Welcome 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 to or joining the Company.

Jacob McMillan and Kay Edwards, both returning Memory Makers, express their appreciation for the improved processes and technologies that have been integrated since their last tenure. Amanda Parrish highlights the practical benefits of the training, such as better managing the CXM process, while Alexis Strafuss reflects on the meaningful relationships formed and the motivational impact of leaders who presented like CEO Charlie Malouf and EVP of Retail Performance "Coach" Stacey McCormick. The episode captures a broad spectrum of experiences and insights, all pointing towards a shared goal of mutual growth and excellence within Broad River Retail. Each Memory Maker emphasizes the supportive and family-like environment that characterizes the Company's culture, leaving listeners with a sense of commitment and passion that drives their success.

This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yV2-ocx_444

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

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In 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 a Sales Manager, and eventually combining her experience from the sales floor with her passion for training and development to the Learning and Development department to support all new Memory Makers.

Bre elaborates on the structure and objectives of the Retail 101 program, which spans two intensive training days. She outlines the blend of company culture, technical sales frameworks, and positive mindset development that the program encompasses. Through engaging activities, guest speakers, and personalized attention, the Retail 101 series aims to equip new Memory Makers with the tools they need to succeed and grow within the company. Bre's insights and dedication to the program highlight its critical role in maintaining Broad River Retail's reputation as a premier retailer and enhancing its supportive, growth-focused culture.

Previous Episodes Referenced:

Go Boldly and Be Brave: Managing Change in Retail Accounting with Hope Stocker - https://youtu.be/hSvl0lFzQ5s

The Evolving Role of Women: Navigating Leadership and Personal Lives - https://youtu.be/UzSFNNjL3eU

Breaking Barriers: Women Leaders on Trust, Support, and Success - https://youtu.be/eIA_tya2bt8

This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/obk_aJ6oV1I

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

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Happy 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 Awards Gala celebrated outstanding achievements, including Frank Gastelum's two million dollar year and various accolades for top performers. Numerous events throughout the year, like Memory Maker Appreciation Week, the Home Furnishings Expert Soirée, and the Sleep Connection events, underscored the Company's commitment to celebrating and investing in its people.

The reflection also brought attention to the exemplary performance and community-oriented initiatives led by Broad River Retail's various departments. The CX All-Stars' contact center achieved a remarkable ranking as the number two large call center in the country, and the Operations department broke records with new, elevated KPIs. Significant recognition was given to efforts during crises, including Hurricane Helene relief. The episode wrapped up with exciting announcements for 2025, which include store remodels and a focus on innovative storytelling through the podcast. The overarching theme was a commitment to stewardship, positivity, and creating a legacy that ensures Broad River Retail continues to thrive as a purpose-driven business, inspiring others and contributing positively to their communities.

This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Zhc_Vl4UQ0Q

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

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Welcome 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 anecdotes, including the surprise visit of his Mom to attend the awards gala, adding a heartfelt touch to the speech.

Charlie goes on to reflect on the company's evolution, noting the strategic shift to a brand-new identity of putting the word "Retail" in its Company name, symbolizing the counter-cultural backbone of Broad River by changing from Broad River Furniture to Broad River Retail during the period many had referred to then of the Retail Apocalypse. He describes the organization's commitment to embracing challenges and the pivotal role of a united team in achieving their vision.

He highlights the values of perseverance, faith, and long-term thinking, acknowledging the foundational work of those who came before them. Concluding on a gracious note, Charlie extends gratitude to his family, especially his sons, and underscores the philosophy that the greatest blessing in life is the ability to be a blessing to others.

Broad River is a Company that is mindful of its organizational wake, and as such, is one that is constantly striving to be a purpose-driven Business that is a force for good in this world.

This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/u_biAw1ZtB0

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

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In 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 of excellence. Mentioning Ashley Furniture Industries and several other key partners, Manny highlights how these partnerships contribute to Broad River's success.

Manny also expresses deep gratitude towards the 800+ Memory Makers at Broad River Retail who work tirelessly across the Carolinas and Georgia. He shares personal anecdotes, acknowledging his family members, business partner Charlie Malouf, and the supportive network that has been pivotal in his journey. Manny closes his speech with a poignant message about the power of community and the importance of working together to create lasting impacts—underlining that retail is indeed a team sport and celebrating the collective efforts that lead to shared success.

This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Z5u_lBqMwSQ

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

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In 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 first stop in Salisbury, North Carolina, where they visited one of Broad River Retail's newest stores (a two-in-one Ashley Store & Outlet) that opened in 2023. Following the Salisbury store visit and a quick lunch, they continued on to High Point, North Carolina, where they attended High Point Market.

In High Point Market, they primarily visited the Ashley Furniture showroom in the IHFC building. As they shopped the new introductions in the Ashley Furniture showroom in High Point, they got to meet Ashley Furniture executives including Ron Wanek, Todd Wanek, and even the 3rd generation of the Wanek family. They shared the story of how Ron Wanek presented Uncle Tommy with a touching silver dollar keepsake.

Following their adventure from High Point Market, they made their way to the Convention Center at High Point University. This is where the Furniture Industry Awards Gala would be hosted, and Broad River Retail would be recognized as the Retailer of the Year. They recounted the story of getting access to the green room where they could change and get ready prior to the cocktail hour and the start of the show.

The family discusses their time navigating the bustling event, sharing humorous and heartfelt moments, such as spending time in the luxurious green room and attending the cocktail reception. Throughout the episode, Carmen reflects on the valuable lessons learned from Charlie's long-standing involvement in the furniture industry, emphasizing the importance of hard work and dedication. Salwa expresses profound pride in Charlie’s achievements and the kindness extended by his colleagues and industry professionals, noting how the positive impact of Charlie's work was evident during the gala. The episode underscores the family’s appreciation for the strong support network around them and the seamless blend of business and personal connections they experienced at the event. Charlie concludes by inviting listeners to explore further episodes, preserving the family’s legacy and highlighting the admirable qualities of their Memory Makers.

This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/buysUbj5bWM

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

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Welcome back to our Furniture Industry Awards Gala Series! COO Manny Rodrigues sits down with Wes Dudley, Vice President of Customer Experience at Broad River Retail, to discuss their shared experience from the Gala.

Wes shares his reflections on the event, marking it as his second time attending with Broad River, remarking that this year was particularly special. The night was filled with reunions and introductions, including meeting the families of Manny and Charlie. The highlight was undoubtedly Broad River Retail receiving the Retailer of the Year award. Wes was touched by the emotional reel presented during the awards ceremony, which showcased the dedication and hard work of all the Memory Makers. This recognition not only celebrated the company's achievements but also emphasized the deep care and connection among its leaders.

The discussion goes beyond the event itself, touching upon what sets Broad River apart in the retail industry. Wes speaks about the company's intentionality, culture, and family-centric atmosphere that fosters openness and collaboration. Both Manny and Wes stress the importance of recognition and celebration, not just for the accolades but for the reinforcement of their shared goals and values. They acknowledge the role of the broader furniture industry and the significance of generational impact and networking at such events.

Looking forward, Wes hints at future aspirations, specifically the desire to win the Call Center of the Year award, while emphasizing the importance of striving for excellence every day. The episode ends with a call for potential Memory Makers to explore opportunities at Broad River, highlighting its vibrant and supportive work environment.

Books mentioned:

"Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of NIKE" by Phil Knight - https://www.amazon.com/Shoe-Dog-Memoir-Creator-NIKE/dp/1471146723

This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5CK67hUYOM0

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

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

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

In 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 the importance of family and the sense of community present throughout the evening.

Charlie and Bill dive deeper into what winning the Retailer of the Year award means for Broad River Retail and their collective journey. They reflect on overcoming past challenges, particularly the crucible moments of 2015, attributing their success to the resilience and dedication of their Memory Makers. They emphasize the importance of not resting on their laurels and continuing to push forward with daily excellence. Bill notes that sharing their story and learning from other retailers has been pivotal, and they extend their gratitude to the broader industry network that supported them. The episode closes on an optimistic note, focusing on the excitement for the future and the continuous pursuit of excellence by the Memory Makers at Broad River Retail.

This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qMF70bdjbzo

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

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

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