Watch full episode here: https://youtu.be/HJeq7X4Rn4M

In this spotlight from episode 344, Charlie and Manny reveal Broad River Retail's Word of the Year for 2026: Forge. They reflect on other powerful words that were in the running, but explain why Forge fits Broad River's present and future growth.

Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.

Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail

Watch full episode here: https://youtu.be/HJeq7X4Rn4M

Why does Broad River Retail choose a Word of the Year, and why has the tradition lasted more than a decade?

In this spotlight from episode 344, Charlie and Manny break down where the idea started, how it's shaped the way teams think and work, and what the benefits are from choosing one each year.

Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.

Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail

This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/HJeq7X4Rn4M

Broad River Retail doesn't pick a Word of the Year lightly. It's a signal of where the company is headed and what it expects of its Memory Makers.

In this episode of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf and Manny Rodrigues explain why FORGE became the 2026 Word of the Year. They walk through how the process has evolved, why more Memory Makers now shape the decision, and what ultimately set Forge apart.

We also reflect on past words, including 2025's Pioneer, and why Forge fits a moment focused less on starting and more on building something that lasts.

Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.

Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail

Watch Full episode here: https://youtu.be/0Rii4gb5Snw

In this spotlight from episode 343, Charlie and Tyler break down the term "durable scalability" and how it became a clear guide for how Broad River Retail thinks about growing its company. They also talk about what it takes to grow from a strong regional business into a national one, without losing what made it work.

Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.

Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail

Watch Full episode here: https://youtu.be/0Rii4gb5Snw

In this spotlight from episode 343, Charlie and Tyler talk about what it means to grow within an organization. Charlie shares the belief that growth shouldn't benefit just the company, but i t should benefit everyone connected to it. That means all of Broad River Retail's Memory Makers, guests, communities, and partners. When the company grows, people grow with it, through real investment in programs and opportunities that help everyone move forward together.

Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.

Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail

This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0Rii4gb5Snw

Welcome back to Stories from the River. In this episode, Tyler Trill and Charlie Malouf sit down just after Broad River Retail's first Town Hall of 2026. With the presentation still fresh, they reflect on why the kick-off Town Hall matters—recognizing the wins of 2025, celebrating individual and team achievements, and setting direction for the year ahead.

Highlights include the Albemarle Aces earning Ashley Store of the Year and Broad River once again being named Ashley Licensee of the Year.

Looking forward, the conversation centers on DURABLE SCALABILITY. Charlie breaks down the company's shift from a regional operator to a national one, guided by three clear areas of focus: people, processes, and purpose. They also discuss the Rule of 72 as a practical way to think about growth and what it will take to reach $500 million in revenue by 2030.

Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.

Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail

Watch Full episode here: https://youtu.be/aqZ5JFtNUQY

In this spotlight from episode 342, Tim Sayles shares how the Lighthouse Fund has grown over time. What began with support from Broad River's leaders has expanded into something bigger, with smaller, steady contributions from across the Broad River community helping sustain it today.

Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.

Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail

Watch Full episode here: https://youtu.be/aqZ5JFtNUQY

Since launching in July, the Lighthouse Fund has helped more than 54 Memory Makers. A few of those moments have stayed with Emmelyne Henderson. In this spotlight from episode 342, she shares the Lighthouse Fund stories that left a lasting impression.

Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.

Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail

Welcome back to Stories from the River, where Heather Greenwood brings you a bright story of Memory Makers helping Memory Makers. Together with Emelyne Henderson and Tim Sayles, the Lighthouse Fund team is bringing you a six-month update.

First, they discuss the origin of the Fund and their experience with it.

For fulthe l history, watch this video: https://youtu.be/4S-XXofao0c

The Lighthouse Fund, managed with the assistance of Helping Hands, ensures confidentiality and a fair process and is rooted in biblical inspiration. It's there to ensure Memory Makers can get assistance when stuck with an unfortunate event in their lives. The Fund has already helped over 50 Memory Makers, giving over $74,000. The ability to lead and manage this kind of program is in direct harmony with Broad River's culture, and the trio doesn't shy away from acknowledging that.

All three are honored and delighted to be a part of this initiative, and if you would also like to be involved, click on this link to learn more. https://broadriverretail.my.canva.site/website-the-lighthouse-fund

Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.

Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail

Watch full episode here: https://youtu.be/rYzlSbx0Emw

How do you garner greatness? In this spotlight from Episode 341, Charlie explains how our profit-sharing business strategy brings every department together, working towards a common goal.

Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.

Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail