30 weeks strong.
Cheers to you for even reading this crap.
Anyways, lots going on this week.
I’m having a tough time priorizting it all.
But honestly, keep it coming…
It’s helping me find inefficiencies in how I operate…
And how else would I improve without being pushed to capacity
Ask yourself this one…
“What do I need to do to FORCE myself to improve at least one thing in my life?”
Whatever it is…
You’re not finding out what the red line is without trying to get it there
So maybe for once, try a little harder.
Try to get it there.
I’ll shut up now.
Have a great week friend.
P.S. - This newsletter only grows with your help. I don’t run ads or sell anything, so I only ask that you share it with one person.
If this is your first read, see where this all started here.
Events / Meetups
Private Business Dinner w/ two pending partners
Date: TBA
Time: 7-9 PM
Location: TBA
APPLY HEREPrivate Business Dinner w/ Reconciled x Rho for 30
Date: August 29th
Time: 7-9 PM
Location: TBA privately
APPLY HERE
For real-time updates and to stay in touch:
Twitter/X: @shawnwallard
Linkedin: Shawn Allard
Instagram: @shawnallard
Projects
Our first partnership is coming to life in August!
I’m so pumped for this.
We’re working with Thai Chili 2 Go to be their exclusive ice cream supplier for all 16 (soon to be 20) of their locations.
We’re doing a final taste test tomorrow for 2 flavors:
Coconut Thai Tea
Pineapple Basil Mint Sorbet
And if you’re around, Patio Beats is live at the Mesa shop this Saturday 7/6 from 8-10pm.
Come hang and listen to what better be your favorite genre - House.
A local DJ - Tyreson will be cookin' for the evening.
Give him a follow on IG here.
Let’s get to the updates…
Novel #3 (Trailer) - Still going through final permitting requirements for the city and for pre-inspection by the state.
I have to add a skirt over the wheels that you see in the picture below:
Since the trailer is stationary, it has to look as close to a permanent structure as possible.
Tough to do but we’ll make it work.
I have a good team of 6 ready to train in Phoenix this month.
This gives me a few more weeks to prep for the week of training we’ll have in Peoria before opening day.
Novel #4 (Truck) - The team is ready for equipment to be installed!
But we’re in a tough spot because we have to be mindful of cash over the next month since we’re opening Peoria.
A lot of cash goes into opening these new locations so once it’s close to open, we’ll be ready to order everything we need to finalize the buildout of the truck.
Even with some delays I expect the truck to be operational by early Fall.
Good thing is… we’ve already signed a few events and weddings starting in January of 2025.
On the other hand, I found a potential HQ spot for Novel up in Peoria.
My great friend Lance has been gracious enough to offer half of his warehouse to support Novel’s growth.
It’s a great fit… I just need to decide whether we need this now or if we can wait until Novel #4 (Truck) is operating.
Here’s my Novel power list (a mix of short and long-term projects):
Novel #3 (Trailer):
Submit final permitting docs to the City of Peoria
Get it inspected
Hopefully in 2 weeks or less
Buildout wheel skirt and final interior things
Order final products
Get team trained in Phoenix
Novel #4 (Truck)
Reach out to property owners in Avondale
The truck would be stationary from Tuesday through Thursday and mobile from Friday through Sunday
Start working on the exterior wrap design
So Remix opened May 23rd and we began working on this project in February.
We spent about $85,000 to get it up and running without including payroll and food costs.
If we’re including everything, as of today we’re at around $100,000.
It’s a scary thing but I know we’ll be profitable after 12 months so we can start paying that down.
I can’t say I had a hard time in any department other than menu design and team training.
Since this was my first go at opening a retail location… I needed some guidance.
I partnered with Lance from Driftwood Coffee to help design the entire menu (coffee and sandwiches).
Him and James (manager of Driftwood) killed it and helped get the team trained prior to open.
Minus 2 people, we have our core team and will likely hire 1-2 more people in the coming weeks.
As of today we’ve done $3,073.85 in revenue and $0 in net income.
We are operating in the red but as like I said last week.. some community engagement and organic social will help boost brand awareness.
I also mentioned I’ll be stepping back into the shop for a few hours a week to save on labor costs and to find ways to improve the overall workflow of the shop.
It will also force me to create the content I’ve been wanting to do.
And… we’re adding delivery very soon which will bring more attention to our slower night hours.
Doordash will be our first 3rd party delivery provider and we’ll add Grubhub and UberEats as we go.
Here’s my power list (a mix of short and long-term projects):
Document and post more behind-the-scenes content
Set up 3rd party delivery system
Work on Google My Business SEO
The website is nothing special but it’s built for now
Update the final pickup and delivery system
Looks like we’ll need a Saturday pickup and delivery to make sure we have fresh bagels and produce for the weekend
Create a custom sandwich for a collab with Snapback Pizza
VEER CONCEPTS
I’m still reviewing financials for the multi-unit coffee co in Texas.
I’ll be sharing a one-pager with potential investors/partners as soon as I build the one-pager.
This deal may turn into a roll-up / rebrand with an existing muli-unit coffe co out of Iowa.
I’m also still looking into the health + wellness center and bakery projects in Peoria.
These are moving slow since I’m putting all I’ve got into Novel and Remix right now.
If you’re interested in being a part of these projects, let me know…
I’m always looking for exceptional people to work with.
COMMUNITY - ParkSMB (haven’t branded it yet)
Lot planned for August and beyond with ParkSMB.
I’m bringing on partners so we can host bigger and better events across Arizona and around the country.
If you’re a current business owner, the private events we have coming up are going to blow you away.
Make sure to scroll up to the Events/Meetups section and apply.
Podcast
I don’t listen to Huberman much but I saw this episode on skin health and gave it a go.
It’s solid (even for the guys):
Music
We threw this mix on at the lake in Montreal with my family and I can’t lie…
It’s wild.
Even my grandpa couldn’t get enough of it.
And here’s the best Spotify playlist on the planet.
My friend and I have been building it for years.
Health
I’ve been lifting and running almost every day since being back.
I feel unstoppable.
Who knew that daily exercise could make you feel this good?
Well actually…
If you didn’t know that, you need a new brain.
I’m seeing solid improvement in my physique with the help of a few gym partners (you know who you are).
I’m ready to start training for something…
Maybe…
Hyrox?
Marathon?
Bodybuilding comp?
What do we think?
I haven’t done Hyrox yet so that’s where I’m leaning.
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