Curated Pt. 21

A weekly roundup of stuff I hope you'll like

I hope this month is treating you well.

If you’re new here, this newsletter is different than most.

It’s just a long stream of consciousness.

It’s random at times but it helps me hash out what’s upstairs without going crazy.

So if you don’t like it, don’t read it.

Let’s get into it.

So I’ve been thinking about how we tend to expect things to always get better.

We say things like “It’s only up from here” or “It can’t get any worse than this”.

But if we’re being honest, it’s never only up from here and it can always and probably will get worse.

When you push boundaries…

When you go against the grain…

When you play outside of your comfort zone…

It’s inevitable.

You will be tested.

You’ll be thrown on a ride with so many ups and downs it’ll make you vomit.

Success (whatever you deem it to be) comes at a price.

And that price is larger, harder, and more painful than you can imagine.

It’s not for everyone but if you’re not everyone…

Suck it up and get to work.

Period.

P.S. - This newsletter grows from word of mouth. So if you feel like sharing, here’s the link. Also, if you're a new reader and you'd like to check out where it started, you can do so here. 

Projects

NOVEL ICE CREAM

1. Novel #3 is under construction

2. Novel #4 (Mobile truck) is starting to be built in the next week or so

3. Bought a new delivery van

My power list this week:

• Plan the first limited edition topping & flavor combo

• Outlining new in-shop offerings (exclusive pint flavors & order pickup)

• Blueprint mobile truck build and finalize equipment list

• Content strategy and design for our main platform - Instagram (follow us @novelicecream)

• New website design

REMIX COFFEE

1. Water line and most of our machines are operational. Shoutout to Sam.

2. Espresso machine arrived today and will be ready to go by Friday.

3. Inventory list is almost complete

4. Signage is on it’s way

5. Team is ready to go

6. Opening day tee is a go (see below)

My power list this week:

• Order all of our inventory to prepare for testing next week

• Clean up inside and get equipment hooked up

• Finalize menu design (I’ll send mockup when complete)

• Figure out how to make the best uncrustable on the planet

ACQUISITION #2

I submitted an IOI for $850k on a commercial property in Downtown Phoenix.

It’s a mixed-use property with 6 retail units.

I lease 2 of them and will likely run 2 more if I acquire the property.

VEER CONCEPTS

This is my hospitality company that will oversee all of the concepts I work on moving forward.

I’m still looking to get the logo and website built but for now, I’m focused on how we can bring other concepts to life.

I’ve been looking at some land in Peoria that’s ripe for 2 new concepts.

I’m submitting formal plans in the next couple of weeks.

I’ll keep you up to date.

COMMUNITY

Devin Ambron and I hosted our first virtual speed networking event yesterday and couldn’t be happier with the turnout.

We had close to 25 on the call!

Everyone got enough value from the hour that we’re sticking to a monthly cadence.

We’d love to see you at the next one.

Upcoming Events

• PHX April Business Mixer
  Date: April 23
  Location: Downtown Phoenix (RSVP to find out)
  Time: 7-9 PM
  RSVP here

• Private Terrace Watch Party (limited to 20)
  Date: May 4
  Location: Phoenix Rising FC Stadium
  Time: 7 PM

  Apply here

• M&A Launchpad Conference (I’m speaking on a panel)
  Date: May 11
  Location: Downtown Houston
  Time: All day
  Learn more - USE CODE “SHAWN” for $200 off

• Business Roulette: Austin & Phoenix Leaders
  Date: May 14
  Location: Virtual
  Time: 9 AM (MTN)
  RSVP here

For real-time updates and to stay in touch:

• Twitter/X: @shawnwallard

• Linkedin: Shawn Allard

• Instagram: @shawnallard

Podcast

Music

I haven’t seen a set behind the counter of a cafe before.

Give it a listen.

Also, my friend and I have built the greatest playlist in the world.

It’s only on Spotify.

Check it out here.

Health

The hardest thing I have to do right now is take a break.

Since the LA Marathon, my shins and feet have been torn up.

It’s gotten uncomfortable to even run a mile.

So outside of run club, I’m pausing to ruck and treadmill.

We’re building a solid community around the sport so come meet us at R.T. O’Sullivans every Wednesday at 6:30 PM.

Follow along on IG and if you’re on Strava, check it out here.

See you there.

Random

• Buy, rent, and/or lease property in Arizona. Email me.

• Buy, sell, and/or invest in a business. Let’s find you some deals.

• Raise capital and/or debt for your new/existing business. Let’s find you some money.

Talk next week,

Shawn