Focus. Focus. Focus.
You’ve heard this a thousand times.
But what does this even mean?
You can’t work on more than 2 things at once without fumbling the bag on something.
I’m very involved in all of the projects I share about below so at some point I can’t do it all.
I’ve always had a hard time focusing on one thing but in retrospect, I know how impactful it is.
100% of my time should be spent on Novel and Remix until the management team is built out.
Once I have support, then I can entertain other projects.
But I can’t guarantee I won’t get distracted by the woman in the red dress.
She’s hard to ignore.
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.
Events / Meetups
Twitter/X Spaces w/ Matthias Smith from Pioneer Capital Advisory
Date:
Time:
Location: Twitter/X
SET REMINDER HERESpeed Connecting w/ Devin Ambron from Austin Connections
Date: July 30
Time: 12-1 PM
Location: Virtual
RSVP HEREPrivate Business Dinner w/ two new ParkSMB partners
Date: TBA
Time: 7-9 PM
Location: TBA
APPLY HEREPrivate Business Dinner w/ Reconciled x Rho for 20
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
Check out my attempt at a quick short.
I’m trying out some video content this year to show more behind-the-scenes.
This week I’m on the hunt for a new delivery/inventory manager so let me know if you know someone.
This role is KEY to our daily operation.
Our HQ is getting tight with the expansion of 2 new Novel locations and Remix so I’ll be passively searching over the next month to see what’s out there.
I need at least 1,500 sqft but can go bigger for the right price.
Here’s an update for the week:
Novel #3 (Trailer) - Still going through official permits with the city and state but we have a TUP (temporary use permit) for August to hold us over.
Here’s another angle of the trailer:
We’ve got our water in and outflow covered and we’re hooking up electrical this week to start testing the equipment.
I’m expecting some issues so we’ll deal with them as we go.
Our new team members are starting to train at our Phoenix shop this week so I’ll keep you posted on how things go over the next few weeks.
Novel #4 (Truck) - Equipment has officially been ordered and shipped.
I got ahead of things and pushed this project forward so we can get it operational by October or November at the latest.
Once the equipment lands in Texas, I’m heading out there to finalize the layout with the team.
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
Build a wheel skirt, a cage around electrical equipment, 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
Book a trip to Texas to review the buildout
Here’s an up-to-date photo I have of the store front.
The only thing we changed is the text above the QR code to read “Scan to Order” which is more clear for customers.
Another slow week amid summer but I’m staying optimistic as I put more time into brand promotion.
We’ll be launching on Doordash next week so that will open another door for people to give us a try.
Check out the menu here and let me know what you think.
Here’s my power list (a mix of short and long-term projects):
Document and post more behind-the-scenes content
Launch Doordash, Grubhub, and UberEats
Work on Google My Business SEO
The website is nothing special but it’s built for now
Create a custom sandwich for a collab with Snapback Pizza
VEER CONCEPTS
There are two ways I can go about this 5-unit coffee acquisition…
Raise for the entire purchase price in exchange for equity
Raise for the downpayment and seller finance the remainder
I’m leaning towards #2 so the current owner can stay on as an advisor since we have a strong relationship.
If all goes as planned, we can roll this up into an existing muli-unit coffee co out of Iowa.
This would bring the total location count to 10 right away.
The health + wellness center and bakery projects in Peoria are on hold until Novel and Remix are firing on all cylinders.
If you’re interested in being a part of these projects, let me know…
I’m always looking for exceptional people to work with.
ParkSMB
The logo and website are coming by September 1st.
Things are getting official… I’m bringing on 2 partners to help grow the community.
If you’re looking to start, buy, build a business, or just meet other talented people… scroll up to the Events/Meetups section and apply/RSVP.
Podcast
I love intense founder stories.
You’ll learn a thing or two on this one:
Music
Hope you liked last week’s mix.
I’ll keep bringing the heat whether you like it or not.
Shoutout to Unc for sending me this one:
And here’s the best Spotify playlist on the planet.
Health
I’ve decided to get going on Hyrox training until bodybuilding prep towards the end of the year.
Hyrox is 8km of running and eight functional workouts such as sleds, skiergs, and broad jumps.
I’m pumped for a new challenge.
I might even try and compete in October or November.
I’m curious to hear if you’re training for anything right now?
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.
Need a backpack or travel gear? Check out Bellroy. They’re the best.
Talk next week,
Shawn