Curated Pt. 25

A weekly roundup of stuff I hope you'll like

The more I put myself out there…

The more I realize everyone is struggling too.

We’re all just trying to figure it out.

So when I overthink, I look at my life through my 80-year-old self…

I envision whether or not that situation or thought will matter…

And whether I would be proud of the decision I’m making at that moment.

I tend to get pretty clear on where to go next.

I’m much more decisive.

Hope that helps.

P.S. - This newsletter only grows with your help. So if you feel like sharing, here’s the link.

If this is your first read, go here to see where this started.

Events / Meetups

Shoutout to Equity Launchpad for hosting the first M&A Launchpad Conference.

I met some amazing people searching for their first business and others connecting with investors for their next venture.

It was an honor to have spoken on two panels about current successes in ETA and strategies for searchers when looking for their first deal.

in the flesh trying not to piss my pants out of fear

• Business Roulette: Austin and Phoenix Leaders
  Date: TODAY
  Location: Virtual
  Time: 9 AM MTN
  RSVP HERE

• Workout + Social (Open to all but limited to 30 people)
  Date: May 25
  Location: BODI in Scottsdale
  Time: 12 PM
  RSVP HERE

• Unlisted Run Club
  Date: Every Wednesday
  Location: R.T O’Sullivan’s in Scottsdale
  Time: 6:30 PM
  DETAILS HERE

For real-time updates and to stay in touch:

• Twitter/X: @shawnwallard

• Linkedin: Shawn Allard

• Instagram: @shawnallard

Projects

NOVEL ICE CREAM

Novel #3 (Trailer) - Last week I said I’d mention aggressive patience. It’s something I’ve had to develop over the last 2-3 years. It means actively pursuing your goals while staying patient, even through adversity. It’s a balance between decisiveness and being patient enough to wait for the right opportunities to arise. It's about not giving in to shiny objects.

And this week, the team has received the major equipment and we’re ready to get it bolted down.

We’re also jumping to the outside to finish the generator setup.

I have 2 generators being installed below the AC unit and we’ll be building a more professional-looking cage around it all.

Novel #4 (Truck) - The interior is on its way. I’m hoping the interior shell is done in the next 2 weeks so I can start getting equipment in there.

My power list (mix of short and long-term projects):

• Host event on May 18 for Novel’s new flavor release and Remix’s opening day

  • We’re having DJs perform at both our Phoenix and Mesa locations from 8-10 PM

• Submit final plans to the city for Novel #3 (Trailer)

• Finalize list of equipment to send out to Novel #4 (Truck)

• Outline new offerings (exclusive pint flavors, online order pickup, pre-order limited merch)

  • With every new addition to the shop comes issues I will miss until we start putting the initiative into action so stay tuned for this

• Social media strategy (follow us @novelicecream)

  • I’m obsessed with aesthetics so curating ours is always top of mind

• Reworking our HQ to fit Novel #3 and Remix’s inventory

  • Not sure how we’re gonna fit Novel #3 now that Remix’s inventory is here

REMIX COFFEE

• Training started yesterday and James is doing an amazing job

  • Lance is focused on food and James is focused on coffee

  • Training will be Monday- Thursday for the next 2 weeks leading up to our opening day on May 23rd

• We found a Turbochef expert to come in and get it fixed (wish me luck)

• Exterior sign is going up on Wednesday

• Soft open will be May 18 from 2-10 pm

My power list (mix of short and long-term projects):

• Build shop opening, shift-change, and closing checklists

  • Will be done by Saturday

• Build a new team member training guide

  • Will have this done by May 23 (opening day)

• Build out drink and food recipe guides

  • Will be done by Saturday

• Manage a good soft open with James on May 18

Here’s a staple coffee and bagel sandwich from the menu:

ACQUISITION #2

No updates this week.

If you don’t know the details of the Downtown Phoenix property, go here.

VEER CONCEPTS

No updates on the Wellness Center and Bakery or any other concepts.

If you don’t know what I’m talking about, go here.

COMMUNITY

I’m pumped to be hosting my 2nd workout event… this time in Arizona.

This will be the last event until mid-July so if you have an hour on May 25 from 12-1 pm, come spend some time with us.

Podcast

Testing good ideas and how to build valuable companies, check it out:

Music

If you haven’t listened to Tony McGuinness yet, you’re in for a treat:

And here’s the best Spotify playlist on the planet.

Health

Read a book.

Go for a walk.

Hit the gym.

Work hard at your craft.

It serves me well to remind myself to keep it that simple.

So do one of these things this week and see how you feel.

I Can Help

• 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