Hey, hope you’re good.
This year’s flying by, and honestly, I catch myself wondering what I even got done. Do you ever feel guilty you’re not doing enough?
I’ve carried that feeling since college. That constant sense of being behind. Like there’s never enough time in the day, and everyone else, especially on social media, is miles ahead.
Truth is, I wrestle with this daily. I ask myself: am I working on the right things? In the right industry? Should I ditch everything and jump into the latest trend?
But here’s the reality; you’ll never win that battle. Every industry has opportunity. There are riches in all niches. What matters isn’t which business you’re in, but how committed you are to making what you’re doing now, work.
Take restaurants. Everyone knows it’s a brutal business. Yet some become billion dollar brands while others fail. The difference isn’t the industry… it’s your execution, focus, and your skills.
So instead of chasing the “perfect” opportunity, I’ve been asking myself a harder question: am I truly focused on the right things and operating at the level I need to be?
Anyways, just thought I’d share what’s on my mind.
Real quick:
Why you’re getting this: You’re a part of my life in one way or another.
Our agreement: if you find Curated valuable, share it with someone who would too.
And if there’s anything I can do to make this more valuable for you, please let me know by replying to this email.
For real-time updates and to stay in touch:
Twitter/X: @shawnwallard
Linkedin: Shawn Allard
Instagram: @shawnallard
Youtube: @shawnwallard
If you missed the last post, start here first.
Let’s get into it 👇
ParkSMB
📅 Subscribe to my events calendar here
Upcoming Arizona events:
Arizona Business Mixer | Sept 18 | DETAILS HERE
The Phoenix Circle: A Mens Retreat | Sep 20 | DETAILS HERE
The M&A Launchpad Conference | Chicago | Oct 25 | DETAILS HERE
Use code SMB for $100+ off. I’ll be speaking at the conference and hanging out in Chicago for the weekend.
Novel Ice Cream
This summer has been the busiest we’ve ever had. Everyone’s working hard, growing with the brand, and earning more than ever.
We all believe in Novel and know it’s destined to be Arizona’s legacy brand very soon.
What’s New & Next
Growth & Expansion
New walk in freezer at some point ($27k isn’t light, but very necessary)
Downtown Tempe, AZ – brick and mortar + HQ opening this fall
Old Town Peoria, AZ – brick and mortar summer 2026
New Trailer Location – Grand Canyon University or Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Should know more by mid September
Wholesale Partnerships
Huarachi’s (Phoenix, AZ)
Monsoon Market (Phoenix, AZ)
Air Guitar (Gilbert, AZ)
Collabs in Motion
Satellite Coffee
Chewk’s Cookies
Product Updates
New handmade drizzles & sauces (crafted by Ollie Vaughn’s)
A new waffle recipe (launched earlier this year)
Donuts & waffles are made by the same local chef for consistency
New fall flavors drop September 22
Weekly flavor rotations start the same day
Veer Concepts
This is the holding company for all of my projects.
The logo is done. The website is almost there.
Fitness
Like everything else in my life right now, I’m simplifying and focusing on fewer things so I can go deeper and actually master what I enjoy doing.
Tennis is the big challenge this season. I’ve got my first tournament in mid-September. I’m nowhere near ready, but I’m on the court 3–4 days a week. After that, I’ll reassess, zero in on my weakest areas, and double down before the next tourney in November/December. I plan on keeping tennis in the rotation for years to come.
At the same time, I’m keeping the weights moving 4–5 days per week on the split I’ve been following (you can download it here if you want to try it out).
And with Mexico at the end of September, I’ve got just over a month to drop a few pounds, and show up in solid shape. The fellas can relate, aesthetics matter ;)
Stuff For You
Podcast
Music
Links
📷 Watch my first long form video here.
🏠 Sell, buy, rent, and/or lease (residential / commercial) property. Let’s work together.
🥘 I’m building a rec list for Arizona Restaurants and products I enjoy. Also, get $50 to spend at any restaurant on the InKind app if you use my referral link here.
Partners
Brad McDonald (Pattern Talent) - Pattern Talent serves as your strategic partner, identifying opportunities to increase your organization’s leadership density.
Anebi Agbo (Shipman Cleaning Co.) - Shipman Cleaning Co. is an Arizona-based provider of eco-friendly commercial cleaning, offering janitorial, carpet, tile, and kitchen hood services across the Phoenix metro for over a decade.
Domenick Rocchio (Happy Hopper) – Happy Hopper is the largest database of food and drink deals, helping bars and restaurants increase traffic and revenue.
Have an amazing week,
- Shawn
P.S. If we haven’t connected in a while, reach out. I’d love to hear from you.