Some new readers this week so I’ll give you some context into what you’ll read.
What’s up, I’m Shawn,
Post-grad, I did 3.5 years in dental consulting (sales and ops), then purchased Novel Ice Cream. I’ve since gone full-time on this.
We’re coming up on a year since the acquisition and I’m so pumped for what’s happening.
Novel has 2 retail locations and what you’ll see below are locations 3 and 4. So by the end of the year, we’ll have 4 operating locations.
We’re also working on expanding the brand through wholesale, grocery, etc.
2 months ago, we opened a coffee concept called Remix.
We do coffee and bagel sandwiches in Downtown Phoenix, next door to our 1st Novel location.
My goal is to build a national Hospitality group - Veer Concepts that starts and acquires various concepts.
I’m so passionate about this space and can’t wait to see where we are in a decade.
On the other hand, I started a small business community around this time last year and have hosted over a dozen events in multiple states.
Curated is an extension of that and is written to stay in touch with my friends and family.
Being a part of ParkSMB is completely free so if you see me say member, that doesn’t mean there’s a membership.
Now that that’s out of the way, let’s get into it.
For my weekly readers, you already know that Curated 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
Speed Networking (meet business owners from around the country)
Date: August 13
Time: 12-1 PM MTN
Location: Virtual
RSVP HEREPrivate Business Dinner w/ Reconciled x Rho for 20
Date: August 29th
Time: 7-9 PM
Location: Hollywood, CA
APPLY HEREPrivate Business Dinner w/ two new ParkSMB partners
Date: TBA
Time: 7-9 PM
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
APPLY HERE
For real-time updates and to stay in touch:
Twitter/X: @shawnwallard
Linkedin: Shawn Allard
Instagram: @shawnallard
Projects
If you didn’t read last week, you can here.
And another last-minute back out…
On the hunt for another delivery manager.
Updates for the week and general power list (a mix of short and long-term projects):
Interviewing for delivery manager role
Ideating new flavors
Shoot over any cool ideas you have
Thai tea sold out on our 1st Thai Chili 2 Go order so we restocked and our waiting to finalize the official 16-unit partnership
Cider Corp collab sold out of all 100 cans
Check out this IG reel
Potential partnerships with a major university and hospital are coming to life
Did 1:1’s with all of our new team members at Novel #3
Update onboarding process and build out manager training checklist
Novel #3 (Trailer) - We’re ready to open!
But… Maricopa permitting won’t return my call to schedule our final inspection :)
So I can’t put an official date on the books until they come out and give us the okay.
This has taken about 7 months from start to finish and we’re in around $50k so I’m excited to start seeing revenue come in.
Here’s a quick look inside:
Here’s my Novel #3 power list (a mix of short and long-term projects):
Schedule final inspection
Schedule training day to get the team familiar with the new shop
Create social content for grand opening
Plan event schedule for the fall
Novel #4 (Truck) - Just waiting on the final equipment install.
Here’s the layout:
Here are the latest truck photos:
I’m still working on the final wrap design but if you didn’t read last week, check it out here.
Here’s my Novel #4 power list (a mix of short and long-term projects):
Reach out to property owners in Avondale
Draft location schedule
We may do different locations around the valley 6 days per week
Promote (preference) or hire new manager for this location
Draft pre and post event checklist and pre-event email to customers
Remix is doing better every week.
Our team is more dialed, service is more consistent and we’re hearing much better feedback from our customers.
I broke down July expenses below to give you a visual of what it costs to operate a shop like this if the owner is not running shifts:
Right now we have 2 people working per day so if I step back into the shop as the 2nd person all 4 days that’ll cut labor in half.
I want to do everything I can to reduce costs during this slow summer.
As of last week, my focus is on perfecting the menu and I’m still deciding whether we’re gonna be sandwich-heavy or just bagels and schmear with a rotating sandwich menu.
I’ve also gotten solid feedback on the QR code so I may be adding a physical menu with team interaction so our shop feels less transactional.
Update(s) for the week:
Added more photos to our online menu
Commercial toaster is on and is toasting bagels to perfection
Turbochef is off and ready for sale
Selling our original espresso machine for $7,500 if you know anyone looking
Here’s my power list (a mix of short and long-term projects):
Work on Google My Business SEO
Gather more customer reviews
Connect with local influencers and create more content internally
Plan the first few rotating sandwich recipes
VEER CONCEPTS
I announced on Twitter/Linkedin that I’ll be raising capital for the 5-unit coffee co in the coming weeks.
My potential partner and I are still thinking about an ideal structure but in the meantime, I’ll start putting the deal in front of potential investors.
This company has a ton of potential so I’m excited to see what happens.
Updates for the week and general power list (a mix of short and long-term projects):
Submitting LOI for 5-unit coffee co
Drafting emails to investors outlining capital needs
Submitting LOI on taproom in Downtown Phoenix
Will partner with my buddy Lance and his team to expand and bring in a limited food menu
Leasing this space will qualify us to use SBA debt to purchase the entire complex
Waiting to get financials on a 5 location cookie business I was approached about
Health + wellness center and bakery projects in Peoria - on hold
If you’re interested in any of these projects, let me know.
I’m always looking for exceptional partners, investors, and operators to work with.
If you’ve attended one of my events, please add your info to this sheet.
Updates for the week and general power list (a mix of short and long-term projects):
Logo and final website will be live by September 1st.
Jason Allen and his team at Mesa Media are building out the first iteration of the ParkSMB website
Introducing new events and ways to better connect members of the community
Workouts, retreats, summits, etc
Partnered with 2 incredible businesses to bring more value to the community
You’ve gotta check them out:
Daniel Cheetham (Captains Club) - Captains Club specializes in aligning Integrators, COOs, and Presidents, unleashing you from the business to deliver your highest value. Connect with Daniel and his team here.
Chad Bellin (Disca) - Disca is a software development consultancy focused on helping small and medium-sized businesses in need of expert-level technical expertise.
You can connect with Chad and his team here.
If you want to start, buy, build a business, or simply meet other talented people… scroll up to the Events/Meetups section and apply/RSVP to the upcoming events.
You can also find the events on Meetup and Eventbrite.
Podcast
Solid episode with Scott Gallaway about lifestyle and investing.
Music
This guy doesn’t miss.
Don’t forget the best playlist on earth right here.
Health
I’m loving this training block so far.
It’s a good mix of lifting, circuit work, and running.
I’m working through the Hyrox Pro program by Haos Training for the next 45 days.
I haven’t been hitting my daily macros so once my training and nutrition are dialed, I’ll see results.
Here’s my workout for today:
P.1 RPE (effort level) 8-9/10 (27 Rounds for weight)
A. Bench press - 7 sets x 4 reps
last 2 set should be near failure
2-3 minutes rest
B. Cable Row - 7x4
the last set should be near failure
2-minute rest
C. Superset: cable fly + lat pull down
3 sets x 8 reps for both
90s rest between sets
D. db lateral raise - 5x4
increase weight each set
90s rest between
E. Barbell upright row - 3x8
increase the weight each set
rest 60-the 90s between
P2. 16-minute EMOM (Checkmark)
Min 1 - 40s max sled push
Min 2- 40s max deadlift
(Males: 185lb | Females: 135lb)Min3- 40s max ski
Min4- full rest
P3. PM Session (Optional) (Distance)
Steady-state cardio
40min easy run.
I don’t think I’ve said this before but if you ever want to train, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Always down.
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