I’ve been told the newsletter is getting a bit long so I’ll do my best to trim it down.
If you’re new around here, every week I share behind the scenes everything I’m working on and provide a space for you to meet amazing people around the country through my community - ParkSMB.
I don’t run ads or sell anything, so I only ask that you share it with one person.
Let them know how this newsletter has impacted you.
Let’s get into it:
Events / Meetups
Virtual Connect (meet business owners from around the country)
Date: September 12 (TOMORROW)
Time: 3-4 PM MTN
Location: Virtual
RSVP HERESeptember Business Mixer
Date: September 26
Time: 7-9 PM MTN
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
RSVP HEREPrivate Business Owner Dinner
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, go here first.
Novel #4 (Truck)
The shop is doing better every day!
Click here to see where it is.
We’re 2 weeks in and I’m seeing daily progress which is all I can ask for with a new spot.
This spot will be incredible for us in the fall and spring.
I can’t wait to start hosting more events and building community in the area.
We also introduced Affogato’s in partnership with Driftwood Coffee:
The only items I’m working on at this shop right now are:
Larger color-matched menu
2 final items needed to comply with building code
Continue to schedule fall and spring events
Novel #4 (Truck)
The wrap should be done by tonight:
When it’s ready I’m gonna fly out to San Antonio and make the 13-hour drive back.
I might live-stream the drive… in a 14-foot ice cream truck.
Good idea?
Few things to finalize with the truck around the time it arrives:
Finalize city and state permits
Finalize order sheet
Draft location schedule
We’ll do different locations around the valley depending on regulations
/permitting
Promote (preference) or hire new manager for this location
Draft pre and post-event checklists and pre-event emails to customers
I unfortunately had to let go of our team until we speed up in the fall.
I’m stepping into the shop full-time and running it alone unless we’re hosting events which we will be doing more of starting October 5th (stay tuned for event details).
We’re only open Thursday-Sunday so it won’t pull me away from everything else.
As of today, the focus is on breaking even and building a consistent customer base.
I feel I can do that by being in the shop until it isn’t sustainable for one person.
Anyways…
New menu and signage are up (sharing next week) and we finally sold all of the equipment we weren’t using:
Espresso Machine
Taylor Drink Machine
Turbochef
I’m starting to post more content on all 3 socials so check them out:
Some new menu bagels/sandwiches and fall drinks are dropping this Thursday, 9/12 so keep an eye out.
Here’s a sneak:
VEER CONCEPTS
Novel and Remix are priorities right now so everything else is taking a back seat:
New space became available in Downtown Mesa
New concept coming soon
5-unit coffee co has been put on pause until we review 2024 numbers at the beginning of next year
Health + wellness center and bakery projects in Peoria are on hold
If you or anyone you know wants to partner, invest, or simply learn more about the deals my team and I are working on, please reach out.
Please add your info to this sheet if you’ve attended one of my events.
We’re back with monthly Phoenix events after a summer hiatus.
The next event is on September 26th… just scroll up to the Events/Meetups section and apply/RSVP. If you send it to someone else, make sure they also RSVP.
Make sure to check out our 2 partners:
Chad Bellin (Disca) - Disca is a software development consultancy focused on helping small and medium-sized businesses that need 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 meet other talented people… make sure to come out to some ParkSMB events.
They’re hosted all over… not just in Phoenix.
Podcast
Quick episode on holding yourself accountable:
Music
Health
I’ve got 3 clubs to check out if you’re into fitness and in Arizona.
Pics from the first outing last night:
Some pics from my first time last Sunday:
They’re great communities and host a ton of stuff outside of just running.
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