We’re back!
Curated is only written to share my experience and help / inspire you to take action.
For my weekly readers, you already know that this only gets in front of more people with your help.
I don’t run ads or sell anything, so I only ask that you share it with one person.
I usually write notes for Curated on walks or a ruck so here’s proof that I do what I say:
Events / Meetups
Virtual Connect (meet business owners from around the country)
Date: September 12
Time: 3-4 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 HERE (almost full)Private 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 this last week, you can here.
Best hire we’ve made recently - my younger brother.
We’re bringing him on as our new Delivery Manager manager.
He started last week and is doing a great job.
He’ll be taking on 6 days a week between 25-30 hours a week starting late September when we re-organize the back-end team.
Update(s) for the week:
Meeting with our ice cream chef to plan our fall flavor lineup
Always creating new flavors so shoot over any ideas you have
Pending official launch to all stores with Thai Chili 2go
Potential partnership with a major university dropping Spring 2025
Onboarding process and manager training checklist are almost complete
Novel #3 (Trailer) - PERMIT APPROVED
We’re good to go as of yesterday and are slating a soft open for Tuesday 8/27 from 6pm - 12am.
You’re the first to know.
So yes… it’s okay to tell every single person you know.
We’re blowing the roof off this trailer on opening night.
Can you help me?
Once we’re officially open, I’ll break down the costs up to that date.
My Novel #3 power list:
Make final improvements to the exterior of the trailer to meet City of Peoria standards
Deliver first round of inventory and stock the shop today
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) - Almost done!
The exterior wrap is official:
We’re aiming for a staple location for at least 3 days a week and the spot I toured yesterday is perfect.
I’ve been wanting to be in Avondale since the beginning and it will likely be our home every Tuesday-Thursday.
I’ll share more details as I move through the permit process with the city and the property owner.
My Novel #4 power list:
Finalize order sheet before trailer arrives
Draft location schedule
We may do different locations around the valley depending on regulaions/permitting
Promote (preference) or hire new manager for this location
Draft pre and post event checklist and pre-event email to customers
So I mentioned that Remix is doing better every week but it’s not hitting goal.
To break even and maybe profit we have to be hitting $500 days.
We aren’t hitting that.
Our best days have been around $350.
We did our first $5 Sammy Saturday and really brought some attention to what we’re doing so we’ll run it again soon.
Starting in September I will likely be in the shop alone or with 1 team member.
I have to cut labor until things pick up in the fall.
You know I’ve been focused on getting this menu right and we’re getting closer.
I trimmed the food program down and ordered some new containers to test out packaging for schmear if we start focusing on bagels + schmear only.
Update(s) for the week:
Removing QR code and prioritizing customer experience
New bagel + schmear vendor
Adding more photos to our online menu
Turbochef is sold - $500
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
Build the first few rotating sandwich recipes (been slacking on this one)
VEER CONCEPTS
All other projects are not taking priority right now but we’re pushing forward with what we can:
Updates for the week and general power list (a mix of short and long-term projects):
Pending response to verbal offer on 5 unit coffee co
If accepted, will submit official LOI and start presenting to investors
LOI on downtown Phoenix taproom was rejected
Deal is dead for now but not forever
Waiting to get financials on 5 unit cookie co
Health + wellness center and bakery projects in Peoria are on hold
If you or anyone you know is interested in being a part of my projects, reach out.
I want to work with exceptional partners, investors, and operators.
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 - it looks damn good
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
Make sure to check them out:
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.
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.
If you want to start, buy, build a business, or just 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
Great episode on building a family dynasty.
Music
I may have shared this 10 hour mix before but it’s really worth a listen:
Health
Date: February 1st
It’s official.
I outlined my training in the Health section here if you’re curious.
I’m pumped to have something in the books.
The training has been fun… a nice mix of everything.
Still pushing heavy weight, getting my heart rate up higher than usual, and incorporating some longer runs on the weekend.
Here’s a sesh with some fellas from Unlisted Run Club last Wednesday:
If you ever want to train, just 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