Charlie is joined by Caitlin Walsh, Executive Assistant at Broad River, and they dive into the exhilarating world of running and the power of human connections during races.

They were both part of Team Memory Maker at this year's Around the Crown 10k, and in this episode they recount their experience with the race, being on the team, and their personal routines on race day.

This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_vLYC3Qeaf0

We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.

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

Useful links:

Around the Crown 10K - https://aroundthecrown10k.com/

Team Memory Maker individual race results and photos:

Charlie: https://results.raceroster.com/v2/en-US/results/juvbb7d6zhh47pka/detail/s6y3msrs9v3ezekn

Caitlin: https://results.raceroster.com/v2/en-US/results/juvbb7d6zhh47pka/detail/4w3h95vzuh9ddc9m

Scott Rader: https://results.raceroster.com/v2/en-US/results/juvbb7d6zhh47pka/detail/t3haaxmphqjdfaad

Brian Babbitt: https://results.raceroster.com/v2/en-US/results/juvbb7d6zhh47pka/detail/kz2xkdbpnvhpv649

Custom-Fit Swimming Goggles By THEMAGIC5 - https://themagic5.com/

Caitlin's Instagram: @caitypotatey_

Brian's training program ISI Elite Training: https://www.isielitetraining.com/

In this episode, Charlie share's Broad River's four growth strategies. These have been the main drivers for growth at the company over the past several years.

These strategies are:

1. Continuously improving and reinventing their current stores. This includes remodeling, investing in the team and leadership, and incorporating technology. They focus on metrics like same store sales, sales per square foot, and sales per guest to measure their success. 2. Identifying the white space in their designated market areas and expanding their market share. They open new stores in these areas and also segment their customer base by offering different store concepts, such as two-in-one stores and freestanding outlets. 3. Customer segmentation and introducing new concepts within their current markets. They aim to increase their market share and penetration. 4. If they successfully execute these three strategies, the fourth strategy of entering new markets through either greenfield expansion or acquisitions becomes viable.

Next, Charlie discusses how to best set up your budget for the following year, when to start, and what to think about in order to be successful.

This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/eoYjVea5ahg

We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.

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

Charlie and Manny continue their conversation, this time looking back at the recent Home Furnishings Expert Soirée.

The purpose of the Soirée is to celebrate and recognize Broad River's elite cadre of Home Furnishings Experts and their achievements. Manny emphasizes that it's not just about the experts but also about recognizing and appreciating the partners who contribute to the success of Broad River Retail. In short, it's an annual event where the Memory Makers get to come together, enjoy a world-class meal, and celebrate the best of the best!

The 2nd annual Soirée was much larger than the previous year's with over 170 people in attendance, highlighting the larger number of experts and their plus-ones this year! Get a sneak peek at how they chose the venue, the upscale steakhouse Steak 48, and the elevated menu options, including a caviar bar.

Charlie and Manny really drive home the point that, at the River, it's all about the career path. Every six months a new class of Experts is awarded with this exclusive distinction (either by renewing their status or new Experts earning the promotion). Celebrating the best of the best is important for many reasons, and Soirée serves as a timely end of summer event to celebrate the newest class of Home Furnishings Experts and inspire them to continue to elevate through the 2nd half of the year (especially the peak retail time frame between the top two tent-pole events of Labor Day and Black Friday) and achieve their annual goals.

This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yoFHtIOA8-g

We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.

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

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

In this episode of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf is once again joined by Manny Rodrigues to discuss the exciting details of their largest store redevelopment project to date.

Located in Salisbury, North Carolina, the team undertook a significant renovation of a former K-Mart building to create an iconic retail space. The goal was to not only to drive excitement but also align with a specific strategy. The 45,000 SF Ashley Store also features an Outlet and an upscale, modern sleep shop (the largest sleep gallery in their network), providing a elevated space for their guests.

Incorporating the latest 7.0 design features from Ashley and Broad River's proven, winning techniques, the store's setup is commended for its bright and inviting atmosphere. The team behind the project receives praise for their efforts in transforming the dark and dated empty shell into a stunning showroom. This episode highlights the collaboration and dedication that went into making this store a reality. You will also learn some of the top-selling 7.0 store design programs as well as the importance of effective lighting in the showroom.

This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kOmOiIL39uQ

We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.

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

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

Charlie joins Kim on this episode, and the two dive into a wide range of topics and updates. As a guest on the show, Charlie gets to answer questions about his summer, his work, goals, and what he has planned for the future.

The two reminisce on the summer podcast series, and Charlie provides updates on the company's performance, growth opportunities, and personal experiences, including their pursuit of continuous learning. Charlie shares personal stories of his summer time with his family, as well as the difficult time he's had with processing grief following his father's passing.

The episode concludes with a preview of the upcoming season, where they plan to conduct in-depth interviews with thought leaders and share their own unique insights. This episode is packed with insightful reflections, inspiring stories, and exciting plans for the future.

This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FjfFjA8HoAk

We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.

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

This week, Kim welcomes Lora Stearns, the Advisor of Area Development for the Carolinas at the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

The two look back on the history of St. Jude, its mission to provide free treatment and support to children and their families, and the importance of funding for their groundbreaking research. Lora highlights the various creative outlets available to the children, such as music and art therapy, that help them process their emotions during their cancer journey.

They discuss the incredible efforts of Memory Makers in giving back to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. They share how a card-making initiative was started for Valentine's Day and later extended to Christmas, where handwritten cards are made and sent to the kids at St. Jude. Kim emphasizes that these efforts are intentional and from the heart, and she touches on the Memory Makers' desire to expand the giving back program, and to make St. Jude one of the focal points of how Broad River gets involved.

This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5mg3nlnvaq0

https://www.stjude.org/

https://www.stjude.org/give/dream-home/charlotte.html

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/712670/wild-ride-by-hayley-arceneaux/

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/714595/wild-ride-adapted-for-young-readers-by-hayley-arceneaux/

We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.

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

Kim sits down this week with another incredible community partner, Tim Perry, CMG's Director of Sales. They discuss in more detail the WSOC 9 Family Focus initiatives that provide underserved children and families with access to books, coats, school supplies, and local food banks. Kim and Tim talk about the successful partnership with Ashley and quickly determine that it has existed longer than either can remember.

They discuss how the 9 Family Focus program creates positive memories and addresses community needs, and how you can get involved with volunteering.

WSOC 9 Family Focus website: https://www.wsoctv.com/community/family-focus/

This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jq97o71br0A

We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.

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

In this week's episode Kim speaks to a very special guest, Lauren Evans, Executive Director at Beds for Kids, a nonprofit organization that provides beds and essential furniture to children and families in need.

They discuss the partnership between Beds for Kids and Broad River Retail, how they began working together, as part of Ashley's charitable program called Hope to Dream.

Kim and Lauren emphasize the importance of volunteers, who are essential for the organization's success and Lauren shares a heartwarming story of a delivery where a young boy received his first bed. Lauren also discusses the plans to expand their efforts to reach more families in need throughout North Carolina.

Hope to Dream - https://www.ahopetodream.com/ Beds For Kids - https://bedsforkids.org/ How to Help - https://bedsforkids.org/how-to-help/

This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Z0BkYD4htBs

We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.

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

In this week's episode Kim Harkness, Broad River's Senior Director of Marketing, Communications, & Community Outreach welcomes Chris Berrier, Charlotte Area Manager, and theys hare their experiences and perspectives on Broad River's community outreach programs. They discuss initiatives such as Operation Sandwich, which aims to provide food for people in need, in the Charlotte Area. Kim and Chris emphasize the passion their employees have for giving back and the importance of creating memories for both customers and the community. The company also participates in various other initiatives, such as providing beds for kids in need and helping employees with school supplies and Christmas gifts. Chris higlights the challenges and rewards of these programs, including the physical demands of moving beds and the fulfillment of making a positive change. A Roof Above - https://www.roofabove.org Kathy Izard - https://www.kathyizard.com/ Book: The Hundred Story Home - https://www.kathyizard.com/hundred-story-home

This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/bgzAoT-VsyQ

We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.

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

Heather Greenwood takes over as guest host for this episode about Broad River's internal community programs within her Memory Maker Experience department. Her guests today are Emelyne Henderson, Broad River's Senior Memory Maker Experience Specialist and Jessi Hatley, Broad River's Front Desk Administrator.

They discuss the Memory Makers Helping Memory Makers Initiative, its importance and history and segue into the Operation Magic School Bus, a program designed to help Memory Makers tackle the Back to School time of year.

This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/E3HZFLpIXQY

We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week.

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