Curated Pt. 50
A roundup of my personal and professional life
The big 5-0…
This one’s special for many reasons but to keep it short, Curated and ParkSMB have changed my life.
But the best part? I’m able to go back in time and see what I was doing/thinking.
I can also educate others just by sharing what I’m doing.
If there’s anything I highly recommend, it’s sharing your story with the world.
You choose the approach but get yourself out there, stop hiding in the shadows.
With that being said, if you’re new here, I share BTS (behind-the-scenes) of what I’m working on and provide a space to meet talented people through my community, ParkSMB.
I don’t run ads or sell anything, so I have one ask… please share this with one person.
Wait, I have one more… I have a friend looking for a new role (see her Resume here).
She has an extensive background in Procurement and is extremely reliable and attentive to detail.
If you’d like to connect with her, reach out directly.
I also made you an Arizona Restaurant List, enjoy 😊
And if you didn’t read the last Curated, go here first.
None of this will make sense without historical context.
Let’s get into it 👇
ParkSMB
A list of my IRL and virtual events around the country
Virtual Power Hour: Operations Mastery & Business Connections
Date: February 4
Time: 9-10 AM MTN
Location: Virtual
DETAILS HEREFounder Co-Working
Date: February 7
Time: 9-12 PM MTN
Location: Phoenix, AZ
DETAILS HEREThe Idea Incubator
Date: February 20
Time: 6:30-8:30 PM MTN
Location: Peoria, AZ
Cactus Club
Date: February 21
Time: 9:30-10:30 PM MTN
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Arizona Business Mixer
Date: February 27
Time: 6:30-8:30 PM MTN
Location: Phoenix, AZ
DETAILS HEREPrivate Business Owner Dinner (Arizona business owners only)
Date: Q1, 2025
Time: 7-9 PM
Location: Phoenix, AZ
DETAILS HERE
If you’ve attended ParkSMB events, please add your contact info to this sheet so we can all stay connected.
Over the past year, I’ve been teaming up with people who I know will serve you to the highest degree—leaders who are making a tangible impact in their fields right here in Arizona.
Kendi Brown (Coati Consulting) Coati’s goal is to build operational excellence within small and medium service-based businesses. Connect with Kendi here.
Chad Bellin (Disca): Disca is developing software focused on helping small and medium-sized businesses that need expert-level technical expertise. Connect with Chad here.
Daniel Cheetham (Captains Club): Captains Club specializes in placing COOs, CEOs, and Presidents in your business. Daniel connects businesses with leaders who are responsible for driving profitability and growth. Connect with Daniel here.
For real-time updates and to stay in touch:
Twitter/X: @shawnwallard
Linkedin: Shawn Allard
Instagram: @shawnallard
Youtube: @shawnwallard
Novel Ice Cream
So a look ahead for Novel…
Reflecting on the past year, we’ve learned a powerful lesson: growth at all costs isn’t sustainable. While our rapid expansion in 2023 brought exciting opportunities, it also stretched our resources thin. Now, we’re channeling that momentum into what matters most - operational excellence, team empowerment, and deepening our connection with you, our incredible community.
✅ Since November, our mobile truck has been a hit and we’re doubling down on this model. By stepping away from the retail space we were offered, we’re embracing flexibility and creating buzz by meeting our customers where they are. With the right partnerships, this truck has the potential to crush expectations in its first 12 months.
✅ Pending final permits, you’ll find us at Concours in the Hills on February 15th—Arizona’s premier car show. We’re keeping my fingers crossed. 🤞
✅ We’re investing in social media, SEO, and grassroots marketing to push volume to our current retail shops (3). Plus, we’re actively pushing for more wholesale and exploring opportunities to bring Novel into local grocery.
Our goal is simple - when you think of ice cream in Arizona, you think of Novel.
Remix Coffee
It’s bittersweet to share that Remix is closing - but this isn’t an ending. We’ve finalized a deal to pass the baton to a team that will reimagine the space. While this decision didn’t come easily, it allows me to redirect energy toward projects where we can make the greatest impact.
As builders, we’re wired to push forward - but sustainability matters. With other ventures needing my focus, continuing to invest time and capital into Remix became unsustainable. Sometimes, letting go is the most strategic (and courageous) choice.
Lessons from this journey:
☕ Location is king: A café thrives on visibility, accessibility, and vibe—factors we underestimated.
☕ Branding is your heartbeat: Even the best product needs a story that resonates.
☕ Financial cushioning isn’t optional - it’s what lets you adapt and endure until it “works”.
We’re doubling down on ventures where we can innovate and excel.
New Venture
Two years ago, Kendi Brown - a wonderful human and tech exec from OpenDoor and Kindred - set out to build Coati, an agency poised to redefine how business operations function.
Kendi and I first crossed paths on a panel in February 2024, where we dissected “Successes and Failures in Business.” Looking back, we had very similar values. Months later, we reconnected, and within a few minutes of chatting, we realized we could grow something together - a company that doesn’t just solve problems, but transforms small businesses at their core.
Since then, we’ve hit a pretty incredible stride.
2025 will see Coati come to life, with a focus on industries drowning in operational friction. We’re already working with amazing Arizona-based companies and looking to build Arizona into the business hub it’s meant to be.
Stay tuned - we’re just getting started.
Podcast
Being politically correct is so boring. It’ll make sense after you listen.
Music
Late-night vibes:
And here are some Curated playlists that were built with love:
Health
Hyrox Las Vegas is a wrap…
Finish time: 1 hr, 25 min, 54 sec
I knew I’d get cooked going into it but it was an entertaining race.
I’m letting the post-event high simmer for a few days before locking anything in, but my gut’s already leaning toward diving into a dedicated Hyrox phase. On top of that, as you know… I’ve been planning an aggressive cut to 160 lbs - shedding that should sharpen my power-to-weight ratio and kill two birds with one stone (saying is overused, couldn’t think of a better one).
But enough about me - what’s lighting a fire under you lately? Any big fitness, health, or wellness goals you’re chasing right now?
I Can Help
Buy, rent, and/or lease property in Arizona. Email me; I have my license.
Buy, sell, and/or invest in a business. Let’s find you some deals; I know folks.
Need a backpack or wallet? Check out Bellroy; they’re the best.
Thank you for reading,
Shawn