In this episode of the Believe Podcast, Drew Maddox interviews Shawn Roberts, Vice President of Finance at DSG. Shawn shares his journey from humble beginnings in Southaven, Mississippi, to becoming a key player in the furniture industry. He reflects on the importance of belief in oneself and the influence of mentors like Jim Spencer and Odie Turner. The conversation delves into the challenges and triumphs of building a successful business, the significance of maintaining a strong company culture, and the personal growth that comes from leadership roles. Shawn emphasizes the value of listening and learning, and he shares insights on legacy and future aspirations.

In this episode of the Believe podcast, Drew Maddox speaks with Marva Steed, the Executive Vice President of Human Resources at DSG. They explore the themes of belief, personal growth, and the impact of family and mentors on Marva's journey. Marva shares her formative experiences growing up in West Tennessee, the influence of her hardworking mother and grandmother, and how these experiences shaped her belief in herself. The conversation transitions into her career journey, highlighting her various roles and the importance of leadership and team dynamics at DSG. Marva emphasizes the organization's commitment to promoting from within and fostering a culture of belief and opportunity. The episode concludes with a discussion on the future vision for DSG and the essential elements for attracting and retaining talent in the evolving workforce.

In this episode of the Believe Podcast, Drew Maddox interviews Lexie Paswater, the Senior Vice President of Marketing at DSG. They discuss Lexi's upbringing in a competitive family, her journey as a college athlete, and the impact of her family and relationships on her personal and professional growth. Lexie shares her experiences in the marketing field, the challenges she has overcome, and the importance of resilience. The conversation also delves into the dynamics of working at DSG, the innovations in marketing, particularly with AI, and Lexie's vision for the future of the organization. The episode concludes with valuable leadership lessons and a reminder to always believe in oneself.

In this episode of the Believe Podcast, Drew Maddox interviews Todd Garten, Chief Marketing Officer, exploring themes of belief, personal growth, and the impact of family on one's journey. Todd shares his early memories from Beckley, West Virginia, the influence of his parents, and how their intentionality shaped his belief system. He discusses the effects of his parents' divorce on his relationships and the importance of intentional living. Todd reflects on his career journey, the significance of trust in leadership, and his unwavering belief in the organization. The conversation concludes with Todd sharing valuable leadership lessons and insights on authenticity and empowerment.

In this episode of the Believe Podcast, Drew Maddox engages in a heartfelt conversation with Jon Yates, the Executive Vice President of Operations at DSG. They explore Jon's personal journey from a humble childhood in California to his professional development in the logistics and furniture industry. Jon shares the pivotal role of mentors and family in shaping his beliefs and values, emphasizing the importance of attitude, hard work, and connection. The discussion also delves into the culture at DSG, highlighting the organization's commitment to people and community, and Jon's aspirations for the future.

Summary

In this episode of the Believe Podcast, Drew Maddux interviews Jim Spencer, the founder of DSG, exploring his journey of belief, career, mentorship, and faith. Jim shares impactful stories from his life, including the influence of coaches, the importance of teamwork, and the challenges faced in his early career. He emphasizes the role of faith in both personal and professional realms, highlighting the significance of communication in relationships. The conversation delves into the founding of DSG and how it grew to become the largest Ashley licensee in the U.S., and the lessons learned along the way, culminating in Jim's vision for the future and his desire to mentor younger generations.

Takeaways

• Belief in oneself is reinforced by believing in others.
• The influence of mentors can shape one's journey significantly.
• Teamwork is essential in both sports and life.
• Faith plays a crucial role in personal and professional decisions.
• Communication is key to a successful relationship.
• Challenges in early career can lead to growth and direction.
• Trust is fundamental in leadership and partnerships.
• God's faithfulness is evident in business decisions.
• Mentorship is a vital part of personal legacy.
• Success in business is often built on the support of others.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Belief and Inspiration
01:51 The Impact of Coaches and Mentors
03:42 Lessons from Sports and Teamwork
04:38 Jim's Journey Through Education and Early Career
06:24 Transitioning to Sales and Family Business
08:43 Challenges in Early Career and Finding Direction
11:36 The Role of Faith in Personal and Professional Life
15:14 The Importance of Communication in Relationships
20:15 The Birth of DSG and Early Challenges
23:57 Growth and Expansion of DSG
28:16 Partnerships and Trust in Business
30:40 God's Faithfulness in Business Decisions
33:05 Current Beliefs and Future Vision for DSG
36:01 Mentorship and Legacy
37:51 Final Thoughts and Leadership Lessons

In this inspiring episode of the Believe Podcast, host Drew Maddux sits down with two seasoned leaders in the retail furniture industry, VP of Sales South Michael Carter and VP of Sales South Jeff Halling. With years of experience, they share their passion for fostering a people-first culture, coaching sales teams, and creating an environment where belief drives success. They discuss how their commitment to their teams sets them apart, focusing on the power of belief and the impact it has on both personal and professional growth. 

In the latest episode of the Believe Podcast with Drew Maddux, Drew invites Mike Linton, CFO of the Dufresne Spencer Group and The Dufresne Group to share the microphone. Mike’s conversation with Drew takes us on a journey from his childhood, his education and early work experience, into his vision for the future. He’s fired up about the belief that is within these organization and the direction we are heading!

In our second episode of the Believe Podcast with Drew Maddux, Drew invites Joey Guyton, Vice President of Bedding at DSG, to share the microphone. Joey’s conversation reflects on his personal experiences and his 14-year tenure with DSG. 

After leaving the construction industry in 2008, he knew nothing about furniture, and his life went through a drastic season of change. He is driven by his desire to work hard, his faith, and the people who believed in him. 

As the VP of Bedding, he is deeply passionate about the guests our sleep experts serve and their work's impact on improving people’s lives through healthy sleep.

Joey has four children, and has his first grandchild on the way.

In this engaging conversation, Chad Spencer, CEO of DSG, the largest Ashley licensee in the US, shares his insights on belief, self-doubt, and the importance of community and leadership. He reflects on his personal journey, the influential figures in his life, and the challenges he faced in building his career. The discussion emphasizes the need for connection, trust, and commitment in fostering a culture of belief within organizations. Chad also highlights the future of DSG and its mission to impact the furniture industry positively, particularly in supporting children in need.

Takeaways

• It's not human nature to believe; we often lean towards doubt.
• Belief is forged through personal experiences and challenges.
• Influential figures in our lives can help us believe in ourselves.
• Assumptions can be detrimental to our self-belief.
• Building a culture of belief requires connection and trust.
• The strength of an organization lies in its people.
• Commitment is crucial for achieving greatness.
• We must focus on the emotional connection with consumers.
• DSG aims to change the narrative for children in America.
• Leadership involves connecting, gaining clarity, and committing to goals.

Chapters

• 00:00 The Nature of Belief and Doubt
• 02:56 Chad Spencer's Journey and Early Challenges
• 08:13 Influential Figures in Chad's Life
• 15:20 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Building Belief
• 20:23 The Power of People in DSG
• 23:21 Fostering a Culture of Belief
• 28:45 The Future of DSG and Industry Impact
• 36:28 Final Thoughts and Leadership Lessons