the Miskelly family. The hosts discuss how current successes at Broad River are deeply rooted in these past efforts and stress the significance of honoring societal and historical sacrifices by continuously striving to make positive contributions.
Key topics include the company's vision for growth, the importance of a purpose-driven business model, and the unique approach that combines traditional industry benchmarks with innovative strategies. The conversation also highlights the disciplined approach to decision-making, focusing on mutual prosperity, and a collaborative, entrepreneurial spirit within Broad River. Manny underscores the necessity for continuous improvement and hands-on involvement to support the Memory Makers. Both Charlie and Manny reflect on challenges faced and lessons learned, ultimately aiming for sustained growth and resilience.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/MHk2HqSh9po
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Welcome to the Furniture Industry Awards Gala Series. In this first episode, we share a video created by the Renaissance team that aired at the IHFRA's Furniture Industry Awards Gala on Friday, October 25th, 2024, at High Point University where Broad River Retail received the Retailer of the Year award.
The video focuses on a pivotal moment for Broad River Retail in 2015, detailing challenges and transformations that altered the company's trajectory. Charlie and fellow owner and COO Manny Rodrigues recall how perilous that time was, with odds stacked overwhelmingly against them, yet emphasizing the resolute faith that helped them persevere. Key events like an acquisition, an ERP conversion, and the groundbreaking of their corporate campus and distribution center were discussed, highlighting the immense difficulties faced during the early months of 2015 and the subsequent reinvention that followed.
The episode also dives into leadership changes, particularly Charlie's decision to redefine human resources as human capital, reflecting a more people-centered approach. The company's ethos of being a purpose-driven business is explained, particularly through the initiative of calling their employees "Memory Makers." This philosophy is reinforced by their partnerships with organizations like Ashley's Hope to Dream program and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, aligning with their purpose to furnish life's best memories. Charlie and Manny express immense pride in their Memory Makers who contributed to achieving the Retailer of the Year award, a testament to the dedication and hard work put in each and every day with a 'Win the Day' mindset.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/j4Z4AW6DIAg
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In the third & final episode of this series, we are coming to you from Broad River Retail's recent Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening Event of its Rock Hill, South Carolina, Ashley Store, recorded on Thursday, October 10th, 2024.
Charlie Malouf is joined by Cathy Aleman, a Senior Retail Experience Manager with over 11 years experience at The River. Cathy shares her journey of working in various locations, from Kannapolis to Pineville then to Matthews Outlet, eventually leading her to this new store. She recounts her excitement when she was offered the opportunity to work with again with General Manager Mitch Dixon, at Rock Hill. The episode dives into the preparations for the original soft opening, highlighting the rapid and impressive transformation of the store from being empty to fully operational within a few days.
Cathy also reflects on the vibrant and supportive culture among the Memory Makers at Rock Hill, dubbed the Rock Hill Raiders, who thrive on teamwork and motivation. The Grand Opening was a significant milestone for Cathy, being her first one after more than a decade with the company. She describes the community's enthusiastic response and the innovative services and products offered at the store, such as Versatile Credit kiosk for submitting credit apps. With a focus on creating unforgettable customer experiences, the new store aims to become Rock Hill's premier destination for home furnishings. Cathy's final thoughts emphasize the family-like atmosphere of Broad River Retail and her anticipation for a bustling, successful Grand Opening sales weekend the ensuing Saturday, October 12th.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZlTUUx9EfZg
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Welcome to the second episode in this series, which highlights Broad River Retail's recent Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening Event of its Rock Hill, South Carolina, Ashley Store.
In this episode, host Charlie Malouf welcomes back our longest tenured Memory Maker, Janet Leimkuhler, the Director of Visual Impact, to discuss the successful Grand Opening of the Rock Hill, South Carolina store. Janet reflects on the community spirit displayed during the event, emphasizing that despite recent challenges, the event highlighted the strength and unity within the community. Both Janet and Charlie mention the importance of staying connected, especially in trying times, emphasizing this as the key message from the opening.
Janet further explains what sets the new Rock Hill store apart from others, noting its revitalizing effect on the area and its unique offerings, particularly in sleep products that promote better health and wellness. Excitement is also high for the diverse product range and innovative services like kiosks that enhance the customer shopping experience. Janet also acknowledges the crucial role played by newer and seasoned Memory Makers in achieving the grand opening, expressing pride in the collaborative efforts.
Looking ahead, she outlines plans for store renovations and upgrades in other areas, while appreciating the continuous support and trust from the leadership at Broad River Retail.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KCfCXv0MBFY
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Welcome to an all-new series featuring Broad River Retail's recent Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening Event of its Rock Hill, South Carolina, Ashley Store.
In this episode of Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf welcomes back Stacey McCormick, the Executive Vice President of Retail Performance, directly from the Grand Opening of the new Rock Hill, SC, 7.0 Ashley Store that took place on Thursday, October 10th, 2024. Stacey shares his excitement about the event, noting that it's particularly special for him as he lives just a few minutes away. The episode dives into the significance of the new Ashley 7.0 store design, highlighting elements like the color palette and lighting that make the furniture the main attraction. Stacey points out how the brighter overall store and the more relaxed sleep gallery atmosphere contribute to a better shopping experience. They also discuss Stacey's experience in the retail industry, including his time with Broad River Retail since February 2020 and his role in several Grand Openings and Reopenings.
The conversation shifts to the Rock Hill store itself and its impact on the community and Broad River Retail's overall growth strategy. Stacey appreciates the local collaborations that made the grand opening a success and highlights the store's strategic location, which makes it convenient for shoppers in Rock Hill and surrounding areas. He proudly talks about the experienced Memory Makers who have joined the Rock Hill store, including transferred Memory Makers and some returning Broad River legends, emphasizing how this experienced team boosts the store's chances of success. The episode wraps up with Stacey and Charlie discussing the grand opening festivities, including the store's identity as the Rock Hill Raiders and the community's enthusiastic response.
Check back next week for more behind-the-scenes coverage from this recent Grand Opening Event for the Rock Hill Raiders.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5brk3IuQO_I
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Welcome back to our behind-the-scenes series of Stories from the River from this Fall's Sleep Connection at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina. In this episode, host Charlie Malouf talks with Troy Walker, the General Manager at the Columbia Bloodline. The conversation kicks off with Troy explaining the recent identity change of the Columbia store from "Soda City Sluggers" to "Bloodline," which better reflects their family-oriented approach. They discuss the remarkable progress the store has made, and Troy attributes their success to a clear vision, an actionable plan, and consistent execution. Troy goes into his daily routine, emphasizing the importance of starting his day early with devotion, exercise, and being the first to arrive at work. The episode highlights how the concept of P2I (Position to Impact) resonates deeply with Troy, affecting every facet of their business and interpersonal interaction.
Troy also sheds light on his connection with his District Manager Dana Mallory, praising her leadership and genuine care. He talks about his experience at the Sleep Connection at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, emphasizing the value of events like the Expert Panelists and Q&A session for helping his Memory Makers grow and achieve promotions. The episode wraps up with Troy expressing his excitement for November, his first month of competition based on his own comp numbers, and his enthusiasm for the future of Columbia Bloodline as they prepare for a significant facelift next year.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cke6cFsVYWA
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Welcome back to another behind the scenes episode of this Fall's Sleep Connection held recently at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina. Broad River's semi-annual Sleep Summit brings all of its Home Furnishings Consultants and Retail Leaders to learn together and grow together in one of six sessions held over the course of two days in early October. In this episode, host Charlie Malouf speaks with several Home Furnishing Experts from Broad River Retail, including Sandy Ruhlin, Marlin Ross, Mayra Hernandez, Leah Hayes, and Ebony Harrison, exploring their favorite moments and key takeaways from the event.
Marlin enjoys the interactive activities, while Ebony and Sandy found Holly and Jamar's session particularly impactful because it offered practical advice directly from two top-performing Experts who are thriving and understand their daily challenges.
The episode also highlights the importance of attending educational events like the Sleep Connection, which offers refreshed knowledge and practical tips to enhance sales and guest experiences. The Experts discuss how these events foster connection, boost confidence, and provide valuable insights that they can bring back to each of their respective showrooms. From learning new sales strategies to understanding the latest in technology, the summit leaves them energized and prepared for upcoming busy months, especially the high-traffic holiday season.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/P77teKRD02g
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This week we are bringing you back to another behind the scenes of this Fall's Sleep Connection held recently at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina. Broad River's semi-annual Sleep Summit brings all of its Home Furnishings Consultants and Retail Leaders to learn together and grow together in one of six sessions held over the course of two days in early October.
In this episode, host Charlie Malouf speaks with several peak performing Home Furnishing Experts from Broad River Retail, including Sandy Ruhlin, Marlin Ross, Mayra Hernandez, Leah Hayes, and Ebony Harrison. They discuss their roles, their journey to becoming experts, and the impact of the word of the year, "connect," on their work and personal lives. They share stories of how they have deepened their connections with customers and coworkers, emphasizing the importance of understanding and meeting others' needs to foster relationships and drive success.
The Experts also reflect on how they plan to maintain their momentum through the end of the year, sharing specific strategies and anecdotes about their connections and achievements. They highlight the importance of effective communication, mutual support, and team dynamics during high-pressure sales periods. Additionally, they discuss how Broad River Retail has supported their growth and engagement, providing tools and opportunities for continuous learning and connection.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8UYHizabnVE
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In this episode of Stories from the River, we go behind the scenes of this Fall's Sleep Connection, held recently at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina. Broad River's semi-annual Sleep Summit brings all of its Home Furnishings Consultants and Retail Leaders to learn together and grow together in one of six sessions held over the course of two days in early October.
In today's episode, we catch up with Broad River Home Furnishings Associates, Consultants, Professionals, and Sales Managers Daniel Coffin, Ken Harris, Rebee Shaw, and Kimberly Evans. Even though they've all worked at the River for various tenures (i.e., Ken has been with the company for over 10 years, while Kimberly started just six months ago), they discuss how connected they feel to their guests and other Memory Makers through this and other events Broad River has had this year.
These Memory Makers share heartwarming stories of how they've connected with guests, like Rebee's memorable experience with a new hire or Kimberly's interaction with a guest looking for a recliner for them and their four dogs! They also share their favorite ways to show appreciation for one another, how they communicate during high pressure situations (many of which are coming up) and what type of technology they use to keep the team connected.
Check back for more behind-the-scenes episodes from our Sleep Connection series.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/PCI7lmJUs_E
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Welcome back to Stories from the River. In this final episode of the Behind-the-Scenes Town Hall series, off-camera Charlie asks Memory Makers about their experiences and takeaways from the third-quarter virtual Town Hall held on Friday, September 27, 2024.
The guests include Bob Dussault, Jessi Hatley, Jim Izzo, and Liam Cohen, who share their thoughts on the atmosphere fostered by the organization. Bob, a Regional Senior Manager of Operations, and Jessi, the front desk administrator, highlight the positives of the town hall, noting the transparency, positivity, and valuable updates conveyed. Liam, a retail construction assistant, expresses his appreciation for the inclusiveness and representation of various departments in the meeting, even for those not directly involved in retail.
Memory Makers agree that the town halls foster a sense of community and keep everyone informed and motivated. The town hall's updates on internal promotions, personal wellness days, and the implementation of new programs following the Engagement Survey Action Council's recommendations were particularly well received. The discussions revealed how these initiatives not only motivate Memory Makers but also help them feel more connected to the company's goals and to each other.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Zm51zh2TQN0
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Welcome back to the 3rd Quarter Behind-the-Scenes Town Hall series from Stories from the River. In today's episode, Charlie welcomes back Wes Dudley, Vice President of Customer Experience and Anita Harris, Director of Customer Experience, to discuss the recent 3rd quarter town hall (that was held on Friday, September 27th) and some exciting updates from the Customer Experience department. Wes shared impressive statistics and KPIs related to the department's performance, such as handling around 5,000 contacts per week with an average answer time of 15 seconds and maintaining a 98% quality score. They also discussed their new customer effort score, where 98% of the customer effort has been managed efficiently.
They discussed the preparation for the annual celebration of Customer Service Week (CSW) which happened earlier this month at Broad River Retail. The theme of this year's Customer Service Week is "Above & Beyond," which is fitting considering the achievements and accomplishments of this All-Star team. The goal of CSW is to show appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the Memory Makers in the Customer Experience department. Activities and appreciation events along with prizes, games, and contests are planned daily for a full week at the Fort Mill and Fort Oaks locations.
Wes and Anita also touched on the positive impact of the town halls on engagement and morale among Memory Makers, with impressive retention and turnover rates highlighted as indicators of a strong, motivated workforce dedicated to customer service excellence.
Be sure to check back on Thursday for the final episode in our Behind-the-Scenes series on companywide Town Halls.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7M_6fu4Dq4Y
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Welcome back to the 3rd Quarter Behind-the-Scenes Series from Stories from the River. In today's episode, Charlie welcomes back Tim Sayles, Broad River's Director of Construction & Facilities, or Goose Wrangler. Tim shares exciting construction updates and renovations taking place in various Broad River stores. Charlie and Tim discuss the importance of investing in upgrading the remaining existing stores to the Ashley 7.0 (or latest) design elements, explaining that these improvements help maintain vibrant, high-performing retail environments. The conversation highlights the ongoing projects, including store remodels in Fayetteville, Raleigh, and Pineville, with future upgrades planned for locations such as Augusta, Columbia, Mooresville, and Hickory.
Charlie and Tim also discuss the phased approach to store renovations, ensuring minimal disruption while enhancing the store's appearance and functionality. They touch on the positive feedback from Memory Makers who work in the renovated stores and experience these upgrades first hand, noting the excitement and energy it brings. Tim shares insights into the logistical aspects of construction, such as working overnight to avoid daytime disruptions and the benefits of modern updates like LED lighting.
Tim and Charlie point out the company's forward-thinking strategy, emphasizing that these continual enhancements keep both their stores and Memory Makers motivated and aligned with Broad River Retail's offensive-minded growth strategy. Tim also unpacks the importance of sharing these renovation updates during companywide Town Halls and the positive feedback he receives from these announcements.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/YeT5njvQPCA
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Welcome back to Stories from the River and our behind-the-scenes series of interviews following our 3rd Quarter Companywide Town Hall held on Friday, September 27, 2024. In today's episode, Charlie's back with return guests Heather Greenwood, Director of Memory Maker Experience (MMx) and Krissy Whitley, Senior Director of Human Capital, to discuss the Engagement Survey results and announcements that Heather and Krissy unveiled at this last Town Hall.
The Engagement Survey results were the star of the show of this latest Town Hall, and they discuss key takeaways from the Engagement Survey results and subsequent actions from the annual engagement survey conducted last Fall. Heather and Krissy explain the survey's significance in collecting feedback from Memory Makers on various aspects such as engagement, wellness, and diversity. They discussed the process of synthesizing all of the immense amounts of objective and subjective data, providing it to the executive team and then separating it by two specific groups (one data set for Retail Performance Memory Makers and one data set for all other Memory Makers).
They then invited volunteers to serve on one of the two Engagement Survey Task Force Action Councils to review the results and ultimately offer suggestions and recommendations for the Company to adopt in response to the feedback.
Several major initiatives were announced based on the survey results, most of which are set to roll out in 2025. These include Personal Wellness Days, enhanced Tenure Rewards, increased Mileage Reimbursement, expanded Parental Leave, and Retail-Specific Split Shift Saturdays.
These initiatives were well requested, and the announcements were very well received by everyone listening in or watching the Town Hall. These initiatives are expected to lead to greater job satisfaction amongst Memory Makers, greater retention, and lower turnover. Heather and Krissy emphesize the importance of acting on survey results, reflecting on Broad River's commitment and dedication for all of its Memory Makers.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vlHpbtaNlbI
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In this episode of Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf introduces a new behind-the-scenes series focused on the company-wide quarterly town halls at Broad River Retail. Charlie is joined by return guest Kim Harkness, recently promoted to Vice President, who shares insights into the origins and evolution of these town halls. They recount how the town halls were initiated in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic as a critical measure for communication when traditional channels were disrupted. Initially held weekly, the frequency was gradually reduced to monthly and then quarterly as the crisis abated. The primary goal remains to communicate directly with Memory Makers, ensuring transparency and clarity by delivering information directly from the leadership.
The episode delves into the extensive preparation required for these town halls, from finalizing the agenda about a month in advance to conducting walkthroughs and rehearsals. Kim and Charlie discuss the contributions of Tyler Trill (a/k/a the "Captain Kirk" of the show according to Kim), the River's Senior Communications Manager, in crafting presentations and managing the technical aspects of the meetings. The town halls cover essential updates like business performance, new store openings, and key performance indicators, while also spotlighting achievements and milestones of Memory Makers to foster a sense of community and recognition.
The episode discusses the platform of choice (Zoom) for Broad River's Town Halls as well as the pros and cons of Webinar Mode vs Meeting Mode. Broad River has also invited friends and partners from other companies to attend their Town Halls as a special VIP guest attending with a "backstage pass" as a way to help other companies learn from some of their well established best practices.
Despite occasional technical and logistical challenges, the duo emphasizes the importance of authenticity and continuous improvement, encouraging other companies to adopt similar practices to enhance their internal communication and connect more deeply with their own people.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/RtAWpgUPPWs
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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In this episode of Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf wraps up the Ron Carucci series by welcoming special guests Marcus Benjamin and Davin Salvagno. Both guests provide insights into Ron Carucci's impactful talk delivered at Broad River Retail on Friday, September 20, 2024. Marcus Benjamin, CEO at Benjamin Strategy, and Davin Salvagno, founder of PurposePoint and the Purpose Summit, share their admiration for Carucci and his ability to inspire and educate his audience. Having collaborated with Carucci on numerous occasions, Davin describes Ron's talk as one of the best he has ever given, highlighting the impactful message of understanding not just who people are but "whose they are you." Marcus adds that Ron's stories and data-driven insights resonated well with Broad River's culture, emphasizing the importance of having robust "seams" within organizational structures to facilitate growth.
Both guests reflect on the key takeaways from Carucci's talk, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, vulnerability, and trust in fostering a healthy work environment. Davin mentions the visual analogy of an ill-fitting sport coat to describe organizational growth and the need to adapt to new sizes and challenges. He stresses that genuine trust can only be built through honesty and vulnerability. Marcus discusses how leadership can inadvertently break trust by not aligning actions with communicated expectations. He shares a personal example of leading by action to reinforce company objectives, emphasizing that Memory Makers should see their leaders model the behavior expected of them.
Davin also unpacks the benefits of looking at feedback as "Feed Forward." And, he descibes the concept and story of "balcony people" from the book of Hebrews as people cheering you on during a race in describing how Memory Makers welcome you when you come to the River and cheer you on. The episode closes with praise for Broad River Retail’s culture of purpose leadership, encouraging other organizations to follow suit in fighting for a purpose greater than profit and using business as a force for good.
Additional Resources:
Ron Carucci:
Connect with Ron - https://www.linkedin.com/in/roncarucci/
Navalent - https://www.navalent.com
"To Be Honest" by Ron Carucci - https://tobehonest.net
Ron Carucci from The Purpose Summit - episode of Stories from the River - https://youtu.be/hrLdtLE6ztI
Davin Salvagno:
Connect with Davin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/salvagno/
PurposePoint - https://www.purposepoint.com
The Purpose Summit 2025 | Charlotte, NC - https://www.thepurposesummit.com
HeartCount - https://heartcount.com
"Thieves of Purpose: Overcoming the 12 Mindsets Robbing You of Your Potential" by Davin Salvagno - https://www.amazon.com/Thieves-Purpose-Overcoming-Mindsets-Potential/dp/1684816785
Marcus Benjamin:
Connect with Marcus - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusdbenjamin/
Benjamin Strategy Group - Bullish About Tomorrow - https://www.advantagetmrw.com
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_DvAr2WWhmY
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
Welcome back to the behind the scenes series at Stories from the River. Host Charlie Malouf welcomes Memory Makers Sara Callahan, Joanna Innocenti, Jeff Willis, Stacie Pittman, and Nathan Jeter to reflect on Ron Carrucci's impactful talk given at The River on September 20th. The central theme of Carrucci's talk, and the series of discussions following it, revolve around the importance of connection, which is also central to Broad River Retail's 2024 word of the year - Connect. The episode underscores the significance of in-person events to foster genuine connections amongst Memory Makers, especially in a work culture increasingly dominated by virtual meetings. They discuss how these events make them feel valued and invested in by Broad River, creating opportunities to eliminate distractions, feel the energy of their fellow Memory Makers, and engage in meaningful conversations.
The Memory Makers share various ways they aim to maintain connections, both with coworkers and customers. They emphasize the value of in-person interactions and regular team events, like the Sleep Summits at the Charlotte Motor Speedway and The Purpose Summit held earlier this year in Charlotte, in strengthening team bonds. Techniques like virtual coffee breaks and quarterly lunches are highlighted as effective ways to stay connected in a remote work setting. On a personal note, some Memory Makers also discuss how staying connected helps them be more mindful and balanced, enabling them to slow down and approach work with renewed energy and clarity. They express gratitude for Broad River Retail's investment in their development and well-being, culminating in endorsements of the company's leadership and community culture.
Favorite Stories from the RIver episodes from the Memory Makers:
Nathan's favorites - https://youtu.be/4db0fnBUXTU & https://youtu.be/aMmd-p7FV1Q Jeff's favorites - https://youtu.be/WWzZB7lOD2k Sarah's favorite - https://youtu.be/eIA_tya2bt8 Joanna's favorites - https://youtu.be/C2qsfxLnxkk & https://youtu.be/QWpakgwwV-o Stacie's favorite - https://youtu.be/asVT_zJIMrM
Additional Links and Resources:
Connect with Ron Carucci - https://www.linkedin.com/in/roncarucci/
Navalent - https://www.navalent.com
"To Be Honest" by Ron Carucci - https://tobehonest.net
Ron Carucci - From the Purpose Summit - Stories from the River - https://youtu.be/hrLdtLE6ztI
Surgeon General's Warning on the Epidemic of Loneliness - https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2023/05/03/new-surgeon-general-advisory-raises-alarm-about-devastating-impact-epidemic-loneliness-isolation-united-states.html
Our Epidemic of Isolation and Loneliness - https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9PSvv1GvBcE
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
In this behind-the-scenes episode of Stories from the River, hosted by Charlie Malouf, the focus revolves around the essential topic of building and maintaining trust within an organization. The discussion follows a recent talk by Ron Carrucci on the same subject and features additional insights from Memory Makers Sara Callahan, Joanna Innocenti, Jeff Willis, Stacie Pittman, and Nathan Jeter. They emphasize the importance of transparency, integrity, and consistency in actions and communication to foster trust. They discuss various strategies such as open town halls, regular communication channels, and supportive leadership roles that have been effective within Broad River Retail. They also reflect on personal experiences during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic when the company's commitment to its Memory Makers was notably evident.
Further, the participants dive into the consequences of broken trust within organizations, attributing it to lack of transparency, unfulfilled promises, and poor communication. They share how trust is cultivated in their daily roles through actions matching words, upholding commitments, offering support, and being approachable leaders. Both Nathan and Jeff underline the significance of dialogue and vulnerability in building genuine relationships, while Stacie and Sara highlight leading by example and offering unconditional support to their teams. Ultimately, this behind-the-scenes episode encapsulates the multi-faceted approach to nurturing trust at Broad River Retail and its pivotal role in organizational success.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CkMzUdfb7xM
Additional Links and Resources:
Connect with Ron Carucci - https://www.linkedin.com/in/roncarucci/
Navalent - https://www.navalent.com
"To Be Honest" by Ron Carucci - https://tobehonest.net
Ron Carucci - From the Purpose Summit - Stories from the River - https://youtu.be/hrLdtLE6ztI
"Speed of Trust" by Stephen Covey - https://speedoftrust.com & https://www.amazon.com/SPEED-Trust-Thing-Changes-Everything/dp/074329730X/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
Welcome back to Stories from the River. Continuing the Ron Carucci Series, host Charlie Malouf welcomes a group of Memory Makers from Broad River Retail who attended Ron's presentation in Fort Mill, South Carolina, on Friday, September 20th to discuss the valuable takeaways from his talk. This episode features insights from Sarah Callahan, Jeff Willis, Joanna Innocenti, Nathan Jeter, and Stacie Pittman, who come from different departments within the company, such as Finance, Customer Experience, Operations, and Retail Performance. Each Memory Maker shares his or her personal reflections and the impact that Ron's talk had on him or her, emphasizing the importance of internal communication, trust, and collaborative problem-solving within the organization. Throughout the discussion, the participants highlight several key points from Ron's presentation that resonated with each of them, such as the concepts of "stitching the seams" of an organization, addressing biases, and the sustainable use of trust as a currency. The Memory Makers express how these insights will influence their work practices, from improving interdepartmental communication to fostering team collaboration and self-reflection on their personal roles and biases. The episode wraps up with participants sharing their favorite quotes from Ron's talk and how these lessons will be implemented in their daily work lives to contribute to a more cohesive, trusting, and collaborative organization.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Kggf5nXksRA
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Welcome to Stories from the River and this new mini-series from Ron Carucci's visit to Broad River Retail. Host Charlie Malouf welcomes guest speaker Ron Carucci, a bestselling author, and the co-founder and managing partner of Navalent. Carucci is known for his expertise in building trust within organizations and has spoken multiple times at the Purpose Summit, including the recent Purpose Summit this spring in Charlotte, North Carolina. This episode features a Q&A session with Carucci, who engaged with Broad River Retail's Memory Makers at their Fort Mill, South Carolina, campus following his talk and presentation to Broad River's Memory Makers on Friday, September 20th. The discussion focuses on insights into organizational trust, collaboration, and effective communication across different departments, or ways to 'stitch the seams' and keep the seams better connected.
Carucci delves into ways to handle and improve tension in relationships within the workplace, emphasizing the importance of consistent and honest communication. He suggests practical steps like having regular, informal conversations to build trust slowly and advocates for the use of 3rd party facilitators when necessary. Carucci also addresses the need for scalable operating models and warns against relying on "heroics"—short-term, unsustainable efforts to fix problems. Instead, he encourages organizations to create standardized processes that can support long-term growth and innovation.
Come back on Thursday for more behind the scenes footage and reactions following Ron's talk!
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vLOUco3Pe8c
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Welcome back to the final 'Behind the Scenes' episode from the Rock Hill store opening series of Stories from the River. In this episode, we hear the final words of wisdom from various Memory Makers in the Visual Impact, Visual Operations, and Merchandising departments share their experiences and insights into what makes a truly collaborative and successful new store opening setup.
Robert Hayes describes his transition from a moving company to the retail industry, while others, like Amy Hayes and Shelby Hill, recount their previous roles and how they have evolved through participating in store setups. The team reflects on the challenges and learning processes involved in these large-scale operations, emphasizing how they have grown and improved efficiency over time. Store openings have become more streamlined and organized.
Each Memory Maker highlights the importance of teamwork, detailed planning, and the collective effort across multiple departments required to set up a store. Erin Reavis recalls some of the logistical hurdles, such as managing significant amounts of trash, and stresses the value of thorough preparation. They share their advice for successful store openings, which includes having a motivated team, careful planning, and recognizing the worth of every individual involved. They express their appreciation for the collaborative spirit and the commitment to excellence that characterizes Broad River Retail.
This episode on YouTube:
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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In this episode of Stories from the River, we continue to talk to the team behind the Rock Hill store opening as they open up about what they love about new store openings and why they loved this new store setup. They discuss the collaborative efforts that go into store openings, highlighting the teamwork and camaraderie experienced when the whole department comes together. They share their excitement about working with new products and the satisfaction of transforming a blank slate into a fully functional and aesthetically pleasing store. The process of space planning and the role of organization and logistics in ensuring a smooth setup are also emphasized, with several Memory Makers noting the importance of pre-production work.
Personal highlights from the Rock Hill store opening are shared, including the sense of family and support felt among team members, the effectiveness of pre-planning, and the engaging design of the new 7.0 store layout. The clean and simple design of the new store design is appreciated for its ability to cater to diverse styles and demographics. Additionally, the contributions of vendors and partners are praised, as they have consistently provided support in various ways, reinforcing the collective effort that makes store openings successful.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zv3PeapCLIo
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Welcome back to Stories From the River - the Behind-the-Scenes Series from the Rock Hill store opening continues. Today, the episode highlights the teamwork and camaraderie that underpin the success of Broad River Retail's new store openings. These talented Visual and Merchandising Memory Makers share their collective experiences and insights on how these events are executed. They highlight the sense of family among the team members, the importance of motivation and leadership, and the electrifying atmosphere that drives them to transform an empty space into a beautiful showroom in just a few days. Key roles like the Visual Impact Managers (VIM) and Visual Impact Associates (VIA) are explained, emphasizing how crucial these positions are in coordinating and completing the setup efficiently.
The episode also sheds light on the various elements that contribute to the positive work environment, such as games, prizes, and well-planned meals that keep the team motivated and energized. Leadership plays a vital role. The collaboration between different departments, like the merchandising team and the visual impact team, is integral to the smooth execution of store setups. The Memory Makers reflect on the rewarding experience of working together, learning from each other, and the pride in seeing their hard work come to fruition.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Ri5qo6s1_Ws
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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In this episode of Stories from the River, Broad River Retail's Memory Makers, including Robert Hayes, Assc. Supervisor, Visual Ops; Matt Robinson, Visual Impact Manager; Lourad Hilliard, Visual Area Manager, North Region; Shelby Hill, Senior Manager, Merchandising; Erin Reavis, Manager, Visual Impact Ops; and Amy Hayes, District Manager, Visual Impact; discuss their various roles and experiences from the new Rock Hill, South Carolina, store setup. Each Memory Maker outlines their background and tenure with the company, illustrating their journeys from different entry points to their current positions. They also detail the specific stores they oversee and the number of store openings they have been a part of, emphasizing the collaborative and comprehensive effort required to ensure successful launches.
The episode primarily focuses on the Rock Hill store opening, highlighting the advanced level of organization and efficient teamwork that contributed to its accelerated progress. The interviewees express their amazement at the seamless execution, attributing their success to meticulous planning, pre-production efforts, and strong support from both the internal teams and external vendors. The conversation underscores the importance of communication, management, and preparedness, showing how these elements coalesce to handle challenges and accomplish tasks ahead of schedule.
The shared experiences from each previous store opening led to learnings and insights that improved the speed, efficiency, and collaboration of each new project. This accumulated learning over several years and many store openings has led to an expedient and remarkable achievement with the speed and progress displayed by the team in the Rock Hill store setup.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/SjBIcRhy3sI
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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In this episode of Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf welcomes back Tim Sayles to the podcast to discuss the behind-the-scenes process of opening a new store in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Tim, the Director of Facilities and Construction, details his extensive experience, noting that this is his 25th completed construction project with Broad River Retail, 16 of which are new stores. The conversation covers the significant logistical effort involved in the store's setup, including the receipt of several 53-foot trucks loaded with inventory and the coordination of numerous teams to ensure a smooth and efficient opening process.
The episode also highlights the collaborative efforts and strategic planning that go into opening a new store, from the initial lease signing (in the Fall of 2023) to the final touches before the unveiling to the public with the store opening. Tim and Charlie discuss the vital roles of various teams, including visual merchandisers, operations, and construction, emphasizing the teamwork and coordination required to meet tight deadlines. They also mention the advantages of the store's location in Rock Hill, its significance within the greater Charlotte area, and the anticipated customer base.
The Rock Hill store is 35,560 Square Feet and is located off of I-77, on Dave Lyle Blvd, adjacent to the Galleria Mall. The new Rock Hill store is only 10 miles south of Broad River's corporate campus and distribution center in Fort Mill, South Carolina. This new Ashley Store is a 7.0 format and represents the latest store design from Ashley Global Retail.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/b4_1KM_e7xY
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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In the last episode of the Soirée Series, Charlie Malouf addresses the Home Furnishing Experts at the third annual Home Furnishings Expert Soirée, a premier partner event hosted by Broad River Retail to celebrate their top performers. He warmly acknowledges first-time experts and highlights the challenges and dedication required to earn such a title, mentioning individuals like Sandy and Kota, who have shown remarkable perseverance and persistence. Charlie emphasizes the difficulty of achieving expert status, noting that it is 2-3X more difficult than becoming a million-dollar writer, and recognizes the hard work and grind required in the retail industry.
He continues by celebrating the accomplishments of various team members, such as Jamar, Dane, and the teams from Dreamville and the Cary Crushers, who have excelled despite a down year in retail. He reflects on the importance of having a career path in retail, which led to the creation of different levels of achievements culminating in the Expert status. By fostering a culture where Memory Makers are celebrated, not just tolerated, Broad River Retail aims to create a premier company environment that continually breaks records. The event is a moment to appreciate and honor the Experts who contribute to the company's success, reinforcing the commitment to Furnishing Life's Best Memories for both Memory Makers and customers.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mO6PsAjP8oM
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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In today's episode of Stories from the River, we continue the Soirée Series, where we revisit the 3rd Annual Broad River Retail Home Furnishings Expert Soirée. Amy Kneeland, Synchrony SVP & GM, Ashley, opens the floor with a congratulatory message from the Soirée Connect Sponsor Synchrony Financial. She welcomes the Chief Operating Officer of Broad River Retail, Manny Rodrigues, to the stage as he speaks from the heart directly to the Home Furnishing Experts.
Manny welcomes and thanks attendees, partners, and sponsors, emphasizing that retail is a team effort and recognizing the collaborative contributions of industry leaders and partners, whom BRR considers as integral 'partners' rather than mere vendors. Manny lists various sponsors who made the event possible, giving them special recognition for their support.
Manny expresses his gratitude and pride towards the team's accomplishments, sharing a motivational tribute to the retail leaders and Experts in the room. He praises their perseverance and excellence in sales and acknowledges the effort it takes to achieve the status of an Expert in the industry.
Come back next week to wrap up our Soirée Series!
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-0-ahwZhSOI
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Welcome back to the fifth episode of the Soirée Series on Stories from the River! In this series, we revisit the 3rd Annual Broad River Retail Home Furnishing Expert Soirée and hear from the Experts.
In this episode, the Home Furnishings Experts of Broad River Retail share their personal accounts and insights about the incentives, perks, compensation, and income actualization as an Expert at the company. Experts Kota Bennett, Dane Thompson, Holly White, and Stephanie Burke describe the positive impact Broad River has had on their lives, emphasizing not only the monetary rewards but also the supportive and family-like culture. They highlight the company's commitment to looking after Memory Makers and Experts through great events, incentives, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. They mention how their roles at Broad River have enabled them to achieve significant personal milestones, such as buying a house and providing for their families.
The episode also delves into the company's unique "Expert Program," a unique career path distinction for elite status on the sales floor with a total rewards and recognition system that motivates these Memory Makers to excel in their work. The program's benefits, including increased pay and professional acclaim, are discussed as major incentives. The supportive environment and mentorship from colleagues are highlighted as key elements that make the workplace feel like a second home.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5vCvGPLKImY
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Welcome back to the Soirée Series on Stories from the River! We are going back to the 3rd Annual Broad River Retail Home Furnishing Expert Soirée and hearing from the Experts themselves.
Today's episode explores the meaningful ways in which Broad River Retail's Memory Makers connect their work in furniture retail to incorporating and creating significant life experiences for their customers. Various Memory Makers, including Home Furnishings Experts Jamar Wray, Kota Bennett, Dane Thompson, and Stephanie Burke, share their personal connections to the company's purpose statement, "Furnishing Life's Best Memories." They describe the emotional impact and responsibility that comes with selling furniture, such as dining tables, which play a central role in family gatherings and create lasting memories. They convey a sense of pride and fulfillment in helping customers choose pieces that will become integral to their life stories.
Furthermore, the episode highlights the unique and positive company culture at Broad River Retail. The Experts speak about the financial and personal growth opportunities provided by the company, such as earning uncapped income through commissions and bonuses and receiving strong managerial support. They share personal success stories, including buying new homes and cars, elevating their quality of life, and finding a deep sense of satisfaction and happiness in their work. The episode concludes by expressing gratitude for the opportunities and growth Broad River Retail has provided them, underscoring the company's supportive environment and these Memory Makers' true dedication and motivation to succeed.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UKO11kQtWRY
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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In this third episode of the Soirée Series on Stories from the River, we hear more from the 3rd Annual Broad River Retail Home Furnishing Expert Soirée.
We hear from Home Furnishing Experts as they share their appreciation for the company's efforts to acknowledge their hard work and dedication. They touch on the significance of events where they can slow down, connect with colleagues from different locations, and celebrate their collective accomplishments. For many, these events are not only about recognition but also provide an opportunity to bond with fellow Memory Makers, Company Leaders, and offer their family members a glimpse into their professional lives. The atmosphere created by the company fosters motivation and a sense of belonging, reinforcing Memory Makers' commitment to their purposeful work of Furnishing Life's Best Memories.
Additionally, the episode brings to light the personal milestones and growth experienced by these Experts through their respective journeys at Broad River Retail. The Experts express pride in their achievements and the support they receive from the company. From learning how to invest and save to gaining confidence through new experiences such as flying for the first time, the Experts attribute significant personal and professional growth to their time with the company. They emphasize the importance of maintaining their expert status and continuing to strive for excellence, driven by a supportive work environment and the relationships they've built within the company.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/PPGsqvFVp_I
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Welcome back to the Soirée Series from Stories from the River, where we revisit the 3rd Annual Home Furnishings Expert Soirée from Broad River Retail held on August 15, 2024. The evening celebrated Broad River's latest 2024 class of qualifying Home Furnishings Experts - 44 Premier Memory Makers.
In this second episode, we hear directly from some of the 2024 Home Furnishing Experts themselves as they tell us what it means to them to be a Home Furnishings Expert and what motivates them the most. Experts you will hear from in this episode include Dane Thompson, Kota Bennett, Jamar Wray, Holly White, and Stephanie Burke. The River's Home Furnishings Expert Program began in 2016 following the Company's major overhaul and bold reset in 2015. It aims to create a more rewarding and career-focused environment for its retail salesforce.
The experts detail the efforts and strategies they employed to attain and maintain their expert status, emphasizing the importance of following processes, mentoring, and consistently striving to improve sales metrics like KPIs and Diamond Care performance. They express pride in their achievements detailing how challenging it is to attain Expert status, how many years they've earned Expert designation, and what it means to receive this elite distinction. We hear their ambitious sales goals for 2024, including aspirations to write $2,000,000 in sales. The sense of accomplishment and professional growth is palpable, with these Premier Memory Makers aiming to inspire their colleagues and create a positive impact for themselves and Broad River Retail.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QUZ1HXuQ5vk
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Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
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Welcome to the first episode in the Soirée Series, where we revisit the 3rd Annual Broad River Retail's Home Furnishings Expert Soirée. The evening celebrates Broad River Retail's latest 2024 class of qualifying Home Furnishings Experts - 44 Premier Memory Makers.
In this first episode, we hear from Broad River Retail's President and CEO, Charlie Malouf, and COO, Manny Rodrigues. They talk about the origins and significance of Broad River Retail's Experts Program. The program began in 2016 following the Company's major overhaul and bold reset in 2015, aiming to create a more rewarding and career-focused environment for its retail sales team. The traditional model of treating all sales associates the same, regardless of their tenure or contribution, felt inadequate. Thus, Broad River Retail introduced a non-traditional, structured retail career path, starting with Home Furnishings Associate, progressing to Home Furnishings Consultant, then graduating to Home Furnishings Professional, and eventually culminating to the prestigious title of Home Furnishings Expert. This restructuring acknowledged and celebrated outstanding performance, providing career progression and recognition for the company's top retail sales talent.
They highlight how the Experts Program has transformed the workplace culture at Broad River Retail, fostering motivation and excellence among the sales team. Achieving expert status is notably challenging, requiring continuous effort and consistent high performance, reviewed every six months. To celebrate and honor these elite professionals, Broad River Retail hosts special events, such as the highly anticipated and memorable annual gathering at Steak 48 in Charlotte, where experts and their plus-ones are recognized for their commitment and success. This focus on recognition, career advancement, and a supportive, celebratory work environment sets Broad River Retail apart in the competitive furniture retail industry.
Make sure to come back on Thursday and next week to hear directly from some of the 2024 Home Furnishings Experts as we continue the Soirée Series.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/nAKKqEG5flg
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
This show is brought to you by Broad River Retail. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
Welcome back to the summer solo series on Stories From the River as host Charlie Maloof explores the concept of legacy and stewardship through the lens of the age-old wisdom to "leave something better than you found it." Charlie reflects on how this idea extends beyond simple acts like cleaning up after oneself and applies to broader, more significant aspects of life such as legacy planning and succession planning. He shares personal anecdotes, including his reflections following his father's passing and his own experiences with estate planning, emphasizing the importance of being gratitude-driven for those who have sacrificed to pave the way for what we have today and considering the impact of our actions and decisions on future generations.
Charlie also critiques the lack of succession planning in some companies within his industry, labeling it as selfish and detrimental to those left behind. He underscores the necessity of preparing the next generation, both in personal and professional contexts, and argues that good stewardship means planning thoughtfully for the long term. By doing so, individuals can ensure a smooth transition and continued success for those who follow. Charlie concludes the episode by encouraging listeners to adopt a mindset of gratitude and long-term thinking, ultimately leaving behind a positive legacy for future generations just as those who came before us did for us
Additional Resource
Inky Johnson Speaks to Broad River Retail from August 30, 2018: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNAGlW6uObg
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Ioj8m0yrLvQ
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
This show is brought to you by Broad River Retail. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
In this solo episode Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf dives into the concept of the power of compounding and its significance across various domains of life, including personal growth, professional development, and investing. He begins by posing a thought-provoking scenario: choosing between $1 million up front or a penny that doubles every day for 30 days. Through this example, he illustrates the astounding effects of compounding, which can turn a seemingly insignificant amount into more than $5 million in a month. He relates this back to his previously discussed theme of consistency, emphasizing how small, disciplined actions over time can yield exponential results.
Throughout the episode, Charlie references notable works and figures such as Albert Einstein, Jim Collins, and Warren Buffet to underpin his points. He explains concepts like the 20 Miles March discipline from Collins’ books, where consistent, moderate progress can lead to both short-term goals as well as significant long-term achievements. He also refers to authors like Mark Batterson (who highlights the importance of consistent daily actions in his books "Win the Day" and "Do It For a Day") and William Green (who espouses the virtues of compounding from the world's greatest investors in his book "Richer, Wiser, Happier").
Concluding with encouragement for listeners to adopt a disciplined, consistent approach, Charlie underscores that such steadfast behavior will ultimately lead to astonishing compounded gains, both in the short term and over a long period.
Recommended Books referenced in this episode:
BE 2.0 (Beyond Entrepreneurship 2.0): Turning Your Business into an Enduring Great Company by Jim Collins and Bill Lazier - https://www.amazon.com/BE-2-0-Beyond-Entrepreneurship-Business/dp/0399564233
Win the Day: 7 Daily Habits to Help You Stress Less & Accomplish More by Mark Batterson - https://www.amazon.com/Win-Day-Habits-Stress-Accomplish/dp/B08B6DJXPZ
Do It for a Day: How to Make or Break Any Habit in 30 Days by Mark Batterson - https://www.amazon.com/Do-Day-Make-Break-Habit/dp/B08ZQMN8BS
Richer, Wiser, Happier: How the World's Greatest Investors Win in Markets and Life by William Green - https://www.amazon.com/Richer-Wiser-Happier-Greatest-Investors/dp/1501164856
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ynoD1cSxKHI
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
This show is brought to you by Broad River Retail. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
In this episode of Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf discusses how to maintain momentum and sustain excellence over a long period of time. He suggests several strategies, including having an accountability partner, creating a method to measure and track progress, setting standards and rituals, and following a consistent process. Charlie emphasizes the importance of expecting turbulence and resistance, but staying committed to the process regardless of external factors.
He also highlights the power of consistency and compounding, stating that small improvements made consistently over time can lead to significant results. He encourages listeners to adopt a learning mindset, continuously seeking new ideas to incorporate into their rituals, habits, and daily disciplines. Finally, Charlie suggests that having a competitive partner or rival can help maintain momentum, as it pushes both parties to elevate their game and strive together.
Listen to part one ("Leaving Drift Behind: How Goals and Standards Propel You Forward") of the summer solo series here: https://youtu.be/-SyCd3a5u_o
Listen to part two ("The Olympic Mindset: Mastering Your Craft in Business and in Life") of the summer solo series here: https://youtu.be/5UabROcVmJs
Listen to part three ("Manufacture Momentum") of the summer solo series here: https://youtu.be/-ge7YgHsEcM
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/13HeJdsBv6g
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
This show is brought to you by Broad River Retail. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
In this episode of Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf discusses the importance of generating momentum, especially during challenging times like the current economic conditions in 2024. He shares examples of individuals and stores at Broad River Retail who are having their best year ever, despite the headwinds, by focusing on the right mindset and behaviors. Charlie emphasizes that it's not too late to turn things around and win in 2024, and encourages listeners to start making changes now to build momentum for the upcoming year.
Charlie also touches on the concept of the "double win" from Michael Hyatt and Megan Hyatt Miller, which involves winning in nine areas of life: body, mind, spirit, love, family, community, money, work, and hobbies. He suggests that focusing on just one of these areas can help generate momentum that will likely cascade to others areas of your life.
Additionally, he highlights the significance of stepping out of one's comfort zone and embracing challenges to facilitate personal growth and change.
Additional Resources:
The Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast Episode #135 from August 2023 ("The 4 Factors that Fuel Momentum"): https://www.life.church/leadershippodcast/the-4-factors-that-fuel-momentum/
The Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast Episode #137 from September 2023 ("4 Questions to Jump-Start Your Momentum"): https://www.life.church/leadershippodcast/4-questions-to-jump-start-your-momentum/
Maxwell Leadership Podcast: Momentum Breakers vs. Momentum Makers (Part 1) from July 24, 2024: https://www.maxwellleadership.com/podcast/maxwell-leadership-podcast-momentum-makers/
Maxwell Leadership Podcast: Momentum Breakers vs. Momentum Makers (Part 2) from July 31, 2024: https://www.maxwellleadership.com/podcast/maxwell-leadership-podcast-momentum-makers-2/
The Double Win Show with Michael Hyatt and Megan Hyatt Miller: https://doublewinshow.com
Full Focus: https://fullfocus.co
Listen to part one ("Leaving Drift Behind: How Goals and Standards Propel You Forward") of the summer solo series here: https://youtu.be/-SyCd3a5u_o
Listen to part two ("The Olympic Mindset: Mastering Your Craft in Business and in Life") of the summer solo series here: https://youtu.be/5UabROcVmJs
Listen to the Mr. Mo episodes from Stories from the River:
The Origin Story of Mr. Mo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuHenu3l51U
How Mr. Mo Changed the Game for Broad River Retail: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApFNYx_wZJo
Accelerating to a Retail Revolution and an A+ Life with Mr. Mo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYp1WDneO7E
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-ge7YgHsEcM
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
This show is brought to you by Broad River Retail. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
Welcome back to Stories From the River! In this solo episode, host Charlie Malouf discusses the importance of setting goals and standards to create energy and momentum in life. He references Ed Mylett's book "The Power of One More," which emphasizes that goals are a life force that transfers energy into action. Charlie shares his personal experience of setting a wellness goal four years ago and how it created energy and accountability for him. He also highlights the importance of having standards as the delivery mechanism for achieving goals.
Charlie then talks about the concept of "drift," which is the number one reason people aren't living a life they love, according to Michael Hyatt. When people lack clear goals and vision, they tend to drift away from a meaningful and significant life. Charlie emphasizes the importance of being intentional about setting goals, whether they are personal, spiritual, health-related, or career-oriented. He also shares his own experience of starting the "Stories from the River" podcast and how it has grown over time. Finally, he touches on Broad River Retail's recent recognition as the Home Furnishings Retailer of the Year and the company's new five-year plan to continue challenging themselves and tapping into their potential.
Tune in on Thursday for a talk on the Olympic mindset!
Books and podcasts mentioned:
The Power of One More: The Ultimate Guide to Happiness and Success - Ed Mylett - https://www.amazon.com/Power-One-More-Ed-Mylett/dp/1119815363
The Vision Driven Leader: 10 Questions to Focus Your Efforts, Energize Your Team, and Scale your Business - Michael Hyatt - https://visiondrivenleader.com
https://www.amazon.com/Vision-Driven-Leader-Questions-Energize-Business/dp/0801075270
The Ed Mylett Show - Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ed-mylett-sho/id1181233130
Episode: "Unlock Your Potential and Do Impossible Things" - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ed-mylett-sho/id1181233130?i=1000662810095
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-SyCd3a5u_o
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
This show is brought to you by Broad River Retail. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
Welcome back to the second part of our conversation with Kota Bennett on "Stories from the River." Host Charlie Malouf sits down with Kota Bennett to discuss the importance of perseverance in his career and Broad River's recognition as one of the industry's best places to work. The company's family-like culture, approachable management, and strong employee appreciation create an environment conducive to both personal and professional growth.
Despite being naturally shy, Kota has excelled in sales by utilizing the "C4 Sales Process" — Connect, Customize, Commit, and Continue—which fosters personalized customer experiences and builds lifelong relationships.
Kota emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, goal setting, and maintaining a positive mindset. He credits his consistent success to deliberate learning, a proactive approach to handling objections and rejections, and the motivation from annual jackpot bonuses. Personal anecdotes, such as helping a customer who lost her home to a fire and overcoming brain cancer in his youth, illustrate his gratitude and zest for life.
He advises new sales associates to develop mental resilience and continually refine their skills outside of live interactions. Kota's story, along with praise from colleagues and reflections on the company's cultural events, underscores the supportive and growth-oriented environment at Broad River, offering a transformative experience for those considering joining.
Publisher's Note: Please note that we have unfortunately lost access to the video file from the original interview, but we made the decision to publish this two-part conversation with the audio files that were preserved along with photos of Kota and photos taken during our recording day on Friday, June 28, 2024.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8g71IOwIops
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
This show is brought to you by Broad River Retail. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
Welcome to the first part of our conversation with Kota Bennett on Stories from the River. Host Charlie Malouf interviews Kota Bennett, a Home Furnishings Expert and VIP Sales Manager at Broad River. Kota shares his inspiring journey within the company over the past four years, starting with a leap of faith move to North Carolina in June 2020 during the pandemic. Kota shares his journey beginning with his virtual, yet fun and engaging, Retail 101 classes and the fellow Memory Makers who supported and helped him along the way.
Known for his standout shoes, Kota shares his approach to wearing bright, fun shoes that help him connect and engage with his guests.
He takes us through each year with Broad River and the career milestones (and setbacks) he has had along the way. He shares how he has been able to write over $1,000,000 in sales each full year, how he had a rapid ascent to achieving the Expert status by the end of 2021. He discusses his decision to move from the Raleigh area to Wilmington and the coastal region in April 2022. Then, after temporarily losing his Expert designation in 2022, Kota describes how he managed to regain his Expert status in 2023 through perseverance and determination.
His consistent success each year with Broad River has enabled him to grow his income each year at The River and culminated with his decision to purchase a house last year, marking a significant personal milestone.
Kota opens up about his passion for VIP and how he has unlocked his potential and grown by taking on sales management and leadership duties since his move to Wilmington.
Additionally, Kota emphasizes the importance of leadership and company support in achieving personal growth, expressing gratitude for the mentorship and guidance he's received. His journey from a newcomer to becoming a leader who positively influences his team highlights Kota's dedication and passion for his work. To hear the rest of Kota's story, tune in to part two on Thursday!
Publisher's Note: Please note that we have unfortunately lost access to the video file from this interview, but we made the decision to publish this two-part conversation with the audio files that were preserved along with photos of Kota and photos taken during our recording day on Friday, June 28, 2024.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-gFX6sqY5pA
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
This show is brought to you by Broad River Retail. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
In the last part of the Founders Scholarship Fund series on Stories from the River, host Manny Rodrigues sits down with Denasia Dixon, one of the recipients of the Founder Scholarship Fund. Denasia discusses her journey from receiving the scholarship to preparing for her upcoming studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She talks about the moment she discovered she won the scholarship, her excitement for what lies ahead, and the significance of receiving such an accolade. Known for her diverse interests, including sewing, painting, and video creation, Denasia shares the advice of being authentic and putting genuine effort into scholarship applications, highlighting the importance of proper preparation and authenticity.
Denasia also reflects on her academic experiences, including her recent graduation from high school and her decision to pursue psychology with a possible double major in sociology and a minor in history. She highlights the importance of effective study habits, such as using flashcards and collaborative learning with friends, and expresses her enthusiasm for the independence and new challenges of college life. Additionally, she offers insights into her varied hobbies, from painting and sewing to creating YouTube videos and exploring obscure historical topics.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QWpakgwwV-o
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
This show is brought to you by Broad River Retail. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
In this fifth part of the Founders Scholarship Fund series on Stories from the River, Manny Rodrigues talks with Tamaya Ormond, a Founders Scholarship recipient, and her mother, Shamieka Smith, who is a member of Broad River Retail's CX All Stars and a former Memory Maker of the Year in 2022. The episode highlights Tamya's first year at NC Central University, discussing her experiences, the challenges she faced in making new friends, and her dedication to her studies in pre-nursing. Tamaya shares her excitement and gratitude upon learning she won the scholarship and reflects on how the award will help her pursue her educational goals. Shamieka, on the other hand, expresses her pride in her daughter's accomplishments and the importance of the scholarship in providing much-needed support.
The conversation also covers Tamaya's motivations, work ethic, and how she balances her busy schedule with two summer jobs. Shamieka emphasizes the significance of prayer, mentorship, and encouraging independence in parenting a college student. The episode closes with advice from both Tamaya and Shamieka for students applying for the Founder Scholarship and parents supporting their college-bound children. They highlight the importance of hard work, transparency, and resilience in overcoming challenges and achieving success. Manny also offers insights into the value of learning from mistakes and staying connected to community values, aligning with the company's purpose of furnishing life's best memories.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vPXp0ZeLBcg
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
This show is brought to you by Broad River Retail. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
In this fourth part of the Founders Scholarship Fund series on Stories from the River, Manny Rodrigues welcomes Joey Leimkuhler and his mother, Janet, to discuss Joey's first year at UNC Charlotte as a recipient of the Founder Scholarship Fund. Joey shares that his initial college experience was easier than anticipated, achieving a spot on both the Dean's and Chancellor's lists. He talks about the significance of the scholarship in easing his academic journey and allowing him to take ROTC programs that helped him find community. Janet expresses pride in her son's accomplishments and highlights the company's unique support for its employees' families.
Joey also discusses his involvement in a variety of extracurricular activities, including his internship at Broad River Retail, where he applies his business analytics major by analyzing sales data. He recounts his experience helping to open a new store in Aiken, South Carolina. Additionally, Joey describes his roles on campus, like broadcasting for UNC's sports events and participating in a Baptist ROTC group called Valor. Manny and Joey dive into the importance of maintaining connections, the insights gained from a year in college, and plans for the summer, including a family cruise and a beach trip with friends. Janet closes by advising parents to maintain consistent communication with their children as they transition to college life.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Tmp8xHhLnYw
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
This show is brought to you by Broad River Retail. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail 09
In the third part of the Founders Scholarship Fund series on Stories from the River, host Manny Rodrigues welcomes Mark Duelley. Their discussion centered around resilience, determination, and strategic leadership. Mark shares insights from his educational journey, highlighting his favorite MBA class, an auto manufacturing simulation that ignited his passion for strategic planning. He details his unexpected win of a founder scholarship, fueled by encouragement from Laura Spencer and support from his family and girlfriend, Ashley. Mark's diverse interests, including financial planning and giving back through a not-for-profit coffee shop for entrepreneurs, further illustrate his commitment to creating supportive networks. He also emphasizes his objectives of "encouraging entrepreneurs," a network to aid entrepreneurs without commercial pressure, and discusses his vision for scalable and systematic connections.
Mark's career journey, from working in banking to furniture management and starting his own business, showcases his resilience and adaptability. Recognized as a Retail MVP, he shares his experiences with launching a successful retail team called Cobra Kai, underpinned by strategic systems and planning. Manny praises Mark's achievements, reinforcing the significance of perseverance despite challenges. The conversation rounds off with practical advice for scholarship applicants and those returning to school, encouraging them to focus on giving back and overcoming self-doubt.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/krQNkqebodQ
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
This show is brought to you by Broad River Retail. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
In this second part of the Founders Scholarship Fund series on Stories from the River, host Manny Rodrigues welcomes Kaiya McDonald, a two-time recipient of the Founders Scholarship Fund, along with her mother, Orlanda Stewart. Kaiya, a nursing student at North Carolina A&T, reflects on her second year of college, highlighting her determination and meticulous planning that helped her achieve straight A's and make it to the Chancellor's List. She underscores the importance of preparation, a trait instilled by her mother, who has emphasized the value of planning and intentionality. Kaiya also shares her commitment to giving back, mentioning her upcoming trip to Barbados to distribute school supplies and discussing how she balances her academic responsibilities with recreational activities such as attending campus events and hitting the gym.
Orlanda, who has been with Broad River Retail for 13 years and is a leader on the Customer Experience team, also provides insights into her role and the significance of connection in her work. She expresses immense pride in Kaiya's achievements, noting her daughter's lifelong dream of becoming a nurse and her intrinsic care for others. The episode touches on the concept of "connect," the word of the year at Broad River, and how both Kaiya and Orlanda apply this theme in their respective spheres—Kaiya in her academic and community engagements and Orlanda in fostering strong relationships within her team and with customers. The episode ends with encouraging words for future scholarship applicants and praise for Kaiya's accomplishments and determination as she prepares for her third year at college.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zFIylBHLVak
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
This show is brought to you by Broad River Retail. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
Welcome to the Founders Scholarship Fund series of Stories from the River! In the first episode, Manny Rodrigues is the guest host and welcomes Heather Greenwood and Ariel Prince to discuss the Founders Scholarship Fund. Ariel, who manages the fund, shares her excitement about her role, highlighting the seamless application process and the importance of accessibility and equity in awarding scholarships. Heather reflects on the fund's inception in 2019 and its impact on recipients, emphasizing the program's alignment with Broad River Retail's mission of "furnishing life's best memories." They mention past scholarship winners, who have used their awards to pursue careers in teaching and mental health, respectively. The conversation underscores the significance of the scholarships in reducing financial burdens and supporting the academic and personal growth of memory makers and their children.
The episode also dives into personal anecdotes from their college experiences, offering advice to potential scholarship applicants. Ariel encourages candidates to be authentic in their essays, while Heather advises connecting deeply with the material they write about. The team emphasizes the value of continued application even if initially unsuccessful and the role of internships in shaping future careers. The episode concludes with a mention of the upcoming summer series, which will feature more stories from past and current scholarship recipients, further celebrating the fund's mission and impact.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/C2qsfxLnxkk
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
This show is brought to you by Broad River Retail. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
Welcome back to the 12th and final episode of The Purpose Summit series on Stories from the River. Host Charlie Malouf interviews Kent Chevalier, the Team Chaplain of the Pittsburgh Steelers, at the Purpose Summit held at the NASCAR Hall of Fame Museum Gear Shop. Kent shares his backstory, highlighting his transition from a youth pastor to becoming an NFL chaplain.
Kent describes how a Steelers player, Vance McDonald, introduced him to the role after attending the church where Kent was a pastor. Initially unfamiliar with the concept of a sports chaplain, Kent was nonetheless intrigued and felt a calling that led him to take on this unique ministry. Working with Athletes in Action, Kent serves as the team chaplain and has access to the team. Kent expresses how supportive Coach Mike Tomlin and the Rooneys have been as he enters his 6th year of being the chaplain for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Kent explains his daily activities as a chaplain, focusing on building relationships and providing spiritual guidance to players, coaches, and their families. He emphasizes the importance of addressing the spiritual side of the athletes' lives, which is often neglected amidst their intense schedules. Through various programs like Bible studies, chapels, and couples' ministries led by Kent and his wife Erica, they support the team both on and off the field. In this episode, Kent shares an impactful transformation story of one of the players, and he also expresses his favorite part of his job.
Over a decade of ministry experience and reconnecting with Davin Salvagno brought Kent to The Purpose Summit, where he expresses excitement about sharing his journey and insights as one the keynote speakers this year.
The episode also delves into the broader topic of integrating purpose and ministry within business environments, as seen at The Purpose Summit. Kent's stories reflect the transformative impact of his role and underscore that business, much like sports, can serve as a powerful platform for ministry and deeper purpose.
Connect with Kent:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kentchevalier/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kentchevalier/
Kent's Website - https://www.kentchevalier.com
Additional Resource:
Athletes in Action - https://athletesinaction.org
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UJuLje81LNE
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
This show is brought to you by Broad River Retail. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
In this episode of the Purpose Summit Series on Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf welcomes Ron Carucci, an esteemed consultant and author with extensive experience in organizational development and organizational psychology. The conversation is centered around Ron's experiences and insights from both his professional journey and personal stories.
Ron shares how he first attended the Purpose Summit through a connection with Richard Sheridan and then became a speaker at the event the following year. He discusses the themes of his talks, including how to create environments that foster honesty and his latest material that dives into the topic of our own origin stories. He touches on the importance of understanding behavior patterns and the formative stories that drive them, emphasizing the value of self-awareness and the courage to confront one's own narrative.
The discussion also highlights Ron's work at Navalent, a consulting firm he co-founded, which helps leaders navigate transformational changes within their enterprises. He details the comprehensive and data-driven approaches used in his consulting practice, which often helps clients recognize and address patterns of behavior that may be hampering their effectiveness.
The episode concludes with Ron's reflection on the power of redemption and the importance of living an authentic and purposeful life where the pen is in your hand and you get to decide what the next chapter is as long as you're honest about the chapter that you're currently in.
Ron also mentions a TV series based on his book "To Be Honest," offering listeners multiple avenues to further explore his book of heroes and moments of truth.
Additional Resources:
Connect with Ron Carucci on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roncarucci/
Navalent: https://www.navalent.com
"To Be Honest: Lead with the Power of Truth, Justice and Purpose" by Ron Carucci - https://www.amazon.com/Be-Honest-Power-Justice-Purpose/dp/1398600660
"Moments of Truth" Videos (from the To Be Honest website) - https://tobehonest.net/
More Books by Ron Carucci: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Ron-A.-Carucci/author/B001JSDKRM
Psychological Safety (HBR Emotional Intelligence Series) by Amy C. Edmonson, Ron Carucci, et al. - https://www.amazon.com/Psychological-Safety-HBR-Emotional-Intelligence/dp/1647829968/
Richard Sheridan's Book "Chief Joy Officer: How Great Leaders Elevate Human Energy and Eliminate Fear" - https://www.amazon.com/Chief-Joy-Officer-Leaders-Eliminate/dp/0735218226/
Ron's Book featuring Richard Sheridan - "Rising to Power: The Journey of Exceptional Executives" - https://www.amazon.com/Rising-Power-Journey-Exceptional-Executives/dp/1626341087
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/hrLdtLE6ztI
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
This show is brought to you by Broad River Retail. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
Welcome back to the Purpose Summit series on Stories from the River!
Host Charlie Malouf sits down to talk with Sam Thevanayagam, also known as Sam T. Sam, who owns two companies in the defense space, speaks about the vital role of purpose in his work. He emphasizes that his businesses, Parts Life and DeVal Lifecycle Support, are dedicated to supporting the U.S. warfighter by extending the life of critical defense equipment through remanufacturing and repair. This not only safeguards national security but also ensures fiscal responsibility by reducing the need for new acquisitions.
Sam's personal mission statement is to create environments where others can achieve their God-given potential, and he highlights how his faith and stewardship are integrated into his work culture.
The conversation also delves into Sam's journey from working in a Philadelphia manufacturing company to starting his own businesses in 2007. Facing initial challenges and setbacks, particularly during the Great Recession, Sam pivoted to the defense industry and landed small contracts that eventually led to larger, more critical projects. He shares a touching story of transforming a person's life (who was released from prison for a welding work program) by offering him a second chance through employment, symbolizing the broader impact of his company's mission.
Sam wraps up by discussing his upcoming breakout session titled "Running with Scissors," which focuses on risk mitigation, and to be able to ultimately take care of others.
Additional Resources:
Sam’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/samthevanayagam/
Sam T Network Page - https://www.samtnetwork.com/
Parts Life, Inc. - https://www.partslifeinc.com/
DeVal Life Cycle Support - https://www.devallcs.com/
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/IAs3mpBANug
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
This show is brought to you by Broad River Retail. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
Welcome back to The Purpose Summit series on Stories from the River. In the 9th episode of The Purpose Summit series recorded in front of a live studio audience at the NASCAR Hall of Fame Museum Gear Shop, host Charlie Malouf welcomes Joe Colavito to discuss his journey and experiences related to The Purpose Summit.
Joe has attended the summit four times, beginning as a participant and evolving into a speaker. Joe shares the story of how he initially discovered the summit through a business partner and how he first attended. Over the years, his involvement deepened, culminating in him presenting at the University of Notre Dame in 2022 and at the most recent event in Charlotte in 2024 with a breakout session titled, "Struggling to Navigate with Purpose in a Panini Maker Generation." The session aims to help attendees understand the importance of balancing purpose amidst life's pressures, akin to the heat and pressure in a panini maker.
Joe dives deeper into his personal journey, detailing his pivotal transition from a life centered around material success and self-centered activities such as golf, travel, and the country club lifestyle to one focused on purpose and spiritual fulfillment. This transformation began after a life-changing conversation with a co-worker named Scott Kaufman, which ultimately led Joe to embrace faith and redirect his career path.
Joe's experiences, including the profound impact of losing five teenagers to suicide within his community, have driven him to dedicate himself to helping others find and activate their purpose. He now runs Life Purpose Scan and promotes the idea of "Run after One," a concept grounded in biblical principles, aiming to impact individual lives deeply. At his breakout session, Joe instructed attendees to pay careful attention to where they give their "a-tension" and stated that your purpose isn't something that you have to find because it is your GPS that's built into you. That you just have to access it and instructed attendees how to activate it.
Joe wrote the book "Inside Out, Upside Down" for parents, coaches, and teachers of these young lives who are struggling. Through his work, Joe emphasizes the importance of accessing and activating one’s purpose and understanding the difference between perception and reality.
Joe's future foundation will be called "The Run After One Foundation."
Additional Resources and Books
Life Purpose Scan: https://www.lifepurposescan.com/
Purpose is More than a Side Hustle: It's Our Built in GPS by Joe Colavito - https://www.amazon.com/Purpose-More-than-Side-Hustle-ebook/dp/B0CY8ZWCBG
The Inside Track: Turnaround Principles for Business and Life by Joe Colavito - https://www.amazon.com/Inside-Track-Turnaround-Principles-Business/dp/1615840362
Job Track to Joyride by Joe Colavito - https://www.amazon.com/Job-Track-Joyride-Joe-Colavito/dp/B00D1B0KIW
Connect with Joe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joecolavito/
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/AD9pJharu8A
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
This show is brought to you by Broad River Retail. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
Welcome back to the Purpose Summit series on Stories from the River! Guest host Heather Greenwood speaks with Carolyn Sakstrup, who represents Thrivent at the Purpose Summit 2024. Carolyn, fresh from her breakout session titled "Purpose at Scale: How to Empower Teams, Customers, and Community," shares her insights on the importance of embedding purpose into every facet of an organization's operations. She emphasizes that Thrivent's purpose, "to empower lives of service and faith," is the driving force behind her work and participation at the summit. This purpose not only attracted her to the company but also aligns perfectly with the summit's theme, making it a natural fit for Thrivent's involvement.
Carolyn also discusses Thrivent Action Teams (TAT), a program designed to help clients implement their service ideas by providing them with resources like a $250 gift card and "Live Generously" t-shirts. She shares a personal story about how she involved her children in a community cleanup project, illustrating how purpose can be integrated into everyday life. Additionally, Carolyn highlights how Thrivent empowers its employees through flexible work arrangements, volunteer time off, and a generous donation matching program. She concludes by reflecting on the inspiring atmosphere of the Purpose Summit and the positive reception of Thrivent's newly articulated purpose statement, which clearly resonates with both the employees and the clients they serve.
Thrivent Website – About Carolyn: https://www.thrivent.com/about-us/our-leadership/carolyn-sakstrup
Thrivent Action Teams - https://www.thrivent.com/about-us/membership/thrivent-action-teams
Carolyn Sakstrup’s LinkedIn Page - https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-sakstrup-03672a3/
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/iwC6mDaSbwY
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
This show is brought to you by Broad River Retail. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
It's the seventh episode of the Purpose Summit Series here on the Stories from the River, and guest host Heather Greenwood welcomes Mboone Umbima to the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Mboone shares how she and Davin, who she met at the Society for Hospitality and Food Service Management, realized they were both advocating for the same principle: taking care of people to ensure organizational success. Mboone, who is local to Charlotte, joined the Purpose Summit to mutually inspire and learn about the impact of purpose-driven business models. Just before this conversation, she had finished a breakout session where she discussed how her company, David Rio, integrates purpose, profit, and innovation by creating space for play and creativity. At David Rio, they anchor their brand mission in producing sustainably sourced chai and beverages while supporting wildlife conservation efforts, like their notable "Elephant Vanilla Chai" program that funds elephant preservation in Kenya.
Mboone's multifaceted career also extends to authorship and coaching. She outlines her published works, including the "29-Day Gratitude Challenge" journal and a "New Year Workbook" designed to help individuals reflect, let go of non-serving energies, and set focused intentions for the future. She also previews her upcoming book, "Who Moved My Comfort Zone," which explores methodologies for making successful life pivots. As a coach, she specializes in guiding individuals at career crossroads towards aligning with their passions. Reflecting on the Purpose Summit, Mboone shares her admiration for the event's supportive and positive environment and encourages individuals to extend beyond their comfort zones to achieve their desires.
Speaking Event – Davin & Mboone Meet: https://shfm-online.org/
Mission Page - https://www.davidrio.com/about
Elephant Vanilla Chai - https://www.davidrio.com/product-page/elephant-vanilla-chai
Book 1: The 29 Day Gratitude Challenge - https://www.amazon.com/Thank-You-Day-Gratitude-Challenge/dp/B09NV6SZC6
Book 2: Reflect and Renew: A New Year Workbook - https://www.amazon.com/Reflect-Renew-New-Year-Workbook/dp/B0CM1NVLF4
Book 3: Who Moved My Comfort Zone – Coming Soon – June 2024
Mboone’s Coaching Website– Coaching — Luscious Mother - https://www.lusciousmother.com/coaching
Mboone Umbima, MSOD | LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mbooneumbima/
Mboone’s Instagram: Maragoligirl - https://www.instagram.com/maragoligirl/
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9h4CGV6-zT4
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
This show is brought to you by Broad River Retail. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
Welcome back to the Purpose Summit series on Stories from the River! In the sixth part of the series, host Charlie Malouf welcomes Dwight Eberts as a guest. Dwight, who works in the same building as Davin and has attended four Purpose Summits, sat down for a podcast interview before he was scheduled to lead a breakout session titled "Breaking Boundaries."
In this episode, Dwight shares his background, revealing that he met Davin at church during a mission trip to Guatemala, which led to their friendship and professional relationship. He discusses his early career in the Detroit area, where he co-founded an insurance marketing organization. Dwight elaborates on the challenges of managing rapid business growth and learning to lead effectively without prior experience, which led him to seek a business coach.
Dwight's journey into coaching began after realizing the negative impact his demanding career was having on his family life. His coach, whom he humorously refers to as a life coach, helped him prioritize and balance his personal and professional life. This transformative experience motivated Dwight to embrace leadership and eventually pursue coaching for his own career. He realized that he loved walking alongside other people.
Now, Dwight's coaching business focuses on helping individuals identify and overcome areas where they are not reaching their full potential. In his breakout session "Breaking Boundaries," he aims to provide attendees with the tools to develop clear, actionable plans to improve various aspects of their lives.
His focus is to help people get clear, confident, and committed. Getting clear is about understanding your values, your priorities, and evaluating your time. Getting confident refers to the mind. Our actions and results are rooted in our thoughts and beliefs. Focusing on a growth mindset, and addressing limiting thoughts and beliefs, can often help us grow and develop. Regarding commitment, that includes understanding our different roles in life, and creating a game plan with accountability. It’s the R, the I, and the S of, the R.I.S.E. acronym.
Dwight's R.I.S.E. acronym stands for: - Restore Your Vision - Increase Your Confidence - Systemize For Success - Embrace The Journey
Dwight’s Coaching Website: Executive Life Coaching | C122 | Be Renewed - https://www.coaching122.com/
The "122" in his Company's name ("Coaching 122") comes from Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will."
Dwight Eberts | LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwight-eberts-3a293a14/?original_referer=
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/bi5QC5JXVMo
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
This show is brought to you by Broad River Retail. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
In the fifth part of the Purpose Summit series on Stories From the River, host Charlie Malouf interviews Mark Whitacre live from the NASCAR Hall of Fame Museum gear shop. Mark Whitacre, who is notable for his involvement in a high-profile FBI price-fixing case that later inspired the movie "The Informant!" starring Matt Damon, shares his journey of wearing a wire for the FBI for three years to expose corporate malfeasance at his former company. Whitacre details the impact of his wife Ginger, whose faith and insistence on turning himself in to the FBI played a pivotal role in his decision to cooperate. Despite the initial promise of a six-month plea deal, Whitacre ended up serving eight and a half years in federal prison due to his own prideful actions and refusal to sign the agreement initially.
Whitacre's story evolves into one of redemption and faith, highlighting his transformation during his time in prison, where he was significantly influenced by Chuck Colson and Ian Howes. After being released, Whitacre rebuilt his career and currently serves as Vice President of Culture and Care at Coca Cola Consolidated, a company he had stolen from 35 years ago. He now champions a faith-driven corporate culture, overseeing chaplain programs, prayer groups, and bible studies in the company's numerous plant sites. The episode underscores themes of forgiveness, purpose, salvation, transformation, and redemption, as Whitacre shares his journey from corporate executive and FBI informant to a leader fostering workplace culture and care.
Episode links and resources:
Coca-Cola Consolidated Website - www.cokeconsolidated.com
Christian Business Men’s Connection Website: Christian Business Men's Connection - www.cbmc.com
The Movie: “The Informant” - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1130080/
Book 1: Mark Whitacre Against All Odds: How ''The Informant'' and his Family Turned Defeat into Triumph - https://www.amazon.com/Mark-Whitacre-Against-All-Odds/dp/1441541322
Book 2: Surprised by Faith: A Scientist Shares His Personal, Life-Changing Discoveries About God, The Bible and Personal Fulfillment by Dr. Don Bierle - https://www.amazon.com/Surprised-Faith-Life-Changing-Discoveries-Fulfillment/dp/0913367907
Book 3:The Case for Christ: A Journalist's Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus - https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0310345863
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/f-kmDfRTJhE
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
This show is brought to you by Broad River Retail. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
Welcome back to the Purpose Summit Series on Stories from the River! In the fourth episode of the series, host Charlie Malouf welcomes Garry Ridge, the former president and CEO of WD-40 company for 25 years. Garry shares insights into his leadership journey, beginning with how he got the attention of the CEO of WD-40 after singing a song during a memorable bus tour, which he, unfortunately, didn't sing on the pod! He reflects on his approach to leadership, emphasizing the importance of creating a workplace where employees feel they belong, matter, and can make choices. Garry discusses his philosophy on learning from mistakes, building a positive culture, and the core values of WD-40, including the unique approach to employee engagement and long-term company sustainability.
Garry Ridge also shares details about his books, such as Helping People Win at Work, The Unexpected Learning Moment, and Tribe Culture, which focus on coaching, learning moments, and fostering a tribe-like culture within organizations. He discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as an unexpected learning moment and highlights the importance of real-time employee feedback through platforms like HeartCount to create a positive work environment. Garry's message revolves around the power of leadership in shaping company culture, encouraging leaders to prioritize creating a workplace where employees thrive and feel valued, ultimately contributing to the organization's success.
Book 1: Helping People Win at Work–Co Author: Ken Blanchard - https://www.amazon.com/Helping-People-Win-Work-Philosophy/dp/0137011717
Book 2: The Unexpected Learning Moment - Lessons in Leading a Thriving Culture Through Lockdown 2020 - https://www.amazon.com/UNEXPECTED-LEARNING-MOMENT-Thriving-Lockdown/dp/1951744799
Book 3: Tribe Culture: How It Shaped WD-40 Company - https://www.amazon.com/TRIBE-CULTURE-Shaped-WD-40-Company/dp/1951744071
Book 4: Any Dumbass Can Do It – Coming Soon March 2025
Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging by Sebastian Junger - https://www.amazon.com/Tribe-Homecoming-Belonging-Sebastian-Junger/dp/1455566381
W-D 40 Website – “Our Culture” - https://www.wd40company.com/our-tribe/tribal-culture/
Garry Ridge’s Website: The Learning Moment - https://thelearningmoment.net/
HeartCount - An Employee Experience Platform You Can Count On - https://heartcount.com/
Linkedin: Garry Ridge | LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/authwall?trk=bf&trkInfo=AQFVA1NUiaOLuAAAAY_IRXf4KmVdhBPX6yF5hl7xONReZzLWWDN5v82FAnhE6ENCJwFNI9umxSaFrAXfFNm0op4d2ql2H9pcKRGU_TC3ysLHHWGiFGqz7Ug_h4Bmr8n2x5MGhjU=&original_referer=&sessionRedirect=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fgarryridge%2F
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/IzkC6c_xpgM
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
This show is brought to you by Broad River Retail. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
We're back with another Purpose Summit Series episode on today's Stories from the River. Host Charlie Malouf welcomes Nick Craig, referred to as the "godfather of purpose" by Charlie, which was recorded in front of a live audience at the NASCAR Hall of Fame museum. Nick discusses his journey into understanding and guiding individuals and organizations toward discovering their purpose. He shares about a pivotal moment in his life at the age of 37 when he realized that the maps others provided for success did not include his fulfillment and unique gift. This realization led him to delve into the concept of purpose as a core aspect of one's identity and the key to transformation, both personally and within organizations. Nick emphasizes the importance of being a "map maker" rather than simply following the paths set by others, guiding individuals to tap into their unique gifts and live authentically.
Nick highlights the significance of understanding personal crucible moments and connecting them with one's purpose. He explains that purpose is an individual possession that cannot be given or taken away by others and urges individuals and organizations to dig deep to reveal their purpose and core essence. By helping companies like Unilever and LEGO reconnect with their purpose during identity crises, Nick demonstrates the transformative power of aligning individual and organizational purposes.
He encourages people to reflect on their connection to their purpose and share stories that showcase their impact, emphasizing the importance of living out one's purpose authentically in every aspect of life. Nick says that purpose is at the core of map making and that if you're map making, then you're living your purpose. He says that people who are the map makers are the ones who will really make the difference and have an impact in this world.
Harvard Business Review Article – From Purpose to Impact - https://hbr.org/2014/05/from-purpose-to-impact The Purpose to Impact™ Program, Charlotte NC - https://coreleader.com/event/the-purpose-to-impact-program-charlotte/ Nick Craig’s Website - https://coreleader.com/nick-craig/ Leading From Purpose Podcast - https://coreleader.com/podcast/ Nick Craig’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-craig-purpose/ Leading From Purpose by Nick Craig - Leading from Purpose: Clarity and the Confidence to Act When It Matters Most - https://www.amazon.com/Leading-Purpose-Clarity-Confidence-Matters/dp/031641624X
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/aWSXKLBnNp4
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
This show is brought to you by Broad River Retail. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
Welcome back to the Purpose Summit Series on Stories from the River! In the second episode of the series, host Charlie Malouf welcomes Dr. Amber Selking, who discusses her extensive involvement with The Purpose Summit. Dr. Selking has been with Lippert for six years and serves as an executive in culture and leadership, spearheading a global team dedicated to culture development, leadership coaching, philanthropy, chaplaincy, and more. She shares her journey from corporate America to applied sports psychology and how she integrates mental performance coaching with her role at Lippert and with LSU football. Emphasizing the importance of a high-performance culture, Amber explains how Lippert focuses on making business a force for good by fostering an environment where vision, mission, and values are lived daily.
Amber shares her philosophy on high-performing organizations - that they need to be top-down, bottom-up, and contextually relevant.
She also talks about the profound influence of Bob Chapman's TED Talk (related to his book "Everybody Matters") on Lippert's cultural transformation, driven by CEO Jason Lippert's realization of the importance of caring for employees. Dr. Selking and Charlie discuss the impact of the Purpose Summit on attendees, encouraging them to take actionable steps based on their current season of life or business.
The episode concludes with a light-hearted anecdote about a mutual friend and Memory Maker, Carl Hillesland, whose interview process at The River involved an impromptu reference call to Amber, showcasing the interconnectedness and supportive network cultivated through their professional journeys.
Dr. Amber Selking's Podcast Building Championship Mindsets - https://selkingperformance.com/podcast/
Winning The Mental Game: The Playbook for Building Championship Mindsets by Dr. Amber Selking - https://www.amazon.com/Winning-Mental-Game-Playbook-Championship/dp/1645436187
Bob Chapman’s TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njn-lIEv1LU
Everybody Matters: The Extraordinary Power of Caring for your People like Family by Bob Chapman & Raj Sisodia - https://www.barrywehmiller.com/outreach/book
Selking Performance Group: https://selkingperformance.com/
Lippert’s corporate website: https://corporate.lippert.com/
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/s320dLv6H7M
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
This show is brought to you by Broad River Retail. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
Welcome to The Purpose Summit Series on Stories from the River! To kick off this 12-episode series with selected speakers from The Purpose Summit 2024, Charlie Malouf welcomes Davin Salvagno, Founder and CEO of Purpose Point and a return guest of the podcast. They sat down for this conversation at the NASCAR Hall of Fame Museum Gear Shop during The Purpose Summit 2024. A friend of The River, this episode marks Davin's fifth appearance on the podcast. Davin shares the experience of bringing the 5th Purpose Summit to Charlotte, and he discusses the intricate planning and teamwork that goes into organizing The Purpose Summit.
Recorded in front of a live audience during the breakout sessions on day two of the Summit, Salvagno shares insights about the opening night of The Purpose Summit, where purposeful and positive speakers like Nick Craig and Jon Gordon set a high standard, delivering messages that were both inspiring and transformative for attendees. He describes the first night as a microcosm of the Summit's larger objective, emphasizing the importance of stopping to follow others' maps and instead becoming map-makers. The Purpose Leadership Awards also shone a spotlight on organizations exemplifying purpose from three different areas (for profit, non profit, and faith-based).
The discussion moves to the events of the following morning with presentations by Ron Carucci and Mark Whitacre, both delivering impactful content that challenged and inspired participants. Davin reveals that this year's feedback was particularly positive, noting a stronger emphasis on actionable "how-to" advice compared to previous summits.
He addresses the demanding nature of organizing the Summit, sharing his motivation drawn from the high percentage of disengaged workers and the transformative potential business holds. Both Charlie and Davin underscore the significance of the event for attendees and organizations like Broad River Retail. Looking ahead, The Purpose Summit is set to return to Charlotte in 2025, with Salvagno expressing hope for the Summit to continue its impact and possibly establish a long-term home in Charlotte.
Episode References:
To Be Honest: Lead with the Power of Truth, Justice and Purpose by Ron Carucci - https://tobehonest.net/
Davin's What GOOD Looks Like Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-good-looks-like/id1591149494
Be a Map Maker - Nick Craig - https://coreleader.com/impact/
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/EQaEMbxNePM
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
This show is brought to you by Broad River Retail. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
In the sixth and final part of this six-part series on Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf and good friend Charlie Workmon, President and CEO of Riverstone Logistics, wrap up their conversation. They have a thoughtful conversation about Charlie W's leadership at Riverstone Logistics and his profound personal commitment to faith, community, and family.
Charlie W highlights the importance of the leadership team that he has surrounded himself with and how he has tried to be people focused and conscious in their goals and aspirations. He wants Riverstone to be a Company that invests in the personal and professional growth of its members and maintains a deep focus on long-term relationships. He recognizes several key team members at Riverstone for their significant contributions and career advancements.
As the the discussion moves from people to community involvement, the two discuss Riverstone's role as the Official Logistics Provider for the Charlotte Knights and its involvement in supporting Congregations for Kids, showcasing the company's commitment to supporting vulnerable foster children within their community. Charlie W and his wife Courtney were foster parents who adopted their foster child, so supporting CFK and its efforts are near and dear to their hearts.
The dialogue further explores Charlie Workmon's personal life, his prayer life, and his own faith journey, especially after becoming a parent. He shares insights into his best daily habits, his favorite book, his favorite movie, his biggest mistakes, and reflects on the importance of making considered decisions.
Charlie shares his thoughts on the type of Company that he hopes Riverstone becomes - a platform to bless people in a business world where that is often difficult to do. And he shares his dreams about the type of legacy he hopes he is able to leave behind.
The episode ends as Charlie M reads letters from Riverstone's employees (Extra Milers) describing Charlie W, his leadership, and what he has meant to them and to the Company.
Charlie W's favorite book:
Wild at Heart: Discovering the Secret to a Man's Soul by John Eldredge - https://www.amazon.com/Wild-Heart-Discovering-Secret-Mans/dp/0785268839/
Listen to part one of this conversation, Family Business to Logistics Leader: How Charlie Workmon Got Started: https://youtu.be/2dtnhUNHwLs
Listen to part two of this conversation, Parenthood, Prayer, and Perspective Fuel Purpose for Charlie Workmon: https://youtu.be/aqYuV1qQokk
Listen to part three of this conversation, Broad River's 2015 Bold Reset: Turning Challenges into Opportunities with Charlie Workmon: https://youtu.be/1AW0WwZaC4A
Listen to part four of this conversation, Purpose-Driven Leadership in Retail Operations with Charlie Workmon: https://youtu.be/1AW0WwZaC4A
Listen to part five of this conversation, Crystallizing a Compelling Future for Riverstone Logistics with Charlie Workmon: https://youtu.be/nS3gzJAjF0s
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/K5ftEeK3QWU
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
This show is brought to you by Broad River Retail. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
In the fifth part of this six-part series on Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf welcomes back guest and good friend Charlie Workmon, President and CEO of Riverstone Logistics. In this episode, Charlie W discusses making the move to take over Riverstone Logistics full time with his full focus and effort. He discusses the transition as well as asking Charlie M to serve as his formal mentor in 2021. They discuss the mutually beneficial mentorship meetings that they held every two weeks, which included a formal agenda and walking through the influential Keith J. Cunningham book together, "The Road Less Stupid: Advice from the Chairman of the Board." Charlie W talked about reflecting on the phrase: Know the game you're playing.
As Charlie W began to embrace the practice of "Thinking Time" that he took from Cunningham's book, he began to see clearly that Riverstone would be a people-centric and a client-centric platform for loving people well. And not to be the biggest or the best but just to be on the journey and improve a little bit each day. This belief would eventually be infused into the Company's purpose to love, serve, and improve.
In 2021, Charlie W also came to the realization that the Company needed to be well capitalized in order to be able to run further faster. This realization would eventually lead him to facilitating a transaction and to bring in a sponsor (i.e., a group of investors) who believed in the vision and to come help them take the Company to a completely different level in a way that's meant to love people. Charlie W cited the connection that he made with Harold Baron, the former CEO of Nolan Transportation, and the key leader behind the strategic money and group of private investors who would invest in RLX. Harold is now the Chairman of the Board of Directors for RLX.
Charlie W reflected on the day that transaction closed in mid October 2021 and the gravity of that transaction. He knew that they had put the Company in a really good position for the future, and that this was setting the stage to not just survive but to flourish with open hands. The stage had been set to have rapid growth with strong financial backing.
Riverstone Logistics has seen impressive growth with revenues increasing from $13M in 2020, tripling to $42M in 2021, then doubling to $85M in 2022, more than doubling again in 2023 to $191M, and projected to reach $300M in 2024. RLX has been recognized as one of the fastest growing companies in Charlotte by the Charlotte Business Journal for the past three years, and they completed their first acquisition late last year.
Charlie W says that RLX today is a sunrise company who's best days are ahead of us. Their operations reach across 31 states and three countries with 650 Extra Milers ("Extra Milers" being the term given to RLX's full-time employees). RLX is a multi-modal logistics company with a successful Final Mile division as well as a growing brokerage division. Their big customers are Lowe's, The Home Depot, IKEA, HD Supply, Crate & Barrel, Ashley Store licensees, and GE Appliances.
Charlie W explains that they are playing the part of a company that is set to do business differently. He says that they have a "Field of Dreams" mindset where they bring key people in ahead of the need while waiting to see if their client would also join the company. A mindset of "If you build it, they will come." And, Charlie W says that they strive to over serve their clients, that they're structured to serve and love them well, that they have a transparent cost model, and that they work with their clients to share costs and help rein them in. And he says that they focus on being open hands, being transparent and reliable, and enroll them on the front end as to what is a fair margin for their services.
Charlie W unpacks the inspiration behind the company's Purpose statement "to use our God-given talents and opportunities to love our neighbors, serve our communities and improve our industry," which he and the management team crafted in late 2021.
And then Charlie W also walks through the seven Core Beliefs of Riverstone Logistics: - Go the Extra Mile - Run through the Storm - Canoe the Mountains - Win the Right Way - Pencils Have Erasers - Mutual Prosperity - Profit Fuels Purpose
Book mentioned:
The Road Less Stupid: Advice from the Chairman of the Board - Keith Cunningham - https://www.amazon.com/Road-Less-Stupid-Keith-Cunningham/dp/0984659269
RLX Purpose & Core Beliefs:
https://rlx.us/purpose/
Listen to part one of this conversation, Family Business to Logistics Leader: How Charlie Workmon Got Started: https://youtu.be/2dtnhUNHwLs
Listen to part two of this conversation, Parenthood, Prayer, and Perspective Fuel Purpose for Charlie Workmon: https://youtu.be/aqYuV1qQokk
Listen to part three of this conversation, Broad River's 2015 Bold Reset: Turning Challenges into Opportunities with Charlie Workmon: https://youtu.be/1AW0WwZaC4A
Listen to part four of this conversation, Purpose-Driven Leadership in Retail Operations with Charlie Workmon: https://youtu.be/1AW0WwZaC4A
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/nS3gzJAjF0s
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
This show is brought to you by Broad River Retail. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
In the fourth part of this six-part series on Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf welcomes back guest Charlie Workmon, President and CEO of Riverstone Logistics, in a deeply insightful discussion about the transformative journey of Broad River Retail. In this episode, they cover a span from 2016 to 2020, a crucial period during which Charlie W led the turnaround in the Operational side of the business by focusing on the best practices from LEAN; became an owner in 2016; then joined Manny Rodrigues and Charlie Malouf in a management buyout in June 2018; and ultimately launched the Company's Purpose Statement (Furnishing Life's Best Memories) in pursuit of being a purpose-led organization.
The conversation delves into the broader theme of purpose within the corporate and personal realms, highlighted during the company’s Purpose Summit in 2019, Purpose 8:28. Charlie W discusses how these ideas of purpose guided the company through subsequent challenges and opportunities.
Workmon elaborates on emotional and professional struggles, including the impact of a devastating fire at their Fort Mill distribution center in early June 2020 during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, which tested his mental resilience and connection to his role within the company.
Both Charlie Malouf and Charlie Workmon share their experiences with mental health challenges, reflecting on the importance of support and community within the workplace.
Reflecting on his five years with Broad River Retail, Charlie W cites his personal and professional growth that happened over those five years and says that there's no way that Riverstone Logistics exists today like it does without that growth. He recalls how much he loved the people and the partnership.
Book mentioned:
Everything I Know About Lean I Learned in First Grade - Robert O. Martichenko - https://www.amazon.com/Everything-About-Learned-First-Grade/dp/1934109347
Listen to part one of this conversation, Family Business to Logistics Leader: How Charlie Workmon Got Started: https://youtu.be/2dtnhUNHwLs
Listen to part two of this conversation, Parenthood, Prayer, and Perspective Fuel Purpose for Charlie Workmon: https://youtu.be/aqYuV1qQokk
Listen to part three of this conversation, Broad River's 2015 Bold Reset: Turning Challenges into Opportunities with Charlie Workmon: https://youtu.be/1AW0WwZaC4A
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1AW0WwZaC4A
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
This show is brought to you by Broad River Retail. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
Welcome to the third part of this six-part series of Stories from the River. Host Charlie Malouf continues his conversation with business partner and close friend Charlie Workmon, President and CEO of Riverstone Logistics. This episode really focuses on recounting the events from the year 2015, a pivotal year in which Charlie W joined the River as well as a pivotal year for Broad River itself. After joining the River in January 2015, Charlie W details his initial hesitation and subsequent determination to stay and contribute to Broad River Retail amidst severe operational and financial challenges. He recounts the critical advice from his father Bud Workmon that influenced his decision to reject a stable job offer from a much larger company and instead tackle the issues at Broad River.
Charlie W discusses his promotion to Vice President of Operations that coincided with Broad River's mid-year Bold Reset 100-Day Challenge, and he outlines the ambitious four-pronged strategy he developed to revitalize the back-end operations of a company that was really struggling at the time. The four-pronged strategy addressed (1) the need for a new 3PL (Home Delivery) provider to improve quality and secure better payment terms; (2) addressing inventory integrity and accuracy issues ("Inventory is foundational."); (3) fixing the Shop and the large salvage and damaged product issues; and (4) develop a plan to minimize the downtime with the warehouse move to Fort Mill, South Carolina (which consolidated a week's move into a little over a day).
Charlie M recounts that following the 100-Day Bold Reset, which ended at the end of September 2015, they still needed an encore event to help prepare and facilitate the move to Fort Mill by the end of October 2015. That monthlong encore event was dubbed "The Bold Sprint" (to Fort Mill), and the move to Fort Mill had a massive project plan in and of itself, which included (1) Operational Readiness; (2) Inventory Readiness (shrinking the amount of product to transfer); (3) DC Readiness (ensuring that the new facility was ready itself); and (4) Move Readiness (preparing for the game day excitement of facilitating all of the product transfers from the old DC to the new DC).
Throughout the conversation, Charlie W highlights the significant roles in helping to turn around the operations played by his fellow Memory Makers — Burton, Cherie, and Tito — in the recovery process, emphasizing their efforts in retraining staff and restructuring the inventory system despite substantial hurdles. He reflects on the supportive and fun relationships with his team, particularly mentioning memorable times spent working on projects even on the night shift and on weekends.
Charlie W recounts had he had mentally burned the ships and hadn't looked back. And, that by the end of 2015, he was all-in and all Broad River. He recalls 2015 as one of the most fun times he's ever had at work.
Charlie W discusses how his management style has evolved and matured. But, he acknowledges that different environments call for different approaches to management and leadership. 2015 was a year in which he felt that at times he had to make quick, rapid decisions without collaboration and consultation. And, he had never been a Vice President of Operations for a home furnishings retailer. But, he relied on reaching out to many trusted friends within the industry who helped him think through simplified solutions to their complex problems. He felt like he had been equipped to step in and figure it out. And, with a renewed spirit, he and the team did just that.
Charlie M and Charlie W also touch upon the broader implications of their experiences, discussing the value of trust, unity, and leadership in overcoming adversity.
Listen to part one of this conversation, Family Business to Logistics Leader: How Charlie Workmon Got Started: https://youtu.be/2dtnhUNHwLs
Listen to part two of this conversation, Parenthood, Prayer, and Perspective Fuel Purpose for Charlie Workmon: https://youtu.be/aqYuV1qQokk
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1AW0WwZaC4A
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
This show is brought to you by Broad River Retail. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
In the second part of this six-part Series on Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf interviews welcomes back Charlie Workmon, President and CEO of Riverstone Logistics. The two discuss Charlie W's early professional journey through various logistics management roles. Workmon details a significant period in his career, starting with his role at Cardinal Logistics, moving through his time at Georgia Pacific and 3PD, and highlighting key transitions influenced by familial commitments and professional growth opportunities. He recalls critical moments such as dealing with billing errors, negotiating his salary, and learning under the mentorship of Will O'Shea, which shaped his strategic approach in business. Despite challenging economic times, Workmon showcases his assertiveness and commitment and reflects on the pivotal experiences during Hurricane Katrina that honed his crisis management skills.
Charlie Workmon also discusses the influence of personal motivation and the importance of recognition in driving one’s career forward, touching on feedback that fueled his determination. He elaborates on successfully winning a client deal with Toys R Us, offering a novel delivery solution that emphasized lower damage rates despite being a higher ticket option. Additionally, the conversation shifts to lighter topics like the TV show "Lost," adding a personal connection to the discussion. Towards the end, Workmon touches on his brief tenure at XPO after its acquisition of 3PD and his subsequent dream to start his own company that treats people a certain way and fulfills a very certain organizational purpose.
Come back for part three of this conversation next Tuesday!
Watch part one of this series "Family Business to Logistics Leader: How Charlie Workmon Got Started" - https://youtu.be/2dtnhUNHwLs
Books mentioned:
The New Strategic Selling - Robert B. Miller, Stephen E. Heiman, Tad Tuleja - https://www.amazon.com/New-Strategic-Selling-Successful-Companies/dp/044669519X
The Gospel According to Lost - Chris Seay - https://www.amazon.com/Gospel-According-Lost-Chris-Seay/dp/0849920728/
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/aqYuV1qQokk
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
This show is brought to you by Broad River Retail. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
In part one of this six-part series, Charlie welcomes his good friend and business partner, Charlie Workmon, President and CEO of Riverstone Logistics. They start their conversation journey where all great stories start, at the beginning. We get a insight into Charlie W's roots, from his childhood, through his college years, to his starting a family with his wife, and how these events shaped his personal and professional belief systems.
Charlie W shares stories about his father's influence on his life, starting from a young age, and his Dad's dedication to building Bulldog Movers, which eventually was acquired by Cardinal Logistics. He shares personal anecdotes from his childhood, learning the ropes of the family business, and the profound impact of his father’s work ethic on his own career trajectory.
The conversation reveals the turning points of Charlie W's life, including his pivotal role in the Gulf Coast rebuilding efforts following Hurricane Katrina, a time marked by intense challenges and personal growth. He recalls his college tenure at Ole Miss, his relationship and eventual marriage to his wife Courtney, and how they supported each other through the twists and turns of his early career path.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2dtnhUNHwLs
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
This show is brought to you by Broad River Retail. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
In this episode Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf welcomes back April Todd, Home Furnishings Expert & Sales Manager, for the second part of their conversation. April shares heartfelt reflections on her career and the deep sense of gratitude and fulfillment she derives from working for the River, inviting others to experience what she describes as home. Her positive influence on her community and colleagues is evident as they laud her for her kindness, generosity, and leadership. She talks about the various company events she has attended, such as soirees, summits, and purpose-driven gatherings that have filled her cup and provided her with a sense of feeling appreciated as well as renewed her spirit and mindset with inspiration and motivation.
April recounts being particularly touched by an impactful speech from Inky Johnson at Broad River's Leadership Summit in August 2018 when the Company's purpose statement ("Furnishing Life's Best Memories.") was unveiled. She also discusses the positive impact of the Company's annual themes, which aid in centering and driving the team's focus. She highlights Broad River's commitment to fostering real human connections, standing out as a top workplace in the furniture industry due to its culture and treatment of its Memory Makers.
April candidly discusses her professional journey, including how she sets sales goals that spur her to push her performance to new heights, using stories of working diligently through holiday seasons at the end of the year as examples. Her narrative also includes the personal sacrifices she's made, and she openly discusses how she's dealt with grief that she's had over the years (and how she's been able to perform at work amidst the personal struggles at home), including the fortitude she's shown during family struggles such as her husband's cancer diagnosis, and her father's passing following a terminal diagnosis.
April's generous spirit and heart of gold extend beyond work as she recounts how she's used her annual jackpot bonuses to support her community, from helping dozens of families with Christmas gifts during the holidays to giving away a car and even to aiding a homeless man.
In offering advice she would offer to new hires on the sales floor, she stresses the importance of a positive mindset, hard work, and the pursuit of continuous improvement. Even though April has been a perennial Million Dollar Memory Maker and has achieved the top levels of sales success at the Company, she has not allowed herself to become complacent towards her craft. She has personified personal excellence and a drive to always learn and seek opportunities to improve. Her professional mindset and serious approach to craft are exemplary examples to others on the sales floor.
At Broad River Retail, there's a focus on people, innovation, and pushing boundaries, with initiatives to recognize and engage employees. Despite the fast-paced growth and the corporate backdrop, April enjoys the warm culture and the surprising close-knit feel within the Company that April believes is the same as it was when she began even though the Company has grown so much over the years.. April's story is a profound blend of personal resilience, Company pride, continual self-reflection, and the faithful belief in overcoming adversity and achieving greatness.
Additional Resources:
Building a Prosperous Career from the Ground Floor with April Todd (Part One): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ch4bgUgsUfc
Behind the Scenes of Project Premier: Recognizing and Celebrating Broad River's Memory Makers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qN5EQT9cq5g
Purpose Begins with Identity at Broad River Retail: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzHUE4ub8zI
All Systems Go! Tim Sobkowiak's Journey to Success at Broad River: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZhHZY2U8F8
Inky Johnson Speaks to Broad River (recorded on August 30, 2018): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNAGlW6uObg
Books Referenced:
"Everybody Matters: The Extraordinary Power of Caring for Your People Like Family:" by Bob Chapman and Raj Sisodia: https://www.amazon.com/Everybody-Matters-Extraordinary-Caring-People/dp/1591847796
"The Power of Habit" by Charles Duhigg: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Habit-What-Life-Business/dp/081298160X
"The Power of One More" by Ed Mylett: https://www.amazon.com/Power-One-More-Ed-Mylett/dp/1119815363
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/RmHYamI-Bgc
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
This show is brought to you by Broad River Retail. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
In this episode of Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf welcomes April Todd, Home Furnishings Expert & Sales Manager, about her journey in the home furnishings industry and her role as a sales manager and home furnishings expert, and her path to being a Million Dolllar Memory Maker repeatedly year after year (after being in the industry for over 12 years).
April has had an extensive career with Ashley, which started when she was 19, and although initially intended as a temporary job, has turned into a lifelong journey. Despite taking a break from Ashley to focus more on being a mother for her young son with a stint at Haverty's, she returned to the company with renewed vigor in 2017, leading her to regularly achieve million-dollar sales. Her persistence and motivation, alongside her role as a leader who emphasizes team success and empowerment, are also important themes throughout April's career. She also opened up about her previous challenges, such as working as a single mother and pursuing further education, and how her EMT training once played a crucial role in assisting a colleague.
April discusses the importance of compassion in customer interactions, as even leaders can find it challenging to handle people who may react differently. She shares her transition from a sales manager leading the sleep business to a sales manager overseeing the finance business, a move that showcases her passion for challenges and deal-making. April and Charlie also reminisce about the history and development of the original Anderson store, now relocated to a new, brighter, and more prominent location, which faced initial doubts but resulted in joy and satisfaction upon its completion. April especially appreciates the new store's real mattress gallery and outlet, which have been warmly received by the customers.
The conversation with April is just getting started! Make sure to come back on Thursday for part two.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ch4bgUgsUfc
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
This show is brought to you by Broad River Retail. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
In today's Stories from the River episode, guest host Kim Harkness, Senior Director, Marketing, Communications & Community Outreach welcomes guest Tyler Trill Senior Manager, Communications. The two delve into the intricacies of corporate communications at Broad River Retail. The department, led by Tyler, is relatively new, yet substantially developed over the past two years. The narrative initially casts back to seven years ago when their corporate communications primarily comprised word documents issued twice a week without a concrete strategy to engage with the entire workforce effectively. With Tyler's leadership and celebrating his second-year milestone with the team, there's a concerted push to refine internal communications, notably through a revamped newsletter and a strategic social media presence, especially on LinkedIn, as they move into Q2 of 2024.
Kim underscores the critical nature of effective communication and asks Tyler to elaborate on the 'why' behind their methods. Tyler explains that in their pursuit to communicate better both internally and externally, they've been innovative, considering the ever-changing landscape of corporate communications. He highlights the current focus on internal communications, including the introduction of a new internal platform he believes will transform interactions within the company, and a more tailored approach on LinkedIn.
The episode also touches on the significance of their town halls, a direct result of needing better ways to communicate during the pandemic, which have now become their most vital internal communication tool. The conversation shifts into their consumption of news, revealing varying preferences and acknowledging the challenge of catering communications to a diverse audience with different information consumption habits. Finally, they discuss the imminent future for the company's communications, including plans to better engage with employees across the business and to utilize feedback to improve their messaging channels. The episode wraps up with a quick highlight of Tyler's love for The Masters golf tournament and his opinion of the outcome!
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/IQ8PTVe01V8
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
This show is brought to you by Broad River Retail. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
In this episode of Stories from the River, Tim Clouse, Vice President, Operations steps in to host and welcomes Brian Deckelnick, Senior Director, Supply Chain; James Ouellette, Director, Supply Chain Ops; and Cherrie Rivera, Associate Director, Operational Excellence. They delve into the driving forces behind their commitment to their roles at Broad River Retail. Central to their motivation is family, highlighting a shared sentiment that fuels their passion for success. Collaborative efforts are spotlighted, celebrating the collective input in creating a proactive, problem-solving culture within their workplace. They commend leadership attributes like patience, empowerment, and a willingness to uplift the team—a cornerstone in fostering a positive work environment.
The guests detail their innovative strategies to uplift the workplace, such as Tim's praise of Sarah Sanchez's QR code suggestion system and Cherrie's disclosure of a gamification initiative to encourage effective use of the Wise SharePoint site, solidifying the team's dedication to technology and process improvement.
The conversation then shifts to the broader success factors within the company, highlighting the importance of courage, risk-taking, and the 'solve mindset' that involves constant evaluation and adaptation to maintain momentum. Brian shares their supply chain accomplishments amid pandemic challenges, showcasing low broken promise rates and expeditious customer deliveries as significant achievements, and shares plans for an appreciation week. James touches on financial strategy and the critical nature of collaboration with external partners. The panel also celebrates contributions from Austin Wilson and the BI team for their role in automation and innovation.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/oeiqlM2afbk
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In the latest episode of Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf, welcomes Stephen Knopp, Regional Vice President, Corporate Chaplains of America, and Tim Sayles, Director, Faciliites & Construction, Broad River Retail. Stephen explains what chaplaincy is and how Corporate Chaplains are caregivers in the workplace for employees and family members of employees.
Stephen shares his journey from West Virginia then to NC State and Duke, eventually leading to coming a chaplain with Corporate Chaplains of America and then to his current role, emphasizing the organization's recent growth from 180 to 400 chaplains across the contiguous United States. Stephen illustrates how critical caring for employees in the workplace through chaplaincy programs has become, citing the increased relevance of such programs given the surge of loneliness, isolation, and mental health challenges amplified by the pandemic.
Tim speaks to his personal motivation for overseeing the chaplaincy program, reflecting on his background with churches and community support. Tim has overseen the Corporate Chaplains program at Broad River since its launch nearly five years ago, and has seen it grow to where it is now with 20 chaplains covering 34 locations.
They discuss why Broad River Retail introduced Corporate Chaplains of America to its Memory Makers at Purpose 8:28 in 2019, which was essentially to care for its people with purpose. The Corporate Chaplain program is Employee Care (i.e., Memory Maker Care) and it's there when a Memory Maker needs it. When crisis comes or when life happens, that's most likely when you might need a chaplain.
The aspects of the Corporate Chaplain program are that it is confidential, anonymous, permission-based, available 24/7/365, and the chaplaincy program does not try to push religion or religious beliefs on anyone.
They dive into the significance of the corporate chaplaincy program offered to the Memory Makers at Broad River Retail. Highlighting the importance of caring for and providing Memory Makers with chaplain services to help them through personal challenges that impact them or even a member of their family, such as grief counseling, financial struggles, stress and anxiety, relationship problems, depression, isolation, loneliness, illness and mental health issues.
When it was launched at Broad River in the Fall of 2019, the program initially featured chaplains visiting the company's facilities weekly, but it has evolved with technology advancements, such as with the telachap QR code app, to maintain support during the COVID-19 pandemic, which curbed in-person interactions for a period of time.
They continue the conversation with the various aspects of the chaplaincy service, including its remarkable utilization rate being significantly higher than that of traditional Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). This, they attribute to the culture of care that Corporate Chaplains of America fosters within companies, positioning chaplains not just as confidants, but also as liaisons to additional resources like EAPs.
The episode illustrates the broader impact of the chaplaincy program, both within Broad River Retail, and across other businesses, underlining the program's role in nurturing an organization's well-being.
Additional Resources:
Corporate Chaplains of America - https://chaplain.org/
TelaChap at Corporate Chaplains of America - https://chaplain.org/corporate-chaplains-of-america-telachap/
LEAPCare (powered by Corporate Chaplains of America) - https://leapcare.org/
2024 Voice of the Workplace Report from Calm - https://business.calm.com/2024-voice-of-the-workplace-report/
Business Insider article (December 11, 2023): "Gen Z is bringing a whole new vibe to the workplace: anxiety" - https://www.businessinsider.com/remote-work-fueling-gen-z-job-anxiety-stress-mental-health-2023-12
Surgeon General Warning (May 2023) - Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation - https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf
The Purpose Summit 2024 (April 29, 2024 - May 1, 2024 in Charlotte, NC) - https://www.thepurposesummit.com/
Stephen Knopp (LinkedIn profile) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgknopp/
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/bis8f7sVyIk
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In this solo episode of "Stories from the River," host Charlie Malouf talks about the importance of identity in relation to purpose within Broad River Retail. Charlie delves into the concept of identity and shares the origin story of how Store Identities came to be five years ago during Broad River's "Year of Purpose." He recounts how each General Manager had been asked to come up with a nickname for their store, which culminated in a memorable event where each store's new logo was unveiled in a highly engaging ceremony with balloons and big reveals for each team.
Charlie then takes listeners on a detailed journey through the identities of various Broad River's stores, regions, and various departments, explaining that after stores got their nicknames, regions and departments followed, creating a comprehensive system of unique identities. He provides examples such as the stores within the North Stars region, the Wild West region, and the Savage South, among others. These nicknames range from referencing the stores' physical locations to embodying their aspirations or character, like the "Flagship Enterprise" and the "Bull City Bombers."
Charlie shares that not only stores but departments and other locations like the three Distribution Centers, Retail Operations, and Corporate divisions also adopted playful and meaningful identities like "Fort Mill Otters" or "Mar-Com Macaws." Through these unique identities, Charlie emphasizes the culture at Broad River of making business fun, intentional, purposeful, and personal, encouraging each team to create and embrace their specific identity which reinforces how they are seen and how they see themselves. Ultimately, this builds culture, enhances team spirit, and boosts morale while furnishing life's best memories.
Thinking about joining The Purpose Summit in Charlotte, NC? This week is the last week to register: https://www.thepurposesummit.com
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/hzHUE4ub8zI
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In this episode of Stories from the River, Heather Greenwood, Director, Memory Maker Experience, steps in to host. She welcomes Emelyne Henderson, Manager, Memory Maker Experience; Sarah Sanchez, Senior Analyst, Operational Excellence; and Brian Fuller, Home Furnishing Expert and Sales Manager, Finance. The three are deeply involved in the Project Premier recognition program at Broad River retail. They discuss the origin and purpose of Project Premier, a company-wide celebration and recognition program. Initially conceived during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the program aims to acknowledge and celebrate the efforts of memory makers within the company. The guests share personal experiences and explain the evolution of the program and its impact on the company's culture. They also discuss the role of the Project Premier committee in selecting and celebrating premier stars, as well as the ways in which the program is accessible to all employees for nominations and recognition.
They express the significance of Project Premier and its positive impact on the company's culture. They emphasize how the program goes beyond traditional management recognition, creating a supportive and appreciative environment among peers. They discuss the ripple effect of recognizing and celebrating each other's efforts and the value of being appreciated not only at work but also in personal lives. They end the episode by giving live shout-outs to memory makers who are making a difference!
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qN5EQT9cq5g
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Welcome back to the final installment from the Women in Leadership series on Stories from the River. Host Hope Stocker, Manager, Retail Accounting, welcomes back Anita Harris, Director, Customer Experience; Renee Bradley, Regional Manager, Charlotte Region; and Samantha Blum, Associate Director, Customer Experience. They delve into the nuanced experiences of women in the workplace and society at large. The conversation touches on the tendency for women to frequently apologize, and Renee Bradley's commitment to breaking this habit, identifying the act of 'mansplaining' as a common challenge. They explore the significance of parenting skills in leadership roles, drawing parallels between nurturing children and managing teams, where patience, understanding, and setting a positive example are key to success. The panel shares their personal aspirations to be remembered for caring about people and helping them succeed, revealing their past childhood dreams and who they'd love to dine with, including notable figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Michelle Obama.
Broader topics such as finding confidence in male-dominated environments, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the importance of solid support systems are also discussed. The universality of imposter syndrome is acknowledged, touching upon gender differences in its perception and expression. An interesting analysis of Taylor Swift's "The Man" leads to acknowledging the career challenges that women, particularly women of color, face, backed by personal experiences, like Samantha being passed over for a job she was qualified for. The dialogue concludes on notes of encouragement, with a sense of camaraderie and a commitment to creating a supportive and vulnerable space at Broad River for all individuals to thrive.
Listen to the first part of this series here: https://youtu.be/eIA_tya2bt8 Listen to the second part of the series here: https://youtu.be/UzSFNNjL3eU
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8Hyx-xq-Xbw
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In the second part of the Women in Leadership series on Stories from the River, host Hope Stocker, Manager, Retail Accounting, welcomes Anita Harris, Director, Customer Experience; Renee Bradley, Regional Manager, Charlotte Region; and Samantha Blum, Associate Director, Customer Experience. They engage in a powerful discussion on women in leadership; the shift in workplace dynamics is highlighted as Renee Bradley observes the growing acceptance of career-focused women as opposed to the judgment they faced in the past. Moreover, the panel discusses the balancing act of personal and professional responsibilities that women often navigate, especially in relation to motherhood.
Addressing the bias and obstacles women leaders face, such as being deemed emotional or sensitive, the conversation turns to building self-confidence and recognizing women's empathetic and natural leadership abilities. They discuss the trend where women often feel pressured to meet 100% of job qualifications before applying, in contrast to their male counterparts who apply with significantly less. The conversation reveals the underlying issues of perfectionism and the false belief that one must know everything beforehand. The guests share personal anecdotes and the collective struggle they face in professional settings, such as the negative biases towards successful women and challenges with confidence and self-worth.
The episode further delves into gender roles and stereotypes, where Anita Harris and Renee Bradley reflect on the changing perceptions of assertive women in the workplace, while Samantha Blum urges women to exist loudly and take charge in leadership roles, thereby challenging traditional gender roles. The importance of mentorship is underscored by all, with discussions on its value in both personal and professional growth. The idea for a women in leadership group at Broad River to promote mentorship and support is also zealously floated, with an emphasis on identifying male allies. Anita Harris wraps up by sharing how age and mentorship have played a significant role in her development as a confident leader. This special series episode for Women's History Month leaves audiences with poignant advice to their younger selves and brings to light the motivational journeys and challenges these women leaders at Broad River have faced and overcome.
Be sure to come back on Tuesday for more conversation from this crowd!
Listen to the first conversation of this series here: https://youtu.be/eIA_tya2bt8
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UzSFNNjL3eU
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In this week's episode of Stories from the River, Hope Stocker, Manager, Retail Accounting steps into the role of host and welcomes three influential female leaders from Broad River—Lynn Knowles, Director, Merchandising; Janet Leimkuhler, Director, Visual Impact, and April Whitener, Supervisor, Accounts Payable—as part of the special series for Women's History Month. The conversation dives into the guests' experiences and views on women in leadership, articulating the significance of mutual support among women at the workplace. They discuss overcoming imposter syndrome, the virtues of trusting others, and embracing assertiveness despite gender stereotypes and societal expectations. The leaders share personal advice they'd offer their younger selves, encouraging the taking of risks and not being deterred by the fear of rejection. With varying lengths of service at the company, they each provide unique insights into the vision for leadership, reflecting on their initial days and how they've seen their roles evolve over time.
The conversation touches on the synergy between motherhood and leadership, with discussions on how parenting has instilled essential skills such as stress management and multifaceted task handling. They confront the challenge of balancing work and family, with Janet noting Molly Grantham's perspective on the absence of a true work-life balance and the necessity to juggle effectively. They share their aspirations to instill values like integrity and hard work in their children, while discussing their personal interests and childhood dreams, hinting at the multifaceted lives they lead beyond their professional sphere.
Make sure to come back on Thursday for another episode with the influential women at Broad River Retail!
Molly Grantham - https://www.mollygrantham.com/
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/eIA_tya2bt8
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In the final part of this conversation on Stories From the River, host Charlie Malouf welcomes back Holly White, renowned for her impeccable ability to cultivate long-lasting relationships with guests, which in turn has translated into recurring Million Dollar Memory Maker and back-to-back Sales Manager of the Year accolades. Holly's commendable work ethic, leadership skills, and unwavering dedication have earned her the admiration and praise of colleagues and managers and helped her store earn the reputation as one of the best places to work in the furniture industry.
Holly has remained a top performer by staying true to the company's processes, maintaining a positive attitude, and loving her work. Holly shares her gratitude for being part of Broad River and discusses the importance of being a Home Furnishings Consultant rather than a typical salesperson in fostering a welcoming environment for her guests and customers.
Holly White's approach to her role revolves around positive influences, such as her colleague Rebekah, who inspires her with energy and meticulousness, and the practice of coaching her team towards constant improvement. Their discussion delves into various company events and their significance in bolstering company culture, including Holly's personal word of the year for 2024 of "gratitude." Holly also emphasizes her focus on purpose and her why, specifically, providing for her family, and discusses her specific goals for 2024 around saving money, improving her sales, and personal growth.
The episode touches on the factors that set Broad River Retail apart, such as bonus structures and incentives, while highlighting Holly's philosophy on sales - treating guests with passion and care, akin to family, and never giving up on making connections, regardless of the pace of sales. Her successful independence and the pursuit of ongoing growth and learning, accompanied by her supportive team and strong leadership qualities, paint a picture of a highly respected and aspirational figure within Broad River Retail.
Listen to part one here: https://youtu.be/Dcp-9kVfqNU
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/eo-1iyoj9uE
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In the first part of a two part series on Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf speaks with Holly White, Broad River Retail's first back-to-back Sales Manager of the Year and 6-time Million Dollar Memory Maker, about her rich history of sales experience that dates back to her childhood. Holly recounts her journey from her first job at a clothing store in the mall as a teenager — where she learned her first sales tip to always smile and compliment her guests — to her current role as a Home Furnishings Expert at Broad River, where she skipped the title of Home Furnishings Professional after writing $1 Million in sales in her first year in 2018, and became a (Sleep) Sales Manager in 2021. Holly (a/k/a "Hollywood") is from Fayetteville, North Carolina, and has worked in our Fayetteville store since September 2017.
Holly’s commitment to her work is evident as she has earned the elite retail performance milestone of "Million Dollar Memory Maker" six times (every full year that she's worked at The River) and is on her way to achieving it for the seventh time in 2024. She has not only made an impact through her sales achievements but also through providing for her family and fostering strong community relationships. She embodies being a Memory Maker and "Furnishing Life's Best Memories" at work and at home. And, she personifies positivity and purpose within all aspects of her life.
Holly recounts the story of what led her to Broad River Retail including taking the leap of faith when she reflected on a quote that someone had previously shared with her: "Risk Reaps Rewards."
Holly also recounts some of her favorite and standout memories at Broad River, including her first day and her first guest, obtaining an exciting $20,000 VIP approval, and the Orange Crush Tour. She shared the impact of attending Purpose 8:28 (a companywide event devoted to a day of purpose on August 28, 2019, in Fort Mill, South Carolina). She recounts when Fayetteville embraced its new identity of the "Special Forces" and how this identity resonates with their guests.
The episode also delves into the significant transitions and challenges Holly has faced in the retail world amidst the pandemic. Opening the Four Oaks store and distribution center just as the pandemic set in, Holly navigated new realities such as selling with a mask, supply chain snags resulting in a backlog of orders, and shifts in customer shopping behaviors. Despite taking a furlough, her essential role and her faith in God drew her back to work, where she developed greater resilience and mental fortitude, learning to focus on aspects within her control and overcoming fear. Holly's ability to adapt while keeping genuine connections with customers and her sales team reaffirms her talents and dedication to her career in the changing landscape of retail sales.
Make sure to come back Thursday for part two of this conversation!
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Dcp-9kVfqNU
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In this final installment of the HeartWorks story on the Stories from the River, host Charlie Maloof and guest Dr. Timothy Nelson discuss the innovative strides being made in the field of cardiac tissue engineering and the courage to imagine massive, transformative long-term solutions leveraging the HeartWorks platform technology.
Dr. Nelson explains that the HeartWorks process of taking your cells to make stem cells that can make any cell type in your body from the starting material that they call IPS cells is a platform technology where any cell type in your body could be manufactured from IPS cells that are made in the lab. Dr. Nelson goes on to explain how the platform technology could be extended to other organ replacement type of therapies.
Focusing on their long-term initiatives, Dr. Nelson talks about the academic labs working to push boundaries with projects like 3D printing hearts, while his own organization, HeartWorks, zeroes in on congenital heart disease. The pride is palpable as Dr. Nelson shares the hope they impart to affected families and the successes of gaining trust from institutions such as the FDA. This confidence allows them to both think long term and to move at the necessary pace to make meaningful progress, as underscored by recent FDA approvals and the permission to proceed with clinical trials.
Dr. Nelson optimistically looks ahead to the next several years, discussing the liberating journey of overcoming hurdles and achieving milestones. His vision encompasses an industry that goes beyond reactive treatment, advocating for a world equipped with predictive algorithms and proactive interventions through newly developed cells and replacement body parts.
Dr. Nelson underlines the potential for expanding the current capacity for heart transplants beyond the limitations of today's system, through his team's pioneering platform technology that leverages stem cells to engineer any cell type in the human body, especially heart muscle cells. He addresses the stark contrast between the small number of heart transplants executed annually and the overwhelming demand from patients in need.
Nelson's ambition doesn't stop at the heart; he envisions regenerating various organs like the liver, kidneys, and lungs, shaping a future where peripheral vascular disease treatment and other organ replacements become a reality.
The episode wraps up with an articulate exposition of the proactive role HeartWorks intends to play, using data donation platforms and an understanding of family history and genetics. This holistic approach not only aims to treat but also to anticipate and prevent health issues, thereby reimagining the landscape of healthcare and patient well-being.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/JNZ_2iQqSf8
Listen to part one of the HeartWorks conversation here: https://youtu.be/vIJAImWjRRw
Listen to part two of the HeartWorks conversation here: https://youtu.be/Ea1C-msQk_k
HeartWorks - https://www.webuildhearts.org
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In this episode of Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf continues his conversation with Dr. Timothy Nelson, Founder and CEO of HeartWorks. They discuss how HeartWorks is focused on using innovative technology to address heart failure, particularly through the development and transplantation of autologous heart tissue. HeartWorks was the first organization in the world to obtain FDA approval to do an autologous heart transfer procedure.
Dr. Nelson explains the complex, 9-month process of manufacturing cells from a patient's own body to create beating heart tissue, which can then be transplanted back into the patient without rejection. He also shares success stories of patients who have benefitted from these groundbreaking procedures, highlighting the transformative outcomes that HeartWorks is aiming to achieve.
The episode also delves into the purpose, vision, and mission of HeartWorks, emphasizing the urgency to treat congenital heart disease (CHD) and its commitment to redefining the possibilities in medical research. HeartWorks builds hearts to cure CHD. They are a clinical stage nonprofit working to make that vision a reality.
Dr. Nelson explains the 5 things that they think about at HeartWorks:
- Motivated by the urgency of congenital heart families. Put the patient first. 2. Motivated by transformative outcomes. A pathway to a cure. To go rebuild the heart to have a transformative outcome. 3. Undeterred by obstacles. No way that this will be a linear path. No way that this will be simple. 4. Synergistic and winnable for hospitals and patients. Inspire, motivate, and align people. 5. Committed to a self-reliant ecosystem. Building a platform where this technology can be applied to anybody with heart failure.
Dr. Nelson introduces the transformative concept of data donation, where individuals with congenital heart disease can contribute their medical records to create a repository that will revolutionize the way medical research is conducted, potentially leading to faster and more targeted product development.
HeartWorks created a new movement around "Data Donation" when they launched a Co-Op at their annual fundraiser event with the goal of getting 50,000 people with CHD to donate their data, which Dr. Nelson explains with accelerate their clinical trials by 4X. As Dr. Nelson explains, no hospital is large enough to take on a challenge such as this on their own; however, HeartWorks as a nonprofit, trusted partner can work across any hospital and bring patients together to create this transformative data repository. Dr. Nelson emphasizes that it is important for patients to realize that they own their medical records, not hospitals, and can donate their medical records data (such as history of surgeries and cardiac imaging).
Charlie and Dr. Nelson discuss the relationship between HeartWorks, Ashley Furniture, and Broad River Retail and the benefits that each organization receives from the relationship transcends monetary value. This conversation underscores the collaborative and transformative nature of HeartWorks' work as well as its reliance on community support and partnerships to drive the organization's mission forward.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Ea1C-msQk_k
Additional Resources:
HeartWorks - https://www.webuildhearts.org
Listen to part one of the HeartWorks conversation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIJAImWjRRw
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vIJAImWjRRw
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In this episode of Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf welcomes guest Dr. Timothy Nelson ("Tim") for part one of their three-part series. Charlie and Tim talk about the inspiring journey of establishing HeartWorks, a non-profit organization aiming to revolutionize the treatment of and cure congenital heart disease (CHD). Dr. Timothy Nelson, the Founder and CEO of HeartWorks, details the collaborative network created with eleven pediatric hospitals to combat the rarity and complexity of CHD. This network operates on a groundbreaking hybrid model that mixes non-profit philanthropy with for-profit commercial ventures for financial sustainability.
With a focus on a "Team of Teams" approach encompassing basic researchers, manufacturing, clinical trials, and marketing teams, HeartWorks embraces internal tension as a catalyst for innovative solutions. Tim stresses the importance of keeping the true purpose — curing CHD and enriching the lives of affected children and adults — at the heart of the organization's mission and vision.
The conversation further explores Tim's personal connection to the cause, rooted in his upbringing in Wisconsin, and a transformative experience following a successful heart surgery that led him to a career in stem cell research and cardiology.
After securing a National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant for this groundbreaking technology that converts a patient's skin cells into functioning heart tissue, Tim envisions broad applications, including treating patients with congenital heart defects.
This ultimately led to discussions with the Wanek family and the Mayo Clinic. Dr. Nelson also highlights the Wanek family's role as major benefactors of the hypoplastic left heart syndrome program at Mayo Clinic through the Todd and Karen Wanek Family Program for Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. Tim discusses the purpose behind the creation of ReGen Theranostics, a for-profit company started in 2010 aimed at commercializing and manufacturing this game-changing technology.
With ReGen becoming the world's largest stem cell repository and laying the foundation for HeartWorks, Tim's story and the HeartWorks story is a testament to the power of vision, collaboration, and persistent dedication.
Tim shares his personal background including his early influence and mentorship from his grandfather Noble Kleven, the former sheriff of Trempeauleau County. And he discusses the benefits of working closely with his best friend and older brother Matt Nelson, who serves as the President and oversees operations for HeartWorks and ReGen Theranostics.
Come back for the second part of this conversation on Tuesday!
Additional Resources:
HeartWorks - www.webuildhearts.org
ReGen Theranostics, Inc. - https://regentheranostics.com
Shinya Yamanaka - https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2012/10/104393/shinya-yamanaka-wins-2012-nobel-prize-medicine
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vIJAImWjRRw
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In today's episode, Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf welcomes the esteemed April Whitener; the 2023 Memory Maker of the Year! April reflects on her personal life, from growing up in Indian Land, South Carolina, balancing work and studies at Belmont Abbey College, to her love for accounting and volunteering at her children's school. She speaks candidly about the cultural shift towards remote work during the pandemic, her positive transition to Broad River Retail, and her preferences for hybrid work for better work-life balance.
She shares insights into the projects and challenges she has managed throughout the year, including the implementation of an automated invoice review system using Robotic Process Automation (RPA) with UiPath and a customized bot that they have named "Rosie" to help with reviewing large amounts of invoices and the transition to a new corporate card platform that enhanced the process for employee reimbursements.
April discusses her journey from starting as an AP specialist to becoming a supervisor, overseeing her effective “dream team” through a smooth remote work environment. She attributes her successes to her work ethic, support from her team and company, and her weekly planning habits.
The company culture at Broad River, recognized for its supportive environment in stark contrast to the usual numbers-driven corporate world, is also highlighted. Emphasizing annual themes like "Connect" for 2024, April praises the company for fostering a space where Memory Makers feel valued and motivated.
Enjoy this special episode with the 2023 Memory Maker of the Year, April Whitener, and learn why her fellow Memory Makers describe her as kind, gracious, smart, tenacious, and urgent, as well as someone who completes her work with ease, grace, speed, confidence, grit, and determination.
Additional Resources:
Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Provider UiPath - https://www.uipath.com
Wells Fargo Expense Manager - https://www.wellsfargo.com/com/treasury-management/payables/commercial-card/wellsone-expense-manager/
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FQunAP_CR6s
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In part two of this series of Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf continues his conversation with Chris Wright, Regional Manager of the West Region and the 2023 Multi-Unit Leader of the Year for Broad River Retail. Chris delves into a wide spectrum of various topics, including leadership, challenges, mentorship, fatherhood, unsung heroes, best advice he's ever received, favorite interview questions, company culture, best habits, and critical qualities that lead to success in retail sales and management.
Chris credits his own mentors for his development and calls for continuous learning and initiative in his field, highlighting the importance of balancing professional growth with family life. Touching upon his legacy, he aspires to be remembered as genuine, determined, and inspirational. Advice that Chris would give to a new salesperson is to be like a goldfish, which underscores the importance of having a short memory and moving past failures. Closing sales and leading retail teams with empathy, personal engagement, and a deep understanding of the business are among the crucial traits he attributes to his success.
Chris also explores the notion of mental and physical positioning. And he shares how he leads his team through personal and authentic connections. Chris opines on the culture of Broad River Retail and why he believes it is the best place to work. He cites the recognition breadth and depth and the genuine care about its Memory Makers as factors that leads to his belief. He also explains how clarity breaks have served him well.
Chris opens up about his goals for 2024 and for the future, including planting some roots for his family and trying to create a dynasty in the West Region.
Peers and colleagues praise Chris for his exceptional transformation of the West region, noting his humor, dedication, and strong family values.
Enjoy part two of this episode with The Sheriff Chris Wright and you'll learn why he's earned the tagline, More Wright More Often.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/S9cutbZjz_c
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In this episode of Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf welcomes Chris Wright, Regional Manager of the West Region and the 2023 Multi-Unit Leader of the Year for Broad River Retail, for part one of this two-part series. Chris discusses his journey, including his decision to move to North Carolina with his wife Ashley to join Broad River. He reflects on his time since joining the company in May 2019, revealing his trajectory from working as a General Manager in Mooresville to becoming the Regional Manager of the Year in 2023. Chris passionately recounts the strategies and personal and professional growth he has fostered within his team amidst the dynamic changes the pandemic brought. These shifts included the opening and relocation of stores and a new distribution center in Spartanburg, an incident of cyber attack, and adapting to remote communication methods.
Chris Wright shares his pride in the achievements of his team, noting measurable successes with specific key performance indicators and recalling the rigorous focus on customer experience metrics, such as the "comfort test" and "draw the room." Moreover, he highlights the significance of the annual themes at Broad River, and the commitment to the "Connect" theme, connecting it to the previous year's theme "Elevate." Echoing the culture of celebration at Broad River Retail, Chris recalls heartwarming memories from gatherings like the gala where he was awarded the 2023 Regional Manager of the year, and how it took him by surprise. Come back for part two of the conversation with Chris!
Additional Resources:
Matthew McConaughey's Art of Livin' Event - The Highway to More Immersive Workshop "Roadtrip" - https://artoflivinevent.com/roadtrip
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Rl8uFY4rtWo
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In this Stories from the River episode, guest and 2023 GM of the Year Mitch Dixon flips the script, becomes the interviewer and asks host Charlie Malouf the questions about being a CEO and an entrepreneur.
Mitch seeks advice on the intangibles required to be a successful CEO, to which Charlie reflects on his own transition from COO to CEO. He shares insights on the importance of visualizing success, addressing blind spots, and maintaining strong financial discipline. The conversation also touches upon the highs and lows of Charlie's time at Broad River Retail so far, highlighting pivotal moments such as the management buyout and navigating through challenging periods.
Additional Resources, Books, and Videos:
Mitch's merchandising company Blck Heavn. - https://www.blckheavn.com/
Book Recommendations:
"The Road Less Stupid: Advice from the Chairman of the Board" by Keith J. Cunningham - https://www.amazon.com/Road-Less-Stupid-Keith-Cunningham/dp/0984659269
"BE 2.0 (Beyond Entrepreneurship 2.0): Turning Your Business into an Enduring Great Company" by Jim Collins and Bill Lazier - https://www.amazon.com/BE-2-0-Beyond-Entrepreneurship-Business/dp/0399564233
Broad River Videos from the archives:
Inky Johnson Speaks to Broad River Retail (August 30, 2018) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNAGlW6uObg
Inky Johnson Q & A - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErO1LDM3zU0
Broad River Retail No Limit November Pep Rally (October 25, 2017) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kp2wXwJBXuI
Broad River's 1st Annual Semi-Annual Awards Celebration - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1X9dApx0Aec
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/w5mwq_FdJ8E
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In the second part of this conversation from Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf welcomes back the 2023 GM of the Year Mitch Dixon to delve into a candid discussion about life, leadership, and personal development. Mitch shares insight into the multifaceted challenges of fatherhood and the concept of perseverance, attributing much of his resilience to the influence of his late father and wife—both of whom he regards as unsung heroes. He derives inspiration from public figures such as Kobe Bryant and Nipsey Hussle, reflecting their philosophy of focusing on what's within one's control. Mitch talks about the nuances of sales, likening it to the art of forming strong initial connections, akin to dating. Mitch praises the culture within Broad River, citing the immense recognition; the family atmosphere; the bonus and overall compensation programs; the leadership development; and the fact that he's sitting down with the CEO recording a podcast. He surprises listeners with personal anecdotes, revealing himself as a tender family man with disciplined habits, including gym routines, always being on time, and using commutes for self-improvement through meditation and podcasts.
Providing a glimpse into his motivations for leadership, Mitch underscores the importance of daily actions that positively influence others' lives. He also shares that he believes his ability to be immersed with his team on the sales floor and leverage his talent for spatial awareness propel him to excel in leadership on the sales floor. When offering advice to new hires, he suggests for them not to fear the hurt from rejection and the pain from not succeeding at first, because going through the pain and the struggle is part of the process of learning how to grow and achieve success. He shares his favorite interview question that he uses to help him gain an understanding of what motivates the candidate.
He expresses a desire for his legacy to be encapsulated by the words "father," "husband," and "perseverance," and stresses the role of teaching emotional intelligence and discipline to his child. The episode reveals how Mitch's aversion to losing propels him to push for continual improvement, with his 2024 goals set on winning prestigious awards and seeking promotion outside his current store.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6KX7vraLmME
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In the first part of this conversation on Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf welcomes the celebrated Mitch Dixon, the 2023 General Manager of the Year at Broad River Retail, to unpack the secrets behind his remarkable success at the Gastonia store. Mitch, whose career trajectory took him from a cashier at Sears to a luminary in the retail industry, shares his personal journey and professional insights. With a history marked by mobility and basketball during his younger years, Mitch channeled his experiences into a steadfast commitment to his work and his team. His tenure at Gastonia is characterized by a relentless mindset that not only weathered significant challenges, like a cyber incident and the pandemic, but also transformed the store identity from "Grinders" to "Game Changers," fostering collaboration and engagement that drove the store to unprecedented heights in sales, KPIs, and employee morale.
Mitch's philosophy hinges on the power of personal connection and motivation, which underpins his team's success even in the face of challenges like COVID and a cyber incident the company faced. He credits his team for the achievements and emphasizes the crucial role of a supportive home foundation. The episode delves into Mitch's family life, his appreciation for his wife's backing, his standout memories from last year; and his leadership development through participating in the Retail Performance Council. He reflects on the rewarding moments at the recent Annual Awards Gala and his pride in not only earning the GM of the Year award in 2023 but also of getting the store promoted to Gold and hitting budget by the end of the year.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OHvKDtoByFc
We hope you enjoy this episode and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Welcome to Part Two of this conversation with Will Luke (Senior Director, Retail Operations & Project Management) and Kellie Jones (Manager, Retail Operations), aptly named "Elevated Innovation in Retail Operations." In this episode, Will and Kellie recount several major project wins that they achieved along with their team in 2023. All major project wins that resulted in improved guest experience, more efficiencies, and significant cost savings.
These major, ELEVATED project wins included the following:
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Google Reviews: Over 14,000 customer reviews were obtained in 2023 with an average score of 4.74 across all of those reviews
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Inventory Accuracy Results: Resulting in counting over $50,000,000 of retail inventory and reducing inventory shrink across 31 stores to an all-time low of $51,000. $51,000 Inventory Shrink is an incredibly impressive result across all 31 retail locations and represents a 300% reduction from 2022's also impressive total retail inventory shrink of $154,000.
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Retail Inventory Process Improvement led by the CIA (Chief Inventory Analysts): This involved an overhaul of the annual inventory program from an outside 3rd party service to a much more efficient in-house program that resulted in faster counts, more accurate counts, more cost effective counts, and better resolution on root cause analyses.
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Project Checkmate: Resulting in a conversion from a legacy check provider to a new check verification process with a new vendor, UTA (https://www.UnitedTranzactions.com)
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Project Redeem: Led by Kellen Holmes of the Riverwatch Team (the Coast Guard of Broad River), this project involved a brand new virtual gift card program that leveraged existing functionality within our ERP system, STORIS (https://www.storis.com) to create a more efficient process that is better for the guest, better for the store, and better for the company financials.
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Scan Guns: by partnering with IT, we moved away from paper to an electronic and more efficient means for receiving product in our system.
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Project Papercut: this project included an innovative approach to business cards with the implementation of a digital business card program in partnership with Mobilo (https://www.mobilocard.com) that is a more sustainable, more cost effective, and more visually stimulating approach to connecting with our guests by unlocking new digital capabilities. >> check out Will's business card: https://link.mobilocard.com/social_profile/rjQO1Svb9zPJUSJ4JAvUFEJkY6b2?cardCode=YLAOoYyg6ofn
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Project DocuSign: this ID verification and electronic signature project has made phone orders much more convenient for our guests to save them time, provider a layer of efficiency, particularly on higher volume sales. http://www/DocuSign.com
And, in looking ahead to 2024, to keep the momentum going, Kellie and Will shared their ideas for an innovation encore with initiatives including:
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Raising the bar for Google Reviews (https://business.google.com/reviews)
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Changing the REM role with the launch of the Versatile Credit (https://www.versatilecredit.com) program that will also incorporate DocuWare (https://start.docuware.com)
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Project Dredge: a complex, large scale, enterprisewide project that will focus on improving the overall health of our inventory across our stores and our distribution centers by reducing our despised inventory and leveraging the 'faucet' and the 'drain'.
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Order Accuracy Program: ensuring that a new customer is setup for success on delivery for their new order.
This is an information-rich episode that covers the broad spectrum of innovation in Retail Operations.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WWzZB7lOD2k
We hope you enjoy this episode and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Welcome to Part One of this new two-part series, "Elevating Culture & Performance with the Wizards," from Stories from the River. Host Charlie Malouf welcomes back to the podcast two return guests, Will Luke, Senior Director of Retail Operations and Project Management, and Kellie Jones, Manager of Retail Operations. They delve into the team's dynamic spirit, spotlighting the unique Gandalf award program that motivates peak performance amongst the Wizards across several key performance indicators. They discuss why having competitions and awards help the overall culture of the teams and motivate Memory Makers. And they highlight their collaborative team chat, which has turned into a positive way for everyone to share knowledge, build camaraderie and maintain connections.
The episode highlights intentional investments in team culture, including an in-person Retail Operations Rx gathering of the entire team— the first since before the COVID-19 pandemic. This memorable milestone gathering at their main campus in Fort Mill, South Carolina, aimed to enhance personal and professional development and readiness for future roles. Included in the training was a discussion on Principles vs Preference; Influence Training; and boundary training. They also talk about the department's impressive low turnover, employee retention rate, and advancement into other roles within the Company, attributing it to active engagement and involvement amongst and within the team.
Come back next week for Part Two of this conversation to learn more about Elevating Culture & Performance with the Wizards.
Episode Resources:
"The Science of Stuck" book by Britt Frank (for insights on boundary training): https://www.amazon.com/Science-Stuck-Britt-Frank/dp/1472293908
How great leaders inspire action (TED Talk by Simon Sinek): https://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspire_action
Connect with Andrew Bartlett (Senior REM, Raleigh Reign) on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-bartlett-2107aa62/
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Icjgje-h6xY
We hope you enjoy this episode and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In this exciting episode of Stories From the River (that was recorded on Friday, February 2nd, following a companywide Annual Kickoff Town Hall), host Charlie Malouf and Chief Operating Officer Manny Rodrigues announce the much anticipated Word of the Year at Broad RIver Retail!
The 2024 Word of the Year is - CONNECT
The episode takes the audience through a retrospective look at Broad River Retail's previous words of the year beginning in 2015 and unpacks how each word represented pivotal moments and intentions for the company, such as the word "Impact" in 2017, then "Premier" in 2018 following the launch of their Vision Statement, and "Purpose" in 2019 on the heels of the introduction of their Purpose Statement. Their Year of Purpose in 2019 was also part of the "Be it. Do it. Say it." framework that they gleaned from Joey Reiman's book, "The Story of Purpose," and they put that word into action through their Purpose Activation Committee (the PAC).
Then Charlie and Manny discuss the opening of a second distribution center which underpinned the choice of "United" in 2020, a word of the year that proved to be prophetic and resonated profoundly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They discussed how the Company continued the legacy of United in 2021 with two words of the year, Forward Together. And then how the Company not just survived but thrived during the pandemic, and how that led to the word being Thrive for 2022.
They share insights into the process and collaboration that goes into a Word of the Year selection and how important it is to try to capture the zeitgeist of the country and the Company. For 2024, they shared the sentiments around artificial intelligence (AI); the surgeon general's latest warning on the epidemic of loneliness and isolation in the United States; the divisiveness that can occur in the country during an election year; and the Company's sales process. After synthesizing all of these sentiments, including the Company's upcoming goals and plans for 2024, and after much debate and discussion amongst the leadership team, they landed on a word that is softer, more human, and a word that captures the spirit of what they think the Company and the country need right now. More Connection.
Additional Resources:
Joey Reiman discusses The Story of Purpose at Broad River Retail (August 2018): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmABICtQLsk
2021 Word of the Year article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/2021-word-year-charlie-malouf/
Kip Tindell: How He Created An Employee-First Culture At The Container Store (Forbes article): https://www.forbes.com/sites/danschawbel/2014/10/07/kip-tindell-how-he-created-an-employee-first-culture-at-the-container-store/
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wiUvahEEqeg
We hope you enjoy this episode and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In this episode of Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf sits down with return guests Vice President Wes Dudley and Director Anita Harris from Broad River Retail's Customer Experience team to discuss their impressive achievements in contact center metrics in 2023.
They walk through each of the CX department's top Key Performance Indicators by defining the metric, explaining why it matters, benchmarking what the goals are compared to best-in-class in the retail industry, and then unpacking how they performed for each one in 2023. They reviewed all of the Contact Center's as well as the Service Department's top metrics.
The top eight Contact Center metrics are Avg. Speed of Answer (ASA), Abandon Rate, Customer Effort Score (New), Service Level, Hold Time, Handle Time, After Call Work, and Planned Returns. The Contact Center exceeded their goals for six of their top eight KPIs (achieving best-in-industry performance in some of them like a 3.50% Abandon Rate) and barely missed hitting their goal in the other two (Service Level and Handle Time).
The top three Service Tech metrics are Completion Rate, Closed Service Orders, and CSAT (Customer Satisfaction). They hit home runs for each of the three Service department's metrics for the full year. The CX department was a finalist for Contact Center of the Year amongst other large company's contact centers in Retail, and the goal this year is to not just be a finalist but to win it all.
After celebrating the wins and reviewing all of the metrics from a successful 2023, the 2nd half of this conversation focused on how they have built culture in CX with a fully remote team. This included a discussion of Quarterly Listening Sessions, Customer Journey Mapping, Personalized Elevate Plans for CX Leaders, Whiteboarding Sessions, CX celebratory parties, teaching business acumen, bonus programs, keeping the team energized, and a record low turnover of 42% within the CX department. They also discussed an exciting initiative within CX this year that includes tackling the CX Tech Stack and a humanized approach to AI.
This conversation runs the gamut (or, in CX parlance, covers all of the bases) and provides insights into how CX elevated in 2023 along with plans to build on their success and keep it going in 2024. The Customer Experience department truly helped the Company elevate and contributed to the River's collective success in 2023.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CRKG7VbJ16o
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In today's episode, host Charlie Malouf is joined by return guests Tim Clouse, VP of Operations, and James Ouellette, Associate Director of Operational Excellence, to discuss strides in inventory integrity and accuracy within their distribution centers. The episode delves into the company's transformation of its inventory tracking system, which was refined and tested rigorously, culminating in improved efficiencies and a rebrand from "inventory integrity" to "inventory profitability." The comprehensive system now utilizes collaboratively designed in-house tools like a master cycle counting scorecard that provides full transparency, quality, and tracking which elevates the integrity of the cycle counting program and an automated disposition algorithm that incorporates years of experience and thousands of data points and removes the emotional bias from decision-making in determining whether inventory should go to the shop or back into inventory.
Along with Cost Avoidance and Process Compliance, Inventory Integrity is one of the main pillars in Operations. In fact, Inventory Integrity is the #1 pillar, and as Tim describes, they want to take ownership of every piece that comes in to a distribution center with the expectation that it will be sold (delivered) at full retail value. As Tim explains, if a piece is not sold at retail value, then we have realized losses along with erosion of customer experience, broken promises, and increased costs. They discuss the mindset of thinking of inventory like cash and protecting it like a bank by keeping it safe and in mint condition with Fort Knox security.
The phrase "inventory profitability" was a rebrand of "inventory integrity" that was born from the ideation of the Operations Think Tank, the Epic Team, which is a cadre of high-level Operations Memory Makers who take time to think about what's next. The phrase Inventory Profitability originated around November 2022 and combined with some real world scenarios to help the messaging stick, this new paradigm allowed the leadership and management in Operations to help their Memory Makers understand inventory integrity at a different, elevated level.
Because of this new paradigm in Operations, two out of three main distributions centers were each able to avoid a year-end, full physical inventory by maintaining a remarkable 99.90% accuracy. Tim describes how these results were fostered with the use of daily, weekly, and monthly toll gates that provided necessary checkpoints along the way. Tim also extols the virtues of complete transparency as well as the collaboration and partnership with Therese LaValley and Bill Woodman from the Finance department, and how they bring a different perspective, audit our processes, and help make the program premier.
James and Tim offer advice on the benefits of repetition as well as daily discipline of doing sample counts or cycle counts that distill the work into small, manageable bites each day. They share that inventory integrity will reduce costs and improve margins, which are critical levers to the profitability of a home furnishings retailer.
In this episode, the three underscore the importance of a dedicated team, the role of discipline, and the benefits of collaboration in fostering inventory accuracy, all of which have substantial impacts on the company's financial health and customer satisfaction.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qA6fwZA_DXg
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In the last episode of the Business Operating Systems series, host Charlie Malouf rejoins guests Carl Hillesland and Stacey McCormick as they take a deep dive into the implementation objections, the biggest obstacles, the biggest wins, and the key elements of Mr. Mo.
The discuss the reasons for tracking behaviors down to the individual HFC (Home Furnishings Consultant) level and the break point difference that has been proven with the tracking of 25 specific behaviors and actions that results in a difference of $17,000 in sales per week per HFC. They discussed how it is better to do something FOR people, but even better if you can do it WITH them. Through consistency, through love, through accountability, through modeling and messaging, through P2I (Position To Impact), and through continual training to show them that it works.
In discussing the biggest wins with Mr. Mo, they cite continuous improvement and leadership development.
They unpack the various meeting cadences (weekly, quarterly, and annual) and explain the core elements of each. Over 60% of the weekly meeting time is pegged to solving root issue problems, whereas setting of Rocks is a big component of the quarterly and annual meetings along with strategic planning, vision casting, and team health.
Carl explains that Mr. Mo provides the framework to solving problems as they're surfaced through the IDS (Identify, Discuss, Solve) method. And Carl goes on to describe the tools that they're using to implement Mr. Mo that help them with their weekly measurables and keep their Rocks on track.
In looking ahead in 2024, they discussed getting better at Coaching vs Correcting and at Decentralization (individualized Empowerment).
Stacey discusses the ability to achieve accountability with urgency without creating stress and anxiety. He discusses the power of redundancy that comes from the benefits of refining a system where we know what we're doing and are working to improve upon it instead of trying to figure out what to do.
The episode concludes with discussions on how Mr. Mo plays well (or integrates well) with other operating systems and how we can deploy an operating system at the Company level focused on leadership training, the great game of business, our Memory Makers, and pursuing our collective purpose of furnishing life's best memories.
Watch the first three episodes of the series here: www.youtube.com/@StoriesFromTheRiver
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kYp1WDneO7E
We hope you enjoy this episode and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In this episode of Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf announces the exciting expansion of Broad River Retail into a brand-new market in Aiken, South Carolina (which is part of the greater Augusta-Aiken DMA), with a 7.0 Ashley Store!
Focusing on strategic growth, the company is set to open a 25,230 square foot store in the Aiken Exchange shopping center, adjacent to a Target store. Charlie shares the company's deliberate approach to expansion, highlighting the success of the former Augusta's store relocation and emphasizing the long-term view taken when entering new markets. The construction is slated to begin immediately, with a target opening date in early May 2024, and a grand opening potentially around Memorial Day 2024.
Here's the announcement from Furniture Today: https://www.furnituretoday.com/furniture-retailer/broad-river-found-a-way-to-strengthen-ties-in-greater-augusta-market/
Our announcement on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/broad-river-retail_broad-river-retail-proudly-announces-the-activity-7155927079711068160-G_QQ
Here's the previous announcement last month on Broad River's other 2024 new store alert with its expansion into Rock Hill, South Carolina (part of the greater Charlotte market): https://www.furnituretoday.com/furniture-retailing/river-rising-ashley-licensee-ups-store-count-in-charlotte-metro/
And, here's the podcast episode on the Rock Hill New Store Alert: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HgVlHjPKhY
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kozmYdnlWc8
We hope you enjoy this episode and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
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In the third episode of the Business Operating Systems series, host Charlie Malouf welcomes back Stacey McCormick and Carl Hillesland to discuss the transformative impact of Mr. Mo, the Retail Performance team's business operating system. Introduced in late October 2021, Mr. Mo powered the Retail Performance team to achieve record results in 2022 by instilling an increased cadence of accountability and increasing trust.
In this episode, Stacey and Carl walk through their approach to implementating Mr. Mo; recount the roles each of them played; discuss their healthy and vigorous debates; and review the key milestones that they achieved along the way. They discuss the impact of measuring three main behaviors (Using 3X Tool, Draw the Room, and conducting a quality Comfort Test) to drive exponential results.
And they discuss how Mr. Mo led to several iterations and improvements of their most critical sales processes. For instance, they have had seven different iterations of the 3X tool, and v8 is in the process of launching now. They have retooled the Comfort Test process twice since launching Mr. Mo. And, they have introduced multiple additions and enhancements to the C4 sales process, such as the Purposeful Reapproach.
The episode delves into how the indoctrination of Mr. Mo led to notable uplifts across the board in their Retail KPIs in 2022, including the following: - Highest Sales per Guest (SPG) in a single year that the Company had ever had - Highest Revenue Volume Year - Highest Conversion Rate - Highest Average Ticket (by far!) - Highest Sleep SPG - Highest Secret Sauce (effective net margin) - Highest # of Experts
Stacey describes how the impact of Mr. Mo helped them overcome a challenging economic year for the retail furniture industry in 2023. When many other retailers were struggling or suffering through double digit declines, we experienced a record year in every single measurable KPI that we control and impact, except for one, in 2023. That speaks to the power and impact of Mr. Mo and an established Operating System within a Company or department.
Topics and takeaways in this episode include:
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Visionary - Integrator relationship
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Goal-Setting changes in terms of raising the floor of performance instead of shooting for the moon. Instead of raising the ceiling, raise the floor.
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Burning the Boats
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Offense sells tickets
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Rising tide lifts all boats
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Business Operating System helps you get today done while keeping an eye on the long-term benefit
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Behaviors drive beliefs
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Framework for solving unknown problems when they manifest
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In reference to the October 2023 Cyber Event incident: in times of uncertainty, you need to increase your communication.
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Your leadership either creates confidence or chaos.
Their adaptation of Mr. Mo facilitated leadership development and empowered employees, especially during challenges like a major cyber incident in 2023. The ethos of playing the "infinite game" in business, as per Simon Sinek, and fostering collaboration across departments were key themes explored, demonstrating the long-term success of Mr. Mo at Broad River Retail.
Stacey and Carl discuss some of the books that they have read along with their Senior Retail Leadership Team that have helped shape their framework by introducing tools from EOS such as "rocks" and the rigorous L10 meeting structure, which has elevated the senior retail leadership team's understansing of the concepts within Mr. Mo. And these books have helped them them all get on the same page. These books include the following:
Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman: https://www.amazon.com/Traction-Get-Grip-Your-Business/dp/1936661845/
How To Be A Great Boss by Gino Wickman and René Boer: https://www.amazon.com/How-Great-Boss-Gino-Wickman/dp/1942952848/
The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek: https://www.amazon.com/Infinite-Game-Simon-Sinek/dp/073521350X
Watch Episode Two from this series here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuHenu3l51U
Find the first two episodes on this series here: www.youtube.com/@StoriesFromTheRiver
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ApFNYx_wZJo
We hope you enjoy this episode and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In the second episode of the Business Operating Systems series, host Charlie Malouf continues his conversation with Carl Hillesland and Stacey McCormick. Carl and Stacey reveal the origin story of Mr. Mo ("More Right, More Often"), the Retail Performance team's customized Operating System built on the chassis of EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System). Not only is "MR MO" an acronym for More Right More Often, the "MO" denotes shorthand for "Momentum" as Mr. Mo provides a catalyst for achieving Momentum.
Mr. Mo is not pure EOS as it integrates elements that are specific to the Retail Performance team and to Broad River. Carl and Stacey unpack the ways that Mr. Mo is different from EOS and how they have really tailored Mr. Mo to the culture and purpose within Broad River Retail.
In sharing about previous attempts to launch a business operating system within Broad River Retail, Charlie jokingly shares the name of the Operations Department's acronym for their attempted Operating System from several years ago that they infamously named BROS (Broad River Operating System).
Carl and Stacey discuss their recollections from the launch date of Mr. Mo on October 26, 2021, and the chaos that ensued on that particular day. They examine how the team had to shift from a top-down "download culture" to a more empowering "bottoms up culture." They discuss overcoming resistance to change, building trust, and fostering peer-to-peer accountability.
They discuss the steps taken to go from ideation to the launch of Mr. Mo. Charlie also asks Carl and Stacey to share what they got right with the introduction of Mr. Mo as well as what they got wrong and would have done differently with the benefit of hindsight. The episode reflects on the implementation challenges and successes with a candid acknowledgment of the learning curve and the potential to have accelerated the process. Carl and Stacey share what each of them would have done differently in introducing and launching Mr. Mo to the Retail Performance department.
They also share what advice they would offer to others who are attempting to launch an operating system within their company.
A few takeaways and memorable statements from this episode:
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It's not about perfection; it's about direction.
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Assume positive intent.
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Catch people doing things rights while having them trip over the truth.
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Slow is smooth; smooth is speed.
Watch the first episode of the series ("A Primer on Business Operating Systems") here: https://youtu.be/VRQNLtuOsQY
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yuHenu3l51U
We hope you enjoy this episode and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Welcome to the first episode of our Business Operating Systems series. Today, host Charlie Malouf, alongside guests Carl Hillesland and Stacey McCormick, delve into the world of business operating systems, primarily focusing on the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). Designed for small to mid-sized companies, EOS is lauded for its simplicity and effectiveness in gaining traction by streamlining six fundamental components: vision, people, data, issue resolution, processes, and traction.
Carl, an EOS implementer, shares his journey from multi-unit leadership to embracing EOS to drive high performance in teams, citing his experience at Ashley Furniture to illustrate the necessity of systems for scalable success. The trio considers various operating systems like Rhythm Systems, Pinnacle, and introduces Mr. Mo, a business chassis employed within Broad River Retail. They underscore the need for clear organizational vision, guardrails, and continuous evolution in business to avoid stagnation.
References:
EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System): https://www.eosworldwide.com
"Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business" by Gino Wickman: https://www.amazon.com/Traction-Get-Grip-Your-Business/dp/1936661837
Scaling Up: https://scalingup.com
"Scaling Up: How a Few Companies Make It... and Why the Rest Don't (Rockefeller Habits 2.0 Revised Edition)" by Verne Harnish: https://www.amazon.com/Scaling-Up-Mastering-Rockefeller-Habits/dp/0986019593/
OKRs: https://www.whatmatters.com
"Measure What Matters: How Google, Bono, and the Gates Foundation Rock the World with OKRs" by John Doerr: https://www.amazon.com/Measure-What-Matters-Google-Foundation/dp/0525536221
EMyth: https://www.emyth.com
The Great Game of Business: https://www.greatgame.com
4DX (The 4 Disciplines of Execution): https://www.franklincovey.com/books/4dx-book/
Pinnacle Business Guides: https://pinnaclebusinessguides.com
Rhythm Systems: https://www.rhythmsystems.com
Metronomics: https://www.metronomics.com
Vision Driven Leader: https://visiondrivenleader.com
"The Vision Driven Leader: 10 Questions to Focus Your Efforts, Energize Your Team, and Scale Your Business" by Michael Hyatt: https://www.amazon.com/Vision-Driven-Leader-Questions-Energize-Business/dp/0801075270
"The High-Speed Company: Creating Urgency and Growth in a Nanosecond Culture" by Jason Jennings: https://www.amazon.com/High-Speed-Company-Creating-Urgency-Nanosecond/dp/1591847362
"Nick Saban and the Inner Workings of His Alabama Recruiting Machine" - article published February 3, 2015 by Lars Anderson: https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2350958-nick-saban-and-the-inner-workings-of-his-alabama-recruiting-machine
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VRQNLtuOsQY
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In the final episode of "The Road to Elevate" series, the team at Broad River reflects on their fondest memories and experiences from the year.
Krissy Whitley fondly recalls the quarterly all hands meetings and team outings, emphasizing the joy of watching the team grow and develop. Heather Greenwood speaks passionately about giving back to and recognizing the team, highlighting the impact of the annual gala and the camaraderie built through late-night conversations and travel experiences. Kate Ross reminisces about the hiring event at Fort Mill, where the team bonded through a cookout despite the sweltering heat.
The episode concludes with the team expressing gratitude for the opportunities to connect in person and the growth they have experienced, ending with a heartwarming toast to their memory makers and listeners. The conversation showcases the strong bonds and shared experiences that have shaped their year.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-9JGuHiGbKw
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In the third episode of The Road to Elevate series, the Human Capital Team at Broad River Retail, consisting of Jocelyn Jones, Heather Greenwood, Kate Ross, and Krissy Whitley, reflects on their milestones and experiences throughout the year. They discuss the lessons learned from their 2023 roadmap, highlighting the importance of flexibility, diversification, and meeting people where they are. They candidly share how pivoting and reprioritizing have impacted their plans, emphasizing the value of grace and the need to adapt to changing business needs and team dynamics.
As they prepare for 2024, they express their commitment to continuing their focus on leadership development, compliance training, and technology, acknowledging the ever-evolving nature of their roles and the organization.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mBQeMoSRTTU
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In part two of this four part series, the Road to Elevate, the Human Capital department at Broad River Retail resumes their conversation recapping 2023 and discussing what exactly made their teams elevate in 2023. Today, Jocelyn Jones, Heather Greenwood, Kate Ross, and Krissy Whitley explore the concept of stretching in their professional roles.
Heather begins by explaining what stretching means to her, describing its emotional impact and the powerful sense of growth and achievement. All four agree that stretching their teams has positively impacted their leadership and collaboration with other departments.
They discuss the transformative effects of pushing boundaries and stepping out of comfort zones. For Krissy, this meant learning to push back and challenge ideas, while Kate grew through interactions with her team, stretching and thriving together.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/X70zmcbZhl0
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Jocelyn Jones, the Senior Vice President of Human Capital at Broad River Retail, hosts a discussion with Heather Greenwood, Krissy Whitley, and Kate Ross - Broad River's Leadership of the Human Capital department. In this four part series, titled, The Road to Elevate, they reminisce on the department's accomplishments in 2023.
Heather discusses teamwork and cross-collaboration and what that means to the team overall, how it's helped the organization elevate in 2023, and what can be done going forward. Krissy emphasizes the achievements her team had in loss prevention and team building, and Kate how the interview training program elevated the talent acquisition last year.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/SPVvL4prPBk
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In the 9th and final episode of the World Business Forum NYC series, Charlie, Heather, and Lynn sit down once again to discuss what they've learned from Allyson Felix and her fireside chat. Allyson is the most decorated track & field athlete of all time with 11 Olympic and 20 World Championship medals, and now she is an entrepreneur with a purpose for justice and advocacy for women athletes.
During her fireside chat, Allyson impressed our group with poise, work ethic, and dedication to her goals. Heather thought Allyson was very intentional and recalled how her advocating for maternal protections is especially inspiring. Lynn highlighted Allyson's insight of discovering her purpose and voice as a woman, even if it's shaking.
The conversation also touched upon Allyson's journey as a mother, her transition into creating a performance shoe brand for women with her brother called Saysh, running sneakers designed by and optimized for women. Allyson has now started to define success as impact and she's running for change for women athletes and today fights against inequality and injustices against sponsored women athletes.
Resources:
Allyson's lifestyle brand and performance shoe company optimized for women (Saysh): https://saysh.com
Allyson's TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/allyson_felix_an_olympic_champion_s_mindset_for_overcoming_fear?language=en
"Know Your Place" (blog post): https://saysh.com/blogs/stories/know-your-place
"Three years ago today, everything changed" (blog post): https://saysh.com/blogs/stories/three-years-ago-today-everything-changed
Olympic Athlete Allyson Felix Launches Her Own Shoe Brand (Vogue article - June 23, 2021): https://www.vogue.com/article/allyson-felix-saysh-shoe-brand
WBF NYC Details: https://www.wobi.com/it/wbf-nyc/
WBF NYC 2023 Brochure: https://www.wobi.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/wbfnyc_brochure.pdf
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/z0woxbBQP3Y
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Charlie and Heather riff on the infectious and inspiring presentation from teacher, educator, author, speaker, and urban farmer Stephen Ritz, founder of the Green Bronx Machine, during the World Business Forum in NYC.
They delve into Ritz's journey of personal transformation and his mission to empower students through healthy living and education. Ritz's relentless passion and energy captivated the audience, and his work in the South Bronx has expanded to impact schools nationwide.
Heather reflects on the profound impact of Ritz's message, prompting her to consider her own contributions to making a difference. The episode highlights the tremendous achievements of the Green Bronx machine in rescuing and delivering thousands of pounds of food, along with the positive outcomes on students' health, education, and family lives.
From the Mission of the Green Bronx Machine:
"The Green Bronx Machine builds healthy, equitable, and resilient communities through inspired education, local food systems, and 21st Century workforce development."
They are dedicated to cultivating minds and harvesting hope, and their school-based model uses urban agriculture aligned to key school performance indicators to grow healthy students and healthy schools and to transform communities that are fragmented and marginalized into neighborhoods that are inclusive and thriving.
Resources:
Green Bronx Machine - https://greenbronxmachine.org/
Green Bronx Machine 2022 Impact Report - https://greenbronxmachine.org/2022-impact-report/
Stephen Ritz - https://stephenritz.com/
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/iKfIQGDVDAU
We hope you enjoy this episode and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week. Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Continuing with the recap from World Business Forum in New York, Charlie and Stacey sit down to discuss Peter Diamandis' thought-provoking presentation on exponential Meta-Trends for the next Decade.
They explore the profound impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on various aspects of business and society. Charlie and Stacey discuss Diamandis' compelling arguments about the rapid rise to date and the expected exponential growth of AI, its potential to revolutionize healthcare, and its future implications. They give their own opinions on the topic while reviewing some of the slides from Peter's presentation.
They also discussed the other Meta-Trends presented by Peter, including healthspan and longevity; robotics; abundance of energy; abundance of food; connectedness from sensors; and autonomous transport, while being cautious about the implications and ethical considerations of rapidly evolving technology.
Resources:
Peter H. Diamandis - https://www.diamandis.com/
Peter Diamandis' "Meta-Trends for the Next Decade" WBF Presentation Link: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/dkxtevscoxoa6263ulx4l/Diamandis_WBF_NYC_Metatrends_16Nov-23.pptx?rlkey=7aetewqmik40e1yg9aflqcrm0&dl=0
ChatGPT - https://chat.openai.com/auth/login
Fountain Life - https://fountainlife.com/
"Scary Smart: The Future of Artificial Intelligence and How You Can Save Our World" by Mo Gawdat - https://www.amazon.com/Scary-Smart-Future-Artificial-Intelligence/dp/1529077184/
"Clear Thinking: Turning Ordinary Moments into Extraordinary Results" by Shane Parrish - https://www.amazon.com/Clear-Thinking-Turning-Ordinary-Extraordinary/dp/0593086112
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/asVT_zJIMrM
We hope you enjoy this episode and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week. Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In this episode of the World Business Forum NYC 2023 Series from Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf is joined by COO Manny Rodrigues and Brian Declinick, Sr. Director of Supply Chain at Broad River Retail, examining Marshall Goldsmith's presentation in New York. Goldsmith's talk, brimming with practical advice for daily use, underscores the importance of simplicity, collaboration, and empathy in leadership. The trio explores the challenges faced by successful leaders, emphasizing the perils of over-contributing and distinguishing between being a great leader and a great achiever. Goldsmith's mix of life and business lessons prompts discussions on improvements and the effectiveness of checklists as tools for self-assessment and goal attainment.
The conversation shifts to the practical application of Goldsmith's teachings, highlighting the significance of integrating lessons into daily practices for ongoing self-betterment. Marshall had the audience do an interactive speed coaching exercise where participants had to interact with as many people in the auditorium as possible, one-on-one, within a limited amount of time, and each person had to present a personal challenge to each other, and then coach each other with live feedback and advice. The trio reflected on this peer-based, executive coaching exercise and how it generated feedback and trust through instant vulnerability with strangers. Throughout this conversation, they navigate through Goldsmith's wisdom from his decades of executive coaching and share his actionable strategies for personal and professional growth.
A few of the more memorable messages distilled from Marshall's presentation were:
- Allowing others to fail allows them to learn and grow. - Pick and choose your battles. - Help more, judge less. - For the great achiever; it's all about me. For the great leader, it's all about them. - The leader of the past knew how to tell, whereas the leader of the future will know how to ask. - Ask for feedback from others (including your family): What can I do to be a better ________ (leader, employee, son, daughter, etc.)? - The Checklist Manifesto - Daily Accountability Questions and track them. - Socratic Self-Mastery Reflective Question: Why should I be entrusted to lead someone else if I can't lead myself? - Ask for ideas for the future, not the past, because you cannot change the past. - What advice would a future version of you give yourself today?
References:
"The Earned Life: Lose Regret, Choose Fulfillment" by Marshall Goldsmith - https://marshallgoldsmith.com/book-page-the-earned-life/
"Leadership is a Contact Sport" Full Series - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcKiBRs6kVI 8-Step Leadership Development Model for Success - https://marshallgoldsmith.com/articles/leadership-is-a-contact-sport-an-8-step-leadership-development-model-for-success/ Strategy + Business article by Marshall Goldsmith & Howard Morgan - https://marshallgoldsmith.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/LeaderContactSport.pdf Library of Professional Coaching article by Marshall Goldsmith - https://libraryofprofessionalcoaching.com/leader-2/issue-two-leadership-is-a-contact-sport/
WBF NYC Details: https://www.wobi.com/it/wbf-nyc/
WBF NYC 2023 Brochure: https://www.wobi.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/wbfnyc_brochure.pdf
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ksn6S4TGTCs
We hope you enjoy this episode and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week. Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In this episode of World Business Forum NYC 2023 Series from Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf welcomes Will Luke, Director of Retail Operations and Stacey McCormick, the River's Senior VP of Retail Performance, as they break down their thoughts on Simon Sinek's unique Q&A in New York City. In their conversation, they delve into Simon's ideas on the correlation between rewarding behaviors and initiatives as opposed to rewarding outputs. They examine the idea of a company hackathon to solve big problems within the company with collaboration. Additionally, they discuss how scheduled office meetings can impede spontaneous creativity, and explore the current work-from-home (WFH) culture and why a return to office (RTO) can lead to a necessary and healthy dose of human and social connection. Simon suggests that the WFH culture is causing our epidemic of loneliness and isolation.
They discuss Sinek's book "The Infinite Game" and the long-term, healthy benefits of playing an infinite game in business as opposed to the short-term and limited mindset that leads to a decline of trust, culture, and morale that comes from playing a finite game.
They discuss various viewpoints presented by Sinek and whether or not they fully concur with his ideas. Additionally, they delve into some of his concepts, such as when it is appropriate to terminate someone. The conversation also covers the responsible implementation of AI technology, taking into account both its exciting possibilities and underlying concerns.
In staying true to his optimistic outlook, Simon concludes his time on the stage by stating that his theme for the new year is idealism as he suggested that the possibility for world peace literaly existed within the room that day.
Additional information:
The Optimism Company - https://simonsinek.com
"A Bit of Optimism" podcast - https://simonsinek.com/podcast/
"The Millennial Question" from Simon Sinek - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vudaAYx2IcE
3 Things w/ Simon Sinek | The Purpose of Business - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQaIyTekTmU
https://www.redventures.com/blog/3-things-the-purpose-of-business
Surgeon General Advisory: The Healing Effects of Social Connection - https://www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/priorities/connection/index.html
The Surgeon General's Advisory on Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation (PDF) lays out a framework for a National Strategy to Advance Social Connection - https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf
and one-page summary - https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/sg-social-connection-general.pdf
"Start With Why" by Simon Sinek - https://www.amazon.com/Start-Why-Simon-Sinek/dp/1591844517
"Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek - https://www.amazon.com/Leaders-Eat-Last-Together-Others/dp/1591848016/
"The Infinite Game" by Simon Sinek - https://www.amazon.com/Infinite-Game-Simon-Sinek/dp/073521350X/
"Finite and Infinite Games: A Vision of Life as Play and Possibility" by James P. Carse - https://www.amazon.com/Finite-Infinite-Games-James-Carse/dp/1476731713
"Chief Joy Officer" by Richard Sheridan - https://richardsheridan.com/books/chief-joy-officer
WBF NYC 2023 Event Details: https://www.wobi.com/it/wbf-nyc/
WBF NYC 2023 Event Brochure: https://www.wobi.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/wbfnyc_brochure.pdf
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/49vgPn63wpo
We hope you enjoy this episode and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week. Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Welcome back to another World Business Forum NYC 2023 Series episode from Stories from the River. Host Charlie Malouf leads the conversation with returning guests Heather Greenwood and Brian Deckelnick, Sr. Director of Supply Chain at Broad River Retail, as they unpack the insights from Will Guidara's presentation. Will was the former co-owner and GM of the #1 rated restaurant in the world, Eleven Madison Park in NYC, and he chronicled his restaurant's journey to becoming the best in the world in his book "Unreasonable Hospitality."
Will received a paperweight from his Dad (who was also a restaurateur) when he was a kid that said, "What would you attempt if you knew you couldn't fail?" Will still has that paperweight today and reflects on that question to pursue big goals in his life without the worry of potentially failing preventing him from pursuing them. Another statement from Will's presentation is that adversity is a terrible thing to waste and that adversity can drive our competitiveness and can be channeled for good.
Will stated that he doesn't have the superpower of being a professional athlete or a world-class chef, but that his superpower is hospitality. He said that he wanted to be unreasonable in his pursuit of people.
Will spent a lot of time talking about the pre-meal Daily Huddle and the power of the twice daily repetition from these meetings involving everyone in the restaurant.
In their pursuit of being the best restaurant in the world, Will described their approach to brainstorming with everybody empowered to share. That's how they came up with 120 customer touchpoints and opportunities to make the ordinary extraordinary. Will says that people today are collecting touchpoints like memories. He says that raindrops make oceans. Will says that generosity begets generosity, assymetrically, and that small gestures can yield significant results.
In overcoming obstacles when a customer experience turns negative, Will says that moments of tension are the moments to lean in. He says that bad experiences are the best ones if you can come back from it and that customers will be forgiving based on how you recover. These turnaround experiences can leave the lasting imprint for the customer.
Will says that you can put in systems to be prepared for both fall downs or memorable moments. They hired someone in the position of Dreamweaver to systematize and curate ideas to be able to bring them to life. They used pattern recognition and listening to customers in the restaurant to create one size fits one gestures, because every customer is one of one. This led to the creation of the Hospitality Toolkit, which helped them to be ready for these moments. In their attempt to systematize improv, so to speak, they wanted to make experiences worth collecting. Like Maya Angelou said, "People won't remember what you say, but they'll remember how you made them feel."
Not only did Will want to make his customers feel special, but he also explained how he wanted to inspire his people at Eleven Madison Park and make sure that each of them knew that they mattered and that their ideas had value. Will said that the secret to recruiting and retention was restoring purpose in the work with generosity, graciousness, and hospitality, and helping people understand the nobility in service. Will said that you need to help people understand how their work inspires others.
Will said that business needs more "Awesome" in it, and he's trying to bring back "Awesome." He's trying to create magical worlds in a world that needs more magic.
In the Q & A portion, here were the key takeaways.
On trusting people, Will said that the more responsibility you give someone, the more responsible they become.
On spreading positivity, Will said to have your positive energy impact others and not the other way around, through consistency and repetition.
On customer service, Will says, "No guest left behind."
On mistakes, Will said that with the Peak-end Rule, mistakes present the best opportunity to recover and gain a fan for life, because they will remember how you leave it.
On connecting with guests, Will says the informality must be earned. Earning informality comes from presence, humor, and vulnerability.
On decision making and execution to get things done, Will said that design by committee doesn't work. He said that you can brainstorm by committee, but someone has to be responsible for making the decision and executing.
On interviewing people, Will suggests less structure and more connection where he's trying to answer the question, 'Is this someone I'd want to spend time with?' and 'Is this someone my team would want to spend time with?'
References from this episode:
"Unreasonable Hospitality" by Will Guidara - https://www.unreasonablehospitality.com
Netflix documentary series "7 Days Out" episode featuring Eleven Madison Park restaurant - https://www.netflix.com/de-en/title/80207124
Eleven Madison Park - https://www.elevenmadisonpark.com/
"The Power of Moments" by Chip and Dan Heath - https://heathbrothers.com/the-power-of-moments/
"The Motive" by Pat Lencioni - https://www.amazon.com/Motive-Leaders-Abdicate-Important-Responsibilities/dp/1119600456
"The Invisible Leader" by Zach Mercurio - https://www.zachmercurio.com/books/
FX's original series "The Bear" - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14452776/
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mv_g0FImztc
We hope you enjoy this episode and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week. Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In this episode of "Stories from the River," Charlie shares the exciting news about Broad River Retail's plan to open a new store in Rock Hill, South Carolina! The new 7.0 Ashley store will be located at the Galleria Mall, which is conveniently situated near the interstate. Charlie expresses the company's enthusiasm for entering the thriving and expanding Rock Hill market, which is part of the greater Charlotte area.
By opening a 35,540 square foot Ashley store, Broad River Retail aims to cater to their existing customer base in Rock Hill and provide them with closer access to their products. The proximity to their main campus in Fort Mill, South Carolina, will also make it convenient for product delivery and customer pick-ups. The company plans to put a lot of effort into making the new store aesthetically pleasing and anticipates a soft opening in late summer 2024 with a Grand Opening shortly thereafter.
https://www.furnituretoday.com/furniture-retailer/river-rising-ashley-licensee-ups-store-count-in-charlotte-metro/
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-HgVlHjPKhY
We hope you enjoy this episode and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
World Business Forum NYC 2023 Series from Stories from the River, Charlie welcomes back Stacey McCormick, the River's Senior VP of Retail Performance as they debrief Dr. Marcus Collins' presentation. Dr. Marcus Collins is a professor at the Ross School of Business. He's an expert on the relationship between culture, consumer behavior, and brand identity. His ideas revolve around how brands evolve, how culture influences decision-making, and how branding could become more tribal. Charlie and Stacey explore how attracting individuals who share a company's culture could build a sense of community and lead to loyal customers and employees. They discussed hiring for culture and the significance of understanding the target audience's culture through social media and community engagement. The episode concluded with Charlie and Stacey looking forward to exploring more of Dr. Marcus Collins' work and how it could impact their business.
Dr. Marcus Collins' book For the Culture: The Power Behind What We Buy, What We Do, and Who We Want to Be - https://www.amazon.com/Culture-Power-Behind-What-Want/dp/1541700961/
https://marctothec.com/fortheculture
WBF NYC Details: https://www.wobi.com/it/wbf-nyc/
WBF NYC 2023 Brochure: https://www.wobi.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/wbfnyc_brochure.pdf
"In Good Companies" Podcast by Cadence Bank, Season 4, Episode 4, Nourish Your Culture: Dr. Marcus Collins on the Power of Culture in Business - https://cadencebank.com/insights-and-articles/business/podcast-season-4-episode-4
"In Good Companies" Podcast by Cadence Bank, Season 4, Episode 5, Under the Influence: Learning Marketing Strategy from Pop Culture - https://cadencebank.com/insights-and-articles/business/podcast-season-4-episode-5
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/y5uSZq4c_OU
We hope you enjoy this episode and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week. Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In the second episode of the World Business Forum NYC 2023 Series from Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf is joined by returning guests Lynn Knowles, Director, Merchandising at Broad River Retail and Brian Deckelnick, Sr. Director, Supply Chain at Broad River Retail, to recap the Ginni Rometty fireside chat.
This episode focuses on Ginni Rometty, the former CEO of IBM, who gave the audience a memorable fireside chat. The discussion between Charlie, Lynn, and Brian delves into various key points from Rometty' session, including her emphasis on the importance of resilience, the need to balance reality with hope as a leader, and her views on servant leadership versus being in service of others. Rometty's insights on hiring for skills over credentials and the impact of AI on the workforce are also explored. The episode concludes with reflection on Rometti's impressive leadership qualities and a call to action to check out her new book, demonstrating the lasting impact of her words on the host and guests.
Good Power: Leading Positive Change in Our Lives, Work, and World by Ginni Rometty: https://www.amazon.com/Good-Power-Leading-Positive-Change/dp/1647823226
WBF NYC Details: https://www.wobi.com/it/wbf-nyc/
WBF NYC 2023 Brochure: https://www.wobi.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/wbfnyc_brochure.pdf
Leadership is communication. Referenced book in this episode:
Smart Brevity: The Power of Saying More with Less - https://www.axioshq.com/smart-brevity-book
https://www.axios.com/smart-brevity
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UIGtltV20is
We hope you enjoy this episode and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week. Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Welcome to the first episode of the World Business Forum NYC 2023 Series! In this series, leaders from Broad River Retail will share their experience at the World Business Forum two-day event (November 15-16) held at the Lincoln Center in New York City. They will discuss insights from the various speakers and the lessons they learned from the event. The central theme of this year's World Business Forum NYC was "Purpose."
Event Details: https://www.wobi.com/it/wbf-nyc/
Event Brochure: https://www.wobi.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/wbfnyc_brochure.pdf
In today's episode, Charlie leads the discussion with COO Manny Rodrigues and "Coach" Stacey McCormick, the River's Senior VP of Retail Performance, as they dissect Jim Collins' impactful presentation. Together, they navigate through each of Collins' twelve questions, interpreting their significance and extracting key takeaways personally and professionally applicable. They unravel how these concepts can be integrated into their daily lives by delving into crucial topics such as assembling the right team, harnessing collective decision-making power, igniting and sustaining momentum, discipline, leadership, effective communication, defining core beliefs, and navigating luck.
After exploring the twelve questions, they delve into 'The Map' followed by a discussion of Jim Collins' current research endeavors and what lies ahead for his next book.
The Map (What Makes Great Companies Tick) - https://www.jimcollins.com/concepts.html
The Twelve Questions for Building a Great Company - https://www.jimcollins.com/tools/THE_MAP–Twelve_Questions–Jim_Collins.pdf
Hear more from Jim Collins - https://www.jimcollins.com/media_topics/media.html#*allconcepts
Books by Jim Collins - https://www.jimcollins.com/books.html
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jKu80DvfbGI
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week. Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Heather Greenwood returns as Guest Host for a special episode all about loving the Broad River Memory Makers! In this episode, Heather is joined by Emelyne Henderson, Manager, Memory Maker Experience. Heather and Emelyne will discuss a week that is truly unique to Broad River- Memory Maker Appreciation Week. They will dive into where this week comes from, why it is so important and most importantly- how we celebrate! Tune in to learn more about celebration, recognition and creating a culture where people feel valued every single day.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/T7_-ZVZlnq0
Check out the previous episode of the Makers Helping Memory Makers initiative: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3HZFLpIXQY
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week. Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Heather Greenwood returns as Guest Host for this episode which continues the conversation around Broad River’s Memory Makers Helping Memory Makers initiative. Heather is joined once again by Emelyne Henderson, Manager, Memory Maker Experience. In this episode, you will hear about Operation Tis The Season, our current holiday care campaign. Heather and Emelyne will explore the history of this program, how it supports our Memory Makers, how Memory Makers can participate and how programs like this make an impact and furnish life’s best memories!
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sJ--C7NIyO0
Check out the previous episode of the Makers Helping Memory Makers initiative: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3HZFLpIXQY
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week. Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In this episode, Charlie delves into the power of Performance Groups and their impact on business growth. Exploring strategies like store tours, accountability practices, and structural comparisons, he reveals how embracing these groups can supercharge your business and elevate team performance. Charlie highlights how Performance Groups foster cohesion across departments, creating an environment where transparency and mutual support flourish. It's not just about asking questions and building connections—it's a transformative journey of learning and collaboration. Tune in as Charlie emphasizes the value of active participation and urges listeners to seek out the perfect Performance Group tailored to their business needs.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WtKMT933PEs
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week. Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In this episode, Charlie discusses the concept of 90-Day Organizational Challenges and how they can help bring together different departments within a business towards a common goal and align everyone on the same page. He provides several examples of the challenges that Broad River Retail has implemented over the years, including the very first one he did as a new President and CEO. Charlie also explains the importance of effectively utilizing challenges and avoiding pushing too hard, highlighting how businesses can find what works best for them.
Charlie talks about Broad River's current "40-Day Climb to the Top" challenge and emphasizes how bonuses, rewards, and incentive programs can generate excitement and extra motivation, especially in departments that do not typically have bonus programs. These challenges can provide those extra bonus opportunities to employees for going above and beyond for a short-term duration to chase down a big goal. This can be a chance for the Company to display a spirit of abundance and mutual prosperity with its people, because when the Company wins, we all win together.
Big challenges are an effective way to align people in the short term. He explains that challenges can help generate momentum towards big organizational goals. Charlie stresses the importance of connecting with the "why," providing the right incentives, and promoting mutual prosperity to elevate everyone together. An effective "90-Day" Challenge can help a Company to outpace its moving average or previous baseline and to push past its expectations. That's why the goal at first might scare you, but if you can generate buy-in across all departments, get everyone on the same page rowing in the same direction, and working together to creatively pursue the big goals with extra incentives, then you can demonstrate that sense of collectively winning together.
When done well, big organizational challenges can serve to reset everyone's expectations for the "Art of the Actual" while elevating the Company to a new baseline level of performance.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sBcs-Aiw-Z8
Watch the Half Marathon episode here: https://youtu.be/0RRlHdsrtIA
Listen to the Half Marathon episode here: https://traffic.libsyn.com/e9b7065c-2505-469c-b447-c51c0d8d1e09/113-_Charlie_and_Caitlin_run_a_half_marathon.mp3
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week. Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In this Thanksgiving episode, Charlie discusses the importance of having a Customer Belief System (which he discovered well over 10 years ago from his performance group) and how it can educate what the company believes about its customers and how its people should treat them. A Customer Belief System aligns everyone on the same page about how the company believes each person within the company should act and treat its customers.
Charlie outlines the four customer beliefs that have been ingrained at Broad River for over a decade:
- Every customer is vitally important to us. 2. Every customer deserves passion, attention, and extensive knowledge. 3. We must be proud of each and every customer engagement. 4. Connecting with our customers is the key to building lasting customer relationships.
He emphasizes the significance of these beliefs in supporting the longevity and profitability of the business. Charlie then illustrates how the externally focused Customer Belief System is activated by the Company's internal focus on the Memory Maker Experience. The Memory Maker Experience is connected to the Customer Belief System, because taking care of its Memory Makers (who are armed with the knowledge of what it believes about its customers) will, in turn, result in them taking care of its customers.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cNSepb3DyCU
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week. Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In today's episode, Charlie offers a deep dive into the integral role of core values, not just in establishing a company's culture, but in steering its path toward sustained success. Charlie provides context in explaining how Purpose, Vision, Mission, and Core Values work together and each serve a unique role. Purpose, as the heart of the business, provides the organizational WHY. Vision offers the aspirational GPS coordinates for WHERE (future direction) a company is going or WHO (identity) it wishes to be in the future. Mission then is WHAT a company does and foundationally supports the Vision. Then the Core Values represent the behaviors or guiding principles for HOW a company acts and treats others. Charlie unpacks Broad River's five core values: - Integrity - Personal Excellence - Customer Satisfaction - Collaboration (which was originally Teamwork but then changed to break down silos) - Innovation Core Values provide the guardrails to shape organizational behavior and a company's culture. They are the backdrop for how people treat each other within the organization as well as outside of the organization with customers, vendors, partners, and other organizations. Broad River's Core Values have served as a cornerstone within the Company for several years. They have served the Company well in communicating the guidining principles that are most important to its Memory Makers. However, there are several other potential values that have emerged over the years that the Company has come to adopt, embrace, and be known for. To that end, Charlie discusses what some of these potential new core values could be and suggests that the current leadership team may be reviewing and studying the existing Core Values in 2024 to determine if any edits or additions should be made. Tune in to gain valuable insights and perspectives on how these foundational principles resonate within Broad River Retail's journey.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CYpUK9SVp2E
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week. Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In this podcast episode, Caitlin Walsh joins Charlie as they delve into their recent participation in the Novant Health Marathon Race. Caitlin candidly shares her impromptu decision to take part in the race, unraveling the motivations that fueled her determination to not only participate but also successfully complete the marathon. The duo recounts their individual experiences throughout the race, reflecting on the factors that propelled them forward and the gratification of achieving the goals they had set for themselves.
Caitlin and Charlie draw parallels between the motivations and stages involved in committing to and competing in a half marathon race and the challenges encountered in the realm of business. They highlight the striking similarities between the two and emphasize the potential for leveraging comparable motivations to attain one's business objectives. The sense of accomplishment derived from finishing the race resonates strongly with both Caitlin and Charlie, instilling a sense of pride, and they express their anticipation for more running events in the future!
One of Charlie's favorite pre-race snacks: https://yonbons.com
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0RRlHdsrtIA
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week. Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In the fourth and final episode of The Elevate Summit Series, Charlie interviews Carl Hillesland, Director of Retail Performance at Broad River Retail, and Sean Davis, General Manager for the Salisbury store.
In this conversation, Carl and Charlie discuss the 40 Day Climb to the Top Challenge, which is the biggest payout challenge ever introduced by The River. They mention the high levels of energy and excitement among Memory Makers for this challenge. Additionally, they explain that in addition, The River is continuing its routine challenges alongside the 40-Day Climb to the Top, and how this doubling down will elevate everyone coming into the Moneyball months.
Carl highlights the importance of bringing people together and the resulting alignment that happens when a group of people find momentum toward a common goal. He further emphasizes the significance of the customer experience and the need to connect with guests, educate them about new sleep technologies that have recently launched, and provide them with the best possible service.
During their conversation, Sean mentioned the excitement surrounding the new Salisbury store and how it has impressed the residents, keeping them coming back for more. He also highlighted The Elevate Summit workshops currently being held in the Salisbury store and how they motivate people to finish 2023 on a high note. Sean shared his experience of coming up with the theme word "perpetual" to conclude the year, explaining how it helps in finding inspiration and constantly striving to improve.
The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek - https://www.amazon.com/Infinite-Game-Simon-Sinek/dp/073521350X/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2GX6GM2J20Q04&keywords=the+infinite+game+sim&qid=1699623753&sprefix=%2Caps%2C155&sr=8-2
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_0Kpycac0G0
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week. Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In the third episode of The Elevate Summit Series, Charlie is joined by Heather Greenwood, Director of Memory Maker Experience (MMx) at Broad River Retail, and Aaron LeRoux, Vice President of Sales for Florida & Wisconsin Enterprise Ashley Stores.
Heather and Charlie delve into the magnetic power of uniting people, even those who have never crossed paths in person at The River. Heather highlights how The Sleep Summit consistently injects a burst of energy into the worlds of Memory Makers and Broad River, and now The Elevate Summit is poised to deliver a similar surge just in time for the bustling moneyball month of November. She discusses the benefits of the interaction that comes from bringing the partners of Broad River Retail and the Memory Makers together and the collective elevation that occurs when they collaborate.
Continuing the discussion, Charlie welcomes special guest Aaron LeRoux from Enterprise Ashley Stores, and Aaron shares his (and his team's) experience at The Elevate Summit. Aaron appreciates the central message of prioritizing people in the sessions at The Elevate Summit and how this ethos translates into the day-to-day operations of the Company. He points to the significance of transparency within an organization, stressing that building connections with customers, as well as internal team connections, must be earned. Together, they highlight the importance of earning the right to connect both externally and internally.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rVejy6BOCkM
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week. Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In the second episode of The Elevate Summit Series, Charlie sits down with Stacey McCormick, Senior VP of Retail Performance at Broad River Retail; Laura Bider, Relationship Account Manager at TD Bank, Retail Card Services; and Mike Distefano, VP Strategic Client Solutions at Versatile Credit.
To kick off the episode, Charlie and Stacey discuss the origins of The Elevate Summit, having been born from the successful heritage of the annual Sleep Summit held in early May at The River that ignites the Memorial Day selling season. Stacey explains that The Elevate Summit is not only part Sleep Summit but also part VIP Summit, part Store Tour Summit, part Breakout Summit, and part Sales Process Summit (with the introduction of The Purposeful Reapproach). Stacey also discusses the 40 Day Climb to the Top challenge that will immediately follow The Elevate Summit with an elevated assortment of prizes, contests, and trips available to be earned by the Retail Memory Makers. Based upon the enthusiasm, excitement, and success from this event, Charlie and Stacey predict that The Elevate Summit may become the next annual legacy event at The River.
Laura shares insights on TD Bank's nearly 10-year partnership with Broad River, emphasizing their mutual focus on creating positive experiences for their teams and partners. She supports this by explaining TD Bank's WOW Culture, including her experience as a new employee.
In Charlie's conversation with Mike, they address the rapidly changing tech industry's influence on their industry and Versatile's work to stay user-friendly to customers of all generations. Mike discusses the role of analytics in decision-making and Versatile's commitment to evolving for the benefit of its customers.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mLNfdtkvRdw
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week. Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In today's episode, Charlie welcomes guests from the Elevate Summit in Concord, North Carolina. He is joined by Manny Rodrigues, the Chief Operating Officer at Broad River Retail, and Lisa McLachlan, a Senior Account Manager for Tempur Sealy International.
They discuss the origins of the Elevate Summit, which was created as a product of the successful annual Sleep Summit. They explain how these events have proven to be effective at motivating and empowering Memory Makers. Manny emphasizes the importance of workshops and how they help build momentum by bringing people together to showcase new developments and stores. During his conversation with Lisa, she reveals some of the new products that Tempur Sealy is launching and how partnering with Broad River and attending the Elevate Summit can energize the busiest time of year in the market.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1Rl92d2lulw
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week. Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Charlie and Davin conclude their conversation, and today they are discussing the Purpose Summit, an event that Davin has been organizing since 2019.
They talk about the various locations where the summit has been held in the past. Davin reveals that the upcoming Purpose Summit will be held in Charlotte. He shares the process of selecting the locations, mentioning how they wanted to create a transformative leadership experience by choosing unconventional venues.
Learn more about Davin at https://www.DavinSalvagno.com
The Purpose Summit website: https://www.thepurposesummit.com/
Next Level Nonprofit: Build A Dream Team + Increase Lasting Impact by Dr. Chris Lambert - https://www.amazon.com/Next-Level-Nonprofit-Increase-Lasting-ebook/dp/B0C6YZJN2K
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/s7GJZQ-flYo
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week. Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Charlie and Davin resume their conversation, this time focusing on Davin's upcoming book "The Thief of Purpose" coming in late 2024. Davin outlines six of the twelve thieves of purpose he discusses in the book, revealing the one that ties them together.
He also tells the story of how this book got written, not once, not twice, but three times due to circumstances not necessarily within his control.
Come back next Thursday for the fourth and final part in this Elevate Your Purpose Series, for a conversation about the Purpose Summit.
Learn more about Davin at DavinSalvagno.com
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qUCBp0jEq-M
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week. Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In this short episode, Charlie takes a moment to celebrate the wins from Broad River's recent awards that it has received. Even though Broad River is a 20-year-old Company, it was recently recognized as a Fast 50 award recipient twice (last Fall by the Charlotte Business Journal as one of the fastest 50 growing companies in the 16-county, greater Charlotte region and earlier this month by the state of South Carolina as one of the 50 fastest growing companies in the state.
By leveraging its four growth strategies, planning for growth through constant budgeting and forecasting, Broad River has grown by 16% compounded annually over the last 13 years (from 2009 - 2022). A 16% Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) has only been achieved because of its growth-minded Memory Makers who have invested in themselves while also executing the plan consistently over the years.
Charlie explains the Broad River's quest is to grow by 20% compounded annually, both on the top line as well as the bottom line. And, this quest keeps them motivated to continue elevating and striving to scale the mountain year after year. But, it's also good to pause to celebrate the wins along the journey.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/m4-iq0cPz_E
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week. Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Charlie Malouf is joined again by Davin Salvagno for an in-depth dissection of Davin's book "Finding Purpose at Work". We find out the story behind the book, what inspired Davin to write it, and how Ken Blanchard offered to write the foreword.
They go through each chapter and the meaning behind it, and Davin tells incredible stories that inspired each of them. This episode is the second part in a four part series of interviews between Charlie and Davin. Come back next Thursday for part three in this Elevate Your Purpose Series, which will be a conversation about Davin's upcoming book.
Finding Purpose at Work by Davin Salvagno - https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Purpose-Work-Davin-Salvagno-ebook/dp/B08LFMSM81/
Learn more about Davin at DavinSalvagno.com
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Qv3TxIPTlPA
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week. Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Charlie discusses a week full of exciting events at the River, and takes the opportunity to reflect on how they came up with the purpose statement "Furnishing Life's Best Memories" and the importance of having clear organizational purpose. He shares the process of studying other companies' purpose statements, getting inspired by a book called "The Story of Purpose," and ultimately presenting the four-word purpose statement to his team.
This episode highlights the significance of purpose in a business and how Broad River embraced their purpose statement as a guiding principle.
The Story of Purpose by Joey Reiman - https://www.amazon.com/Story-Purpose-Creating-Brighter-Greater/dp/1118443691/ The Invisible Leader: Transform Your Life, Work, and Organization with the Power of Authentic Purpose by Zach Mercurio - https://www.amazon.com/Invisible-Leader-Transform-Organization-Authentic/dp/1599328518/ Finding Purpose at Work by Davin Salvagno - https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Purpose-Work-Davin-Salvagno-ebook/dp/B08LFMSM81/ Your WHY Matters NOW: How Some Achieve More and Others Don't by Justin Peter Jones-Fosu Sr - https://www.amazon.com/Your-WHY-Matters-NOW-Achieve/dp/0983371849/ The Purpose Path: A Guide to Pursuing Your Authentic Life's Work by Dr. Nicholas Pierce - https://www.amazon.com/Purpose-Path-Guide-Pursuing-Authentic/dp/1250182174 Leading from Purpose: Clarity and the Confidence to Act When It Matters Most by Nick Craig - https://www.amazon.com/Leading-Purpose-Clarity-Confidence-Matters/dp/031641624X/ Everybody Matters: The Extraordinary Power of Caring for Your People Like Family by Bob Chapman and Raj Sisodia - https://www.amazon.com/Everybody-Matters-Extraordinary-Caring-People/dp/1591847796
Furnishing life's best memories - launch video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZthccbTxtF8 Purpose Activation Committee (the PAC) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doPbkhlgsJY Justin Jones-Fosu’s closing keynote talk - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uop2jfIhbpM Purpose 8:28 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njaJ-j9QE5s Inky Johnson speaks to Broad River Retail - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNAGlW6uObg 2019 year in review - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbQU24dmaGs Joey Reiman discusses The Story of Purpose with Broad River Retail - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmABICtQLsk 2018 - Broad River Retail Leadership Summit - Joey Reiman Q & A - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUTZORUZl6Q
A Hope to Dream https://www.ahopetodream.com/ St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - https://www.stjude.org/
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/NC767EcwS5s
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week. Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In the first part of the four parth Elevate Your Purpose series, Charlie welcomes Davin Salvagno, his longtime friend and the founder of PurposePoint. Davin shares the journey of how PurposePoint evolved from a consulting company to a conceptual flag that brings together speakers, consultants, and authors under a common vision. He reflects on the transformational power of purpose and its impact on his own life.
Davin recounts the story of the inaugural Purpose Summit, where he gave the opening keynote. He discusses his life in Michigan, his family, and his career journey from Costco to Macy's and eventually to CVS. Davin emphasizes the importance of finding purpose at work and discusses his book, "Finding Purpose at Work," which explores inspiring purpose stories.
The episode also highlights the transformative work of organizations like Life Remodeled, which repurposes and revitalizes Detroit's blighted neighborhoods.
Davin's website: https://www.davinsalvagno.com/
Books mentioned in this episode:
Finding Purpose at Work by Davin Salvagno - https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Purpose-Work-Davin-Salvagno-ebook/dp/B08LFMSM81/ Halftime: Moving from Success to Significance by Bob Buford - https://www.amazon.com/Halftime-Significance-Bob-P-Buford/dp/0310344441/ Anything by Ken Blanchard - https://www.blanchard.com/ The Advantage: Why Organizational Health Trumps Everything Else In Business by Patrick M. Lencioni - https://www.amazon.com/Advantage-Organizational-Health-Everything-Business/dp/0470941529/ Leading from Purpose: Clarity and the Confidence to Act When It Matters Most by Nick Craig - https://www.amazon.com/Leading-Purpose-Clarity-Confidence-Matters/dp/031641624X/ To Be Honest: Lead with the Power of Truth, Justice and Purpose by Ron A. Carucci - https://www.amazon.com/Be-Honest-Power-Justice-Purpose/dp/1398600660/ Helping People Win at Work: A Business Philosophy Called "Don't Mark My Paper, Help Me Get an A" by Ken Blanchard and Garry Ridge - https://www.amazon.com/Helping-People-Win-Work-Philosophy/dp/0137011717/ The Invisible Leader: Transform Your Life, Work, and Organization with the Power of Authentic Purpose by Zach Mercurio - https://www.amazon.com/Invisible-Leader-Transform-Organization-Authentic/dp/1599328518/ Win the Day: 7 Daily Habits to Help You Stress Less & Accomplish More by Mark Batterson - https://www.amazon.com/Win-Day-Habits-Stress-Accomplish/dp/0593192761/
Life Remodeled is a Detroit based organization whose goal is to repurpose vacant properties into one-stop hubs of opportunities for entire families to thrive by filling them with the best and brightest nonprofits. https://liferemodeled.org/
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/q1T2U7Q_xQM
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week. Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Charlie Malouf dives into the history and evolution of the Ashley Outlet concept.
Charlie takes us back to the beginnings of the Ashley Outlet store, which initially started as a clearance center in Matthews, North Carolina. Over the years, they transformed and relocated the store to better serve their customers and meet the changing demands in the market. Charlie shares how they experimented with different assortments of goods, revamped the store's environment, and saw a significant boost in sales.
This success led them to open more Ashley Outlet stores in different markets, each catering to a unique customer base.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QhnNE034lgI
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week. Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Charlie welcomes Keith Jones, another Home Furnishings expert, to discuss achieving success in the retail industry. They emphasize the importance of speed, results, and creating the best memories for guests.
They discuss the unique culture at the River, daily habits, and what Elevate means to Keith.
Keith is praised as a sales expert and leader, known for his caring nature and dedication to helping others. Charlie highlights the importance of a support system, including friends, family, coaches, and mentors. They also discuss the challenges of being an entrepreneur and the motivation provided by jackpot bonuses.
Keith recommends: Outwitting the Devil by Napoleon Hill - https://www.amazon.com/Outwitting-Devil-Official-Publication-Foundation/dp/1640951830
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/z3autMe8m3Y
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week. Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In Story From the River's 100th episode, Charlie breaks down how Broad River Retail changed the way they do schedules and calendars to get into a rhythm for success.
This started with daily disciplines, assiging a theme to each day of the week. Then they aligned the calendars to create 13-week quarter intervals with four and five week long months. Learn what this means for Broad River Retail!
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dAYhfSQizrg
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week. Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Charlie welcomes Dane Thompson, another one of Broad River's Home Furnishing Experts. The two walk down memory lane and we learn some new and fun stories!
In this episode, you will learn how Dane started at the River, what his memory of his first day was when Broad River acquired the two Wilmington stores in December 2021, where he finds his motivation, and what his advice is for people who want to be a part of this business.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/p4Wr_su67lE
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Charlie discusses the concept of store classifications at Broad River Retail.
He explains that in 2015 they classified the stores based on revenue, with bronze representing under $6 million a year, silver representing $6 to $9 million a year, gold representing $9 to $12 million a year, and platinum representing stores with revenue over $12 million. This has since changed, and currently we have copper, bronze, silver, gold, platinum, titanium, diamond, and black diamond, allowing for different staffing levels and store concepts.
Charlie explains that the bonus levels and career paths for employees are different based on the store classification, and these stores can be promoted or demoted based on their performance. Charlie emphasizes the importance of a math-based approach to store classifications and the opportunities for growth within the company.
This episode on YouTube:
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Charlie sits down across from Carolina Reyes, one of Broad River's Home Furnishing Experts. Carolina shares stories from her life, how she came to the United States and worked a variety of jobs until she landed at the River. She talks about why she and her husband (also a Memory Maker!) love being part of the Broad River Family.
Carolina opens up about going through a major medical event back in 2020, while continuing to crush it at work. She shares advice on how to reach the same level of success, and it has to do with staying hungry, consistent, and putting in the work.
Charlie and Carolina touch on the Home Furnishing Expert Soiree they both attended a few weeks ago, and note that it's an event worth working towards.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/659emItgSTA
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Charlie discusses how Broad River Retail shifted from the Human Resources mindset into a Human Capital mindset, enabling the career paths for everyone.
Charlie deep dives into the history of career paths within the sales department, and outlines the potential of that role.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OfTJNmMoHyM
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Charlie is joined by Caitlin Walsh, Executive Assistant at Broad River, and they dive into the exhilarating world of running and the power of human connections during races.
They were both part of Team Memory Maker at this year's Around the Crown 10k, and in this episode they recount their experience with the race, being on the team, and their personal routines on race day.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_vLYC3Qeaf0
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Useful links:
Around the Crown 10K - https://aroundthecrown10k.com/
Team Memory Maker individual race results and photos:
Charlie: https://results.raceroster.com/v2/en-US/results/juvbb7d6zhh47pka/detail/s6y3msrs9v3ezekn
Caitlin: https://results.raceroster.com/v2/en-US/results/juvbb7d6zhh47pka/detail/4w3h95vzuh9ddc9m
Scott Rader: https://results.raceroster.com/v2/en-US/results/juvbb7d6zhh47pka/detail/t3haaxmphqjdfaad
Brian Babbitt: https://results.raceroster.com/v2/en-US/results/juvbb7d6zhh47pka/detail/kz2xkdbpnvhpv649
Custom-Fit Swimming Goggles By THEMAGIC5 - https://themagic5.com/
Caitlin’s Instagram: @caitypotatey_
Brian’s training program ISI Elite Training: https://www.isielitetraining.com/
In this episode, Charlie share's Broad River's four growth strategies. These have been the main drivers for growth at the company over the past several years.
These strategies are:
- Continuously improving and reinventing their current stores. This includes remodeling, investing in the team and leadership, and incorporating technology. They focus on metrics like same store sales, sales per square foot, and sales per guest to measure their success.
- Identifying the white space in their designated market areas and expanding their market share. They open new stores in these areas and also segment their customer base by offering different store concepts, such as two-in-one stores and freestanding outlets.
- Customer segmentation and introducing new concepts within their current markets. They aim to increase their market share and penetration.
- If they successfully execute these three strategies, the fourth strategy of entering new markets through either greenfield expansion or acquisitions becomes viable.
Next, Charlie discusses how to best set up your budget for the following year, when to start, and what to think about in order to be successful.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/u8UWhBiLRio
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Charlie and Manny continue their conversation, this time looking back at the recent Home Furnishings Expert Soirée.
The purpose of the Soirée is to celebrate and recognize Broad River's elite cadre of Home Furnishings Experts and their achievements. Manny emphasizes that it's not just about the experts but also about recognizing and appreciating the partners who contribute to the success of Broad River Retail. In short, it's an annual event where the Memory Makers get to come together, enjoy a world-class meal, and celebrate the best of the best!
The 2nd annual Soirée was much larger than the previous year's with over 170 people in attendance, highlighting the larger number of experts and their plus-ones this year! Get a sneak peek at how they chose the venue, the upscale steakhouse Steak 48, and the elevated menu options, including a caviar bar.
Charlie and Manny really drive home the point that, at the River, it's all about the career path. Every six months a new class of Experts is awarded with this exclusive distinction (either by renewing their status or new Experts earning the promotion). Celebrating the best of the best is important for many reasons, and Soirée serves as a timely end of summer event to celebrate the newest class of Home Furnishings Experts and inspire them to continue to elevate through the 2nd half of the year (especially the peak retail time frame between the top two tent-pole events of Labor Day and Black Friday) and achieve their annual goals.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yoFHtIOA8-g
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
This show is brought to you by Broad River Retail. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
In this episode of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf is once again joined by Manny Rodrigues to discuss the exciting details of their largest store redevelopment project to date.
Located in Salisbury, North Carolina, the team undertook a significant renovation of a former K-Mart building to create an iconic retail space. The goal was to not only to drive excitement but also align with a specific strategy. The 45,000 SF Ashley Store also features an Outlet and an upscale, modern sleep shop (the largest sleep gallery in their network), providing a elevated space for their guests.
Incorporating the latest 7.0 design features from Ashley and Broad River's proven, winning techniques, the store's setup is commended for its bright and inviting atmosphere. The team behind the project receives praise for their efforts in transforming the dark and dated empty shell into a stunning showroom. This episode highlights the collaboration and dedication that went into making this store a reality. You will also learn some of the top-selling 7.0 store design programs as well as the importance of effective lighting in the showroom.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kOmOiIL39uQ
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
This show is brought to you by Broad River Retail. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Charlie joins Kim on this episode, and the two dive into a wide range of topics and updates. As a guest on the show, Charlie gets to answer questions about his summer, his work, goals, and what he has planned for the future.
The two reminisce on the summer podcast series, and Charlie provides updates on the company's performance, growth opportunities, and personal experiences, including their pursuit of continuous learning. Charlie shares personal stories of his summer time with his family, as well as the difficult time he's had with processing grief following his father's passing.
The episode concludes with a preview of the upcoming season, where they plan to conduct in-depth interviews with thought leaders and share their own unique insights. This episode is packed with insightful reflections, inspiring stories, and exciting plans for the future.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FjfFjA8HoAk
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Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
This week, Kim welcomes Lora Stearns, the Advisor of Area Development for the Carolinas at the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
The two look back on the history of St. Jude, its mission to provide free treatment and support to children and their families, and the importance of funding for their groundbreaking research. Lora highlights the various creative outlets available to the children, such as music and art therapy, that help them process their emotions during their cancer journey.
They discuss the incredible efforts of Memory Makers in giving back to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. They share how a card-making initiative was started for Valentine's Day and later extended to Christmas, where handwritten cards are made and sent to the kids at St. Jude. Kim emphasizes that these efforts are intentional and from the heart, and she touches on the Memory Makers' desire to expand the giving back program, and to make St. Jude one of the focal points of how Broad River gets involved.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5mg3nlnvaq0
https://www.stjude.org/
https://www.stjude.org/give/dream-home/charlotte.html
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/712670/wild-ride-by-hayley-arceneaux/
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/714595/wild-ride-adapted-for-young-readers-by-hayley-arceneaux/
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Kim sits down this week with another incredible community partner, Tim Perry, CMG's Director of Sales. They discuss in more detail the WSOC 9 Family Focus initiatives that provide underserved children and families with access to books, coats, school supplies, and local food banks. Kim and Tim talk about the successful partnership with Ashley and quickly determine that it has existed longer than either can remember.
They discuss how the 9 Family Focus program creates positive memories and addresses community needs, and how you can get involved with volunteering.
WSOC 9 Family Focus website: https://www.wsoctv.com/community/family-focus/
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jq97o71br0A
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In this week's episode Kim speaks to a very special guest, Lauren Evans, Executive Director at Beds for Kids, a nonprofit organization that provides beds and essential furniture to children and families in need.
They discuss the partnership between Beds for Kids and Broad River Retail, how they began working together, as part of Ashley's charitable program called Hope to Dream.
Kim and Lauren emphasize the importance of volunteers, who are essential for the organization's success and Lauren shares a heartwarming story of a delivery where a young boy received his first bed. Lauren also discusses the plans to expand their efforts to reach more families in need throughout North Carolina.
Hope to Dream - https://www.ahopetodream.com/
Beds For Kids - https://bedsforkids.org/
How to Help - https://bedsforkids.org/how-to-help/
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Z0BkYD4htBs
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
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In this week's episode Kim Harkness, Broad River's Senior Director of Marketing, Communications, & Community Outreach welcomes Chris Berrier, Charlotte Area Manager, and theys hare their experiences and perspectives on Broad River's community outreach programs.
They discuss initiatives such as Operation Sandwich, which aims to provide food for people in need, in the Charlotte Area.
Kim and Chris emphasize the passion their employees have for giving back and the importance of creating memories for both customers and the community. The company also participates in various other initiatives, such as providing beds for kids in need and helping employees with school supplies and Christmas gifts.
Chris higlights the challenges and rewards of these programs, including the physical demands of moving beds and the fulfillment of making a positive change.
A Roof Above - https://www.roofabove.org
Kathy Izard - https://www.kathyizard.com/
Book: The Hundred Story Home - https://www.kathyizard.com/hundred-story-home
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/bgzAoT-VsyQ
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
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Heather Greenwood takes over as guest host for this episode about Broad River's internal community programs within her Memory Maker Experience department. Her guests today are Emelyne Henderson, Broad River's Senior Memory Maker Experience Specialist and Jessi Hatley, Broad River's Front Desk Administrator.
They discuss the Memory Makers Helping Memory Makers Initiative, its importance and history and segue into the Operation Magic School Bus, a program designed to help Memory Makers tackle the Back to School time of year.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/E3HZFLpIXQY
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Manny is joined by Kim Harkness to recap the fantastic insights shared from Founders Scholarship Winners. The two preview Part Two of the Summer Series, focused on Broad River's Community Outreach Program.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Lhq1gOpSuhg
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Laura Spencer, Broad River's Virtual Home Furnishings Associate and a winner of the Founders Scholarship Fund, joins Manny to talk about some of her life stories.
They discuss the obstacles that people can face going back to school after taking a very long break, and how overcoming the obstacles is definitely worth it. Laura shares her favorite study tips, her study snacks of choice, and her favorite sauce - the Num Num Sauce https://numnumsauce.com
We hear some spectacular stories about passion, enthusiasm, mentorship, and sticking with your long term plans.
Laura is pursuing a degree in Business Adminstration with a focus on Entrepreneurship from American InterContinental University.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/SLkJkHOkjLI
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Joey Leimkuhler just finished high school and is set to start university at the The University of North Carolina at Charlotte next fall. After winning the Founders Fund Scholarship at Broad River Retail, where his mom, Janet Leimkuhler, serves as the Director of Visual Impact, he feels even better about his upcoming university time.
Joey is passionate about history, sports, and his faith, and he's looking forward to expanding his horizons, and eventually flying airplanes.
He also shares some tips on how to prepare your application for the Founders Scholarship Fund!
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qQbarPRV97E
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
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Jelani Pope has worked all over the country before finding her forever home at Broad River Retail. She joined the Broad River Onboarding team and is now leading this essential team. Jelani is passionate about the onboarding experience and she and Manny share stories about the importance of having a good first day.
Jelani won a Founders Fund Scholarship and is pursuing her second Masters degree in Learning and Development.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mYg4_poHng8
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Manny is joined by another Founders Scholarship Recipient, Jordan Harris, daughter of Anita Harris, Broad River's Director of Customer Experience.
Jordan recounts winning the scholarship, noting that if you're curious about it, you should apply! She shares her experience on the essay process and advises to write about something you are passionate about.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0paQ5IeAzIk
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Manny sits down accross Emelyne Henderson, Broad River's Sr. Memory Maker Experience Specialist and a recipient of Broad River's Founders Scholarship. Emelyne talks about her history at Broad River, from starting as an intern to elevating to her current position.
We also learn about her education goals, where she plans to go next, and how the scholarship is currently changing her life.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/bfb9bkTaWnI
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Manny catches up with a Founders Scholarship recipient, Kaiya McDonald, daughter of Orlanda Stewart, Broad River's Customer Experience Supervisor.
Kaiya shares why she applied for the scholarship, stories from her first year at college, and how she keeps balance between university workload and personal life. She also elaborates on the effect the scholarship had on her and her plans for the future.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/E6viS4nQhzU
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Guest host Manny Rodrigues takes over the podcast for the next several episodes. His first guest is Broad River's Associate Director of Memory Maker Experience, Heather Greenwood. The two discuss why they feel this fund is important to them, what kind of impact they feel it's having, and set the stage for interviews with scholarship recipients.
Since its foundation in 2019, Broad River has awarded over $190,000 in Founders Scholarships.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_963pd9JJCs
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Charlie and Jonathan Ishee, his former business partner and one of Broad River's original co-founders, wrap up their conversation with this episode.
This episode gets a little more up close and personal into Jonathan's life, what he's doing now, and what he plans to do in the future.
Jonathan expresses his love and devotion to his family, reveals some future travel plans, and dicsusses some of the goal he hopes to meet in terms of giving back to the community.
Don't miss this conclusion to this incredibly rare interview, and join us again next week for the kick of of our brand new summer series about the Founders' Scholarship Fund.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Ei5f0WO3Sxo
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Charlie and Jonathan Ishee, his former business partner and one of Broad River's original co-founders, continue their conversation about Broad River's history.
They discuss a few traits that they both find important for success. You'll hear the story of the lost cell phone in a recliner at the Matthews Plaza office as well as getting some keys back from a locked office at the South Park office. In both of these cases, Jonathan credits persistence as one of the important traits.
You'll learn about Broad River's continued transition and how both Manny Rodrigues and Charlie Workmon came to be in their current roles.
This episode will also cover the significance of the Founders' Scholarship Fund that awards scholarships to the Memory Makers and their children for continued education.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/R1NMbRrPDf0
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In this episode, Charlie and Jonathan Ishee, his former business partner and one of Broad River's original co-founders, share more stories from Broad River's history.
They start with the Savvy Spaces experiment - a new furniture venture that didn't work out the way it was imagined. Even though the idea, the name, the logo, and the tagline were all great, it became a drain on the team. The learnings were high, the takeaways were high, and the whole thing led to understanding that focus in a finite resource, and a greater appreciation for Ashley.
The two discuss the motivation and reasoning behind moving the company to Fort Mill, SC from NC. You'll also learn about Project Hammer, Asheville Acquisition, the beginning of conversion to STORIS from Jonathan's perspective, and Charlie's transition to CEO.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sGjXg9HuMo4
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
This week we continue with Jonathan Ishee, his former business partner and one of Broad River's original co-founders, where the two reflect on mentorship, coaching, relationships, and connections within the industry with other friends, family, and colleagues who were going through or had gone through similar experiences as is.
Jonathan recounts some of his favorite employees from his time at Broad River, and leads us through some great mentor relationship he's had and what was unique and special about each of them. For example, all his uncles had different skillsets which allowed him to acquire a lot of knowledge and abilities from each and implement them in the best possible way.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dnb3HjDQ4QU
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week. Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In this episode, Charlie continues his conversation with Jonathan Ishee, his former business partner and one of Broad River's original co-founders.
You will learn of the first time the company changed its identity to Broad River, becoming Broad River Furniture. Charlie and Jonathan discuss how the company survived the Great Recession in 2008 and how maintaining the growth mindset during survival mode was one of the crucial things.
They grew into new markets and opened new stores during this time, using the power of humility and collaboration - the best decisions were made together.
This episode is a great reminder that staying in the game during tough times can be critical to a company's survival, and also its ability to thrive and grow.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WdlqZ0-v4oc
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes
In part three of this multi part series, Charlie continues his conversation with Jonathan Ishee, his former business partner and one of Broad River's original co-founders.
In this episode, you will learn about how they opened Broad River’s second store, and how this decision to begin scaling was a pivotal moment in Broad River's history.
This episode covers Broad River's history between 2004 and 2008, and will lead you through the scaling process. Charlie and Jonathan discuss what it really takes to scale a company in this way, how creating systems plays a crucial role, and how quick changes in a rapid growth phase are crucial.
You'll also hear the story of how Charlie joined Broad River, the story behind moving to a windowless office for a little while, and exactly who brought the Inflatable Brutus the Buckeye to the office.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3J8d9LSTNEA
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In part two of this multi part series, Charlie continues his conversation with Jonathan Ishee, his former business partner and one of Broad River's original co-founders.
The two deconstruct the opening of Broad River’s first store starting with ideation to store opening through the first year.
Jonathan riffs on some of the key, early relationships, such as with Dale Hall of New South Properties (still the River’s top real estate advisor and our Commercial Real Estate Broker), Ashley Furniture, business partner Jackson Moore, as well as some of the key early employees.
The two also reminisce on how they started working together (even before Broad River, back when they both lived in Jackson, Mississippi). They discuss the importance of location and timing when opening a new store, and they share some of the lucky moments in time that led to some great store openings (one involved subleasing a former Best Buy!).
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tmVhAy4zSno
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In this rare interview, Charlie sits down across Jonathan Ishee, one of Broad River's original co-founders. In part one of this multi-part series, Jonathan recounts Broad River's origin story - from where he got the idea, how he connected to Ashley Furniture, his partnership with his co-founder Jackson, and how they navigated starting a company while going to grad school.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kQJNpYkFptQ
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week. Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In this fourth and final episode of the DeAngelo Burst series, we get to learn more about his company, Breakroom Huddle.
DeAngelo discusses his work in cognitive behavioral coaching, his integration project, and balancing family life. He shares his thoughts on positive psychology, personal development, and legacy. DeAngelo also shares his favorite habits and routines, as well as how viewers can keep up with him.
You can find DeAngelo online: https://deangeloburse.com/ and follow him on social media: @iamdeangeloburse
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LJcNC4XQCPg
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
This show is brought to you by Broad River Retail. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
In this episode, DeAngelo answers follow up questions from his “Elevate Your Purpose” presentation/talk that he gave to Broad River Retail’s Memory Makers earlier this year.
DeAngelo talks about how his narrative identity has been challenged in recent years, he explains the autopilot concept and how it can be dangerous, and touches on his relationship with his parents.
Tune in to find out about why DeAngelo believes that you are the architect of you, why you're able to construct your own purpose, and the best things he has learned from his students about purpose, meaning, and why.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7KxPTB-SG5Q
You can find DeAngelo online: https://deangeloburse.com/ and follow him on social media: @iamdeangeloburse
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
This show is brought to you by Broad River Retail. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
In episode two of this four-part series, DeAngelo and Charlie discuss the concept of narrative identity and how to use a narrative audit to become an architect of oneself. We already know that purpose begins with identity, and the two discuss the connection identity has with intentionality, and then purpose. DeAngelo states everyone should look within to find their own compelling reasons as a way to connect to meaning and purpose and design a life with these in mind.
Tune in to find out more about a selfie exercise DeAngelo did at Broad River and come back next week for part three of this interview!
You can find DeAngelo online: https://deangeloburse.com/ and follow him on social media: @iamdeangeloburse
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1k-OxFP0mG8
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Charlie welcomes his friend and social psychologist, DeAngelo Burse. DeAngelo unpacks his personal story and shares how he beat the odds to overcome poverty and negative influences to emerge as a college professor and mindset coach devoted to positive social change.
As a deep-thinker, DeAngelo naturally gravitated to philosophy studies as a young man and challenged himself to find his foundation, belief, and faith. Although at the time he wasn't sure how, he knew his purpose was to use his education and personal life lessons to inspire and make life better for others. DeAngelo also talks about the importance of seeking out mentors and his belief that mentors should see a return on investment for their time.
Don’t miss this first of four episodes with Charlie and DeAngelo!
You can find DeAngelo online: https://deangeloburse.com/ and follow him on social media: @iamdeangeloburse
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zs0uXYZ5pl0
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In this sixth and final installment of Charlie’s conversation with Pastor and NY Times Bestselling author Mark Batterson, they emphasize the importance of daily habits and annual planning.
Mark's 3M Framework for creating new habits focuses on making them Measurable, Meaningful, and Maintainable. Mark shares his annual two-day planning retreat with his wife, which includes setting a word or verse of the year, planning the calendar and budget, and coming up with an adventure or physical challenge. His daily habit includes a Bible reading plan combined with a morning latte at Ebenezer’s Coffeehouse and some habit stacking.
His word of the year is “unoffendable” from Proverbs 19:11 and his new book “Please Sorry Thanks” is based on the idea that nothing opens doors like please, nothing mends fences like sorry, and nothing builds bridges like thanks. His life philosophy (that was inspired by his spiritual mentor Dick Foth) of neoteny is to remain young at heart throughout his entire life.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ngOW13pAA5o
To learn more or to follow Mark, check out https://www.MarkBatterson.com
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In this short, 5th installment of Charlie’s conversation with Mark Batterson, Mark opens up about the the Capital Turnaround building (which is a 100,000 square foot multi-purpose building and serves as the home of National Community Church). He discusses how he believes that the church belongs in the middle of the marketplace.
Mark describes how Jesus didn’t just hang out at the synagogue but at wells, which were natural gathering places. To that end, the Capital Turnaround is a place where church and community cross paths.
The church’s primary motivation is serving the city Monday through Friday. They’re not just trying to build a church, but instead are blessing a city for the coming generations.
The Capital Turnaround is used as so much more than just a weekend gathering place. It functions as a child development center Monday - Friday, because that’s one of the city’s greatest needs. It is used for conferences, concerts, and leadership gatherings as well as a kids ministry space for several organizations, such as Amazon, Axios, NBC, and the DC Government.
And, he discusses the idea for the next development phase of the Capital Turnaround, which is to create a mixed use marketplace that would include a sit down restaurant and be modeled on other types of marketplaces and food halls from other cities.
Ultimately, the vision for the Capital Turnaround would be a place where someone can come to work, eat, play, and pray.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1YZV-rp1IA4
To learn more or to follow Mark, check out https://www.MarkBatterson.com
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In the 4th installment of Charlie’s conversation with Pastor and NY Times bestselling author Mark Batterson, Charlie and Mark discuss the benefits of mentorship and appreciating those with wisdom who have preceded us as well as the benefits of long-term, multi-generational thinking.
Mark talks about his mentor Dick Foth and his respect for elders. Mark describes his appreciation for those who have paved the way for us when he states: "We drink from wells we didn’t dig; we eat from fields we didn’t plant; and we live in houses we didn’t build." Mark also shares that he wants to posture himself with people who have been there before.
Mark shares his belief that everybody has a unique anointing and how he wants to bump into that. And that he believes that everyone is his superior in some way. And that everyone is fighting a battle he doesn’t know about.
Mark shares how his church National Community Church had just inherited a sacred assignment to take over the Easter sunrise service at the Lincoln Memorial. But, that this sacred assignment was inherited from Pastor Amos Dodge and Capital Church who had plowed the ground and planted seeds for 42 years before NCC was handed the sacred assignment.
Mark shares the story of the Capital Turnaround, which they purchased for $29.3M and how much they invested in the foundation as they are thinking in 70 year time horizons in preparing for the benefit of future generations.
Mark shares that faith is seeing through drywall that’s not load-bearing and that before you build, sometimes you have to demo. Mark says that you’ve gotta have eyes of faith and see past what’s already been constructed.
To learn more or to follow Mark, check out https://www.MarkBatterson.com
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Ybiva9ox95g
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In episode three of Charlie’s conversation with Pastor and NY Times Bestselling author Mark Batterson, Mark shares more details about his process for writing books and unpacks some of his more popular sayings. Mark believes that every leader should keep a short list of his or her favorite quotes or sayings.
Mark and Charlie discuss perspective and how to remain grounded in certain situations, so some of Mark's favorite quotes or saying tend to revolve around this. They talk about what to do when you're not feeling productive and to keep in mind that "There are decades when nothing happens, and there are days when decades happen."
To learn more or to follow Mark, check out https://www.MarkBatterson.com
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/eODEh6TwiDw
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Charlie takes the podcast on the road to Washington, D.C., to visit with his favorite author, Lead Pastor and NY Times bestselling author Mark Batterson in part two of this six part series.
In this episode, Mark talks about his origin story, how he took a risk in college, returning his University scholarship and turning towards God's calling.
This episode was recorded at the Capital Turnaround (https://capitalturnaround.com) in Washington, D.C., which also serves as the headquarters for Mark’s church, National Community Church (https://national.cc). This episode is part one of a six-part series where Mark and Charlie discuss many of the central themes within Mark’s bestselling books (such as “Win the Day” and “Chase the Lion”), and Mark unpacks more of his personal story, including the path to becoming both a pastor as well as a bestselling author as well as some of the creative ways that he thinks about life, relationships, habits, and personal goals.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mRjRJlSNVY0
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Charlie takes the podcast on the road to Washington, D.C., to visit with his favorite author, Lead Pastor and NY Times bestselling author Mark Batterson. Mark’s books have profoundly inspired Charlie over the years, and he has shared the insights as well as hundreds of copies of Mark’s books with the Memory Makers at the River. So, through a mutual friend, Charlie connected with Mark Batterson, who graciously agreed to sit down and have a conversation with Charlie on our Stories from the River podcast.
In this episode, Mark talks about an intentional phrase (and its origin) that has really resonated with Charlie, which is “If you want to make the days count, then count the days.” Mark also shares his thoughts on the power and design of a day, the compounding and multiplying nature of "doing the math," and his thoughts about crafting life goals with a relational component.
This episode was recorded at the Capital Turnaround (https://capitalturnaround.com) in Washington, D.C., which also serves as the headquarters for Mark’s church, National Community Church (https://national.cc). This episode is part one of a six-part series where Mark and Charlie discuss many of the central themes within Mark’s bestselling books (such as “Win the Day” and “Chase the Lion”), and Mark unpacks more of his personal story, including the path to becoming both a pastor as well as a bestselling author as well as some of the creative ways that he thinks about life, relationships, habits, and personal goals.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9043JzFlvJ0
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Charlie speaks to Sam Blum, Broad River's Associate Director of the E-Team & Service about her plan to elevate in 2023. We get a glimpse behind the scenes of what it really means to be a Service team member, and how helping guests before, during, and after the purchase really elevates the guest and the Memory Maker experience.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/IhwpPneXE6M
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Charlie speaks to Anita Harris, Broad River's Associate Director of Customer Experience. Anita reflects on 2022 and how the year of Thrive prepared her team to be in the position to elevate this year. Anita goes into detail on the CX team identity, programs designed to celebrate guests and Memory Makers, and technology that will be used to elevate the day-to-day experience of the CX team.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/IhwpPneXE6M
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Charlie welcomes Wes Dudley, Broad River's Vice President of Customer Experience. Wes talks about how important it is for his team to have an identity, and how the CX team plans to level up customer experience in 2023.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/IhwpPneXE6M
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Tonia Buskirk, Broad River's Director of Home Delivery joins Charlie for this episode to explain how she's planning to elevate in Home Delivery and Operations this year. Tonia is already in the thrawls of a new project to ensure future flexibility in sales.
Episode resources:
Tonia's Season 1 episodes -
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/delivering-leadership-and-empathy-with-tonia-buskirk-pt-1/id1608553391?i=1000587244378
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/delivering-leadership-and-empathy-with-tonia-buskirk-pt-2/id1608553391?i=1000588093955
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/nfWmEkQTz4Y
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Charlie is joined by James Ouellette, Broad River's Associate Director of Operational Excellence. James describes the initiatives he has in the works to elevate within the Ops this year, and why putting Operations on the offence can be an interesting strategy when goal-making for the year.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/nfWmEkQTz4Y
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Charlie sits down with Tim Clouse, Broad River's Senior Director of Operations. Tim shares five major initiatives Operations has planned for this year to make sure the department is operating at an elevated level.
Episode resources:
Tim's Season 1 episode - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/execution-with-enthusiasm-with-tim-clouse/id1608553391?i=1000564841684
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/nfWmEkQTz4Y
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Completing the Retail Operations series of interviews, Charlie sits down across from Will Luke, Broad River's Director of Retail Operations. Will discusses how his department plans to elevate within The River's four identified cornerstones for 2023 - Financial, Memory Maker Experience, Guest Experience, and Innovation.
Episode resources:
Will's Season 1 episode - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-wizard-will-luke-unlocks-his-path-at-the-river/id1608553391?i=1000584755789
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sVzAz1zxuMo
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Charlie welcomes Carl Hillesland, Broad River's Director of Retail Performance, to the show. Carl talks about how he plans to elevate within the Retail Performance through quality of life, compensation, and speed to promotion improvements he intends to implement this year.
Episode resources:
Carl's Season 1 episodes -
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-the-gold-with-carl-hillesland-pt-1/id1608553391?i=1000589241191
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-the-gold-with-carl-hillesland-pt-2/id1608553391?i=1000590142535
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sVzAz1zxuMo
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Charlie welcomes Stacey McCormick, Broad River's Head Coach and Senior VP of Retail Performance. Stacey shares how he plans to elevate this year within the Retail department, his thoughts on inflation, how that will affect his team and guests, and his plan to elevate professionally by spending more time in each store this year.
Episode resources:
Stacey's Season 1 episodes -
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-sit-down-with-broad-river-retails-head-coach/id1608553391?i=1000575625968
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-sit-down-with-broad-river-retails-head-coach/id1608553391?i=1000576347704
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sVzAz1zxuMo
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Lynn Knowles, Broad River's Associate Director of Merchandising, shares how she's looking to raise the game in Merchandising this year. Lynn plays planning another Sleep Summit for May, a successful annual event, as one of the ways to continue to elevate in 2023.
Episode resources:
Lynn's Season 1 episode - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-fulfillment-and-purpose-in-merchandising-at/id1608553391?i=1000581666143
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Dytjw8yWBYg
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Brian Deckelnick, Broad River's Director of Supply Chain shares how he plans to elevate his department in the coming year. As last year's Project SHIP came to an end in December 2022, Brian gives us a glimse into what he's doing this year to raise the game in Supply Chain.
This episode on YouTube:
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In this episode, Charlie welcomes Lee Vang, Broad River's Senior Business Intelligence Developer. Lee shares insights on his plans to elevate Business Intelligence this year, and what some of his specific goals for 2023 are.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wq-_5NwV3gQ
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In this episode, Charlie sits down with Harold Hampton, Broad River's Vice President of IT and Business Intelligence to discuss how he plans to LEVEL UP within his department this year.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wq-_5NwV3gQ
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In this episode, Charlie speaks with Kate Ross, Broad River's Senior Manager of Talent Acquisition. Kate discusses what elevating means to her personally, but also - how she plans to elevate within her department.
Kate is already excited about what the new referral program will mean for Broad River in terms of growth, and how changing engagement strategies and new technology will be leveraged to to elevate within Talent Acquisition.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9JkfV818eRk
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Charlie sits down with Broad River's Director of Human Capital, Krissy Whitley, and they discuss how Krissy plans to elevate the experience within the Human Capital department.
From overhauling some current HC policies, reviewing the Memory Maker handbook, and making internal processes more efficient, Krissy and her team have a quite a year ahead of them.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9JkfV818eRk
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In this episode, Charlie welcomes Jocelyn Jones, Broad River's Senior Vice President of Human Capital.
They discuss what Jocelyn is doing this year to elevate leadership development at the River, and what are some specific steps that she will use to increase performance of her team.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9JkfV818eRk
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In this episode, Charlie welcomes Heather Greenwood, Broad River's Assistant Director of Memory Maker Experience, and the very second guest of Season 1.
Heather talks about what she and her department do to continue to create a positive experience for the Memory Makers, and how she plans to elevate this year. A hint: even bigger events.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zqsJLdLXCrA
Heather's Season 1 episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/across-the-table-from-heather-greenwood/id1608553391?i=1000552015536
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In this episode, Charlie sits down with Jim Goins, Senior Creative Manager, to talk about the Elevate campaign and bringing the Word of the Year to life.
This episode will explore the creative process behind Elevate, and how Jim and his team finalized the logo.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wJudILup1LU
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In this episode, Charlie sits down with Tyler Trill, Communications Manager at Broad River, to talk about the Elevate campaign and bringing the Word of the Year to life.
This episode will shine a light on the inner workings of the Communications department, and what Tyler is doing to ensure success at the River.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wJudILup1LU
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In this episode, Charlie sits down with Kim Harkness, Senior Director, Marketing, Communications, & Community Outreach to talk about the Elevate campaign and bringing the Word of the Year to life.
This episode will shine a light on the inner workings of the Marketing department, and how Kim and her team work to ensure success at the River.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wJudILup1LU
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
To launch Season 2 Elevate mini-series, Charlie and Manny talk about the inspiration behind Elevate and its process to become Broad River Retail's 2023 Word of the Year.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/enOeKk17Jr8
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Stories from the River is back! Watch Charlie recount last season, talk about what's new this season, and he'll unveil Broad River's 2023 Word of the Year.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2qJVoqf4hA4
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Charlie is joined by Melanie Maldonado, Broad River's Associate Manager of Retail Operations for East Region. She shares some gems from the last Thrive and Purpose event in 2022, using self-compassion to stay grounded and reset.
While on a completely different life track when she was in college, Melanie shares how she was able to break out of a potential career in medicine as it no longer resonated with her life goals. Joining Broad River in 2020, Melanie started in sales, then pivoted to Retail Operations and quickly ascended to her current position.
Melanie is one of Broad River's recipients of the Founders Scholarship Fund for continued education. She talks about how she felt when she learned she received this award, and what is her long-term plan.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/64LvLHG1lZM
Episode Resources: Everybody Matters: The Extraordinary Power of Caring for Your People Like Family by Bob Chapman - https://www.amazon.com/Everybody-Matters-Extraordinary-Caring-People/dp/1591847796
RISE Science - https://www.risescience.com/
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear - https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break/dp/0735211299
Win the Day: 7 Daily Habits to Help You Stress Less & Accomplish More by Mark Batterson - https://www.amazon.com/Win-Day-Habits-Stress-Accomplish/dp/0593192761
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk M.D. - https://www.amazon.com/Body-Keeps-Score-Healing-Trauma/dp/0670785938
Big Conversations with Haley Hoffman Smith - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/big-conversations-with-haley-hoffman-smith/id1494643478
Web based design service - https://Beautiful.ai
The alarm clock - https://www.hatch.co/restore
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Episode resources: Mamba Mentality: How I Play by Kobe Bryant - https://www.amazon.com/Mamba-Mentality-How-Play/dp/0374201234 We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week. Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
For his first guest in 2023, Charlie welcomes Josh Stanley, Broad River's Senior GM. In this part one of a two part episode, Charlie and Josh touch on Josh's career history before joining the River. They explore the memories of Josh's first day, as well as day zero, his recruitment process, and his career arc at the River so far.
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/PIndHROJMiA
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
This show is brought to you by Broad River Retail. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com
Charlie welcomes Colin Michael, Broad River's Manager of Operational Excellence on the show. Colin recounts how he went from being in a metal band, touring North Carolina, to ending up in Operations at the River.
Colin leads us through how distribution centers got their identities, and gives some progress on the DC of the Year competition.
Episode Resources:
Colin's Band - https://open.spotify.com/artist/2MO6BaW15Y1H5p8h1h9lrw?si=iry3ksJESsqzCR7lc3nsNg Rooster Teeth Podcast - https://roosterteeth.com/series/rt-podcast Duncan Trussell Family Hour - https://www.duncantrussell.com/
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/u1Vp62ekhec
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Charlie welcomes James Thomas, Broad River's Senior Manager of IT Help Desk to the show. James shares how the culture at the River and the view on leadership had a huge impact on why he chose to join the company last year.
James shares some ins and outs of his job, including his involvment with Projects Seahawk and Coastal Connection, converting and opening new stores. We get a rare insight into how the IT Help Desk sets up and operates during these times. Want to learn what processes are best for managing a hybrid work from home/work from office team? James has tips for you.
James shares where his inspiration and motivation come from, as well as his daily and workout routines.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Vlp57wV6H_k
Episode Resources:
The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene - https://www.amazon.com/dp/0140280197/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_28XMKT4H0YKDADX5WZA9_0
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In part two of this two part episode, we learn a little bit more about Carl Hillesland, Broad River's Director of Retail Performance.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rUuH8pDs6Po
Episode resources:
Winning the Mental Game: The Playbook for Building Championship Mindsets by Dr. Amber Selking: https://selkingperformance.com/books/ Law of the Lid by John Maxwell: https://www.johnmaxwell.com/blog/the-law-of-the-lid/
Live Life in Crescendo: Your Most Important Work Is Always Ahead of You by Stephen R. Covey and Cynthia Covey Haller: https://www.amazon.com/Live-Life-Crescendo-Important-Always-ebook/dp/B09RX4SJX4
Renee Bradley SFTR episode: https://youtu.be/4db0fnBUXTU
Stacey McCormick SFTR episode: https://youtu.be/NT-27PZ3-l8
Beds for Kids - https://bedsforkids.org/
The Purpose Summit: https://www.thepurposesummit.com
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
This week Charlie welcomes Carl Hillesland, Broad River's Director of Retail performance. In part one of this two part episode, Carl talks about his beginnings in the retail industry, his history with the furniture industry, and where his growth drive comes from.
Learn how to advance your leadership and production capabilities through tips Carl shares in this episode. Find out about career paths at the River, what is unique about them, and how performance affects advancement.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9Vh7QsSvuO4
Episode resources:
Everybody Matters by Bob Chapman: https://www.barrywehmiller.com/outreach/book
Dwayne Baker SFTR episode: https://youtu.be/SQKpsIJhR60
The Purpose Summit: https://www.thepurposesummit.com/
Lead Like It Matters by Craig Groeschel: https://www.craiggroeschel.com/books/lead-like-it-matters
In part two of this two-part episode, Charlie continues his conversation with Tonia Buskirk, Broad River's Director of Home Delivery. Tonia discusses her personal leadership brand, and what she's learned from the past purpose summits.
During this episode we get more leadership lessons from Tonia, find out about her mentors, her strategies and successes, and some things she would change, if she had a magic wand.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/B_wSP9PTNhU
Episode Resources:
The Coffee Bean Book: A Simple Lesson to Create Positive Change - https://coffeebeanbook.com/
We hope you enjoy this episode, and please remember to subscribe to our podcast for a fresh, new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In part one of this two-part episode, Charlie welcomes Tonia Buskirk, Broad River's Director of Home Delivery.
Tonia got her start in the furniture industry at only sixteen years old, and earning her very first title of supervisor at nineteen. Tonia leads us through her growth process and her first year and a half at the River.
She shares her most impactful memories from her time here, why she feels at home, and how she knew, even during the interview process she belongs here.
Tonia and Charlie discuss the creation of the Home Delivery Department, and what exactly that means for the company. We learn about furniture delivery and assembly processes at the River, and what a perfect delivery and assembly experience looks like.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ofqmHQAyd2k
We hope you enjoy this episode, and please remember to subscribe to our podcast for a fresh, new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Charlie welcomes Anita Harris, Broad River's Associate Director of Customer Experience. Anita talks about joining the River in 2009 and surviving the recession together. Charlie and Anita go down memory lane, exploring the last decade and recap events of the past, how they happened from Anita's perspective.
Customer Service Week celebrations have been part of River's culture since 2013. Anita and Charlie discuss the meaning behind this week, its historical significance, and how the celebration is done at the River.
Anita talks about how working from home has been a significant game-changer, allowing the people to be flexibile as possible while continuing to thrive professionally.
Listen to Anita talk about her accomplishments at the River, her role in founding the Anti-Racism Council, and how she would describe herself in three words.
Watch Anita react to the notes from her fellow Memory Makers, and how these heartwarming moments reflect the culture at the River.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9YmFQVYj1BM
Holiday Mannequin Challenge from six years ago (Christmas 2016): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zN6G081rtKM
Inky Johnson speaks to Broad River: August 30, 2018 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNAGlW6uObg
At our Leadership Summit, launch of our Purpose Statement, and start of our 95-Day Challenge AMPLIFY & IGNITE
ABC Television Show Abbott Elementary - https://abc.com/shows/abbott-elementary
We hope you enjoy this episode, and please remember to subscribe to our podcast for a fresh, new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Charlie welcomes a special guest, Johan Koornhof, to the podcast this week. Johan is a corporate relations specialist, public speaker, and author from South Africa.
Johan visited Broad River Retail to speak at the Fort Mill and Four Oaks corporate campuses as a part of BRR's Thrive in Purpose Series.
Johan begins with his career journey, which led him from South Africa to Scotland, and how he managed to create success only to see it all come crashing down. He also explains how he rebuilt his life after nearly dying in a serious mountain biking accident.
You'll discover the biking accident is not the only obstacle Johan has battled through during his life. Johan says his doctor told him he is a "medical miracle" after a battle with COVID-19 hospitalized Johan for 11 weeks and caused him to contract fibrotic lung disease.
Listen to hear how these difficult struggles shaped Johan's life philosophies, taught him that relationships are the foundation of all aspects of our lives, and showed him how to live life without regrets.
We hope you enjoy this episode, and please remember to subscribe to our podcast for a fresh, new story each week.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/hJzTQk6KRZk
Additional Resources:
Thank you to Brandon Lindsey for hooking us up and to Hoopaugh Grading Company for allowing us to use their podcast studio for this episode:
Hoopaugh Grading Company - https://hoopaughgrading.com
Dream on 3 - https://dreamon3.org
And, special thanks and a shout-out to Gary Frey (co-host of the “Anything But Typical” podcast) for connecting us with Johan Koornhof:
Anything But Typical podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/anything-but-typical/id1493281345
https://www.linkedin.com/company/anything-but-typical-podcast/
https://anythingbuttypical.podbean.com
Gary Frey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/garydfrey/
Links to Johan and his company
Be Real Consulting - https://bereal.co.za
Johan Koornhof on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johankoornhof/
We hope you enjoy this episode, and please remember to subscribe to our podcast for a fresh, new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Charlie welcomes Will Luke, The Wizard, to the show. Will is a Director of Retail Operations at Broad River.
Will recounts how a passion for music eventually led him into retail and ultimately to his role with Broad River Retail. He also dives into finding his purpose at The River, and how he achieved fulfillment in his career.
You'll also hear the importance of store/team identities, the inception of The Gandalf Award, and the impact of The Purpose Summit on Will. He also gives tips on staying organized, talks about the importance of rituals, and what makes him thrive.
This episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/Avj3QIc-tuw
Resources:
Inky's story - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNAGlW6uObg&t=2s
Purpose Summit - https://www.thepurposesummit.com/
Principles: Life and Work by Ray Dalio - https://www.amazon.com/Principles-Life-Work-Ray-Dalio/dp/1501124021/
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk M.D. - https://www.amazon.com/Body-Keeps-Score-Healing-Trauma/dp/0670785938
Beautiful Stories From Anonymous People - https://www.earwolf.com/show/beautiful-anonymous/
We hope you enjoy this episode, and please remember to subscribe to our podcast for a fresh, new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Charlie welcomes Ric Rush to the podcast, a name we've heard dozens of times during this season. Ric is a Senior General Manager at the River now, and in this episode, you'll learn exactly how he got there. His career in the home furnishings industry prior to joining the River started at a waterbed store in Las Vegas, then his career path since he joined the River over ten years ago, starting as an HFA, including his promotion trajectory, and what he has accomplished on the way.
Several years ago, Ric became known as the “Bill Walsh” of Broad River General Managers as he has helped so many others achieve their goals and succeed here. In the episode, you’ll hear how important coaching and culture are to him as well as putting others first while caring for others and leading with purpose.
Charlie and Ric go on a walk down memory lane and talk about events that have unfolded at the River over the years. We learn Ric's perspective on the Orange Crush Tours, the Ashley Domination / Tony Robbins event, the Annual Leadership Summit, and all of the other amazing events we've discussed on this podcast.
Ric talks about what the Company’s community involvement means to him personally and how these projects contribute to the community and his team at the River.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yV0QEzqdB00
Additional Resources
The Green Chair Project - https://thegreenchair.org
We hope you enjoy this episode, and please remember to subscribe to our podcast for a fresh, new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Charlie is joined by Kim Harkness, Senior Director of Marketing, Communications & Community Outreach at Broad River.
Kim shares a story about her interview at the River, how she helped expand and level up the marketing department, and how she grew with her role. Kim talks about how her team remained connected during remote work, and what processes they implemented to continue to foster growth and cohesiveness. She also discusses her role in grand opening 16 stores and two distribution centers.
Charlie and Kim recount their experience of the Annual Leadership Summit with Inky Johnson (video links below) and how this event turned into Purpose 8:28 the following year. They reveal the stories behind the words of the year, the stores’ identities, and the departmental identities as well. Kim explains the River's involvement with Beds for Kids (https://bedsforkids.org/), and A Hope to Dream (https://www.ahopetodream.com), as well as the organization's partnership with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (https://www.stjude.org).
Episode resources:
Reach for the Summit: The Definite Dozen System for Succeeding at Whatever You Do by Pat Summitt - https://www.amazon.com/Reach-Summit-Definite-Succeeding-Whatever/dp/0767902297
Broad River 2018 Leadership Summit - https://youtu.be/ErO1LDM3zU0 and https://youtu.be/BNAGlW6uObg
I Can’t Make This Up by Kevin Hart- https://www.amazon.com/Cant-Make-This-Up-Lessons/dp/1501155571/
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
This week, Charlie is joined by Brian Deckelnick, Broad River's Senior Director of Supply Chain. You'll learn more about Brian, his four-year recruitment process to join the River, his favorite memories from his first day at the office, and how he experienced growing with and at the River.
In this episode, we learn a lot about Supply Chain, how Supply Chain functions in a retail company, and how the system was challenged during the pandemic.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cUrSNpwFnjE
Additional resources:
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni - https://www.tablegroup.com/product/dysfunctions/
Everybody Matters book by Bob Chapman - https://www.barrywehmiller.com/outreach/book
What to Do Next: Taking Your Best Step When Life Is Uncertain by Jeff Henderson - https://www.amazon.com/What-Do-Next-Taking-Uncertain/dp/0310366070
The Problem With Jon Stewart - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-problem-with-jon-stewart/id1583132133
Smartless Podcast - https://www.smartless.com/
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Lynn Knowles, Broad River's Associate Director of Merchandising, joins Charlie to discuss her story and time at the River.
In this episode, you will learn Lynn's favorite merchandise category, her process with price tagging, and her favorite aspects of merchandising.
Lynn also breaks down the pros and cons of working from home and elaborates on what she thinks is essential for every remote team to be successful. Finally, Charlie and Lynn discuss the Purpose Summit, and they share the story behind the name "Purpose 8:28."
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Gj8Lj_be9as
Additional resources:
Northeast Columbia Store Opening Time-Lapse Video: https://youtu.be/RFw1MR3fkq0
The Purpose Path: A Guide to Pursuing Your Authentic Life's Work by Nicholas Pearce - https://www.nicholaspearce.org/book
Soundtracks: The Surprising Solution to Overthinking by Jon Acuff - https://globalleadership.org/product/soundtracks-by-jon-acuff/
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Keith Henderson, Broad River's Operations Specialist, sits across from Charlie for this insightful and passionate episode. We learn about Keith's incredible past, his work as a YouTube creator, and his time as a Memory Maker at the Fort Mill Distribution Center.
Keith, a frequent listener of Stories from the River, shares his favorite moments from the previous episodes of the podcast and explains why those moments stuck with him.
The two discuss their response to the warehouse fire in 2020, how the creation of Broad River's Anti Racism Committee (The ARC) supports the Memory Makers, and Keith shares advice he has for fellow Memory Makers working in operations.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KtmHNdDip20
Keith's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXU913raL2nFr2CYvwT_UBQ
Keith's book: The Brian "Gibbs" Glaze Story: Beyond Lucky - https://www.amazon.com/Brian-Gibbs-Glaze-Story-Beyond/dp/1519792247
Book recommendation: Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins - https://www.amazon.com/AWAKEN-GIANT-WITHIN-ANTHONY-ROBBINS-ebook
We hope you enjoy this episode and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit www.StoriesfromtheRiver.com for more episodes.
Lindsey Walton, a Home Furnishing Expert, and a multi-year Million Dollar Memory Maker, joins Charlie this week on the podcast.
Lindsey talks about how goal setting motivates her, and how connecting personal goals to professional goals is helpful. She also shares her favorite memories from the River, including the celebrations and recognitions of her fellow Memory Makers at significant events.
Charlie and Lindsey dive into the effects of the pandemic on her day-to-day work life and what she learned from this time.
Stay tuned to hear her goals for the year, the best advice she's received, and what she thinks every Memory Maker should do to thrive.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ca3EteqeZfI
Episode Resources:
Books and podcasts Lindsey recommends:
The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life - https://www.amazon.com/Snowball-Warren-Buffett-Business-Life/dp/0553384619
The Bobby Bones Show: https://bobbybones.iheart.com/
The Jordan Harbinger Show - https://www.jordanharbinger.com/
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week. Visit storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
River's Regional Manager Kevin Kinmann comes back for part-two of this inspiring interview. He chats with Charlie about what THRIVE means to him, what qualities any retail leader should have, what advice he would give to his younger self and his favorite thing about the culture at the River.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/q4s9Ql-Y180
Episode resources:
Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation - https://t2t.org/
Operation Shut Eye - https://www.ashleyfurniture.com/operation-shut-eye/ and
https://www.tempurpedic.com/tempur-love/operation-shut-eyes-10000-mattress-donation/
We hope you enjoy this episode and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week. Visit storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In part one of this two-part episode, Charlie sits down with Kevin Kinmann, Broad River's East Regional Manager.
Kevin leads us through his start in the furniture industry, which began at Rhodes Furniture at a young age. He also discusses how the desire to learn helped him advance his career, his experiences of becoming a General Manager in his early 20s, and how his desire to grow professionally led him to Broad River Retail.
Kevin shares his favorite memories from his time at the River-- from Orange Crush tours, the leadership summits, the Purpose 8:28 event, all the way to the 2021 Gala, and everything in between.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/M70gzkev20I
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week. Visit storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Charlie sits down with Jose “Tito” Otero, Broad River's Manager of Quality Control.
Tito recounts his experience coming to the River in search of a less demanding position after being in a managerial role for a Fortune 500 company. But that he quickly changed.
He started on the sales floor, but his hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed. Tito received multiple promotions until he reached his current role.
We learn new things about Tito in this episode, including something he never shares at work (until now!). We also learn what helps drive him, how he feels about habits, and why mentorship is important to him. He discusses a pivotal moment in his career at Broad River and exactly when he knew he wanted to stay.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9Ie6pnyN_uw
Tito's book recommendations:
The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17184.The_Invisible_Man
The 360 Degree Leader: Developing Your Influence from Anywhere in the Organization by John C. Maxwell - https://www.amazon.com/360-Degree-Leader-Developing-Organization/dp/1400203597
Charlie welcomes Kym Truglio to the show. They talk about Kym's history before joining the River, their mutual love of the Chicago Cubs, and her hectic first day at the company.
Kym didn't let early challenges stop her, especially when she realized what kind of culture exists at Broad River.
In the episode, they discuss Kym's experience with sales during the pandemic, her decision not to furlough, and how it felt to set sales records during this time.
Kym shares her passion for volunteering opportunities and organizations such as Beds for Kids and how helping her community fulfills her. You will also hear about mattresses and sleep gear Kym would recommend, what she uses, and why she excels at selling sleep.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XvQjGiv004o
In part two of the episode, Charlie continues his conversation with Stacey McCormick, Broad River Retail Senior VP of Retail Performance. They dive into the details of career paths at the River, how a unique structure exists at every level, and the idea and the motivation behind the paths.
Charlie and Stacey also discuss programs at the River that help Memory Makers in retail accelerate to being promoted and performance-based bonus goals - how the bonuses are arranged and attained.
Finally, Stacey shares who have been influential and what his support system looks like at work and in his personal life.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pcEyHtb-7GQ
Books Stacey recommends:
Pre-Suasion: A Revolutionary Way to Influence and Persuade by Robert Cialdini - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01C36E2YS/
Go For No! Yes is the Destination, No is How You Get There by Richard Fenton - https://www.amazon.com/Yes-Destination-How-You-There-ebook/dp/B00507TDJM/
The SPEED of Trust: The One Thing that Changes Everything by Stephen Covey - https://www.amazon.com/SPEED-Trust-Thing-Changes-Everything-ebook
The Road Less Stupid: Advice from the Chairman of the Board by Keith J. Cunningham - https://www.amazon.com/Road-Less-Stupid-Advice-Chairman-ebook
The Advantage: Why Organizational Health Trumps Everything Else In Business by Patrick M. Lencioni - https://www.amazon.com/Advantage-Organizational-Everything-Business-Lencioni-ebook
In part one of this two-part episode, Charlie welcomes Stacey McCormick, River's Head Coach, the Senior VP of Retail Performance. Stacy shares how he arrived and settled at the River - his memories of his first day are still fresh in his mind, and he remembers how different it felt to be at the River.
Stacy also shares some moments of the past several years, and how he and his team got through the pandemic. He talks about the sales process he helped establish and the growth he and his team managed to achieve.
Tune in to this episode to find out how Stacy got through some of the most challenging events in his life, what keeps him going, and his definition of leadership vs management.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/NT-27PZ3-l8
Sidney Waters sits across from Charlie for this Stories from the River episode. Sidney has been at the River since 2019 and now serves as a Supervisor of Delivery Scheduling.
Sidney talks about how it was switching from an all-sales job to a customer service position, advancing to his current position at the River. Sidney gives advice on how to overcome objections, listen, and build your empathy skills at work.
Sidney and Charlie discuss Project Ship - one of the most critical projects at Broad River right now - and how easy it really is to get promoted at Broad River.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KCQkm-bUoU4
Sidney's book recommendations:
The Making of a Manager - https://www.amazon.com/Making-Manager-What-Everyone-Looks/dp/0735219567
Shook One: Anxiety Playing Tricks on Me - https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Charlamagne-Tha-God/dp/1501193252
Sidney's podcast recommendations:
85 South Show - https://www.85southshow.com/
The Midnight Miracle - https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/the-midnight-miracle/id1564022392
Sidney and Charlie's favorite brunch spots in Charlotte, NC:
Bulla Gastrobar - bullagastrobar.com
Ruby Sunshine - www.rubysunshine.com/
BrickTop's - https://bricktops.com/charlotte
Gallery Restaurant - https://www.theballantynehotel.com/dining/gallery-restaurant/
Easy Like Sunday - https://www.easylikesundayclt.com/
Chris Berrier joins Charlie for this episode of Stories from the River. Currently an Area Manager, Chris recounts his years at Broad River, starting in Sales, working with Renee Bradley, and advancing his career through ups and downs.
Additional Resources:
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/aMmd-p7FV1Q
The Power of Moments - https://www.amazon.com/Power-Moments-Certain-Experiences-Extraordinary/dp/0593079264
The Purpose Summit at the University of Notre Dame - https://www.thepurposesummit.com/
Purpose 8:28 Summit - https://www.purpose828.com/
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week. Visit storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In part two of this two-part episode, Charlie continues his conversation with Janet Leimkuhler, Director of Visual Impact at Broad River Retail. Janet reveals some of her favorite moments, where she thinks Broad River is going in the future and what she likes to do in her free time. We also get to see Janet react to some of her team members' and coworkers' stories.
Ed Mylett Podcast - https://www.edmylett.com/podcasts/
The Power of One More - https://thepowerofonemore.com/
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Eo9H8-YOoa0
We hope you enjoy this episode and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit www.StoriesfromtheRiver.com for more episodes.
In part one of this two-part episode, Charlie welcomes Janet Leimkuhler, Director of Visual Impact at Broad River Retail. Janet joined the company before its evolution, and was there for the 2015 STORIS conversions. She recounts her experience, emphasizing she always believed that adversity would be conquered.
Janet talks about the difficulties her team had during the pandemic, and how they adjusted when 85 percent of the team elected to furlough. Janet shares her favorite memories at the company, and where she gets inspired to be her best self, both at work and at home.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9LC3PsnofmY
We hope you enjoy this episode and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week. Visit www.StoriesfromtheRiver.com for more episodes.
Charlie welcomes Cherrie Rivera, the Associate Director of Operational Excellence at Broad River Retail. A woman of many trades, Cherrie spent much of her Broad River career wearing various hats, solving problems as they arise, and adapting to dynamic situations.
Cherrie talks about how making mistakes helped her grow and learn, and how to move forward from that experience. She also discusses inspiring team members, and how important is it to put your trust in people in order for them to have the freedom to thrive.
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Qih9TP6txTU
Cherrie's book recommendation:
Chief Joy Officer - https://www.amazon.de/Chief-Joy-Officer-Leaders-Eliminate/dp/0735218226
Atlas of the Heart - https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Bren%C3%A9-Brown/dp/1785043773
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week. Visit storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Dwayne Baker, Home Furnishings Expert and Sales Manager joins Charlie for another inspiring episode of Stories from the River podcast. Dwayne shares some of his history prior to coming to the River as he spent 20 years in the retail banking industry and opens up about his initial struggles during his first year in sales. After enduring that first transitional year and building his client base by taking a mindset of serving his guests and recognizing that Broad River was committed to reinvesting back into its business, he continued to grow and prosper. Dwayne began to be recognized for his success by the Company. In 2017, he was in the inaugural class of Home Furnishings Experts, becoming one of only four top producers to get promoted to this elite level and designation (which earned him his own parking spot in front of the store). And, then after 5+ years in sales at the River, Dwayne had his best year in 2018 when he joined the Million Dollar Memory Maker club for the first time, which was a very proud achievement for him. He has continued that success each year with repeat Million Dollar performances despite adversity, such as the year of his store's massive remodel and renovation in 2019 as well as the pandemic in 2020 and 2021. Throughout this episode, Dwayne talks about family - the family environment he has within the culture at the River (including not only within his own store but throughout the entire Company) and the importance of family in his personal life. Having fun, serving his guests, taking care of his family, having strong faith, always planning for success, and having that daily discipline of gratefulness with a positive mindset all contribute to who Dwayne is and how he achieves consistent success on the salesfloor. For Dwayne, it's not even work. He loves what he does and has fun. Listen to this episode and Dwayne's story is sure to inspire you to achieve your own goals and realize success. This episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/SQKpsIJhR60
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Charlie welcomes Jamar Wray, a Sales Manager, Sleep and Home Furnishings expert, and a five-time million-dollar Memory Maker. During the conversation, Jamar shares valuable sales strategies, what motivates and inspires him to keep getting better, how to get a mentor, his all-star teammate, and his goal for this year (two million dollars, here he comes!).
Jamar started as a CSR with UPS, worked his way up from the bottom, then moved to AcceptanceNOW, and finally over to Ashley with the River. At first, he was nervous about commission sales, but knowing he could never be content being an average writer, Jamar dominated the floor right away. In fact, Jamar was so proficient on the salesfloor that he began teaching Retail 101 classes after only six months with the River.
Jamar also shares the key to his persistent peak-level performance, as well as his most proud achievements. Listen to his story to find out how he deals with the consistent grind of being on the sales floor, what his first few days were like, how he feels about his team, and what he likes to do in his free time.
This episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/EcZWqhL5xYw
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week. Visit storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
If you've been listening to Stories from the River, you've heard the name Renee Bradley many times. Highly admired by her fellow Memory Makers, Renee joins us for this episode of the podcast to discuss her life and career at Broad River. Renee shares her memories of the difficulties the team had in 2015 with the original STORIS transition, as well as being involved in the first big remodel of the Pineville store. Renee then remembers 2018 as a magical year of purpose and amazing memories, filled with team building, striving for greatness, and success.
Episode Resources:
This episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/4db0fnBUXTU
Purpose 8:28 - https://www.purpose828.com
Leadership Summit YouTube clip of Joey Reiman speaking to BRR - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmABICtQLsk
Leadership Summit YouTube clip of Inky Johnson speaking to BRR - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNAGlW6uObg
“The Power of Moments” book by Chip Heath and Dan Heath - https://www.amazon.com/Power-Moments-Certain-Experiences-Extraordinary/dp/1501147765
“Everybody Matters” book by Bob Chapman and Raj Sisodia - https://www.barrywehmiller.com/outreach/book
“The Invisible Leader” book by Zach Mercurio - https://www.zachmercurio.com/books/
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week. Visit www.StoriesfromtheRiver.com for more episodes.
Charlie welcomes Hope Stocker, Broad River's Manager of Retail Accounting, and together they take a trip down memory lane. Hope has been with the company since 2006 and has had a front-row seat to its growth as well as its transformation into the purpose-driven organization it is today. And she's also survived three major storms with the Company - the Great Recession in 2009; the original failed STORIS conversion in 2015; and the COVID pandemic in 2020.
Hope shares her experience with converting Broad River's original ERP System (PROFITS) to STORIS in early 2015 and then applying those learnings in a symbolic, redemptive manner to help lead the conversion of the newly acquired stores in Wilmington from the PROFITS ERP system to STORIS much more smoothly and successfully earlier this year.
She also shares what it's like working with a fully remote team and what a Retail Accounting Manager does on a day-to-day basis.
You don't want to challenge Hope to a Jeopardy or trivia battle. From several office moves to the Savvy Spaces detour, and multiple ERP conversions and acquisitions, Hope and Charlie cover a lot of ground in this one. You will be entertained while learning about organizational and personal transformation in this conversation and episode of Stories from the River.
Additional Resources:
This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/hSvl0lFzQ5s
Joey Reiman (the man who wrote the book on Purpose) speaking at the 2018 Leadership Summit for Broad River Retail when the River's Purpose Statement ("Furnishing Life's Best Memories") was publicly unveiled: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmABICtQLsk
Joey Reiman Q & A: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUTZORUZl6Q
Joey Reiman's Book "The Story of Purpose: The Path to Creating a Brighter Brand, a Greater Company, and a Lasting Legacy" - https://www.amazon.com/Story-Purpose-Creating-Brighter-Greater/dp/1118443691
Inky Johnson speaks to Broad River Retail at the 2018 Leadership Summit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNAGlW6uObg
Inky Johnson Leadership Summit Q & A: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErO1LDM3zU0
Purpose 8:28 (Broad River's Purpose Summit): https://www.purpose828.com
Inky Johnson: https://www.inkyjohnson.com/
Serendipity with Inky Johnson: https://www.serendipitywithinky.com/
Justin Barnes: https://www.justinbbarnes.com
Justin Jones-Fosu: https://workmeaningful.com/
STORIS - The Unified Commerce Solution for Home Furnishings Retailers: https://www.storis.com
Matthew 23:12 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2023%3A12&version=ESV
Matthew 25:23 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+25%3A23&version=ESV
"Appetite for Life: The Biography of Julia Child" by Noel Riley Fitch - https://www.amazon.com/Appetite-Life-Biography-Julia-Child/dp/0307948382
"The Unfinished Revolution: Coming of Age in an Era of Gender, Work, and Family" by Kathleen Gerson - https://www.amazon.com/Unfinished-Revolution-Coming-Gender-Family-dp-0195371674/dp/0195371674/ref=mt_other?_encoding=UTF8&me=&qid=1654657244
"Signing Their Lives Away: The Fame and Misfortunate of the Men Who Signed the Declaration of Independence" by Denise Kiernan and Joseph D'Agnese - https://www.amazon.com/Signing-Their-Lives-Away-Independence/dp/1683691261/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1654657514&sr=1-1
Office Ladies Podcast - https://officeladies.com/
Julia Child Cooking Show on Pluto TV - https://pluto.tv/en/search/details/channels/julia-child/
The Brady Bunch on Pluto TV - https://pluto.tv/en/search/details/series/the-brady-bunch-cbs-tv/season/1
We hope you enjoy this episode and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit http://www.StoriesfromtheRiver.com for more.
Charlie welcomes Tim Clouse, Senior Director of Operations and one of the newest members of the Broad River Leadership. Tim discusses the Company's culture, how he helps to keep it fun and focused in Ops, and shares the practical life advice and wisdom that he has received over the years that has served him well and that he has applied in his own life.
In this episode, Tim explains the meaning and unpacks the BEACON acrostic for Operations at the River:
Broad River
Execution
Assessment
Capturing
Operational
Narrative
He shares how he meets with his "Epic" Team (consisting of his fellow Ops leaders like Cherrie Rivera, James Ouellette, Tonia Buskirk, and Sarah Sanchez) regularly for process improvement.
In discussing the recently successful operational consolidation with Project Seahawk, Tim discusses shining a light on who Broad River really is, showing compassion for the new Memory Makers to teach them how we do what we do, spending time with them, letting them know who we are, and explaining why we do what we do from a systems knowledge standpoint.
Another big project that Tim discusses is the opening of Broad River's new (3rd) Distribution Center in Spartanburg, SC (led by Mike Rinehart), and the talent that has contributed to the positive launch and culture in "Spartan Ridge."
To unlock the strategic lever of additional storage capacity with the opening of satellite warehouse 'York Southern' down the road from the main distribution center in Fort Mill, Tim credits Fort Mill's Inbound Manager Colin Michael.
Tim unpacks the unique identities for each of the three distribution centers:
Fort Mill Otters: Fiercely loyal and protective of their raft (the name of a group of otters); they thrive and strive as a group the same way we do as an Operational team. Otters get their nutrients from the river, and we are Broad River.
Four Oaks Falcons: Fast, precise, willing to go the extra mile to make our customers happy, and take great pride in handling our product.
Spartan Ridge Bruins: Display Speed, agility, power, are cunning, and ever adapting to their new environment.
The three Distribution Centers are competing in the Playoffs for DC of the Year (DCOY). In this healthy competition, Tim and his leadership team created a playsheet and really helped define what winning looks like on the top ten critical KPIs (starting with Safety as the primary anchor). The latest results are unveiled each week with enthusiasm.
Tim shares some sage advice he's received that's really impacted his life from his Dad, such as "Think about the potential outcomes before you take action. Use your gifts that you've been given while being thankful for them and always humble yourself every day." And from his Mom, "Put others first. Be generous to others."
Additional Resources:
Tim's LinkedIn Profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-clouse-9ab508122
Tim's Day One Restaurant (Flipside Cafe, home of the famous Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts) - http://theflipsiderestaurant.com/flipside-cafe/
Tim's favorite leadership book:
"Flight of the Buffalo: Soaring to Excellence, Learning to Let Employees Lead" by Jim Belasco and Ralph Stayer: https://www.amazon.com/Flight-Buffalo-Excellence-Learning-Employees/dp/0446670081
Tim's current book (that he read ahead of The Purpose Summit - https://www.thepurposesummit.com):
"Chief Joy Officer" by Rich Sheridan: https://richardsheridan.com/books/chief-joy-officer
Tim's favorite podcasts:
The RELEVANT Podcast - https://relevantmagazine.com/podcast/
Elevation with Steven Furtick Podcast - https://elevationchurch.org/podcast/
Maxwell Leadership Podcast - https://johnmaxwellleadershippodcast.com/
Richard Blackaby Leadership Podcast - https://blackaby.org/podcast/
C3 Church Global Podcast with Phil Pringle - https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/c3-church-global-podcast-with-phil-pringle/id666645342
Tim's Binge-worthy TV Show:
Brooklyn Nine-Nine: https://www.nbc.com/brooklyn-nine-nine
We hope you enjoy this episode and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week. Visit www.StoriesfromtheRiver.com for more episodes.
On this special bonus episode, Charlie is joined by his longtime friend and industry veteran, sleep specialist, and an honorary Memory Maker, Alan Vonder Haar (a/k/a ""Dr. V"").
Dr. V. gives insights on how he started in this business in his early 20s in the waterbed business, falling in love with the waterbeds, and learning everything he could about flotation sleep. (Even since the beginning of his career, he has always been a student of the science of sleep!)
He also shares the story of how he got his nickname and started playing a doctor in TV commercials. "I'm not a doctor, I just play one on TV," he mentions while recounting the purpose of his visit to the River. Dr. V came in to attend Broad River’s Sleep Summit and to give the keynote presentation to Broad River’s Retail Leaders during their in-person Rx (Retail Excellence) meeting focused on BRR’s pillar of sleep.
In this informative episode, Dr. V shares memorable one-liners, such as, “Comfort is in the behind of the beholder.” And he shared advice such as embracing a more consultative approach to selling that includes an attitudinal shift: “Don’t be a salesperson; be an assistant buyer.”
He offers a better approach than the industry standard sales question of, “How did you sleep last night?” And, instead offers his three-step approach of “Fall. Stay. Felt.”
He discusses the innovative cooling benefits that aid sleep in today’s mattresses and mattress protectors as well as the sleep benefits to using an adjustable base as well as the proper pillow (I.e., a bed for your head).
You will want to make sure you're taking notes when he breaks down the four stages of sleep and how they assist with physical and mental restoration. Plus, he shares how a certain sleep tracker is helping him improve his own sleep.
Dr. V’s passion is still burning bright after 38 years in this industry, and he leads with a servant’s heart. If you want to improve your skills at selling sleep or just learn more about the science and benefits of sleep, this episode’s for you.
Dr. V clearly lives by his favorite quote from Zig Ziglar, “You can get everything in life you want if you just help others get what they want.”
Additional Resources:
His previous podcast episodes:
Dos Marcos Show - The Galaxy's Greatest Mattress Podcast:
Miskelly's Secret to Success is PTF (Sept 2021) - https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Z3RUhu748uefiIIyscKDB?si=8-LpHLAtTFap0-eFEio8pw
BAM! Dr. V from Miskelly Furniture and the Race to the Summit (June 2021) - https://open.spotify.com/episode/0KamTbASg3Ek97R1FqnpLa?si=LgJPef6jTimwdPhf2xxrXg
Becoming the Face of Miskelly's Mattress: The Dr. V Story (Sept 2020) - https://open.spotify.com/episode/3ZUJBOdASwTVks9WCpFNJN?si=m6VqbIKHTj-df2hLSKP58A
On the Record with Furniture Today Podcast: 'Not just about the Mattress, it's the way you sleep' - https://www.furnituretoday.com/furniture-people/podcast-not-just-about-the-mattressits-the-way-you-sleep/
Fitness Trackers / Wearables
WHOOP Fitness and Health bracelet - https://www.whoop.com/
ŌURA Ring - https://ouraring.com
Dr. V's Place of Employment for nearly 30 years
Miskelly Furniture - https://www.miskellys.com
Broad River's original Purpose Summit (August 28, 2019) featuring Dr. V as a keynote speaker
Purpose 8:28 - https://www.purpose828.com
Mattress and Pillow Brands
Tempur-Pedic - https://www.tempurpedic.com
Purple - https://purple.com
Stearns & Foster - https://www.stearnsandfoster.com
Sealy - https://www.sealy.com
Ashley-Sleep - https://www.ashleyfurniture.com/c/mattresses/ashley-sleep-mattresses/
Bedgear - https://www.bedgear.com
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week. Visit www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Jordan Reilly, a Program Manager of Systems Training with Broad River Retail, sits down across from Charlie to discuss his career, his drive, his favorite memories at the River, and the day-to-day situations of his work. Jordan recalls the first big project that he was responsible for when he was hired (implementing Salesforce.com across the enterprise) and how we jumped in and helped get the project back on the rails. He explains the impact that this system has had on the Company and how this accomplishment is something he is deeply proud of.
Jordan opens up about his expectations and his perspective when he joined the Company during the pandemic on July 27, 2020, how he was thinking this would be just another job, but that he actually found a home, a family, and a purposeful career that he loves. He also talks about balance when working from home, workplace flexibility, and how he's adapted to conducting training remotely.
Jordan discusses the growth he has already experienced with the Company in less than two years, how Broad River Retail has grown in front of his eyes, and the potential for continued exponential growth that he sees for the Company and for anyone working in the Company.
Jordan discusses his purpose, both at work and at home, and shares some of his inspiration, motivation, and the people who help make him who he is.
Additional Resources:
"The Psychology of Money" by Morgan Housel - https://www.amazon.com/Psychology-Money-hardback-Timeless-happiness/dp/0857199099/
Additional Resources (Partners/Companies referenced):
Overground Cloud (now CloudBlazer) - https://cloudblazer.us/
Salesforce.com - https://www.salesforce.com/
STORIS - https://www.storis.com/
This episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/hm1BnBHetFo
We hope you enjoy this episode and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit www.StoriesfromtheRiver.com for more episodes.
Charlie welcomes Joseph Alcantara, a Home Furnishings Expert, and a four-time Million Dollar Memory Maker to the podcast. Joseph recalls his years of experience with the Company, from overcoming difficulties and adversities, to celebratory moments and achieving incredible success. Joseph shares his perspective that his specific circumstances of adversity actually worked to be the best thing that ever happened to him.
Joseph recalls some of his favorite memories at the River, including participating in the Company gala and getting to meet Inky Johnson when we unveiled our Company's Purpose Statement at our Leadership Summit, as well as the challenges with liquidating a store but then the benefits of relocating to a brand, new store that has become the talk of the town. The work can be hard and challenging, but always dynamic, rewarding, and interesting.
He gives advice on how to succeed on the sales floor, what to do when adversity comes your way, the importance of goal-setting, and how to ensure you win the mental game. During the pandemic, Joseph learned how to smile with his eyes and remain approachable despite the mask. Joseph also shares his commitment to his customers by being available and trustworthy.
Joseph discusses the pride he shares in helping the Augusta store grow two designations from Silver to Platinum.
Joseph's story of Thriving this year is one of going forward and continuing to progress regardless of the circumstances. And he tries to follow the advice of you reap what you sow. His message of positivity will resonate with any new hire starting on the sales floor.
Joseph's advice: True to our Company's name (Broad River Retail): Rivers are sometimes calm and sometimes rocky, but enjoy the ride and cherish every moment. Our company truly cares for its Memory Makers as it cares for its Customers. And, this is not just a stop; this can be a career at the River.
Quotable from Joseph: "The harder you work, the luckier you get."
This episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/93Q9xGZ8Jr0
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit www.StoriesfromtheRiver.com for more episodes.
Kellie Jones, Manager of Retail Operations at Broad River Retail, joins Charlie for a conversation. Kellie discusses her favorite memories with her team, including her most memorable year (2018) when her store became known as "The Lake," formed a book club, bonded like family, achieved an upgraded store designation (going from Silver to Gold status), having seven Million Dollar Writers, and having both the GM of the Year as well as the REM of the Year.
Kellie talks about her proudest moment to date with the Company - when she received the Cross Collaborator Award.
Kellie discusses strategies her team and she implemented during the pandemic to prevent cancellations through Project Breakwater and how she keeps her team engaged, positive, and continuing to thrive.
She unpacks the meaning and significance of the Gandalf Award given to the REM of the Month based on operational metrics as well as the importance of inventory management and Net Promoter Score (NPS).
There are so many other great stories, encouragement, and insights into the River shared during this conversation with Kellie.
Episode Resources:
Kellie's book recommendation: "Believe IT: How to Go from Underestimated to Unstoppable" by Jamie Kern Lima - believeit.com
Kellie's favorite podcasts:
""Office Ladies"" - https://officeladies.com/
"Off the Beat with Brian Baumgartner" - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/off-the-beat-with-brian-baumgartner/id1550331348
Additional Episode Resources:
Qualtrics (Leading Experience Management Software that we use for NPS surveys):
https://www.qualtrics.com
STORIS (Software Solutions for Home Furnishings Retailers that we use for our ERP system):
https://www.storis.com
Microsoft Teams (for group video chat and remote team connectivity):
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/group-chat-software
ZOOM (Video Conferencing & Virtual Event software that we use for our Town Halls):
https://zoom.us
"Everybody Matters: The Extraordinary Power of Caring for Your People Like Family" by Bob Chapman and Raj Sisodia - https://www.barrywehmiller.com/outreach/book
Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast Q&A with Jamie Kern Lima: Leading with Authenticity - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craig-groeschel-leadership-podcast/id1070649025?i=1000552806642
Maxwell Leadership Podcast: Believe IT with Jamie Kern Lima - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/maxwell-leadership-podcast/id1416206538?i=1000513379085
This episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/EaSBNMycKnE
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Michael and Charlie continue their conversation in the second part of this two-part episode. Michael talks about the feeling of belonging at Broad River, and how, with someone who experienced impostor syndrome for the first few years, that feeling of belonging is extremely powerful.
Michael talks about the importance of both endurance and process as keys to his success. He also talks about what motivates him more - the drive for success or the fear of failure.
Michael shares the three characteristics that he hopes people remember about him. He discusses how adversity has shaped him, some of the best advice he's received, and what advice he would offer to someone starting on the sales floor.
Michael continues to talk about how grateful he is for the opportunity he's been given, but at the same time, emphasizes that the drive, ambition, and the desire to succeed for himself and his family is what put him over the top.
Michael also discloses what he believes is Broad River's superpower.
And, in a nod to the name of this podcast, Michael even did research on rivers as his preparation for this interview.
Throughout the interview, Michael continues to honor and give thanks to his fellow Memory Makers, individuals who have guided him, and helped him fight off adversity, but have also been there for many celebratory moments.
Listen to part one of this interview here: https://youtu.be/ARLKfPiI7a0
This episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/X4RVNSC4pBo
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit www.StoriesfromtheRiver.com for more episodes.
In part one of this two-part episode, Charlie sits down with Michael Childers, a Broad River Retail Legend and first-ballot Hall of Famer to discuss his memorable stories from his over 12 years at the River. Michael gets raw, real, and vulnerable here as he discusses what he felt like when he first joined the Company, the valleys and adversity he's overcome during his time with the Company, and the sequence of successes that he's experienced along the way. Michael shares his thoughts on character and how scripture influences his perspective. He also discusses his best memories, his favorite people, his favorite accomplishment, and his favorite quotes. In fact, get your notepad and pen ready, because there are several memorable quotes and one-liners that you'll want to jot down as you listen to this conversation.
Episode Notes & Quotes:
Michael's advice for keeping the lugnuts on your Operation tight:
“Don’t skip leg day.”
On humbling himself and overcoming adversity:
“Mountain peaks are for views and inspiration, but fruit is grown in the valley.” - a favorite quote of Michael's from Billy Graham
"I won’t be defined by my worst moment."
Michael's career path: Starting in Mooresville (The Lake) to University (the U) to Gastonia (The Game Changers) and then to the East Region beginning with Durham (Bull City Bombers), then to Cary (Cary Crushers) to Four Oaks (The Rock) and with a couple of stints in our Raleigh stores (Raleighwood and Oak City)
Michael's mindset on leading through the valley of the pandemic:
“Someone’s gotta stay on the ship steering this thing.”
“Where do you need me, how can I help, where do you need me to go.”
Remembering a story from his Shark Tank Business Plan presentation:
Michael: “I’m not a numbers guy.”
Charlie: “You’re not a numbers guy right now. It’s a weakness. Make it a strength & you’ll be unstoppable.”
Michael's Favorite quotes:
Babe Ruth: “Yesterday’s home run doesn’t win today’s game.”
King Leonidas of Sparta: "Molon Labe" (“Come and take them.”)
“How you do anything is how you do everything.”
“How far are you willing to drive to be successful?”
“What is the mileage limit you’re willing to drive to be successful?”
Danielle Lassiter, a supervisor of Supply Chain Solutions at Broad River Retail sits down with Charlie to discuss the ins and outs of her role; the challenges with Supply Chain during the pandemic; and how problem-solving creatively has become one of her number one skills. As a member of Broad River Retail's Anti-Racism Committee (the ARC), Danielle also discusses her role on the ARC and how she is bringing awareness to the DEI space within the company.
Episode resources:
Danielle's current books:
"Eat That Frog!" by Brian Tracy - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/95887.Eat_That_Frog
"City on Fire" by Garth Risk Hallberg - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24189224-city-on-fire
Danielle's favorite podcasts:
Throughline on NPR - https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510333/throughline
Code Switch on NPR - https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510312/codeswitch
Beautiful / Anonymous: Beautiful Stories from Anonymous People - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beautiful-stories-from-anonymous-people/id1090147504
Danielle's recommended to-do list program from Microsoft: - https://todo.microsoft.com/tasks/
Charlie's book recommendation:
"Win the Day" by Mark Batterson - https://www.markbatterson.com/books/wintheday/
This episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/64ioCCQyh3Y
We hope you enjoy this episode and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit www.StoriesfromtheRiver.com for more episodes.
In a record-setting, pandemic year, Leah Hayes, a Sales Manager and Home Furnishings Expert, set the pace all year for the Retail salesforce. She sprinted to her first $1 Million in written sales in just five months, achieving $1 Million on Memorial Day, May 31st, 2021, which was the fastest time anyone had achieved this feat in Company history. Then, she became Broad River's first-ever $2 Million writer over Black Friday weekend, on Sunday, November 28th, 2021, achieving this amazing accomplishment just hours before Frank Gastelum also achieved $2 Million on the other side of the Broad River Retail region. Leah was the pacesetter all year and achieved phenomenal success in 2021. In this epsiode, she shares the secrets to her success: being open, staying competitive, thriving in work mode, and creating a genuine connection with her guests. Leah shares her goals for 2022 (reaching 2.2 million!), her drive, and her inspiration inside and outside of work.
We hope you enjoy this episode and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit www.StoriesfromtheRiver.com for more episodes.
Eric Turner, Supervisor of Assembly in Operations at the Distribution Center in Four Oaks, North Carolina, has been with Broad River for nearly seventeen years. He shares details around a personal health crisis, his drive, and how important family is to him. Eric and Charlie recount stories from back in the day, how Broad River has grown, and how Eric has grown with the company.
Episode resources:
Eric's game recommendation: Phase 10 card game: https://shop.mattel.com/products/phase-10-card-game-w4729
Eric's podcast recommendation: All the Smoke https://www.sho.com/sports/podcasts/all-the-smoke
Early Broad River/Ashley Commercials featuring Eric: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Glu9C0ysOI4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wD_fpcHAzA
This episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/DcQEBPxPF-0
We hope you enjoy this episode and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit www.StoriesfromtheRiver.com for more episodes.
Tim Sobkowiak makes sure Broad River Retail runs smoothly by providing exceptional Retail Technology and ERP software management within the company. In this conversation with Charlie, he talks about the personal growth he has experienced, from Customer Care, to Supply Chain, and now in the IT department. Tim puts emphasis on his team, the importance of being a facilitator, and having a sense of humor for any situation. Episode resources:
The Assessment Tim mentioned: Gift of Standout - https://www.marcusbuckingham.com/gift-of-standout/
Children's book recommendation: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Creepy-Pair-of-Underwear!/Aaron-Reynolds/Creepy-Tales!/9781442402980
Tim's favorite podcasts:
https://themoth.org/radio-hour and https://www.thisamericanlife.org
STORIS ERP Software Solutions for Home Furnishings Retailers - http://www.STORIS.com
This episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/7ZhHZY2U8F8
We hope you enjoy this episode and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week. Visit www.StoriesfromtheRiver.com for more episodes.
Cherelle Maness, a Customer Solutions Manager at Broad River Retail, sits down with Charlie and shares her tips for thriving both personally and professionally during the pandemic. From a morning meditation routine to focusing on one customer at a time, from becoming adaptable to remaining curious in the learning zone, she offers practical tips for keeping customers happy while personally thriving during the pandemic. Her valuable advice would be useful information for any of today’s knowledge workers, remote workers, and call center agents seeking encouragement and a roadmap to also thrive personally and professionally.
Episode resources
Two of Cherelle's favorite meditation videos:
https://youtu.be/j7d5Plai03g
&
https://youtu.be/OccjH_2ddQc
This episode on Youtube:
https://youtu.be/F7QMc_DmhDk
We hope you enjoy this episode and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit www.StoriesfromtheRiver.com for more episodes.
Charlie sits down across the table from Mo Sutter, the Magic Man. Mo shares the secrets to his successes during his decade long journey at Broad River Retail.
Episode resources:
Mo's Podcast Recommendation - E.T.’s "The Secret to Success" https://open.spotify.com/show/0GrMsi1Cxj3nipnI9HR1QX
Mo’s Book Recommendation - "Win from Within" by Pastor John Gray https://ourrelentlesschurch.store/products/win-from-within
This episode on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/c4EgLme7Rss
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Charlie sits down with Frank Gastelum, an artist turned successful Home Furnishings Expert at Broad River Retail, and the River's top writer in 2021. They discuss Frank's journey so far, what inspires him, and his advice to current and future Memory Makers. Episode resources: This episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/53TDltiZEu8 We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week. Visit storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
Charlie sits down with Heather Greenwood, Associate Director of the Memory Maker Experience department at Broad River Retail. You will learn more about Heather's personal life, her position within the organization, and the history purpose, and goals of MMx.
Episode resources:
Book Heather mentioned: The Purpose Path, by Dr. Nicholas Pearce - https://www.nicholaspearce.org/book
This episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/n012RqeNtbM
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
In this inaugural episode of Stories from the River podcast, Charlie Malouf, CEO of Broad River Retail welcomes his business partner and company COO, Manny Rodrigues. Charlie and Manny discuss company history, strategies, and plans for the future, and we learn quite a bit about Manny's personal vision, his routines, and recommendations. Episode resources:
This episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/P4Z23ieeesI
We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.
Visit www.StoriesfromtheRiver.com for more episodes.
Broad River Retail is thrilled to announce a brand new podcast series, Stories from the River. This show will explore the personal journeys of our very own Memory Makers. We’ll bring you closer to all areas of our company through a fun and inspiring mix of interviews and standalone narratives.
Stay tuned for our first episode, releasing mid February, 2022.