Shows
Stories from the RiverProduct Smart, People Driven, Purpose Fueled: Product Smart, People Driven, Purpose Fueled: Mobilizing Ashley's 'Right to Win' Boot CampWelcome to a brand-new series on Stories from the River as we go behind the scenes of Ashley's 'Right to Win' Product Knowledge Boot Camp with Charlie Malouf and Renee Bradley as they unpack what it means for Broad River Retail. Find out how this company-wide training is shaping retail teams and driving results across multiple locations. Charlie and Renee sit down at the Pineville Flagship Ashley Store location and discuss the massive undertaking involved in orchestrating this four-day, multi-site training initiative. Over 330 Memory Makers from all aspects of retail — ranging from Home Furnishings Consultants (HFCs) to Ge...2025-05-0620 min
Stories from the RiverTariff Turmoil: Control What We Can ControlIn this episode of Stories from the River, Broad River Retail's CEO and host Charlie Malouf takes listeners behind the scenes at Broad River Retail to discuss a sudden and impactful development in the home furnishings industry: tariffs. Charlie reflects on the recent announcement of reciprocal tariffs, focusing particularly on the shock of a proposed 46% tariff on goods imported from Vietnam, a country where Ashley Furniture Industries (a principal supplier) has a significant manufacturing presence. He explores how these rapid changes in trade policy could disrupt pricing, demand, and overall market stability—especially given that home furnishings are often co...2025-04-1717 min
Stories from the RiverLegacy in Motion: Charlie Malouf on Building for the Future - Knights Summit Q&A, Part 2Welcome to the third episode of the Knights of the Ledger Summit series from Stories from the River! We continue the Q&A with Broad River Retail's CEO, Charlie Malouf with Hope Stocker, Manager, Retail Accounting, as guest host. Charlie shares stories about his early jobs, from mowing lawns at a young age to working in his uncle's deli and eventually serving as a busboy and waiter. The discussion highlights what Charlie's most proud of about Broad River Retail, the challenges he and the team faced in 2015 when Broad River was at a critical point, and his...2025-04-1521 min
Stories from the River"Unplugged" Q&A with CEO Charlie Malouf from the Knights Summit, Part 1Welcome to the second episode of the Knights of the Ledger Summit series from Stories from the River! Hope Stocker, Manager, Retail Accounting, guest hosts this episode and sits down with Broad River Retail's CEO, Charlie Malouf, for a Q&A about the company's growth and future opportunities with questions from the summit attendees. Charlie talks about the company's pioneering spirit in their northwest expansion, particularly with the introduction of Project Cascade and its entry into the Spokane market. This ambitious project is all about cascading Broad River's award-winning culture to a new territory which will introduce...2025-04-1028 min
Stories from the RiverCompounding Success: How the Power of Growth Fuels Broad River's Pioneering AmbitionsWelcome to a the new Knights of the Ledger Summit series from Stories from the River! This episode captures a presentation that podcast host and Broad River CEO Charlie Malouf gave at the 2nd Annual Knights Summit on March 26, 2025, in Fort Mill, South Carolina. Charlie begins by sharing insights into Broad River's growth journey over the last 20-plus years, focusing on past milestones and plans for the next year including Project Cascade, which aims to expand the company's geographical reach into the Inland Northwest in Spokane, Washington. Charlie discusses the four key areas of focus for 2025: driving revenue, continued i...2025-04-0836 min
Stories from the RiverPioneering Spirit: Broad River Retail's Westward Expansion to SpokaneIn this special episode of Stories from the River, Manny Rodrigues, Presiden & COO of Broad River Retail, welcomes Charlie Malouf, CEO of Broad River Retail, and host of the podcast, into the studio. The discussion focuses on a significant new venture for Broad River Retail: the planned expansion into Spokane, Washington,and the Inland Northwest, scheduled for late 2025 or early 2026. Charlie explains that the decision to move into a 101,000 square foot former Macy's at NorthTown Mall in Spokane was driven by a chance conversation with an executive from Ashley Global Retail. The venture represents a strategic expansion aimed at...2025-03-1129 min
Stories from the RiverCharting a New Path for Broad River's 2025 Word of the Year, PIONEERWelcome to Season 4 of Stories from the River! Host and CEO of Broad River, Charlie Malouf, kicks off season four by introducing Broad River Retail's Word of the Year for 2025—"Pioneer." Guests Heather Greenwood and Will Luke discuss their roles in the new, creative process of selecting the Company's Word of the Year. Historically, the Word of the Year has been selected by the executive team, but this year, a collaborative and innovative approach was introduced during a Leadership offsite meeting in early November. The Leadership Team was separated into three teams of six people, and...2025-03-0651 min
Stories from the RiverInside Raleigh's Renovation & Visual Transformation from the Grand Reopening with Karen OharWelcome back to the Grand Reopening of the Raleigh Glenwood store! In this episode of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf, CEO, hosts Karen Ohar, the Associate Director of Visual Impact for Broad River Retail. Karen shares her journey with the company since joining in October 2017 and discusses her significant role in overseeing the renovation and remodel of the Raleigh Glenwood store. The conversation highlights Karen's responsibility for overseeing 33 stores alongside Janet Leimkuhler, Broad River's Director of Visual Impact, focusing on the meticulous planning and execution required for store remodels. Karen explains the intricate processes involved in...2025-02-2716 min
Stories from the RiverInsights with Charlie: The Power of Your Identity as a ThermostatIn this solo episode of Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf, CEO of Broad River Retail, discusses the importance of identity and its profound impact on our lives. A favorite saying at The River is, "Purpose begins with identity." Charlie introduces listeners to the concept of identity within Broad River Retail, where each store and department is encouraged to craft its unique identity or nickname. This identity serves as a North Star, guiding and anchoring Memory Makers in their roles. From Distribution Center identities like the "Fort Mill Otters" to departmental identities such as the "The Knights of t...2025-01-2318 min
Stories from the RiverThe Journey to Discovering Purpose with Nick CraigIn this episode of Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf welcomes back guest Nick Craig, best selling author as well as President and Founder of the Core Leadership Institute (CLI), a global development firm committed to waking up those who will wake up the many. Charlie reflects on how he was deeply inspired by an article Nick wrote over five years ago, which led to their ongoing collaboration. The conversation delves into Nick's journey of discovering and living his purpose, transitioning from focusing on being the smartest person in the room to realizing the importance of d...2025-01-2142 min
Stories from the RiverCo-Creating Light and Harmony as Leaders: The Impact of PurposeWelcome to the second episode of the Purpose to Impact series on Stories from the River. In this episode, host Charlie Malouf introduces Teri Frangie, the newly appointed Senior Vice President of Global Business Development with Core Leadership Institute, and Kip Meyer. Both Teri and Kip attended the two-day Purpose to Impact program held on October 22nd and 23rd in Fort Mill, South Carolina, facilitated by Nick Craig from the Core Leadership Institute. Before diving into their reflections from the two-day experience, they discuss the evolution of the program over the past several years from its initial f...2025-01-1642 min
Stories from the RiverTransformative Leadership: Personal Reflections from the Purpose to Impact WorkshopWelcome to the first episode of the Purpose to Impact Series here on Stories from the River. In this episode, Charlie Malouf, Manny Rodrigues, and Heather Greenwood dive into their enriching experiences from a two-day workshop hosted by Broad River Retail and created by Nick Craig of the Core Leader Institute. The workshop, focusing on the Purpose to Impact program, brought together a diverse group of leaders from across the country and a few Memory Makers from Broad River for two days (October 22-23, 2024) in Fort Mill, South Carolina, and was led by Nick Craig along with D...2025-01-1444 min
Stories from the RiverSetting the Table with a Successful Onboarding and Educational ExperienceWelcome back to the second episode of the Retail 101 Series on Stories from the River. The episode includes perspectives from GM Alexis Strafuss, REM Amanda Parrish, Home Furnishings Associate Jacob McMillan, and Home Furnishings Consultant Kay Edwards, who share their unique experiences and takeaways from the Retail 101 onboarding and educational program. Each guest brings a unique perspective and represents a different role within the Company from Retail Leadership to individual contributor and producer. The guests speak about the benefits of the Retail 101 program, the growth of the Company over the years, and their renewed enthusiasm and motivation upon returning t...2025-01-0915 min
Stories from the RiverStart Here: Retail 101 with Bre DolphinIn this exciting episode of Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf introduces the eagerly anticipated Retail 101 Series, aimed at offering a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look into the retail onboarding and education program at Broad River Retail. To help kick off this new series, Charlie is joined by Bre Dolphin, Broad River's Retail Onboarding and Education Senior Specialist, who plays a pivotal role in running the onboarding and training program for new Memory Makers. Bre brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the table, having started her journey with Broad River Retail in 2014 on the sales floor, then becoming...2025-01-0725 min
Stories from the RiverConnecting with Purpose, People, and Progress: Broad River Retail's 2024 HighlightsHappy New Year from Stories from the River! Charlie Malouf offers a comprehensive reflection on an eventful 2024 for Broad River Retail, dubbed the year to "Connect." 2024 will be remembered as the year in which Broad River Retail was recognized as the Retailer of the Year by the International Home Furnishings Representatives Association (IHFRA). The year saw numerous initiatives and accomplishments designed to foster deeper connections among the company's Memory Makers and their communities. Highlights included the Purpose Summit, attended by 105 Memory Makers, which featured transformative leadership experiences and culminated in a 12-episode podcast series. The Company's Annual A...2025-01-0218 min
Stories from the RiverThe Greatest Blessing is Being a Blessing to Others: Charlie's Acceptance SpeechWelcome back to the final episode of the Furniture Industry Awards Gala Series on Stories from the River. In this episode, host Charlie Malouf shares the speech he delivered at the Furniture Industry Awards Gala where Broad River Retail was honored as Retailer of the Year. He opens the episode with a warm introduction, thanking key figures and reminiscing about significant milestones, such as Manny Rodrigues joining the company in November 2014. Charlie emphasizes the importance of the Memory Makers who have contributed to the company's success, mentioning various leaders and partners who have supported their journey. He shares personal...2024-12-3109 min
Stories from the RiverIlluminating the Path Forward: Manny's Message at the Furniture Industry Awards GalaIn this episode of the Furniture Industry Awards Gala Series, listeners are treated to an inspiring speech by Broad River Retail's Chief Operating Officer Manny Rodrigues at the Furniture Industry Awards Gala held Friday, October 25th, 2024, at High Point University's Nido & Mariana Qubein Arenda Conference Center. Broad River Retail, honored with the Furniture Retailer of the Year award, is celebrated for its commitment to excellence in the home furnishings industry. Manny extends heartfelt thanks to various industry partners and recognizes the collaborative spirit that makes the industry special. He emphasizes the importance of community, relationships, and the relentless pursuit o...2024-12-2609 min
Stories from the RiverSurprise! Furniture, Fun, and Fond Memories with the Malouf FamilyIn this heartwarming episode of Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf is joined by his mom, Salwa, and sister, Carmen, as they recount their experiences at the prestigious Furniture Industry Awards Gala. They retell the story of the surprise visit by Charlie's mom and how that came to fruition, including the experience at the airport when Charlie thought that he was only picking up his sister along with his Uncle Tommy Malouf who had flown in together from Tampa. After the surprise pickup, the four of them made their way from the Charlotte airport with a...2024-12-2445 min
Stories from the RiverWinning Together: How Broad River Retail Rose to the TopIn this episode of the Furniture Industry Awards Gala Series, President ans CEO Charlie Malouf sits down with Bill Woodman, EVP of Finance at Broad River Retail, to discuss the significant achievement of Broad River Retail being named Retailer of the Year. The conversation starts with their experience at the International Home Furnishings Representatives Association Industry Awards Gala, held at High Point University. Bill shares his awe and pleasure at attending the gala for the first time and meeting Charlie's family during the cocktail hour. The event was a milestone for Broad River Retail, and Bill highlights t...2024-12-1713 min
Stories from the RiverStacey McCormick Reflects on a Night of Recognition and PrideWelcome to the third episode of the Furniture Industry Awards Gala Series. Today, CEO and host Charlie Malouf welcomes back Stacey McCormick, the Executive Vice President of Retail Performance for Broad River Retail. The spotlight for today's episode is on the recent awards gala honoring Broad River Retail as the Furniture Retailer of the Year. Stacey shares his most memorable moments from the event, highlighting the immense pride and support shown by the families of the company's leadership who attended the event. Stacey underscores the importance of this recognition as a testament to the hard work and c...2024-12-1021 min
Stories from the RiverHonoring Legacy, Inspiring Growth: Lessons from Broad River RetailIn this second episode of the Furniture Industry Awards Gala Series, Heather Greenwood returns as host to welcome Charlie Malouf, President and CEO of Broad River Retail, and Manny Rodrigues, COO of Broad River Retail, after Broad River Retail's achievement of being named Furniture Retailer of the Year. The conversation looks ahead to the future of Broad River Retail while also celebrating its past. The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing the foundational contributions of previous leaders and the company’s co-founders, Jonathan Ishee and Jackson Moore, as well as the Miskelly family. The hosts discuss how cur...2024-12-0538 min
Stories from the RiverWelcome to Rock Hill: Grand Opening Reflections with Cathy AlemanIn the third & final episode of this series, we are coming to you from Broad River Retail's recent Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening Event of its Rock Hill, South Carolina, Ashley Store, recorded on Thursday, October 10th, 2024. Charlie Malouf is joined by Cathy Aleman, a Senior Retail Experience Manager with over 11 years experience at The River. Cathy shares her journey of working in various locations, from Kannapolis to Pineville then to Matthews Outlet, eventually leading her to this new store. She recounts her excitement when she was offered the opportunity to work with again with General Manager Mitch...2024-11-2815 min
Stories from the RiverRock Hill's Grand Opening: Janet Leimkuhler Talks Store Features and Community ImpactWelcome to the second episode in this series, which highlights Broad River Retail's recent Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening Event of its Rock Hill, South Carolina, Ashley Store. In this episode, host Charlie Malouf welcomes back our longest tenured Memory Maker, Janet Leimkuhler, the Director of Visual Impact, to discuss the successful Grand Opening of the Rock Hill, South Carolina store. Janet reflects on the community spirit displayed during the event, emphasizing that despite recent challenges, the event highlighted the strength and unity within the community. Both Janet and Charlie mention the importance of staying connected, especially in...2024-11-2613 min
Stories from the RiverRock Hill's Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening Event with Coach Stacey McCormickWelcome to an all-new series featuring Broad River Retail's recent Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening Event of its Rock Hill, South Carolina, Ashley Store. In this episode of Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf welcomes back Stacey McCormick, the Executive Vice President of Retail Performance, directly from the Grand Opening of the new Rock Hill, SC, 7.0 Ashley Store that took place on Thursday, October 10th, 2024. Stacey shares his excitement about the event, noting that it's particularly special for him as he lives just a few minutes away. The episode dives into the significance of the new Ashley 7.0...2024-11-2119 min
Stories from the RiverInside the Retail Renaissance at the Columbia Bloodline with GM Troy WalkerWelcome back to our behind-the-scenes series of Stories from the River from this Fall's Sleep Connection at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina. In this episode, host Charlie Malouf talks with Troy Walker, the General Manager at the Columbia Bloodline. The conversation kicks off with Troy explaining the recent identity change of the Columbia store from "Soda City Sluggers" to "Bloodline," which better reflects their family-oriented approach. They discuss the remarkable progress the store has made, and Troy attributes their success to a clear vision, an actionable plan, and consistent execution. Troy goes into his daily routine, e...2024-11-1908 min
Stories from the RiverWisdom from the Top: Experts Elevating at Sleep Connection 2024Welcome back to another behind the scenes episode of this Fall's Sleep Connection held recently at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina. Broad River's semi-annual Sleep Summit brings all of its Home Furnishings Consultants and Retail Leaders to learn together and grow together in one of six sessions held over the course of two days in early October. In this episode, host Charlie Malouf speaks with several Home Furnishing Experts from Broad River Retail, including Sandy Ruhlin, Marlin Ross, Mayra Hernandez, Leah Hayes, and Ebony Harrison, exploring their favorite moments and key takeaways from the event. 2024-11-1415 min
The Frontline Industry Podcast#95 - Hope Is Not a Strategy, But Faith Is: Part 2 Ft. Charlie MaloufCharlie Malouf, CEO of Broad River Retail continues to share power stories of leading and loving well. Charlie shares how to create long-term career paths for retail employees, the power of compound interest when you invest in your people, why Broad River employees see each other as family, and much more. 2024-11-1330 min
Stories from the RiverThe Drive to Connect: Experts Fueling Excellence at Sleep Connection 2024This week we are bringing you back to another behind the scenes of this Fall's Sleep Connection held recently at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina. Broad River's semi-annual Sleep Summit brings all of its Home Furnishings Consultants and Retail Leaders to learn together and grow together in one of six sessions held over the course of two days in early October. In this episode, host Charlie Malouf speaks with several peak performing Home Furnishing Experts from Broad River Retail, including Sandy Ruhlin, Marlin Ross, Mayra Hernandez, Leah Hayes, and Ebony Harrison. They discuss their r...2024-11-1228 minThe Frontline Industry Podcast#94 - Hope Is Not a Strategy, But Faith Is: Part 1 Ft. Charlie MaloufCharlie Malouf is the CEO of Broad River Retail, and a true purpose-driven, faith-driven leader. Charlie shares his journey of turning a struggling company around with a unique strategy that might make you raise an eyebrow: faith. Charlie describes how investing in a cultural reset was critical to his strategy, and the importance of resilience when faced with insurmountable challenges in life. 2024-10-3024 min
Stories from the RiverFrom Crisis to Cadence: Evolution of Broad River Retail's Town HallsIn this episode of Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf introduces a new behind-the-scenes series focused on the company-wide quarterly town halls at Broad River Retail. Charlie is joined by return guest Kim Harkness, recently promoted to Vice President, who shares insights into the origins and evolution of these town halls. They recount how the town halls were initiated in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic as a critical measure for communication when traditional channels were disrupted. Initially held weekly, the frequency was gradually reduced to monthly and then quarterly as the crisis abated. The primary goal remains to communicate...2024-10-1714 min
Stories from the RiverThe Power of Honest Conversations with Davin Salvagno and Marcus BenjaminIn this episode of Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf wraps up the Ron Carucci series by welcoming special guests Marcus Benjamin and Davin Salvagno. Both guests provide insights into Ron Carucci's impactful talk delivered at Broad River Retail on Friday, September 20, 2024. Marcus Benjamin, CEO at Benjamin Strategy, and Davin Salvagno, founder of PurposePoint and the Purpose Summit, share their admiration for Carucci and his ability to inspire and educate his audience. Having collaborated with Carucci on numerous occasions, Davin describes Ron's talk as one of the best he has ever given, highlighting the impactful message of understanding...2024-10-1516 min
Stories from the RiverWhy Connection Matters: Reflections from Broad River Retail's Memory MakersWelcome back to the behind the scenes series at Stories from the River. Host Charlie Malouf welcomes Memory Makers Sara Callahan, Joanna Innocenti, Jeff Willis, Stacie Pittman, and Nathan Jeter to reflect on Ron Carrucci's impactful talk given at The River on September 20th. The central theme of Carrucci's talk, and the series of discussions following it, revolve around the importance of connection, which is also central to Broad River Retail's 2024 word of the year - Connect. The episode underscores the significance of in-person events to foster genuine connections amongst Memory Makers, especially in a work culture increasingly dominated...2024-10-1012 min
Stories from the RiverThe Impact of Transparency and Trust in Leading Teams & OrganizationsIn this behind-the-scenes episode of Stories from the River, hosted by Charlie Malouf, the focus revolves around the essential topic of building and maintaining trust within an organization. The discussion follows a recent talk by Ron Carrucci on the same subject and features additional insights from Memory Makers Sara Callahan, Joanna Innocenti, Jeff Willis, Stacie Pittman, and Nathan Jeter. They emphasize the importance of transparency, integrity, and consistency in actions and communication to foster trust. They discuss various strategies such as open town halls, regular communication channels, and supportive leadership roles that have been effective within Broad River Retail...2024-10-0810 min
Stories from the RiverReflections from Memory Makers following Ron Carucci's Presentation at The RiverWelcome back to Stories from the River. Continuing the Ron Carucci Series, host Charlie Malouf welcomes a group of Memory Makers from Broad River Retail who attended Ron's presentation in Fort Mill, South Carolina, on Friday, September 20th to discuss the valuable takeaways from his talk. This episode features insights from Sarah Callahan, Jeff Willis, Joanna Innocenti, Nathan Jeter, and Stacie Pittman, who come from different departments within the company, such as Finance, Customer Experience, Operations, and Retail Performance. Each Memory Maker shares his or her personal reflections and the impact that Ron's talk had on him or her...2024-10-0307 min
Stories from the RiverBuilding Trust Across the Organization: Insights from Ron Carucci at Broad River RetailWelcome to Stories from the River and this new mini-series from Ron Carucci's visit to Broad River Retail. Host Charlie Malouf welcomes guest speaker Ron Carucci, a bestselling author, and the co-founder and managing partner of Navalent. Carucci is known for his expertise in building trust within organizations and has spoken multiple times at the Purpose Summit, including the recent Purpose Summit this spring in Charlotte, North Carolina. This episode features a Q&A session with Carucci, who engaged with Broad River Retail's Memory Makers at their Fort Mill, South Carolina, campus following his talk and presentation to Broad...2024-10-0111 min
Hearts Not Heads Podcast, presented by Heartcount™ & The Learning Moment™Episode 4 - Charlie Malouf, CEO | Broad River RetailOn Episode 4 of the Hearts Not Heads Podcast, Garry Ridge and Davin Salvagno sit down with Charlie Malouf CEO of Broad River Retail, licensee of Ashley, with 32 locations and more than 800 "Memory Makers" and presenting sponsor of The Purpose Summit in Charlotte, North Carolina in 2024.About Broad River RetailFounded in 2003 and headquartered in Fort Mill, South Carolina, we are a privately held company and one of the largest and fastest-growing independently owned Ashley Store licensees. And we’re growing! We are co...2024-10-0135 min
Stories from the RiverBehind the Scenes of the New Store Opening in Rock Hill, SC, w/ Tim SaylesIn this episode of Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf welcomes back Tim Sayles to the podcast to discuss the behind-the-scenes process of opening a new store in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Tim, the Director of Facilities and Construction, details his extensive experience, noting that this is his 25th completed construction project with Broad River Retail, 16 of which are new stores. The conversation covers the significant logistical effort involved in the store's setup, including the receipt of several 53-foot trucks loaded with inventory and the coordination of numerous teams to ensure a smooth and efficient opening process. 2024-09-1222 min
Stories from the RiverCelebrating the Premier Achievers in Home Furnishings: Charlie Malouf Thanks the ExpertsIn the last episode of the Soirée Series, Charlie Malouf addresses the Home Furnishing Experts at the third annual Home Furnishings Expert Soirée, a premier partner event hosted by Broad River Retail to celebrate their top performers. He warmly acknowledges first-time experts and highlights the challenges and dedication required to earn such a title, mentioning individuals like Sandy and Kota, who have shown remarkable perseverance and persistence. Charlie emphasizes the difficulty of achieving expert status, noting that it is 2-3X more difficult than becoming a million-dollar writer, and recognizes the hard work and grind required in th...2024-09-1007 min
Stories from the RiverUniquely Broad River: The Home Furnishings Experts ProgramWelcome to the first episode in the Soirée Series, where we revisit the 3rd Annual Broad River Retail's Home Furnishings Expert Soirée. The evening celebrates Broad River Retail's latest 2024 class of qualifying Home Furnishings Experts - 44 Premier Memory Makers. In this first episode, we hear from Broad River Retail's President and CEO, Charlie Malouf, and COO, Manny Rodrigues. They talk about the origins and significance of Broad River Retail's Experts Program. The program began in 2016 following the Company's major overhaul and bold reset in 2015, aiming to create a more rewarding and career-focused environment for its ret...2024-08-2009 min
Stories from the RiverThe Eighth Wonder of the World: How Compounding Can Transform Your LifeIn this solo episode Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf dives into the concept of the power of compounding and its significance across various domains of life, including personal growth, professional development, and investing. He begins by posing a thought-provoking scenario: choosing between $1 million up front or a penny that doubles every day for 30 days. Through this example, he illustrates the astounding effects of compounding, which can turn a seemingly insignificant amount into more than $5 million in a month. He relates this back to his previously discussed theme of consistency, emphasizing how small, disciplined actions over time can...2024-08-1311 min
Stories from the RiverMaintain MomentumIn this episode of Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf discusses how to maintain momentum and sustain excellence over a long period of time. He suggests several strategies, including having an accountability partner, creating a method to measure and track progress, setting standards and rituals, and following a consistent process. Charlie emphasizes the importance of expecting turbulence and resistance, but staying committed to the process regardless of external factors. He also highlights the power of consistency and compounding, stating that small improvements made consistently over time can lead to significant results. He encourages listeners to adopt...2024-08-0810 min
Stories from the RiverManufacture MomentumIn this episode of Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf discusses the importance of generating momentum, especially during challenging times like the current economic conditions in 2024. He shares examples of individuals and stores at Broad River Retail who are having their best year ever, despite the headwinds, by focusing on the right mindset and behaviors. Charlie emphasizes that it's not too late to turn things around and win in 2024, and encourages listeners to start making changes now to build momentum for the upcoming year. Charlie also touches on the concept of the "double win" from Michael...2024-08-0618 min
Stories from the RiverLeaving Drift Behind: How Goals and Standards Propel You ForwardWelcome back to Stories From the River! In this solo episode, host Charlie Malouf discusses the importance of setting goals and standards to create energy and momentum in life. He references Ed Mylett's book "The Power of One More," which emphasizes that goals are a life force that transfers energy into action. Charlie shares his personal experience of setting a wellness goal four years ago and how it created energy and accountability for him. He also highlights the importance of having standards as the delivery mechanism for achieving goals. Charlie then talks about the concept of "drift,"...2024-07-3021 min
Stories from the RiverOvercoming & Persevering with the Infectiously Optimistic & Positive Kota BennettWelcome back to the second part of our conversation with Kota Bennett on "Stories from the River." Host Charlie Malouf sits down with Kota Bennett to discuss the importance of perseverance in his career and Broad River's recognition as one of the industry's best places to work. The company's family-like culture, approachable management, and strong employee appreciation create an environment conducive to both personal and professional growth. Despite being naturally shy, Kota has excelled in sales by utilizing the "C4 Sales Process" — Connect, Customize, Commit, and Continue—which fosters personalized customer experiences and builds lifelong relationships. Kot...2024-07-2534 min
Stories from the RiverUnlocking Personal and Professional Growth with Kota BennettWelcome to the first part of our conversation with Kota Bennett on Stories from the River. Host Charlie Malouf interviews Kota Bennett, a Home Furnishings Expert and VIP Sales Manager at Broad River. Kota shares his inspiring journey within the company over the past four years, starting with a leap of faith move to North Carolina in June 2020 during the pandemic. Kota shares his journey beginning with his virtual, yet fun and engaging, Retail 101 classes and the fellow Memory Makers who supported and helped him along the way. Known for his standout shoes, Kota shares his approach t...2024-07-2335 min
Stories from the RiverCombining Ministry and Football: The Unique Path of Pittsburgh Steelers Chaplain Kent ChevalierWelcome back to the 12th and final episode of The Purpose Summit series on Stories from the River. Host Charlie Malouf interviews Kent Chevalier, the Team Chaplain of the Pittsburgh Steelers, at the Purpose Summit held at the NASCAR Hall of Fame Museum Gear Shop. Kent shares his backstory, highlighting his transition from a youth pastor to becoming an NFL chaplain. Kent describes how a Steelers player, Vance McDonald, introduced him to the role after attending the church where Kent was a pastor. Initially unfamiliar with the concept of a sports chaplain, Kent was nonetheless intrigued and f...2024-06-2716 min
Stories from the RiverRon Carucci on Origin Stories, Self-Discovery, and Transformation at the Purpose SummitIn this episode of the Purpose Summit Series on Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf welcomes Ron Carucci, an esteemed consultant and author with extensive experience in organizational development and organizational psychology. The conversation is centered around Ron's experiences and insights from both his professional journey and personal stories. Ron shares how he first attended the Purpose Summit through a connection with Richard Sheridan and then became a speaker at the event the following year. He discusses the themes of his talks, including how to create environments that foster honesty and his latest material that dives i...2024-06-2513 min
Stories from the RiverRemanufacture, Refurbish, Repair, and Repurpose to Defend our Freedom with Sam ThevanayagamWelcome back to the Purpose Summit series on Stories from the River! Host Charlie Malouf sits down to talk with Sam Thevanayagam, also known as Sam T. Sam, who owns two companies in the defense space, speaks about the vital role of purpose in his work. He emphasizes that his businesses, Parts Life and DeVal Lifecycle Support, are dedicated to supporting the U.S. warfighter by extending the life of critical defense equipment through remanufacturing and repair. This not only safeguards national security but also ensures fiscal responsibility by reducing the need for new acquisitions. Sa...2024-06-2013 min
Stories from the RiverStruggling to Navigate with Purpose in a "Panini Maker Generation" with Joe ColavitoWelcome back to The Purpose Summit series on Stories from the River. In the 9th episode of The Purpose Summit series recorded in front of a live studio audience at the NASCAR Hall of Fame Museum Gear Shop, host Charlie Malouf welcomes Joe Colavito to discuss his journey and experiences related to The Purpose Summit. Joe has attended the summit four times, beginning as a participant and evolving into a speaker. Joe shares the story of how he initially discovered the summit through a business partner and how he first attended. Over the years, his involvement deepened, cu...2024-06-1813 min
Stories from the RiverFinding Purpose: From Business Ownership to Coaching with Dwight EbertsWelcome back to the Purpose Summit series on Stories from the River! In the sixth part of the series, host Charlie Malouf welcomes Dwight Eberts as a guest. Dwight, who works in the same building as Davin and has attended four Purpose Summits, sat down for a podcast interview before he was scheduled to lead a breakout session titled "Breaking Boundaries." In this episode, Dwight shares his background, revealing that he met Davin at church during a mission trip to Guatemala, which led to their friendship and professional relationship. He discusses his early career in the Detroit a...2024-06-0609 min
Stories from the RiverFinding Faith & Purpose in Prison: Mark Whitacre's Transformation StoryIn the fifth part of the Purpose Summit series on Stories From the River, host Charlie Malouf interviews Mark Whitacre live from the NASCAR Hall of Fame Museum gear shop. Mark Whitacre, who is notable for his involvement in a high-profile FBI price-fixing case that later inspired the movie "The Informant!" starring Matt Damon, shares his journey of wearing a wire for the FBI for three years to expose corporate malfeasance at his former company. Whitacre details the impact of his wife Ginger, whose faith and insistence on turning himself in to the FBI played a pivotal role in...2024-06-0412 min
Stories from the RiverGarry Ridge on Love, Learning, Coaching, Culture, and Building Organizations Where People MatterWelcome back to the Purpose Summit Series on Stories from the River! In the fourth episode of the series, host Charlie Malouf welcomes Garry Ridge, the former president and CEO of WD-40 company for 25 years. Garry shares insights into his leadership journey, beginning with how he got the attention of the CEO of WD-40 after singing a song during a memorable bus tour, which he, unfortunately, didn't sing on the pod! He reflects on his approach to leadership, emphasizing the importance of creating a workplace where employees feel they belong, matter, and can make choices. Garry discusses his philosophy...2024-05-3015 min
Stories from the RiverPurpose to Impact: Be Your Own Map Maker with Nick CraigWe're back with another Purpose Summit Series episode on today's Stories from the River. Host Charlie Malouf welcomes Nick Craig, referred to as the "godfather of purpose" by Charlie, which was recorded in front of a live audience at the NASCAR Hall of Fame museum. Nick discusses his journey into understanding and guiding individuals and organizations toward discovering their purpose. He shares about a pivotal moment in his life at the age of 37 when he realized that the maps others provided for success did not include his fulfillment and unique gift. This realization led him to delve into the...2024-05-2818 min
Stories from the RiverBuilding Winning Cultures with Dr. Amber SelkingWelcome back to the Purpose Summit Series on Stories from the River! In the second episode of the series, host Charlie Malouf welcomes Dr. Amber Selking, who discusses her extensive involvement with The Purpose Summit. Dr. Selking has been with Lippert for six years and serves as an executive in culture and leadership, spearheading a global team dedicated to culture development, leadership coaching, philanthropy, chaplaincy, and more. She shares her journey from corporate America to applied sports psychology and how she integrates mental performance coaching with her role at Lippert and with LSU football. Emphasizing the importance of a...2024-05-2313 min
Stories from the RiverDavin Salvagno Brings The Purpose Summit to CharlotteWelcome to The Purpose Summit Series on Stories from the River! To kick off this 12-episode series with selected speakers from The Purpose Summit 2024, Charlie Malouf welcomes Davin Salvagno, Founder and CEO of Purpose Point and a return guest of the podcast. They sat down for this conversation at the NASCAR Hall of Fame Museum Gear Shop during The Purpose Summit 2024. A friend of The River, this episode marks Davin's fifth appearance on the podcast. Davin shares the experience of bringing the 5th Purpose Summit to Charlotte, and he discusses the intricate planning and teamwork that goes into organizing T...2024-05-2115 min
Stories from the RiverFaith, Family, Community, and Legacy at Riverstone Logistics with Charlie WorkmonIn the sixth and final part of this six-part series on Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf and good friend Charlie Workmon, President and CEO of Riverstone Logistics, wrap up their conversation. They have a thoughtful conversation about Charlie W's leadership at Riverstone Logistics and his profound personal commitment to faith, community, and family. Charlie W highlights the importance of the leadership team that he has surrounded himself with and how he has tried to be people focused and conscious in their goals and aspirations. He wants Riverstone to be a Company that invests in the pe...2024-05-1634 min
Stories from the RiverCrystallizing a Compelling Future for Riverstone Logistics with Charlie WorkmonIn the fifth part of this six-part series on Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf welcomes back guest and good friend Charlie Workmon, President and CEO of Riverstone Logistics. In this episode, Charlie W discusses making the move to take over Riverstone Logistics full time with his full focus and effort. He discusses the transition as well as asking Charlie M to serve as his formal mentor in 2021. They discuss the mutually beneficial mentorship meetings that they held every two weeks, which included a formal agenda and walking through the influential Keith J. Cunningham book together, "The Road Le...2024-05-1431 min
Stories from the RiverPurpose-Driven Leadership in Retail Operations with Charlie WorkmonIn the fourth part of this six-part series on Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf welcomes back guest Charlie Workmon, President and CEO of Riverstone Logistics, in a deeply insightful discussion about the transformative journey of Broad River Retail. In this episode, they cover a span from 2016 to 2020, a crucial period during which Charlie W led the turnaround in the Operational side of the business by focusing on the best practices from LEAN; became an owner in 2016; then joined Manny Rodrigues and Charlie Malouf in a management buyout in June 2018; and ultimately launched the Company's Purpose Statement (Furnishing...2024-05-0931 min
Stories from the RiverBroad River's 2015 Bold Reset: Turning Challenges into Opportunities with Charlie WorkmonWelcome to the third part of this six-part series of Stories from the River. Host Charlie Malouf continues his conversation with business partner and close friend Charlie Workmon, President and CEO of Riverstone Logistics. This episode really focuses on recounting the events from the year 2015, a pivotal year in which Charlie W joined the River as well as a pivotal year for Broad River itself. After joining the River in January 2015, Charlie W details his initial hesitation and subsequent determination to stay and contribute to Broad River Retail amidst severe operational and financial challenges. He recounts the critical advice fr...2024-05-0733 min
Stories from the RiverParenthood, Prayer, and Perspective Fuel Purpose for Charlie WorkmonIn the second part of this six-part Series on Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf interviews welcomes back Charlie Workmon, President and CEO of Riverstone Logistics. The two discuss Charlie W's early professional journey through various logistics management roles. Workmon details a significant period in his career, starting with his role at Cardinal Logistics, moving through his time at Georgia Pacific and 3PD, and highlighting key transitions influenced by familial commitments and professional growth opportunities. He recalls critical moments such as dealing with billing errors, negotiating his salary, and learning under the mentorship of Will O'Shea, which shaped...2024-05-0233 min
Stories from the RiverApril Todd's Heart of Gold and Drive to Excel at the RiverIn 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...2024-04-2551 min
Stories from the RiverBuilding a Prosperous Sales Career from the Ground Floor with April ToddIn 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 b...2024-04-2332 min
Stories from the RiverCaring for our People with Purpose with Corporate Chaplains of AmericaIn 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 ho...2024-04-1144 min
Stories from the RiverPurpose Begins with Identity at Broad River RetailIn 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. 2024-04-0917 min
Stories from the RiverTreating Every Guest Like They're Family with Holly WhiteIn the final part of this conversation on Stories From the River, host Charlie Malouf welcomes back Holly White, renowned for her impeccable ability to cultivate long-lasting relationships with guests, which in turn has translated into recurring Million Dollar Memory Maker and back-to-back Sales Manager of the Year accolades. Holly's commendable work ethic, leadership skills, and unwavering dedication have earned her the admiration and praise of colleagues and managers and helped her store earn the reputation as one of the best places to work in the furniture industry. Holly has remained a top performer by staying true t...2024-03-2138 min
Stories from the RiverRisk Reaps Rewards: Inside Holly White's Perennial Sales SuccessIn the first part of a two part series on Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf speaks with Holly White, Broad River Retail's first back-to-back Sales Manager of the Year and 6-time Million Dollar Memory Maker, about her rich history of sales experience that dates back to her childhood. Holly recounts her journey from her first job at a clothing store in the mall as a teenager — where she learned her first sales tip to always smile and compliment her guests — to her current role as a Home Furnishings Expert at Broad River, where she skipped the title of H...2024-03-1936 min
Stories from the RiverTransforming Congenital Heart Defects One Heart at a Time with HeartWorksIn this episode of Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf continues his conversation with Dr. Timothy Nelson, Founder and CEO of HeartWorks. They discuss how HeartWorks is focused on using innovative technology to address heart failure, particularly through the development and transplantation of autologous heart tissue. HeartWorks was the first organization in the world to obtain FDA approval to do an autologous heart transfer procedure. Dr. Nelson explains the complex, 9-month process of manufacturing cells from a patient's own body to create beating heart tissue, which can then be transplanted back into the patient without rejection. H...2024-03-1225 min
Stories from the RiverGame-Changing Technology Breakthrough to Cure CHD: The History of HeartWorks with Dr. Timothy NelsonIn this episode of Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf welcomes guest Dr. Timothy Nelson ("Tim") for part one of their three-part series. Charlie and Tim talk about the inspiring journey of establishing HeartWorks, a non-profit organization aiming to revolutionize the treatment of and cure congenital heart disease (CHD). Dr. Timothy Nelson, the Founder and CEO of HeartWorks, details the collaborative network created with eleven pediatric hospitals to combat the rarity and complexity of CHD. This network operates on a groundbreaking hybrid model that mixes non-profit philanthropy with for-profit commercial ventures for financial sustainability. With a f...2024-03-0737 min
Stories from the RiverBeyond the Numbers: Work & Life Insights from the Memory Maker of the Year April WhitenerIn today's episode, Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf welcomes the esteemed April Whitener; the 2023 Memory Maker of the Year! April reflects on her personal life, from growing up in Indian Land, South Carolina, balancing work and studies at Belmont Abbey College, to her love for accounting and volunteering at her children's school. She speaks candidly about the cultural shift towards remote work during the pandemic, her positive transition to Broad River Retail, and her preferences for hybrid work for better work-life balance. She shares insights into the projects and challenges she has managed throughout the y...2024-03-0541 min
Stories from the RiverBuilding a Dynasty in the West with Connection & Care with Chris WrightIn part two of this series of Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf continues his conversation with Chris Wright, Regional Manager of the West Region and the 2023 Multi-Unit Leader of the Year for Broad River Retail. Chris delves into a wide spectrum of various topics, including leadership, challenges, mentorship, fatherhood, unsung heroes, best advice he's ever received, favorite interview questions, company culture, best habits, and critical qualities that lead to success in retail sales and management. Chris credits his own mentors for his development and calls for continuous learning and initiative in his field, highlighting the i...2024-02-2928 min
Stories from the RiverThe Sheriff of the Wild West Chris Wright Shares His Journey to Regional Manager of the YearIn this episode of Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf welcomes Chris Wright, Regional Manager of the West Region and the 2023 Multi-Unit Leader of the Year for Broad River Retail, for part one of this two-part series. Chris discusses his journey, including his decision to move to North Carolina with his wife Ashley to join Broad River. He reflects on his time since joining the company in May 2019, revealing his trajectory from working as a General Manager in Mooresville to becoming the Regional Manager of the Year in 2023. Chris passionately recounts the strategies and personal and professional growth...2024-02-2737 min
Stories from the RiverCEO Insights: Flipping the Script with Charlie MaloufIn this Stories from the River episode, guest and 2023 GM of the Year Mitch Dixon flips the script, becomes the interviewer and asks host Charlie Malouf the questions about being a CEO and an entrepreneur. Mitch seeks advice on the intangibles required to be a successful CEO, to which Charlie reflects on his own transition from COO to CEO. He shares insights on the importance of visualizing success, addressing blind spots, and maintaining strong financial discipline. The conversation also touches upon the highs and lows of Charlie's time at Broad River Retail so far, highlighting pivotal moments s...2024-02-2210 min
Stories from the RiverInside the Heart & Mind of Champion GM Mitch Dixon: Perseverance and MotivationIn the second part of this conversation from Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf welcomes back the 2023 GM of the Year Mitch Dixon to delve into a candid discussion about life, leadership, and personal development. Mitch shares insight into the multifaceted challenges of fatherhood and the concept of perseverance, attributing much of his resilience to the influence of his late father and wife—both of whom he regards as unsung heroes. He derives inspiration from public figures such as Kobe Bryant and Nipsey Hussle, reflecting their philosophy of focusing on what's within one's control. Mitch talks about the nu...2024-02-2027 min
Stories from the RiverRelentlessly Changing the Game with GM of the Year Mitch DixonIn the first part of this conversation on Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf welcomes the celebrated Mitch Dixon, the 2023 General Manager of the Year at Broad River Retail, to unpack the secrets behind his remarkable success at the Gastonia store. Mitch, whose career trajectory took him from a cashier at Sears to a luminary in the retail industry, shares his personal journey and professional insights. With a history marked by mobility and basketball during his younger years, Mitch channeled his experiences into a steadfast commitment to his work and his team. His tenure at Gastonia is characterized...2024-02-1432 min
Stories from the RiverElevating Culture & Performance with the WizardsWelcome to Part One of this new two-part series, "Elevating Culture & Performance with the Wizards," from Stories from the River. Host Charlie Malouf welcomes back to the podcast two return guests, Will Luke, Senior Director of Retail Operations and Project Management, and Kellie Jones, Manager of Retail Operations. They delve into the team's dynamic spirit, spotlighting the unique Gandalf award program that motivates peak performance amongst the Wizards across several key performance indicators. They discuss why having competitions and awards help the overall culture of the teams and motivate Memory Makers. And they highlight their collaborative team chat, which h...2024-02-0829 min
Stories from the River2024 Word of the Year Unveiled!In this exciting episode of Stories From the River (that was recorded on Friday, February 2nd, following a companywide Annual Kickoff Town Hall), host Charlie Malouf and Chief Operating Officer Manny Rodrigues announce the much anticipated Word of the Year at Broad RIver Retail! The 2024 Word of the Year is - CONNECT The episode takes the audience through a retrospective look at Broad River Retail's previous words of the year beginning in 2015 and unpacks how each word represented pivotal moments and intentions for the company, such as the word "Impact" in 2017, then "Premier" in 2018 following th...2024-02-0632 min
Stories from the RiverThe CX All-Stars Knocked it Out of the ParkIn this episode of Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf sits down with return guests Vice President Wes Dudley and Director Anita Harris from Broad River Retail's Customer Experience team to discuss their impressive achievements in contact center metrics in 2023. They walk through each of the CX department's top Key Performance Indicators by defining the metric, explaining why it matters, benchmarking what the goals are compared to best-in-class in the retail industry, and then unpacking how they performed for each one in 2023. They reviewed all of the Contact Center's as well as the Service Department's top me...2024-02-0137 min
Stories from the RiverA New Paradigm in Operations: Inventory ProfitabilityIn today's episode, host Charlie Malouf is joined by return guests Tim Clouse, VP of Operations, and James Ouellette, Associate Director of Operational Excellence, to discuss strides in inventory integrity and accuracy within their distribution centers. The episode delves into the company's transformation of its inventory tracking system, which was refined and tested rigorously, culminating in improved efficiencies and a rebrand from "inventory integrity" to "inventory profitability." The comprehensive system now utilizes collaboratively designed in-house tools like a master cycle counting scorecard that provides full transparency, quality, and tracking which elevates the integrity of the cycle counting program and...2024-01-3033 min
Stories from the RiverAccelerating to a Retail Revolution and an A+ Life with Mr. MoIn the last episode of the Business Operating Systems series, host Charlie Malouf rejoins guests Carl Hillesland and Stacey McCormick as they take a deep dive into the implementation objections, the biggest obstacles, the biggest wins, and the key elements of Mr. Mo. The discuss the reasons for tracking behaviors down to the individual HFC (Home Furnishings Consultant) level and the break point difference that has been proven with the tracking of 25 specific behaviors and actions that results in a difference of $17,000 in sales per week per HFC. They discussed how it is better to do something F...2024-01-2529 min
Stories from the RiverNew Store Alert: Broad River Retail's Store opening in Aiken, SCIn this episode of Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf announces the exciting expansion of Broad River Retail into a brand-new market in Aiken, South Carolina (which is part of the greater Augusta-Aiken DMA), with a 7.0 Ashley Store! Focusing on strategic growth, the company is set to open a 25,230 square foot store in the Aiken Exchange shopping center, adjacent to a Target store. Charlie shares the company's deliberate approach to expansion, highlighting the success of the former Augusta's store relocation and emphasizing the long-term view taken when entering new markets. The construction is slated to begin i...2024-01-2402 min
Stories from the RiverHow Mr. Mo Changed the Game for Broad River RetailIn the third episode of the Business Operating Systems series, host Charlie Malouf welcomes back Stacey McCormick and Carl Hillesland to discuss the transformative impact of Mr. Mo, the Retail Performance team's business operating system. Introduced in late October 2021, Mr. Mo powered the Retail Performance team to achieve record results in 2022 by instilling an increased cadence of accountability and increasing trust. In this episode, Stacey and Carl walk through their approach to implementating Mr. Mo; recount the roles each of them played; discuss their healthy and vigorous debates; and review the key milestones that they achieved along...2024-01-2334 min
Stories from the RiverThe Origin Story of Mr. MoIn the second episode of the Business Operating Systems series, host Charlie Malouf continues his conversation with Carl Hillesland and Stacey McCormick. Carl and Stacey reveal the origin story of Mr. Mo ("More Right, More Often"), the Retail Performance team's customized Operating System built on the chassis of EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System). Not only is "MR MO" an acronym for More Right More Often, the "MO" denotes shorthand for "Momentum" as Mr. Mo provides a catalyst for achieving Momentum. Mr. Mo is not pure EOS as it integrates elements that are specific to the Retail Performance team a...2024-01-1840 min
Stories from the RiverA Primer on Business Operating SystemsWelcome to the first episode of our Business Operating Systems series. Today, host Charlie Malouf, alongside guests Carl Hillesland and Stacey McCormick, delve into the world of business operating systems, primarily focusing on the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). Designed for small to mid-sized companies, EOS is lauded for its simplicity and effectiveness in gaining traction by streamlining six fundamental components: vision, people, data, issue resolution, processes, and traction. Carl, an EOS implementer, shares his journey from multi-unit leadership to embracing EOS to drive high performance in teams, citing his experience at Ashley Furniture to illustrate the necessity o...2024-01-1626 min
Stories from the RiverThe Olympic Mindset: Mastering Your Craft in Business and in LifeIn this solo episode of Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf discusses the importance of having an Olympic mindset when pursuing one's goals and mastering one's craft. Drawing inspiration from the ongoing Olympics in Paris and insights from various podcasts and books, Charlie emphasizes the need for dedication, sacrifice, and consistent measurement to achieve excellence. He correlates this mindset to the career levels at Broad River Retail, where Home Furnishings Associates can progress to become Home Furnshings Experts in their field through continuous learning, performance, and improvement. Charlie says that we can combat laziness and achieve...2024-01-0824 min