Hey, it’s been a while.
Heads up… my first long-form video is coming later than expected…
Videographer ghosted me :)
But here’s something to think about:
If it’s not an immediate yes, it’s a no.
I’ve preached this for years and haven’t taken my advice.
I’m a sucker for new opportunities so it’s been hard to say no.
The lesson for me and hopefully for you is to practice patience and to start saying no to everything that doesn’t serve me/you.
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.
Let them know how cool you are for reading this.
Let’s get into it:
Events / Meetups
Plunge. Sweat. Coffee.
Date: October 5
Time: 9-12 PM MTN
Location: Remix Coffee
DETAILS HEREVirtual Connect
Date: October 10
Time: 3-4 PM MTN
Location: Virtual
RSVP HERERacing Happy Hour
Date: October 16
Time: 4-6 PM CDT
Location: Austin, Texas
DETAILS HERE
In collaboration with Vision Motorsports, we are looking for sponsors who want to be part of a new era of US racing drivers based in Central Texas.
The team has a 3-year road map for competing at the highest levels of motorsport in Europe and the US while creating a pipeline for young drivers out of the US.
If you’re in Austin for F1, there’s a short happy hour at the Petrol Lounge in Austin. Come see them speak about their path to victory in US and European racing while bringing some 'culture' to the sport. Following the talk, it will be open house-style where you can hang with the pro drivers and fellow car enthusiasts.
Maybe you can attempt to beat pro lap times on the Driven Dynamix full-motion simulator.
And make sure to stick around for a book signing event with F1's Will Buxton!
October Business Mixer
Date: October 22
Time: 6:30-8:30 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
Youtube: @shawnwallard
Projects
If you didn’t read last week, go here first.
I’m entertaining the idea of raising capital to bring Novel to the next level.
If you or anyone in your world wants to chat about it, let me know.
Few updates this week:
Our recent price increase has been effective and hasn’t come with any pushback.
This will dramatically increase our bottom line during our busy season.
After our recent test, we decided to remove the Stroop Waffle, saving us $2k a month (and more as we open more shops and get busier).
The recent fall collab with Colados is crushing, so we’re happy to see them get the traction they deserve.
Go check them out.
They have 3 locations in Arizona.
Novel #3 is ramping up and starting to hit record days.
As we move into the fall, this shop will crush.
The city of Peoria is pushing for growth, and I know Novel will spark more of it.
Novel #4 (Truck) is signed, sealed, and delivered.
I love this truck.
My pops and I made the trek from San Antonio to Phoenix.
We enjoyed some time together and had great BBQ.
It took us just over 13 hours with only one stop to split the trip.
Few things to finalize with the truck before we go live:
Finalize city and state permits
Yesterday’s status update looks like we’re 2 more weeks from even getting a permit review (it’s already been 2 weeks)
Order and stock with supplies
Around $2k to get it ready (not including initial round of ice cream inventory)
Draft location schedule
Different locations around the valley depending on regulations
/permitting
Promote (preference) or hire new manager for this location
Hire new crew
I’ve been running Remix close to 4 days a week now.
It’s refreshing to get in the trenches with my team and better understand the day-to-day challenges of the businesses.
We’ve had 2 great weeks; last Sunday was our best day yet.
My focus right now is simply getting more customers to the shop, so content is king right now.
We also dropped some new stuff:
PB&J Bagel (until sold out)
The Classic (egg and cheese)
Loxxy (smoked salmon)
Spiced Maple Brown Sugar Latte




I’m there Thursday-Sunday, so come say what’s up.
And follow the journey on IG or on the shop’s newsletter.
VEER CONCEPTS
Novel and Remix are priorities right now, so everything else is on pause.
I’m open to partnering, acquiring, or taking on investment to grow the F&B portfolio, so reach out if any of that sounds interesting.
Add your info to this sheet if you’ve attended one of my events.
Last week’s mixer went well…
Turnout was close to 40 all night, and incredible conversations were had and connections were made.
Scroll up to the Events/Meetups section and apply/RSVP for the next event.
If you send it to someone else, have them RSVP.
And 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) The 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, come hang with ParkSMB.
They’re hosted all over… not just in Phoenix.
Podcast
Some inspiration for you:
Music
Health
I’ve got 3 clubs to check out if you’re in Arizona.
Hopefully, I see you there.
Real quick… I’m happy with my training progress thus far.
I’m down to 186 and still haven’t started tracking macros.
Once I do, it’s off to the races.
My overall endurance is improving and I’m feeling the effects of staying consistent with my strength training.
Feel free to use it.
I’m also doing circuit training 3-4 days a week.
These are the exercises I have to hit:
SkiErg
Sled Push
Sled Pull
Burpee Broad Jumps
Rowing
Farmers Carry
Sandbag Lunges
Wall Balls
Hope this helps.
If you ever want to get a workout in or need some guidance, let me know.
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