In this episode Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf welcomes back April Todd, Home Furnishings Expert & Sales Manager, for the second part of their conversation. April shares heartfelt reflections on her career and the deep sense of gratitude and fulfillment she derives from working for the River, inviting others to experience what she describes as home. Her positive influence on her community and colleagues is evident as they laud her for her kindness, generosity, and leadership. She talks about the various company events she has attended, such as soirees, summits, and purpose-driven gatherings that have filled her cup and provided her with a sense of feeling appreciated as well as renewed her spirit and mindset with inspiration and motivation.

April recounts being particularly touched by an impactful speech from Inky Johnson at Broad River's Leadership Summit in August 2018 when the Company's purpose statement ("Furnishing Life's Best Memories.") was unveiled. She also discusses the positive impact of the Company's annual themes, which aid in centering and driving the team's focus. She highlights Broad River's commitment to fostering real human connections, standing out as a top workplace in the furniture industry due to its culture and treatment of its Memory Makers.

April candidly discusses her professional journey, including how she sets sales goals that spur her to push her performance to new heights, using stories of working diligently through holiday seasons at the end of the year as examples. Her narrative also includes the personal sacrifices she's made, and she openly discusses how she's dealt with grief that she's had over the years (and how she's been able to perform at work amidst the personal struggles at home), including the fortitude she's shown during family struggles such as her husband's cancer diagnosis, and her father's passing following a terminal diagnosis.

April's generous spirit and heart of gold extend beyond work as she recounts how she's used her annual jackpot bonuses to support her community, from helping dozens of families with Christmas gifts during the holidays to giving away a car and even to aiding a homeless man.

In offering advice she would offer to new hires on the sales floor, she stresses the importance of a positive mindset, hard work, and the pursuit of continuous improvement. Even though April has been a perennial Million Dollar Memory Maker and has achieved the top levels of sales success at the Company, she has not allowed herself to become complacent towards her craft. She has personified personal excellence and a drive to always learn and seek opportunities to improve. Her professional mindset and serious approach to craft are exemplary examples to others on the sales floor.

At Broad River Retail, there's a focus on people, innovation, and pushing boundaries, with initiatives to recognize and engage employees. Despite the fast-paced growth and the corporate backdrop, April enjoys the warm culture and the surprising close-knit feel within the Company that April believes is the same as it was when she began even though the Company has grown so much over the years.. April's story is a profound blend of personal resilience, Company pride, continual self-reflection, and the faithful belief in overcoming adversity and achieving greatness.

Additional Resources:

Building a Prosperous Career from the Ground Floor with April Todd (Part One): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ch4bgUgsUfc

Behind the Scenes of Project Premier: Recognizing and Celebrating Broad River's Memory Makers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qN5EQT9cq5g

Purpose Begins with Identity at Broad River Retail: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzHUE4ub8zI

All Systems Go! Tim Sobkowiak's Journey to Success at Broad River: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZhHZY2U8F8

Inky Johnson Speaks to Broad River (recorded on August 30, 2018): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNAGlW6uObg

Books Referenced:

"Everybody Matters: The Extraordinary Power of Caring for Your People Like Family:" by Bob Chapman and Raj Sisodia: https://www.amazon.com/Everybody-Matters-Extraordinary-Caring-People/dp/1591847796

"The Power of Habit" by Charles Duhigg: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Habit-What-Life-Business/dp/081298160X

"The Power of One More" by Ed Mylett: https://www.amazon.com/Power-One-More-Ed-Mylett/dp/1119815363

This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/RmHYamI-Bgc

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

This show is brought to you by Broad River Retail. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com

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

In this episode of Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf welcomes April Todd, Home Furnishings Expert & Sales Manager, about her journey in the home furnishings industry and her role as a sales manager and home furnishings expert, and her path to being a Million Dolllar Memory Maker repeatedly year after year (after being in the industry for over 12 years).

April has had an extensive career with Ashley, which started when she was 19, and although initially intended as a temporary job, has turned into a lifelong journey. Despite taking a break from Ashley to focus more on being a mother for her young son with a stint at Haverty's, she returned to the company with renewed vigor in 2017, leading her to regularly achieve million-dollar sales. Her persistence and motivation, alongside her role as a leader who emphasizes team success and empowerment, are also important themes throughout April's career. She also opened up about her previous challenges, such as working as a single mother and pursuing further education, and how her EMT training once played a crucial role in assisting a colleague.

April discusses the importance of compassion in customer interactions, as even leaders can find it challenging to handle people who may react differently. She shares her transition from a sales manager leading the sleep business to a sales manager overseeing the finance business, a move that showcases her passion for challenges and deal-making. April and Charlie also reminisce about the history and development of the original Anderson store, now relocated to a new, brighter, and more prominent location, which faced initial doubts but resulted in joy and satisfaction upon its completion. April especially appreciates the new store's real mattress gallery and outlet, which have been warmly received by the customers.

The conversation with April is just getting started! Make sure to come back on Thursday for part two.

This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ch4bgUgsUfc

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

This show is brought to you by Broad River Retail. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com

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

In today's Stories from the River episode, guest host Kim Harkness, Senior Director, Marketing, Communications & Community Outreach welcomes guest Tyler Trill Senior Manager, Communications. The two delve into the intricacies of corporate communications at Broad River Retail. The department, led by Tyler, is relatively new, yet substantially developed over the past two years. The narrative initially casts back to seven years ago when their corporate communications primarily comprised word documents issued twice a week without a concrete strategy to engage with the entire workforce effectively. With Tyler's leadership and celebrating his second-year milestone with the team, there's a concerted push to refine internal communications, notably through a revamped newsletter and a strategic social media presence, especially on LinkedIn, as they move into Q2 of 2024.

Kim underscores the critical nature of effective communication and asks Tyler to elaborate on the 'why' behind their methods. Tyler explains that in their pursuit to communicate better both internally and externally, they've been innovative, considering the ever-changing landscape of corporate communications. He highlights the current focus on internal communications, including the introduction of a new internal platform he believes will transform interactions within the company, and a more tailored approach on LinkedIn.

The episode also touches on the significance of their town halls, a direct result of needing better ways to communicate during the pandemic, which have now become their most vital internal communication tool. The conversation shifts into their consumption of news, revealing varying preferences and acknowledging the challenge of catering communications to a diverse audience with different information consumption habits. Finally, they discuss the imminent future for the company's communications, including plans to better engage with employees across the business and to utilize feedback to improve their messaging channels. The episode wraps up with a quick highlight of Tyler's love for The Masters golf tournament and his opinion of the outcome!

This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/IQ8PTVe01V8

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

This show is brought to you by Broad River Retail. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com

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

In this episode of Stories from the River, Tim Clouse, Vice President, Operations steps in to host and welcomes Brian Deckelnick, Senior Director, Supply Chain; James Ouellette, Director, Supply Chain Ops; and Cherrie Rivera, Associate Director, Operational Excellence. They delve into the driving forces behind their commitment to their roles at Broad River Retail. Central to their motivation is family, highlighting a shared sentiment that fuels their passion for success. Collaborative efforts are spotlighted, celebrating the collective input in creating a proactive, problem-solving culture within their workplace. They commend leadership attributes like patience, empowerment, and a willingness to uplift the team—a cornerstone in fostering a positive work environment.

The guests detail their innovative strategies to uplift the workplace, such as Tim's praise of Sarah Sanchez's QR code suggestion system and Cherrie's disclosure of a gamification initiative to encourage effective use of the Wise SharePoint site, solidifying the team's dedication to technology and process improvement.

The conversation then shifts to the broader success factors within the company, highlighting the importance of courage, risk-taking, and the 'solve mindset' that involves constant evaluation and adaptation to maintain momentum. Brian shares their supply chain accomplishments amid pandemic challenges, showcasing low broken promise rates and expeditious customer deliveries as significant achievements, and shares plans for an appreciation week. James touches on financial strategy and the critical nature of collaboration with external partners. The panel also celebrates contributions from Austin Wilson and the BI team for their role in automation and innovation.

This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/oeiqlM2afbk

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

In the latest episode of Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf, welcomes Stephen Knopp, Regional Vice President, Corporate Chaplains of America, and Tim Sayles, Director, Faciliites & Construction, Broad River Retail. Stephen explains what chaplaincy is and how Corporate Chaplains are caregivers in the workplace for employees and family members of employees.

Stephen shares his journey from West Virginia then to NC State and Duke, eventually leading to coming a chaplain with Corporate Chaplains of America and then to his current role, emphasizing the organization's recent growth from 180 to 400 chaplains across the contiguous United States. Stephen illustrates how critical caring for employees in the workplace through chaplaincy programs has become, citing the increased relevance of such programs given the surge of loneliness, isolation, and mental health challenges amplified by the pandemic.

Tim speaks to his personal motivation for overseeing the chaplaincy program, reflecting on his background with churches and community support. Tim has overseen the Corporate Chaplains program at Broad River since its launch nearly five years ago, and has seen it grow to where it is now with 20 chaplains covering 34 locations.

They discuss why Broad River Retail introduced Corporate Chaplains of America to its Memory Makers at Purpose 8:28 in 2019, which was essentially to care for its people with purpose. The Corporate Chaplain program is Employee Care (i.e., Memory Maker Care) and it's there when a Memory Maker needs it. When crisis comes or when life happens, that's most likely when you might need a chaplain.

The aspects of the Corporate Chaplain program are that it is confidential, anonymous, permission-based, available 24/7/365, and the chaplaincy program does not try to push religion or religious beliefs on anyone.

They dive into the significance of the corporate chaplaincy program offered to the Memory Makers at Broad River Retail. Highlighting the importance of caring for and providing Memory Makers with chaplain services to help them through personal challenges that impact them or even a member of their family, such as grief counseling, financial struggles, stress and anxiety, relationship problems, depression, isolation, loneliness, illness and mental health issues.

When it was launched at Broad River in the Fall of 2019, the program initially featured chaplains visiting the company's facilities weekly, but it has evolved with technology advancements, such as with the telachap QR code app, to maintain support during the COVID-19 pandemic, which curbed in-person interactions for a period of time.

They continue the conversation with the various aspects of the chaplaincy service, including its remarkable utilization rate being significantly higher than that of traditional Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). This, they attribute to the culture of care that Corporate Chaplains of America fosters within companies, positioning chaplains not just as confidants, but also as liaisons to additional resources like EAPs.

The episode illustrates the broader impact of the chaplaincy program, both within Broad River Retail, and across other businesses, underlining the program's role in nurturing an organization's well-being.

Additional Resources:

Corporate Chaplains of America - https://chaplain.org/

TelaChap at Corporate Chaplains of America - https://chaplain.org/corporate-chaplains-of-america-telachap/

LEAPCare (powered by Corporate Chaplains of America) - https://leapcare.org/

2024 Voice of the Workplace Report from Calm - https://business.calm.com/2024-voice-of-the-workplace-report/

Business Insider article (December 11, 2023): "Gen Z is bringing a whole new vibe to the workplace: anxiety" - https://www.businessinsider.com/remote-work-fueling-gen-z-job-anxiety-stress-mental-health-2023-12

Surgeon General Warning (May 2023) - Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation - https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf

The Purpose Summit 2024 (April 29, 2024 - May 1, 2024 in Charlotte, NC) - https://www.thepurposesummit.com/

Stephen Knopp (LinkedIn profile) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgknopp/

This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/bis8f7sVyIk

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

In this solo episode of "Stories from the River," host Charlie Malouf talks about the importance of identity in relation to purpose within Broad River Retail. Charlie delves into the concept of identity and shares the origin story of how Store Identities came to be five years ago during Broad River's "Year of Purpose." He recounts how each General Manager had been asked to come up with a nickname for their store, which culminated in a memorable event where each store's new logo was unveiled in a highly engaging ceremony with balloons and big reveals for each team.

Charlie then takes listeners on a detailed journey through the identities of various Broad River's stores, regions, and various departments, explaining that after stores got their nicknames, regions and departments followed, creating a comprehensive system of unique identities. He provides examples such as the stores within the North Stars region, the Wild West region, and the Savage South, among others. These nicknames range from referencing the stores' physical locations to embodying their aspirations or character, like the "Flagship Enterprise" and the "Bull City Bombers."

Charlie shares that not only stores but departments and other locations like the three Distribution Centers, Retail Operations, and Corporate divisions also adopted playful and meaningful identities like "Fort Mill Otters" or "Mar-Com Macaws." Through these unique identities, Charlie emphasizes the culture at Broad River of making business fun, intentional, purposeful, and personal, encouraging each team to create and embrace their specific identity which reinforces how they are seen and how they see themselves. Ultimately, this builds culture, enhances team spirit, and boosts morale while furnishing life's best memories.

Thinking about joining The Purpose Summit in Charlotte, NC? This week is the last week to register: https://www.thepurposesummit.com

This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/hzHUE4ub8zI

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In this episode of Stories from the River, Heather Greenwood, Director, Memory Maker Experience, steps in to host. She welcomes Emelyne Henderson, Manager, Memory Maker Experience; Sarah Sanchez, Senior Analyst, Operational Excellence; and Brian Fuller, Home Furnishing Expert and Sales Manager, Finance. The three are deeply involved in the Project Premier recognition program at Broad River retail. They discuss the origin and purpose of Project Premier, a company-wide celebration and recognition program. Initially conceived during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the program aims to acknowledge and celebrate the efforts of memory makers within the company. The guests share personal experiences and explain the evolution of the program and its impact on the company's culture. They also discuss the role of the Project Premier committee in selecting and celebrating premier stars, as well as the ways in which the program is accessible to all employees for nominations and recognition.

They express the significance of Project Premier and its positive impact on the company's culture. They emphasize how the program goes beyond traditional management recognition, creating a supportive and appreciative environment among peers. They discuss the ripple effect of recognizing and celebrating each other's efforts and the value of being appreciated not only at work but also in personal lives. They end the episode by giving live shout-outs to memory makers who are making a difference!

This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qN5EQT9cq5g

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

Welcome back to the final installment from the Women in Leadership series on Stories from the River. Host Hope Stocker, Manager, Retail Accounting, welcomes back Anita Harris, Director, Customer Experience; Renee Bradley, Regional Manager, Charlotte Region; and Samantha Blum, Associate Director, Customer Experience. They delve into the nuanced experiences of women in the workplace and society at large. The conversation touches on the tendency for women to frequently apologize, and Renee Bradley's commitment to breaking this habit, identifying the act of 'mansplaining' as a common challenge. They explore the significance of parenting skills in leadership roles, drawing parallels between nurturing children and managing teams, where patience, understanding, and setting a positive example are key to success. The panel shares their personal aspirations to be remembered for caring about people and helping them succeed, revealing their past childhood dreams and who they'd love to dine with, including notable figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Michelle Obama.

Broader topics such as finding confidence in male-dominated environments, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the importance of solid support systems are also discussed. The universality of imposter syndrome is acknowledged, touching upon gender differences in its perception and expression. An interesting analysis of Taylor Swift's "The Man" leads to acknowledging the career challenges that women, particularly women of color, face, backed by personal experiences, like Samantha being passed over for a job she was qualified for. The dialogue concludes on notes of encouragement, with a sense of camaraderie and a commitment to creating a supportive and vulnerable space at Broad River for all individuals to thrive.

Listen to the first part of this series here: https://youtu.be/eIA_tya2bt8 Listen to the second part of the series here: https://youtu.be/UzSFNNjL3eU

This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8Hyx-xq-Xbw

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In the second part of the Women in Leadership series on Stories from the River, host Hope Stocker, Manager, Retail Accounting, welcomes Anita Harris, Director, Customer Experience; Renee Bradley, Regional Manager, Charlotte Region; and Samantha Blum, Associate Director, Customer Experience. They engage in a powerful discussion on women in leadership; the shift in workplace dynamics is highlighted as Renee Bradley observes the growing acceptance of career-focused women as opposed to the judgment they faced in the past. Moreover, the panel discusses the balancing act of personal and professional responsibilities that women often navigate, especially in relation to motherhood.

Addressing the bias and obstacles women leaders face, such as being deemed emotional or sensitive, the conversation turns to building self-confidence and recognizing women's empathetic and natural leadership abilities. They discuss the trend where women often feel pressured to meet 100% of job qualifications before applying, in contrast to their male counterparts who apply with significantly less. The conversation reveals the underlying issues of perfectionism and the false belief that one must know everything beforehand. The guests share personal anecdotes and the collective struggle they face in professional settings, such as the negative biases towards successful women and challenges with confidence and self-worth.

The episode further delves into gender roles and stereotypes, where Anita Harris and Renee Bradley reflect on the changing perceptions of assertive women in the workplace, while Samantha Blum urges women to exist loudly and take charge in leadership roles, thereby challenging traditional gender roles. The importance of mentorship is underscored by all, with discussions on its value in both personal and professional growth. The idea for a women in leadership group at Broad River to promote mentorship and support is also zealously floated, with an emphasis on identifying male allies. Anita Harris wraps up by sharing how age and mentorship have played a significant role in her development as a confident leader. This special series episode for Women's History Month leaves audiences with poignant advice to their younger selves and brings to light the motivational journeys and challenges these women leaders at Broad River have faced and overcome.

Be sure to come back on Tuesday for more conversation from this crowd!

Listen to the first conversation of this series here: https://youtu.be/eIA_tya2bt8

This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UzSFNNjL3eU

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

In this week's episode of Stories from the River, Hope Stocker, Manager, Retail Accounting steps into the role of host and welcomes three influential female leaders from Broad River—Lynn Knowles, Director, Merchandising; Janet Leimkuhler, Director, Visual Impact, and April Whitener, Supervisor, Accounts Payable—as part of the special series for Women's History Month. The conversation dives into the guests' experiences and views on women in leadership, articulating the significance of mutual support among women at the workplace. They discuss overcoming imposter syndrome, the virtues of trusting others, and embracing assertiveness despite gender stereotypes and societal expectations. The leaders share personal advice they'd offer their younger selves, encouraging the taking of risks and not being deterred by the fear of rejection. With varying lengths of service at the company, they each provide unique insights into the vision for leadership, reflecting on their initial days and how they've seen their roles evolve over time.

The conversation touches on the synergy between motherhood and leadership, with discussions on how parenting has instilled essential skills such as stress management and multifaceted task handling. They confront the challenge of balancing work and family, with Janet noting Molly Grantham's perspective on the absence of a true work-life balance and the necessity to juggle effectively. They share their aspirations to instill values like integrity and hard work in their children, while discussing their personal interests and childhood dreams, hinting at the multifaceted lives they lead beyond their professional sphere.

Make sure to come back on Thursday for another episode with the influential women at Broad River Retail!

Molly Grantham - https://www.mollygrantham.com/

This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/eIA_tya2bt8

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