Curated Pt. 12

A weekly roundup of cool stuff I hope you'll like

Shawn Allard

Feb 13, 2024

I hope you’re well.

Here’s a quick lesson in persistence.

It will almost guarantee you find success in whatever you’re working on.

Why?

It’s controllable.

You control your follow-up schedule.

You control whether you make content.

You control whether you pick up the phone and set up that meeting.

You control whether you go out and build relationships necessary to grow your business.

It’s in your control to keep showing up every day.

Why am I sharing this?

Because it’s the only reason I ever get anywhere in life.

I’m not the smartest, most disciplined, or the most attractive individual - far from it.

However, my commitment to relentless effort produces results over time.

I empower you to experiment with this in your life.

Be persistent, because most times, the odds will be in your favor.

It’s frustrating for me to think about all the opportunities I've let pass in my life before I realized that persistence is all I needed.

So, don’t forget to forward this to a friend, partner, colleague, or your mama.

I’ve always wanted to DJ so this photo fit how I felt when writing this.

Projects

Novel Ice Cream - 3rd location (pics coming soon) is being built and the lease is still being drafted. Just awaiting a response from the agent representing the property owners.

Looks to be about 2 months until opening day.

4th location lease is being signed on March 1st. Here’s an aerial shot of the building (the old blue diner on the right).

If all goes well, we can open this shop by April 1st.

New Concept - The remainder of our equipment made it into the shop and our awesome electrical guy (Tyler) is getting it all wired in so we don’t blow the place up.

It was built in the 1920s so a pretty easy to do…

We should have everything wired by next week so we can start testing the menu and ordering products.

I’m also putting the exterior touches on the space such as lights and signs by next week.

2nd Acquisition - I’ve slacked on CIM reviews.

I have 2 gentlemen I’m able to call friends that I’m searching for deals with.

I’ve promised them we’d get something done in 2024.

If you’re also deal hunting right now, check out Axial.

Their deals are vetted well and response times from brokers and sellers are fast.

We like fast.

Food Hall - In the photo above, the two buildings to the left are going up for sale along with the one Novel will be in (the blue diner).

So I’m including a right of first refusal in the lease on the entire property.

Those two buildings will be converted into one giant food hall.

Once the lease is signed, the property is out of probate, and I exercise the option to purchase, I’ll start bringing experts out to the property to begin the buildout plans.

SMB Community - 5 events in the next two months!

Things are happening.

Even across state lines.

And our last Phoenix Social had close to 125 people.

I’m not sure if I’ve shared my goal with this community though.

It’s simple:

To bring the most talented people in small business together.
To provide a space to build genuine friendships and business partnerships.

Whether you’re looking to buy, build, or grow yourself or your business, this is the community you need.

It’s what I’ve looked for all my life.

Upcoming Events

Phoenix Small Business Social
Date: February 22
Time: 6-9 PM
Location: The Duce
RSVP here
Austin Small Business Social
Date: February 17
Time: 6-8 PM
Location: Meanwhile Brewing
RSVP here
Austin Business Owners Private Workout & Dinner
Date: March 1
Time: 5-10 PM
Location: Squatch Fitness & Suérte
Apply here
Denver Small Business Social
Date: March 15
Time: 6-8 PM
Location: Downtown Denver
RSVP here
Phoenix Small Business Social
Date: April 17
Time: 6-8 PM
Location: Kiln
RSVP here

For real-time updates and to stay in touch:
Twitter/X: @shawnwallard
Linkedin: Shawn Allard
Instagram: @shawnallard

Book

I have 8-10 books I’d like to share.

Reply with your address and I’ll send you one (if I don’t run out).

Podcast

Ed Mylett is a powerhouse in the podcast space.

He’s a savant in public speaking.

But this episode is a great lesson in doing what needs to be done, right now.

All of these little tasks you let pile up for days and weeks.

They don’t need to wait.

You have the time.

Do them.

Now.

Video

This newsletter is entirely about persistence without even realizing it.

Check this video out.

It’s not about running.

It’s about so much more.

Health

I’m less than a week out from the Austin Marathon.

And just over a month out from the LA Marathon.

I was at my local run club last night and was called crazy about 5 times for doing 2 marathons a month apart.

Sounds like I made the right decision.

I love meeting people in these settings.

Being around people who are building their bodies, minds, and lives is special.

The energy alone is powerful.

Run clubs
Private gyms
Business communities

If you lack motivation to do things alone.

Join one.

Thank me later.

Community Supporters

Daniel Cheetham is the Founder and Principal of Captains Club and has been an incredible supporter of this community. He and his team help business owners find the highest quality successor when the time is right.

I highly recommend scheduling a call with him to learn more about his process here.

Elyse Gonzales is the Vice President of SBA Lending at Live Oak Bank and is supporting small business owners and buyers across the country in so many incredible ways. If you’re looking to purchase your first or next business or would like to learn more about the SBA and their lending process, right-click here to copy her email address.

Matthias Smith is the CEO/Founder of Pioneer Capital Advisory. He’s helping acquisition entrepreneurs through SBA7a lending and has been an incredible resource to me and hundreds of fellow business buyers in the space. Schedule some time to connect with him about working through an SBA 7a loan.

If you’re interested in sponsoring an upcoming event, please respond to this email.

Curated