Curated Pt. 16

A weekly roundup of stuff I hope you'll like

Shawn Allard

Mar 12, 2024

We’re back.

Alive and ready for all the world throws at us.

I’m in Austin this week for a few events and some SXSW (South By Southwest) stuff.

I’m an outsider here.

It’s all tech.

But I’ve met some incredible people.

And that’s what IRL events are for.

Not for finding clients, raising money, etc.

They’re for building relationships.

I’m back home on Thursday then right back out to Denver on Friday and Saturday followed by LA on Sunday for the Marathon.

IDK about you but I live for weeks like this.

Back to back.

On the go.

All day.

But anyway, let’s get into it.

Hope you also have an amazing week.

Projects

Novel Ice Cream - Locations #1 and #2 are firing on all cylinders.

We’re in the midst of what should be one of our busiest months.

Our customer base is growing like a weed and I couldn’t be more proud of how hard our team is working.

I’m investing more time into leadership development with our two shop managers through the coming months.

I need them to perform at the highest level as we grow.

I also have the lease for #3 ready to go but still waiting for the trailer to be done.

I’m pumped to bring this to Downtown Peoria.

The community is going to love the setup.

Here’s what I’m working on this week for Novel:

Dropping Anniversary merch tees
Launching flavor collab with Churro’s El Jefe (local food truck)
Scouting locations for #4 in and around Arizona
Creating an SOP for cash management in our shops
Reviewing applications and hopefully hiring 1 more team member for #2

Remix Coffee - A few final touches to the space’s aesthetic need to be done before the espresso machine arrives.

I’m hoping for no more than a week before it gets here so we can plumb that thing in.

The exterior sign is still getting mocked up.

I made some edits so I should have that in production this week.

Needs for Remix this week:

Finalize interior construction and set up speaker system and tech
Order initial round of inventory (I didn’t do this last week)
Work on menu outline and design
Open an official bank account and credit card through Chase

2nd Acquisition - Still deciding if I want to move with an LOI on the $5M electrical company out of San Antonio.

I’ve been presented a few opportunities this week that are more interesting so it’s a matter of sketching out what each of them looks like.

I’m entertaining the idea of purchasing the complex that Novel #1 is in along with another property across the street.

This would give me and a potential partner access to more space to try more concepts and potentially turn the complex into an F&B incubator.

I’m also looking at doing another brick-and-mortar acquisition and a new breakfast concept.

All of this will be done under the hospitality group I’m putting together called - Veer Concepts.

Community - Riot Run Club and a few others helped host a run out of Novel Phoenix on Saturday.

We had around 75 people show up for a 5k and 50% off ice cream.

I love connecting people through fitness and exercise.

Here’s a pic:

I’m also attending some cool events Monday-Wednesday this week in Austin.

This was the private garden party in Downtown on Sunday:

Building community is one of the best things I’ve incorporated into my life.

Brings me a ton of joy.

Upcoming Events

Denver Small Business Social
Date: March 15
Location: Downtown Denver (RSVP to find out)
Time: 6-8 PM
RSVP here
Phoenix March Business Mixer
Date: March 20
Location: Downtown Phoenix (RSVP to find out)
Time: 6-9 PM
RSVP here

I’m speaking at the event below in May.

If you’re interested in learning more about the business acquisition space.

M&A Launchpad Conference
Date: May 11
Location: Downtown Houston
Register here - USE CODE “SHAWN” for $200 off

By the way…

I’m always looking for community supporters.

I run every event on my own so if you’d like to support me, email me at sallard20@gmail.com

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

Podcast

Tim Ferris is an OG.

He’s been doing this business stuff at the highest level longer than I’ve been alive.

I enjoyed this interview with Claire Johnson from Stripe.

There are a ton of lessons to pull away from this one.

Give it a listen:

Music

As you can probably tell I’m a fan of house and lounge music.

I’m gonna keep sharing some mixes.

This one is solid.

If you’re into this stuff.

My buddy and I started a playlist 2 or 3 years ago that I believe is the greatest playlist on the planet.

It’s only on Spotify.

But check it out here.

Let me know what you think.

Health

I’m going into the hurt locker soon with this cut.

It’s going to be aggressive after I wrap up the LA Marathon next Sunday.

I’m not looking forward to it.

But…

Gotta do uncomfortable things to get what you want.

Operation lose 20+ lbs as fast as possible is coming up.

I’d also like to share something personal that may inspire you or not.

I’ve had Ulcerative Colitis for over 16 years now.

I’ve had my fair share of issues but I’ve been in remission for over 10 years now.

And as of October 2022, I stopped all meds.

On my terms.

Why?

Because I know what the solution is.

And I’ve known it for so long.

It’s diet.

It’s exercise.

And that’s about it.

If it sounds simple.

That’s because it is.

Stop putting garbage in your body and you’ll magically heal.

Who would have known?

All that to say, whatever excuse you’re giving yourself.

It’s not valid.

And no one wants to hear it.

We all have issues.

We’re all busy.

“I’ve been wanting to (insert whatever it is you want to do)” doesn’t mean anything.

You either are or aren’t doing it.

No more “I’ve been meaning to get around to… (insert whatever it is you want to do)”

So get it together.

Community Supporters

Eric Hsu is the Founder of Clear Focus Law, a boutique buy-side M&A firm focused on helping self-funded searchers realize their acquisition dreams.

Connect with Eric here

Joshua Richman is the President of Symphony Risk, which offers insurance services designed to support search funds, entrepreneurial investment acquisition, and SMB owners. These services include complimentary pre-acquisition insurance due diligence, transactional risk products, and comprehensive post-transaction and/or operating insurance solutions.

Please reach out to Joshua at jrichman@symphonyrisk.com.

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.