Morning!
March is upon us and if you aren’t on track to hitting your 2025 goals, it’s time to reasses your inputs.
Why this lands in your inbox: I write this newsletter every 2 weeks to stay connected with the amazing people I’ve met over the past 2 years. I hope this inspires you by seeing what’s possible when you actually try.
I have nothing to sell you - just one small ask: if you find value in Curated, pass it along to someone who might enjoy it too.
Let’s get into it 👇
ParkSMB
📅 Subscribe to my events calendar here
Private Business Dinner (25 Arizona business owners ONLY)
Date: March 26
Time: 6:30-8:30 PM MTN
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
APPLY HEREArizona Business Mixer/Happy Hour (Hosted by Shawn Allard)
Date: April 2
Time: 6:30-8:30 PM MTN
Location: Phoenix, AZ
APPLY HEREStrategic Planning Workshop (Hosted by Coati)
Date: TBD
Time: 5:30-7:30 PM MTNLocation: Tempe, AZ
APPLY HERE
Below are leaders making a tangible impact in their industries. Go show them some love and learn more about what they’re up to:
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.
Domenick Rocchio (Happy Hopper) – Happy Hopper is the largest database of food and drink deals, helping bars and restaurants increase traffic and revenue. Dom also specializes in SEO strategies that boost visibility across Google, AI-driven search, and discovery platforms. Connect with Dom here.
For real-time updates and to stay in touch:
Twitter/X: @shawnwallard
Linkedin: Shawn Allard
Instagram: @shawnallard
Youtube: @shawnwallard
Novel Ice Cream
The shops are doing great as we go into our busiest months of the year (March-May).
In Peoria, we’ve made some schedule adjustments, trimming underperforming days to focus solely on Friday-Sunday for the foreseeable future.
We hit solid numbers in those 3 days with the help of local promo and a small google ads budget I implemented +/- 2 weeks ago.
Early signs are promising, and I’ll keep these efforts running for a few more weeks before reviewing ROI.
Our truck is also ramping up! We’re hosting numerous private events each month, generating substantial revenue for the time invested. Our SEO efforts are driving more attention to the truck as well.
On the wholesale front, here are our current partners:
And here is our newest partner that we will be announcing to the public next week:
Some updates from the last post said I was focused on:
2024 Bookkeeping: +-/ 2 weeks from completion
SBA loan refinance: once 2024 books are complete I can send this in for underwriting
Content creation: getting better with one post per week and daily stories
Core values and pre-shift rituals: implementing in +/- 2 weeks
Another merch drop is coming soon and you’re the first to know who we’re collabing with.
Check out Wash the City:
We’re working on a Novel x WTC item and hosting a community event to celebrate (stay tuned for the event details in the ParkSMB section).
Coati
We’re on day 2 of 4 of our team retreat here in Phoenix, and let me tell ya—nothing beats working together in person. There’s an energy and focus that remote work just can’t replicate when you’re in the same room as other top performers.
Here’s what we’re working on this week:
Mapping out our sales process and designing supporting sales collateral
Defining roles and responsibilities (R&Rs) and streamlining internal processes
Drafting the agenda for our first in-person workshop
Podcast
Music
Curated playlists built with love:
And here’s your set of the week:
Stuff For You
🏠 Buy, rent, and/or lease property in Arizona. Email me; I have my license.
💰 Buy, sell, and/or invest in a business. Email me; Let’s find you some deals.
🤝 To keep track of your deals and connections. Use my Master Acquisition Sheet.
🥘 I’m building out a rec list for Arizona Restaurants and general products I enjoy.
Have an amazing week,
Shawn