Curated Pt. 40

A weekly roundup of my life

Shawn Allard

Sep 18, 2024

Incoming brain dump:

My first long-form video is dropping very soon.

I’ve talked about documenting my life for years and it’s time to commit and do the damn thing.

Here’s a preview of what’s to come:

I heard something like this on a podcast this week that resonated:

“If you don’t spend your time acquiring knowledge and skills, a heavy downfall is upon you.”

It’s brutal but true.

If you’re not progressing, you’re degrading.

Go read a book, go to that event, make the phone call… just do what needs to be done so you can level up.

It’s not as hard as you think.

Lock in.

Anyway…

If you’re new around here, every week I share behind the scenes everything I’m working on and provide a space to meet amazing people through my community, ParkSMB.

I don’t run ads or sell anything, so I only ask that you share it with one person.

Here’s a shareable link.

Let them know how this newsletter has impacted you.

Let’s get into it:

Events / Meetups

September Business Mixer
Date: September 26
Time: 7-9 PM MTN
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
RSVP HERE
Plunge. Sweat. Coffee.
Date: October 5
Time: 7-10 AM MTN
Location: Remix Coffee
DETAILS HERE
Private 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
Youtube: @shawnwallard

Projects

If you didn’t read last week, go here first.

NOVEL ICE CREAM

Few updates this week:

After 2 years, we’re raising prices on select items by 10%, which, in my opinion, is very conservative.

We’re still cheaper than almost every dessert concept in the state, maybe even the country at this point.

We’ve also considered removing an item we serve called the Stroop waffle due to an increase in costs.

This little cookie alone costs us close to $2k a month…

We started running a test last weekend to see how customers feel about not receiving the Stroop with their order so we’ll review things and decide whether we pull it or not.

And… our partnership with Thai Chili 2 Go was put on hold with other projects taking priority but we’ll revisit at a later time.

But our partnership with the university I mentioned a few weeks back is still in the works.

We dropped a collab with Colados on Monday that is live for the fall season.

They’re serving an INSANE crepe with my favorite flavor - Bourbon Toffee Caramel Crunch.

It’s a Churro Crepe with cream cheese and churro powder…

Check this thing out:

Novel #4 (Truck)

The wrap is done!

This thing is SICK.

My trip to San Antonio is booked for September 27, and I’m making the 13-hour drive back in the truck.

I’ve committed to recording content on the trip and making some cool clips out of it.

Few things to finalize with the truck before it’s operational:

Finalize city and state permits
Finalize order sheet and initial round of inventory
Draft location schedule
- We’ll do different locations around the valley depending on regulations
  /permitting
Promote (preference) or hire new manager for this location
Hire new crew

REMIX COFFEE

I have 2 of our team members picking up days here and there as needed but I stepped back into the shop on my own to run it until we get busier this fall.

Although Remix isn’t crushing it right now, I’m committed to making it work.

I have hope for the concept.

Things should pick up as we host more events, starting with October 5 that you should come to.

The new menu is up, and we’re taking manual orders at the window vs. customers scanning a QR code:

It’s made a huge difference because:

We’re building real relationships with every customer
We’re building a small base of regulars
Customers are tipping twice as much

Some fall menu items are dropping over the next few weeks, so follow along on IG or the shop’s newsletter.

VEER CONCEPTS

Novel and Remix are priorities right now, so everything else is on pause.

I need to stop getting distracted and playing “serial entrepreneur” and focus.

If you or anyone you know wants to partner, invest, or simply learn more about the deals I’m working on, please reach out.

PARKSMB

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 last Virtual Connect led to great takeaways for everyone:

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 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

The genius behind 48 Laws of Power:

Music

Health

I’ve got 3 clubs to check out if you’re in Arizona.

They’re great communities and host a ton of stuff outside of just running.

Hopefully I see you there.

As you know, I’ve been writing about my fitness journey since the beginning, and I’m gonna get deeper into what it takes to get in the best shape of your life.

I did a solid on 9/11:

Leading up to Hyrox, the goal is 10% body fat at around 175 pounds.

I’m currently at 195 pounds here:

So I’ve got work to do.

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