Stories from the River

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qAmACbTQaa4  It takes pride, accountability, and a united team to build a winning culture. In this episode of Stories from the River, guest host Tim Clouse celebrates the Fort Mill Otters' third consecutive win in the DC of the Year competition. Joined by Stacie Pittman, Senior Manager, Operations, Fort Mill Otters, Michael Longshore, Senior Manager, Operations, Four Oaks Falcons, and Ryan Kinard, Senior Manager of the Spartan Ridge Bruins, the conversation dives into what motivates these leaders and their Memory Makers, what makes the Otters a powerhouse, and why culture, consistency, and camaraderie are key to high performance.  From the metrics that matter most to the "family away from home" mindset they've built, this conversation is a celebration of leadership, camaraderie, and what it takes to keep raising the bar. Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com  for more episodes.    Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com    Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail        

Watch full episode here: https://youtu.be/OT4safn-FKk  In this spotlight from episode 346, Charlie Malouf and Jeff Willis dive into the story behind Greenville's identity change from "Greenville Drive" to the boldly reimagined "Greenville Green Monster." Jeff Willis shares how the idea first sparked from a desire for something more original, inspired by Greenville's connection to the Boston Red Sox's historic Fenway Park and its legendary Green Monster.  Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com  for more episodes.    Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com    Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail        

Watch full episode here: https://youtu.be/OT4safn-FKk  In this spotlight from episode 346, Jeff Willis walks through the challenges and breakthrough moments of the four-month remodel, focusing on the resilience and commitment of the Memory Makers during a period filled with noise, dust, and uncertainty.  Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.    Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com    Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail       

Watch full episode here: https://youtu.be/OT4safn-FKk  It takes vision, resilience, and a committed team to reopen, refresh, and reclaim the top spot. In this episode of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf celebrates the grand reopening of Broad River Retail's Greenville, South Carolina location, known as the Dreamville Green Monster, with General Manager Jeff Willis. They reflect on the store's transformation from a dark, dated showroom to a bright Ashley Store and Outlet 7.0 space, and the grit it took for the Greenville Memory Makers to stay energized through months of remodel disruption. The conversation highlights Greenville's rise to #1 among Broad River stores, the addition of a new sleep gallery, and the pride Jeff has in his team of high achievers. It's a story of teamwork, gratitude, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.    Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com    Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail       

Watch full episode here: https://youtu.be/qLwxIaHvTHI  In this spotlight from episode 345, the team behind Forge digs into how they built their winning presentation. They talk about wanting the new word to be a natural successor to Pioneer, and how Broad River Retail has transformed from a regional company into a national one. The vision accounted for the inevitable heat and pressure of that transformation, as well as the strength and unexpected results that often come from it. Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.    Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com   Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail      

Watch full episode here: https://youtu.be/qLwxIaHvTHI  In this spotlight from episode 345, the team behind Forge discusses the significance of choosing the Word of the Year at Broad River Retail and what it means for the company. They also share what it means to them personally and why every company should consider choosing its own Word of the Year. Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.    Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com   Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail      

This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qLwxIaHvTHI  What does it take to choose the Word of the Year at Broad River Retail? In this episode of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf sits down with members of the team behind Forge, Broad River Retail's 2026 Word of the Year. Carl Hillesland, Lynn Knowles, and Corey Edens walk through how they landed on Forge, the thinking behind their submission, and how the idea took shape. With Broad River's goal of reaching $500M by 2030 in mind, the team built their presentation around pressure, progress, and growth—connecting Forge to the momentum created by Pioneer in 2025. They also share how they designed a presentation meant to connect not just logically, but emotionally, using storytelling, clear language, and visuals that could land with the entire organization. Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.    Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com   Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail       

Watch full episode here: https://youtu.be/HJeq7X4Rn4M   In this spotlight from episode 344, Charlie and Manny reveal Broad River Retail's Word of the Year for 2026: Forge. They reflect on other powerful words that were in the running, but explain why Forge fits Broad River's present and future growth.    Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.    Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com   Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail      

Watch full episode here: https://youtu.be/HJeq7X4Rn4M   Why does Broad River Retail choose a Word of the Year, and why has the tradition lasted more than a decade? In this spotlight from episode 344, Charlie and Manny break down where the idea started, how it's shaped the way teams think and work, and what the benefits are from choosing one each year. Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.    Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com   Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail     

This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/HJeq7X4Rn4M    Broad River Retail doesn't pick a Word of the Year lightly. It's a signal of where the company is headed and what it expects of its Memory Makers. In this episode of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf and Manny Rodrigues explain why FORGE became the 2026 Word of the Year. They walk through how the process has evolved, why more Memory Makers now shape the decision, and what ultimately set Forge apart.  We also reflect on past words, including 2025's Pioneer, and why Forge fits a moment focused less on starting and more on building something that lasts.   Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.    Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com   Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail     

Watch Full episode here: https://youtu.be/0Rii4gb5Snw   In this spotlight from episode 343, Charlie and Tyler break down the term "durable scalability" and how it became a clear guide for how Broad River Retail thinks about growing its company. They also talk about what it takes to grow from a strong regional business into a national one, without losing what made it work.    Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.    Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com  Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail     

Watch Full episode here:  https://youtu.be/0Rii4gb5Snw  In this spotlight from episode 343, Charlie and Tyler talk about what it means to grow within an organization. Charlie shares the belief that growth shouldn't benefit just the company, but i t should benefit everyone connected to it. That means all of Broad River Retail's Memory Makers, guests, communities, and partners. When the company grows, people grow with it, through real investment in programs and opportunities that help everyone move forward together. Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.    Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com  Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail    

This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0Rii4gb5Snw    Welcome back to Stories from the River. In this episode, Tyler Trill and Charlie Malouf sit down just after Broad River Retail's first Town Hall of 2026. With the presentation still fresh, they reflect on why the kick-off Town Hall matters—recognizing the wins of 2025, celebrating individual and team achievements, and setting direction for the year ahead.  Highlights include the Albemarle Aces earning Ashley Store of the Year and Broad River once again being named Ashley Licensee of the Year. Looking forward, the conversation centers on DURABLE SCALABILITY. Charlie breaks down the company's shift from a regional operator to a national one, guided by three clear areas of focus: people, processes, and purpose. They also discuss the Rule of 72 as a practical way to think about growth and what it will take to reach $500 million in revenue by 2030.    Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.    Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com  Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail     

Watch Full episode here: https://youtu.be/aqZ5JFtNUQY   In this spotlight from episode 342, Tim Sayles shares how the Lighthouse Fund has grown over time. What began with support from Broad River's leaders has expanded into something bigger, with smaller, steady contributions from across the Broad River community helping sustain it today.   Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.   Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com  Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail   

Watch Full episode here: https://youtu.be/aqZ5JFtNUQY  Since launching in July, the Lighthouse Fund has helped more than 54 Memory Makers. A few of those moments have stayed with Emmelyne Henderson. In this spotlight from episode 342, she shares the Lighthouse Fund stories that left a lasting impression. Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.   Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com  Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail  

Welcome back to Stories from the River, where Heather Greenwood brings you a bright story of Memory Makers helping Memory Makers. Together with Emelyne Henderson and Tim Sayles, the Lighthouse Fund team is bringing you a six-month update. First, they discuss the origin of the Fund and their experience with it. For fulthe l history, watch this video: https://youtu.be/4S-XXofao0c The Lighthouse Fund, managed with the assistance of Helping Hands, ensures confidentiality and a fair process and is rooted in biblical inspiration. It's there to ensure Memory Makers can get assistance when stuck with an unfortunate event in their lives. The Fund has already helped over 50 Memory Makers, giving over $74,000. The ability to lead and manage this kind of program is in direct harmony with Broad River's culture, and the trio doesn't shy away from acknowledging that. All three are honored and delighted to be a part of this initiative, and if you would also like to be involved, click on this link to learn more.  https://broadriverretail.my.canva.site/website-the-lighthouse-fund  Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.   Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com  Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail  

Watch full episode here: https://youtu.be/rYzlSbx0Emw   How do you garner greatness? In this spotlight from Episode 341, Charlie explains how our profit-sharing business strategy brings every department together, working towards a common goal.  Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.   Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com  Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail  

Watch full episode here: https://youtu.be/rYzlSbx0Emw   How do you garner greatness? In this spotlight from Episode 341, Charlie explains how the right annual goals give teams focus, create accountability, and bring Memory Makers together around a shared direction. When goals matter personally and collectively, they stop being checkboxes and start marking real progress toward what's next. Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.   Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com  Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail   

This episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/rYzlSbx0Emw  We love First Time Evers. And this week, we paid out $1.6 million in profit sharing to over 640 Memory Makers.  In today's episode, Charlie Malouf and Manny Rodrigues, the owners and executives of Broad River Retail, discuss a celebratory town hall from Friday, January 9th, at which they announced the profit-sharing pay day. They share their pride and excitement over achieving a milestone $272 million delivered sales goal, an accomplishment which led to a record payout of over $1,600,000 shared among more than 640 Memory Makers.  They discuss how their approach to profit sharing was carefully structured to include Memory Makers who started throughout the year by prorating payouts, and they outline efforts to provide financial education to help Memory Makers make the most of their bonuses.  Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.   Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com  Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail  

Watch full episode here: https://youtu.be/CMAdKWYzgYg   Distribution Center of the Year winner revealed!  In this episode, Charlie welcomes Tim Clouse, Senior Vice President of Operations, to break down how supply chain and distribution center decisions helped Broad River Retail deliver double-digit growth in a challenging year. Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.   Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com  Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail  

Watch full episode here: https://youtu.be/CMAdKWYzgYg   How do you maximize all the KPIs?  In this episode, Charlie welcomes Tim Clouse, Senior Vice President of Operations, to break down how supply chain and distribution center decisions helped Broad River Retail deliver double-digit growth in a challenging year. Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.   Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com  Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail 

This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CMAdKWYzgYg  What does it take to hit aggressive sales targets when operations are under pressure? In this episode, Charlie welcomes Tim Clouse, Senior Vice President of Operations, to break down how supply chain and distribution center decisions helped Broad River Retail deliver double-digit growth in a challenging year. They also dig into what it takes to expand into a new market, launch a distribution center from scratch, and build teams that can perform at scale. Additional Resource:  Congregations for Kids: Foster Care Support in Charlotte - https://www.cfknc.org   Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.   Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com  Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail 

Watch full episode: https://youtu.be/K-7uM5XEJqA  How is Broad River Retail entering the Portland, Maine market? And how is it different when we entered the market in Spokane, Washington? In this spotlight from episode 337, Charlie and Manny discuss how Broad River enters a market to ensure the store's success.  Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.   Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com  Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail 

Watch full episode: https://youtu.be/K-7uM5XEJqA  In this spotlight episode from episode 337, Charlie and Manny discuss how Broad River gets the confidence to expand thousands of miles away, first in Spokane, Washington, with a three story Ashley Homestore, and next in Portland, Maine, coming to Jetport in spring of 2026.  Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.   Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com  Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail 

This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/PKfnvI0K0u4    Welcome back to Stories from the River. As we close out 2025, we bring you an exclusive insight into Home Furnishings Expert "Iron" Mike Cohen's success for the year, selling over $2,000,000 for the Cary Crushers in just his 3rd full year with Broad River. Mike has been with Broad River since July 2022.  Mike shares his story and his path to success with Head Coach Stacey McCormick (EVP, Retail Performance) in today's episode (our final episode of the year). Mike began his career with The River as a Home Furnishings Associate in Durham in the Southpoint location, and worked there for two years before transferring to the Cary Ashley Store.  Mike sold over $1M in his first full year (2023) in Durham Southpoint, then sold over $1.5M in his 2nd full year (2024), which was split between Durham Southpoint and Cary.  But, this year, Mike has continued the torrid pace that really began in the back half of 2024 to reach that elusive and impressive $2,000,000 milestone after only 11 months and 1 day in 2025!   Being only the 5th person in company history to achieve this impressive $2M milestone, Mike leads us through his exciting journey from working part-time during college in New Jersey to finding his passion and career success in furniture sales. Mike shares that his early experiences, personal goals, the support of his team, and Broad River's leadership led him to reach this career goal so early in his career at only 26 years of age.  Learn all about Mike's beginnings, his transition from the Durham Southpoint location to Cary, his personal and professional development, and how his store's pursuit of excellence motivated him.  Mike shares how his outlook has changed in the last several years as he tried to chase bigger goals.  And, he remarks about the motivational aspect of aspirational goals and big jackpot bonuses, as well as charting the company's performance and success as much as his own.   We hope you enjoy this episode and have a happy and safe end of 2025. We will see you next year with more behind the scenes stories from Broad River Retail.  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   

Merry Christmas and welcome back to Stories from the River. We hope you are having a lovely day filled with love, joy, peace, family, and support.  Today we wanted to bring you a special holiday episode. Manny Rodrigues, Broad River's President and COO, welcomes his in-laws, Jimmy Kallam and Suzi Kallam, for a heartfelt holiday conversation. Jimmy and Suzi are founders of Tandem Spirituality, a ministry which focuses on supporting pastors, Christian leaders, and anyone seeking connection and guidance. Jimmy shares the origins and purpose of his latest book, Struggling Well with Life, designed to support anyone in a time of crisis.  Jimmy and Suzi discuss how to show up for others and how seeing people during this Christmas season can impact others' day profoundly.  They share their favorite memories and traditions during Christmas as well as the promise that we have in Christ. We hope you all have a joyful and Merry Christmas holiday! Additional resources:  Struggling Well with Life: https://www.amazon.com/Struggling-Well-Life-Jimmy-Kallam/dp/B0F2CC6RSV   Tandem Spirituality: https://www.tandemspirituality.com/     This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sgMg1_d9_70  Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.   Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com  Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail   

This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/K-7uM5XEJqA  Welcome back to Stories from the River. Today, Charlie Malouf and Manny Rodrigues make a very special announcement: Broad River Retail plans to open a new store in Portland, Maine. Internally announced to Memory Makers during a Companywide Town Hall on December 18th, Broad River is expanding into northern New England in 2026. Broad River is proud to bring an an Ashley Store & Outlet to South Portland in the Jetport Plaza shopping center.  The 44,900 square feet store will feature a flagship Ashley 7.0 showroom, an Ashley Outlet, an expanded sleep shop, and introduce the all-new, exclusive Ashley Luxe collection to the market. The store is set to open in May of 2026, and on today's episode Charlie and Manny discuss the origin story behind their approach on studying the market, selecting the location, and how the area's growth, vibrancy, and demographics made it the ideal next expansion point for Broad River Retail.  They discuss their plans for other stores in the Northeast, particularly in the state of Maine and across the border into Portsmouth, New Hampshire, as they'll look to deploy the hub-and-spoke model that has worked well for them in the Southeast.  The current Broad River Memory Makers play a critical role in this exciting new step, especially as this announcment quickly follows the opening of a store in Spokane, WA, this past Saturday, December 20th, also an exciting move for Broad River, who's until now been based in and around the Carolinas and Georgia area of the country.    Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.   Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com  Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail 

This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/S7W07WlBQjc  Welcome back to Stories from the River. In this episode, Charlie Malouf (CEO) and Tyler Trill (Senior Communications Manager) share highlights from Broad River's Holly Jolly Town Hall held earlier this morning (Thursday, December 18th), an internal companywide event that isn't publicly available. This was Broad River Retail's final town hall of the year, and it celebrated the major milestone of Broad River's first successful year in its six-year plan to double in size by 2030. The company is expected to reach its annual revenue goal of $272M, setting the stage for record Pioneer Prosperity profit-sharing bonuses and continued reinvestment in the business. You'll also hear recognition for our $2M Memory Maker for 2025, Mike Cohen, who will be featured on the podcast in a future episode later this month. Charlie and Tyler cover business updates including new store openings, upcoming locations, and store remodel plans for 2026, along with performance updates, people updates, community updates, and what's driving performance. Additional updates include an increased 401(k) match, news on programs like The Lighthouse Fund, and a look ahead to next year's first major event: the Memory Maker Awards Gala.   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 today's episode, Head Coach and EVP of Retail Performance, Stacey McCormick, is on location in the Spokane, WA, store during its store opening and setup efforts.  Stacey takes our audience behind the scenes while on location from Spokane, Washington.   Later this month, in fact this coming Saturday, December 20th, Broad River will open a brand new store in a market over 2500 miles and three time zones away from its headquarters in Fort Mill, South Carolina. That's right, Spokane is finally happening.  We started this year with our word of the year, Pioneer. We end the year with a pioneering accomplishment that is this new store in Spokane, WA. Today on Stories from the River, we hear directly from the Head Coach himself. Stacey McCormick, Broad River's EVP of Sales Performance is in Spokane, overseeing the final preparations. This episode provides a rare, behind-the-scenes look at a store that is about to open. McCormick answers some major questions on everyone's minds - why Spokane and why now? What is next in the West? And how will this store remain connected to the rest of Broad River Retail?  Are you excited about this store opening? What do you want to learn about next? Let us know in the comments.  This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WoA5AJ5toXU  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   

The holiday season is in full stride at Broad River Retail. On this episode on Stories from the River, Heather Greenwood, Broad River's Director of People and Emelyne Henderson, Broad River's Senior Manager of Experience & Events give us a behind-the-scenes look at Operation Tis the Season, a cherished initiative at Broad River Retail. It's a Memory Makers Helping Memory Makers program, in which the community comes together to ensure all of the children have something special to open on Christmas Day. Emelyne heads the organization of the program and ensures that every element, from communication, organization, to shopping and putting the gifts into bags, goes flawlessly. This year, the event will serve 37 families and 97 children. In this episode, we learn the powerful history behind the event which developed after the 2020 pandemic to help Memory Makers who just needed a little extra support during the holidays. Over the last five years, it expanded to assist dozens of families, through an open application process and enthusiastic internal community giving. The gifts were chosen with the children's interests in mind, and Emelyne will reveal some of this year's themes. This event has become a highlight of the holiday season for the Memory Maker Experience team, and they hope it only grows and helps bring more joy on Christmas Day in the future. This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3XjFff4NR6Q   Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.   Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com         Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail     

Welcome back to Stories from the River. December is here, so Charlie Malouf, Broad River's CEO and Stories from the River podcast host is back with a laundry list of updates.  First, we are happy to announce the opening of a brand new store in Easley, South Carolina. A two-in-one, dual concept Ashley Store & Outlet. https://stores.ashleyfurniture.com/store/us/south-carolina/easley/5149-calhoun-memorial-pkwy/   Even though new store openings are most definitely kind of a big deal around here, the Easley store seemed to have sprouted out of nowhere, and that's all thanks to our incredible team that works tirelessly behind the scenes. Charlie explains the process and acknowledges the team members involved to make this seemingly impossible task come to life. It may look effortless, but thanks to the effort of everyone involved, store number 34 is now live. It will be followed shortly by the iconic, new 3-story Ashley Store & Outlet in Spokane, WA, later this month, and then another new Ashley Store in Moscow, ID, in early 2026 Charlie then moves on to discussing the recently completed 95-Day Challenge and what that means for Broad River's growth. Even though the challenge wasn't technically met all the way, Broad River is still on its way to complete its annual financial goal of reaching $272 million in revenue. This is part of a larger, 6-year goal of growing 12% YoY and reaching a doubling in 2030.  Even though the 95-Day Challenge wasn't fully met, there are some teams that have done an exceptional job, and Charlie takes this opportunity to acknowledge them on the show. Their outstanding performance is what really shines through year over year.  Stay with us as we complete the year with more exciting updates, holiday events, and maybe some remote footage from Spokane, WA, so we can see how that massive store opening is really going.    This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LLGgNcAgiXk    Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.   Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com         Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail     

Welcome back to Stories from the River. Today we continue our journey behind the scenes of the Ashley's 'Right to Win' Product Knowledge Boot Camp that was held at the Pineville Flagship Store this October. This time, Heather Greenwood, Broad River's Director of People sits across from Kaylee Kirchner, Ashley's AFI trainer. To start, Kirchner's love and dedication to her craft shine through the episode as she enthusiastically describes what she most enjoys about these trainings (spoiler alert: it's everything!). In all seriousness, Kirchner reveals the origin of the boot camp program, how it came to be, and why it's called "boot camp", its evolution through the years, and her personal experience with it.  She also highlights the passion and drive she found inside Broad River Retail during both 2025 boot camp trainings. She celebrates the unique culture she notices every time she's here and reflects on how Memory Makers experience the training - with a desire to learn, improve, and elevate their product knowledge beyond expectations. Greenwood and Kirchner truly connect to one another this episode, exchanging success stories from the bootcamp, and light bulb moments of increased confidence amongst the Memory Makers, and the consistent emphasis on improving personal growth and knowledge about Ashley Furniture's competitive advantage. Enjoy this incredibly delightful episode, and if you're ever interested on becoming a Memory Maker, listen in to some behind the scenes advice from an absolute professional in the industry.   This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qrxV5jsdv68    Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.   Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com        Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail    

Welcome back to Stories from the River. In this episode, our guest host and Broad River's Director of People, Heather Greenwood welcomes Kelly Villastrigo, a Million Dollar Memory Maker and Home Furnishings Expert, for a behind-the-scenes look at the AFI Boot Camp training at Broad River Retail's Pineville flagship store. Villastrigo shares his journey at Broad River, celebrating nearly two years with the company, and highlights what makes Ashley Furniture stand out—particularly the "mom and pop feel" paired with big company resources. They discuss the lessons learned during the boot camp, and Villastrigo shares exactly which insights he plans to benefit most from the most.  They discuss how ongoing training builds confidence, product knowledge, and ultimately translates to improved guest experiences and sales. This episode builds on the Ashley's 'Right to Win' Product Knowledge Boot Camp series we did earlier this year and proves that consistent learning is not just something we talk about, but a daily commitment at Broad River Retail.   This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/g44vuka43AA  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    

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone, and welcome back to Stories from the River. As we conclude the Grand Reopening Celebration Series from last month's Mooresville, North Carolina, Ashley Store, we turn to Manny Rodrigues and his guest for the day, Sandy Ruhlin, Broad River's Home Furnishings Expert and Million Dollar Memory Maker. Ruhlin was around to remember how the store looked years before the remodel, and even though the team at The Lake never stopped winning, she welcomes this new Ashley 7.0 redesign with excitement and joy. The conversation focuses on the impact these new changes have on the showroom's appearance, both agreeing that the improved lighting and polished concrete floor make a huge difference in how the showroom feels and how it's received by the guests.  Ruhlin shares her journey from working in commercial design and architecture in the Chicago area to moving to the Carolinas and finding herself at Broad River. The eye for beauty and design never left her, and she loves helping guests furnish their life's best memories.  The two touch on the new sleep gallery, which streamlines the mattress selection process and showcases the diverse offerings for every guest. As you already know, every mattress sold leads to a Beds for Kids donation, which works on ensuring all children have a bed to sleep on. The team at The Lake prides itself on the new mattress gallery and all the good it will be able to achieve with it. This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/T7pbfFsPBPc    Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.   Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com        Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail    

Welcome back to Stories from the River. Today, guest host Manny Rodrigues, Broad River's President and COO, sits across from Dan Pieszchala, an 11-year Million Dollar Memory Maker and Home Furnishings Expert at Broad River Retail. In this continuation of the Grand Reopening Celebration series, Manny and Dan reminisce on their connected history together at Broad River Retail that began 11 years ago, and they discuss the Mooresville Store's history and its journey to the new Ashley 7.0 design. The conversation digs into Dan Pieszchala's inspiring path as a Memory Maker, highlighting his unwavering grit, passion, and the personal commitments that have shaped his 11-year career with the company. Pieszchala shares personal stories of overcoming life's difficulties, while continuing to thrive as a Million Dollar Memory Maker at Broad River.  Pieszchala shares his history, his previous position prior to getting into retail, and discusses his family at The Lake.    This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Ut3S10efLz4    Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.   Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com        Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail    

Welcome back to Stories from the River! Today we continue the Lake Norman Grand Reopening Celebration series, focusing on the newest transformation to Ashley 7.0 in Mooresville, North Carolina. Charlie Malouf, Broad River's CEO and show host, sits down with a Home Furnishings Expert and Million Dollar Memory Maker, Ewa Szmigiel. Szmigiel shares her journey from Poland to North Carolina, describing the challenges she faced transitioning to life in the United States and how she discovered her passion for working with people in the furniture industry. She talks about her progression through various retail roles, ultimately finding her place as a Memory Maker at Broad River Retail. Joy and fulfillment are important parts of one's working life, Szmigiel describes, and she takes pride in being able to build lasting relationships with guests and her team.  Listening to this conversation, you really get a sense of the special atomsphere at the Mooresville location, Szmigiel is particularly fond of her team dynamics and store leader GM Nathan Jeter. (Listen to Jeter's episode from the Mooresville remodel here: https://youtu.be/Nl607F39JFQ. She continues to discuss the positive impact of the store renovation, focusing on the new sleep gallery and the general updated look of the showrooms.  Stay tuned next week as Broad River's President and COO Manny Rodrigues sits across from two other long-time Mooresville Memory Makers and Home Furnishings Experts as they recount their experience with the latest Broad River store remodel.   This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Ije4QTfEQhU    Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.   Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com        Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail        

Welcome back to Stories from the River! We are continuing our recap series from the Grand Reopening Celebration of our latest Ashley Store 7.0 transformation in Mooresville, North Carolina. In today's episode, CEO Charlie Malouf sits down with Mooresville General Manager Nathan Jeter to discuss the remodel experience and results from the reimagined Lake Norman store, The Lake. The Mooresville Ashley store has been around for over 17 years, and its success was never questionned. Nathan Jeter and his winning team have stood out in the Company. However, this fall, the team at The Lake welcomed a long-awaited remodel of their beloved store to the Ashley 7.0 model. Expanding the Sleep Shop to twice its size and reinventing the showroom with the fresh 7.0 design will only help this team reach new heights in the coming season.  In today's interview conducted in the showroom following the ribbon cutting held last month on October 7th, we get an insight into what Nathan and his team think about the brand new remodel. The conversation explores the journey leading up to the ribbon cutting, and they reminisce about the seventeen years since the store first opened, its journey to where it is now and the various wonderful Memory Makers who got it to this moment. Jeter particularly reflects on the instrumental impact that Renee Bradley has had on the store and how helpful Tim Sayles was during the construction process.  In a surprising move, the Mooresville store managed to win Store of the Month, the presigious Yoda award, twice amidst the construction. Jeter credits this to his team of Memory Makers. He remarks that the team's resilient mindest, strategic planning, and the support of both long-term Memory Makers as well as some newcomers help make the Mooresville store the award-winning location.  Stayed tuned for other conversations from this event as the stories will highlight Mooresville Memory Makers and their strength, resilience and ability to thrive during chaos.    Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Nl607F39JFQ  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   

On October 7, the Mooresville store (also known as The Lake) reopened its brand new doors, with a bang and a ribbon cutting! On today's episode of Stories from the River, we bring you the energy and atmosphere from right before the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Broad River leaders attended and spoke at the event, honoring the current and past leadership of the store.  Today, we are joined by Tony Barr, Corporate Chaplain of America, who leads us into the event with prayer and gratitude. Charlie Malouf, Broad River's CEO, takes the stage next, reminiscing on the store's history, acknowledging the ongoing dedication and resilience of the Memory Makers, past and present, to make this store what it is today.  Next is Manny Rodrigues, Broad River's President and COO, who shares the stage with Dan Pieszchala, a long-time Million Dollar Memory Maker and Home Furnishings Expert whose dedication to the team is palpable. (Stay tuned for a full interview with Dan, coming later this month to the channel.)  We hear from Tim Sayles, Broad River's Director of Facilities and Construction, and Lynn Knowles, Director of Merchandising and Visual Impact, and the two share their stories of how the store really came together.  Coach Stacey McCormick, EVP of Retail Performance, takes the stage next and thanks the hardworking team, both past and present, for creating in The Lake an extraordinary store. He highlights the sheer determination of the Memory Makers in Mooresville, winning the prestigious Store of the Month Yoda award, not once, but twice, during the construction process.  We also hear from Chris Berrier, Area Manager and the multi unit leader for this store, who takes a moment to thank Renee Bradley for her past leadership in the store, and tells a story of hitting a very important milestone back in the day.  Nathan Jeter, the General Manager at The Lake, takes the stage next and expresses all of the gratitude towards the leadership team and his own Memory Makers. Nathan has been looking forward to this renovation for years, and now that it's finally happened, he's ready to accelerate his success at the store. Hear from Nathan next week, during a full interview, here on Stories from the River.  Kim Harkness ends the episode with community impact. Broad River's partnership with Beds for Kids is super important, and on this opening day, an additional donation to Beds for Kids was made.  Enjoy this episode, as well as the next four interviews from the Grand Reopening of the Mooresville location.    Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1Wu83f4FaTE     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 Stories from the River, we revisit the semi-annual Fall Sleep Summit, an event Broad River holds at the Charlotte Motor Speedway to help Home Furnishings Consultants level up their sleep sales game.  Today you will hear from six Memory Makers as they recap their experience at the 2025 Sleep Summit.  Christian Sonander and Domaniek Greene from the Boulevard Believe Jose Gonzalez from the Albemarle Aces Ken Wilcox from the Special Forces Kensley Phillips from the Flagship Enterprise Nasir Park from the Raleighwood Legends  They discuss why this event is important to them, what their favorite thing they've learned is, and how they plan to apply this new knowledge to future success.  Learn about the nuance of selling sleep, why sleep is important, and the transformative impact Memory Makers can have on guests' lives. They recount memorable experiences and past success stories that have left a permanent effect on them.    Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/e-Wj-y-Ap7c    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 today's episode of Stories from The River, Josh Hatchell, Broad River's Senior Retail Experience Manager, continues his conversation with Charlie Malouf, Broad River's CEO, in part two of Retail Operations "Get To Know You" session held on September 18th at Broad River's Fort Mill, South Carolina, campus. This conversation dives into Charlie's personal leadership approach, the future of Broad River, and the strategies he uses to stay connected with the Memory Makers across the stores.  As Broad River is about to take root in a completely new part of the country, the audience members exhibit curiosity about continued growth and expansions they expect in the future. With humor and thoughful reflection, Charlie shares his vision for Broad River's next chapter, while at the same time sharing his vision and growth philosophy for the company, summed up in one word: bamboo. The realization is swift and effective, like Broad River, bamboo is resilient, adaptable, and grows quietly underground until it's ready to sprout and reach new heights. This is Broad River's strategy for the next chapter.  Listen carefully for a behind the scenes insight into plans for innovation, motivational advice, and building your own leadership presence in the world.  Books:  Shoe Dog by Phil Knight - https://www.amazon.com/Shoe-Dog-Memoir-Creator-Nike/dp/1501135910   Soundtracks by Jon Acuff - https://www.amazon.com/Soundtracks-Surprising-Solution-Overthinking/dp/B08NXXNDSV   All It Takes is a Goal by Jon Acuff - https://www .amazon.com/All-Takes-Goal-Massive-Potential/dp/B0C5B4NH32  Listen to Part One of this Conversation: Getting to Know Charlie Malouf: Early Jobs, Failures, & Laying Foundation for Broad River's Culture -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsYEZf2xDO8   This video on Youtube:  https://youtu.be/y00Ip9pYWrw  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 today's episode of Stories from the River, the host becomes the guest. That's right, Broad River's CEO and Stories from the River's host becomes the main conversation topic, as Josh Hatchell, Broad River's Senior Retail Experience Manager, along with a room full of Retail Opertions Memory Makers, ask meaningful and insightful questions into Charlie's past, present, and Broad River's future.  This episode was recorded on September 18, 2025, from Broad River's Fort Mill, South Carolina, campus, during a session with Retail Ops called "Get To Know You" with a leader from Broad River Retail. For this session, the Retail Ops Leaders asked Charlie if he would be interviewed for this Q&A session.  During this part one of a two-part series, we see Charlie candidly reflect on his personal and professional journey, sharing stories from his earliest jobs, the lessons learned along the way, and his philosophy about company culture. If you've been a long term listener, you'll already know Broad River prides itself on the culture they've built, and in this episode, you get a glimpse into its early creation.  Charlie emphasizes how Broad River's culture is rooted in recognizing unique contributions of Memory Makers, building identities, and helping furnish life's best memories. He discusses his inspirations, touching on books, podcasts, and personal interests, and provides insights into the company's growth strategy and vision for the future.  Enjoy this honest and open conversation between Charlie and the entire Retail Ops team and come back for part 2!  Books: Everybody Matters by Bob Chapman and Raj Sisodia - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1591847796  A Million Little Miracles by Mark Batterson - https://www.amazon.com/Million-Little-Miracles-Rediscover-Bigger/dp/B0CXJJPSVK  Win the Day by Mark Batterson - https://www.amazon.com/Win-Day-Habits-Stress-Accomplish/dp/B08B6DJXPZ  Do It For a Day by Mark Batterson - https://www.amazon.com/Do-Day-Make-Break-Habit/dp/B08ZQMN8BS  Podcasts: Truly Human Leadership Podcast https://www.barrywehmiller.com/blog/podcasts  Acquired https://www.acquired.fm/  The Knowledge Project https://www.youtube.com/@tkppodcast  No Mercy, No Malice (by Scott Galloway) https://www.profgalloway.com/  A Little Bit of Optimism (by Simon Sinek) https://simonsinek.com/podcast/   This video on Youtube:  https://youtu.be/jsYEZf2xDO8    Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com  for more episodes.   Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com       Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail     

Welcome to the 4th and final episode from our "Pioneering the Path - a Purpose 8:28 Experience" series. In this episode of Stories from the River, we bring you a special, behind-the-scenes look into what the "Pioneering the Path - a Purpose 8:28 Experience" really felt and looked like for our retail leaders. These key excerpts from the day's sessions give a rare insight into an even deeper level of this immersive retail leadership development day and into Broad River's culture.  Tune in today to hear Bradley Sullivan's discuss how to enroll your team, get their full support and share in the common vision with Vision, Purpose, and Ownership (VPO). Will Luke will share four key time management tips to keep your team running like clockwork. Steve Ramjit's M.A.G.N.E.T. strategy will help you understand how to attract the very best people, and Gabby Cobos will give insight into how to coach them, consistently. Finally, Chris Wright will weigh in with some trade secrets, a secret sauce to success in a showroom.  Each of our presenters gave their talk three times, to various audiences of small groups of their peers, and they also played a role as active audience members for each other's presentations. (See if you can recognize their jereseys!)  This episode truly highlights the spirit of our Memory Makers. With an "Iron sharpens iron" mindset, they strive to learn from and to teach one another, reinforcing that true leadership is about empowering everyone to own the vision and actively shape both their own and Broad River's legacy.   Watch this episode on youtube:  https://youtu.be/4WShHREPMRQ    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 Stories from the River, we sit down with three inspiring Broad River Retail General Managers at the end of an impactful day from the Fort Mill, SC, campus where Broad River held its "Pioneering the Path - a Purpose 8:28 Experience" full learning and development day for all of its retail leaders on August 28, 2025. We sit down with Sonya De La Cruz of Hickory; Brett Cary of Asheville; and Seth Logue of Gastonia to explore what makes the company's culture so unique and impactful. Through their personal stories and leadership experiences, they reveal how Broad River's servant-minded leadership approach and people-first values have shaped their careers and their teams. The conversation highlights the power of choosing positivity and leading with purpose, while also emphasizing how vision, planning, and intentional action help drive success. Each retail leader shares how Broad River's senior leadership sets the tone by genuinely investing in every Memory Maker, knowing them by name, supporting their growth, and practicing the culture rather than simply talking about it. Their insights reinforce that success at Broad River is not solely measured by numbers or KPIs, but by elevating people, fostering belief, and building meaningful relationships. This episode is a reminder that the culture at Broad River Retail is alive in daily actions, not slogans on a wall. It paints a vivid picture of a company that dreams boldly, plans thoughtfully, moves with purpose, and grows together as one team. For anyone who values personal development, servant leadership, and the joy of helping others win, this is an inspiring conversation you won't want to miss. Watch the video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WxeWQ_beD4E  Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.   Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com       Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail   

Welcome to part two of our conversation with Kristen Hadeed on Stories from the River.  Host Charlie Malouf continues his conversation with Kristen Hadeed, author of Permission to Screw Up, diving into resilience, ownership, and courageous leadership. Kristen shares why it's okay to have a short “pity party” after setbacks—but emphasizes the importance of moving forward and learning from mistakes. She introduces practical tools like the “resilience resume,” where human-centered leaders reflect on lessons learned from their own screw-ups in weekly meetings, creating a safe space for experimentation, growth, and risk-taking. The conversation explores how leaders can foster ownership and identity capital while helping team members find their “sweet spot” at work. Kristen highlights the value of embracing both rock star (deep specialist) and superstar (fast-growth, versatile) mindsets as careers evolve. She also explains the “1:3:1” method for collaborative problem-solving, where individuals present a challenge, three potential solutions, and their preferred option—boosting both idea quality and personal accountability. Kristen underscores the power of courageous conversations and shares her 24-hour rule for addressing tough issues, all designed to build trust, authenticity, and stronger teams. She closes with an invitation to her Human Leadership Program, a pay-what-you-can initiative that helps leaders grow through intentionality, self-compassion, and creating lasting impact. Additional Resources:  Kristen's Leadership Development Company Website - https://www.kristenhadeed.com   The Human Leadership Program by Kristen Hadeed - https://www.kristenhadeed.com/humanleadershipprogram   Permission to Screw Up by Kristen Hadeed - https://www.amazon.com/Permission-Screw-Up-Learned-Everything/dp/1591848296   Chief Joy Officer: How Great Leaders Elevate Human Energy and Eliminate Fear by Richard Sheridan - https://www.amazon.com/Chief-Joy-Officer-Leaders-Eliminate/dp/0735218226   The Defining Decade by Meg Jay - https://www.amazon.com/Defining-Decade-Your-Twenties-Matter/dp/0446561754   Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity by Kim Scott - https://www.amazon.com/Radical-Candor-Kick-Ass-Without-Humanity/dp/1250103509   What Got You Here Won't Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith - https://www.amazon.com/What-Got-Here-Wont-There/dp/1401301304   Everybody Matters by Bob Chapman & Raj Sisodia - https://www.barrywehmiller.com/bobchapman/book   Watch the video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ozBEpYK1V1o   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 Stories from the River, host and CEO Charlie Malouf welcomes keynote speaker and author Kristen Hadeed, fresh off her impactful talk at Broad River Retail's “Pioneering the Path - a Purpose 8:28 Experience” leadership event. Kristen opens up about her unexpected journey—accidentally launching the cleaning company Student Maid at just 19, navigating major failures, and discovering her passion for human-centered leadership. What began as a student side-hustle quickly became a laboratory for learning, where she uncovered how trust, communication, and belief in people can transform a culture. Kristen reveals the pivotal conversation with her friend and colleague Monique that ultimately shifted her company's purpose, evolving from her cleaning company Student Maid to a leadership development organization. Her story sets the stage for a larger message: leadership isn't about perfection—it's about courage, connection, and owning our impact. Charlie and Kristen also discuss how she prepares her keynotes, customizing every presentation to the culture and needs of her audience rather than delivering a pre-packaged speech. Together, they unpack themes from her session, including the power of a “resilience résumé,” confronting imposter syndrome, and recognizing fear as a signal that something truly meaningful is on the line. Kristen's vulnerability, humor, and practical wisdom invite Memory Makers to lead with heart, take ownership, and collaborate boldly with courageous conversations. From her first interactions with Broad River, Kristen says she immediately felt the authenticity and electricity of the culture. Part 1 captures that energy—an inspiring conversation about growth, intentional leadership, and the courage to build environments where people can thrive. Come back for part two of this conversation on Thursday! Additional Resources:  Kristen's Leadership Development Company Website - https://www.kristenhadeed.com   Permission to Screw Up by Kristen Hadeed - https://www.amazon.com/Permission-Screw-Up-Learned-Everything/dp/1591848296   The Human Leadership Program by Kristen Hadeed -  https://www.kristenhadeed.com/humanleadershipprogram   Kristen's Original 2012 TED Talk with over 3.3M Views: How to Retire by 20 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDvoGev5_tk   Kristen Hadeed and Millennials on the Truly Human Leadership podcast: https://feeds.libsyn.com/67290/podcast/ep-19-kristen-hadeed-and-millennials   Kristen Hadeed and Millennials on the Truly Human Leadership on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/truly-human-leadership/id992577373?i=1000581569564   The War of Art by Steven Pressfield - https://www.amazon.com/War-Art-Through-Creative-Battles/dp/1936891026   The Imposter Phenomenon by Dr. Pauline Rose Clance - https://paulineroseclance.com/impostor_phenomenon.html   Silence the Imposter by Gary Frey - https://www.amazon.com/Silence-Imposter-Weapons-Syndrome/dp/B0CJLLLV61   Combining Ministry and Football: The Unique Path of Pittsburgh Steelers Chaplain Kent Chevalier - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJuLje81LNE   Arthur Brooks - The Power of Teaching, The Arrival Fallacy, The Mad Scientist Profile, Lifting Heavy Weights, & The Two Best Practices To Be Happy - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-learning-leader-show-with-ryan-hawk/id985396258?i=1000725431986     Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XOAGyXo5auw    Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.  Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com      Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail  

Welcome back to Stories from the River! Host and CEO Charlie Malouf is on location in Columbia, South Carolina, celebrating the Grand Reopening and ribbon-cutting of the Columbia, SC Ashley Store on Harbison Blvd. Charlie sits down with Emily Boyle, Senior Visual Impact Manager, who oversees the visual presentation for three stores in the Midlands area. Emily reflects on her nearly four-year journey with Broad River Retail, sharing her excitement for collaborating with a dedicated group of Memory Makers during a major store remodel—the first of its scale for her. She details the extensive planning and teamwork that went into successfully managing the construction, highlighting the importance of constant communication among various departments, contractors, and retail leadership to keep the project running smoothly, despite the inevitable disruptions. Emily takes great pride in the store's transformation, noting its elevated status as one of the highest-rated locations for visual impact, thanks to the relentless effort of all the Memory Makers involved. She discusses the satisfaction of receiving both positive customer feedback and impressive results in sales numbers, attributing the success to the collaborative spirit within Broad River Retail. Emily also shares her personal inspiration from brands like Restoration Hardware and Ballard Designs and talks about her educational background in interior decorating. The episode closes with excitement about upcoming initiatives, such as the Ashley Luxe program, and Emily's unwavering commitment to continuous improvement, culture, and bringing creative energy to the Columbia store—a true flagship for Broad River Retail.Watch the other three episodes in this series: Bloodline's Rebirth: Troy Walker on Transforming Columbia and Leading with Purpose - https://youtu.be/GN_COcShtag    Inside Columbia's Store Remodel: Teamwork, Transformation, and Retail Innovation - https://youtu.be/jQuDnH4mKPI    Don't Give Up Before the Miracle Happens: The Power of Connection w/ the Bloodline's Lance Cline - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZ9EP8Ve9Zw   Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-noKbLAU5iA  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 Stories from the River, host and CEO, Charlie Malouf, continues the interviews from the Grand Reopening of the Columbia Bloodline store, which has undergone a major transformation into a stunning 7.0 Ashley prototype. Today, we hear from Lance Cline, Home Furnishings Expert, a committed Memory Maker with four years of service and success at Broad River Retail.  Lance shares his excitement about the store's new look—especially the expanded Sleep Gallery—and reflects on how his personal journey and focus on serving others has shaped both his life and success at work. He discusses shifting from a “top performer” mentality to one of service and connection, explaining that helping others is key to keeping what he's gained, not only materially but mentally and spiritually. The conversation delves deeper into Lance's story, from overcoming addiction to celebrating seven years of sobriety and dedicating himself to supporting his community, especially those struggling with alcohol and drug addiction. He emphasizes the importance of connection—the core of his philosophy—and credits other Memory Makers for the store's success, highlighting that retail truly is a team sport. Lance's leadership and passion were recognized through the “Power of Connection” award at the January 2025 Annual Awards Gala, but he insists he prefers to work behind the scenes, driving big dreams for the store and his colleagues. The episode closes with Lance encouraging all Memory Makers facing challenges to “not give up before the miracle happens” and to focus on having fun, selling furniture, and helping others. Watch the other episodes in this series: Bloodline's Rebirth: Troy Walker on Transforming Columbia and Leading with Purpose - https://youtu.be/GN_COcShtag   Inside Columbia's Store Remodel: Teamwork, Transformation, and Retail Innovation - https://youtu.be/jQuDnH4mKPI  Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dZ9EP8Ve9Zw  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 special Stories from the River episode, host Charlie Malouf sits down with Cameron Piersanti, Senior Manager in Merchandising, following the Grand Reopening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of Broad River Retail's Columbia, South Carolina, location.  Cameron shares insights on the extensive remodel process, highlighting teamwork, strategic planning, and the challenges of transforming the store while staying open for business. They discuss the evolution from a dated layout—including a fountain and kids' area—to a contemporary Ashley 7.0 format, with a dramatically expanded sleep shop and a “two-in-one” concept that blends outlet and showroom offerings.  Cameron details the logistics behind successful remodels, the importance of optimizing space, and the rising popularity of key product lines and programs. The episode wraps up with reflections on the camaraderie and motivation these grand reopenings inspire, showcasing Broad River's commitment to excellence and adaptability in retail. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GN_COcShtag   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 Stories from the River, host and CEO Charlie Malouf sits down with Troy Walker, the General Manager of the newly renovated Columbia Bloodline location for Broad River Retail. The conversation marks the Grand Reopening of this legacy store, which had been in operation in its original form for nearly two decades.  Troy reflects on the transformation of the store, sharing details about its outdated appearance prior to the remodel—complete with old carpet, playground equipment, and a dated fountain. The episode dives deep into Troy's journey, from joining Broad River as a co-GM in Augusta to being convinced, somewhat reluctantly, to accept the challenge of leading the Columbia store. He describes the atmosphere he inherited: a slow, low-energy environment jokingly referring to it as a “funeral home.” Together, with his fellow Memory Makers, especially Sales Manager Lance Cline, they began to reshape the culture, foster a strong sense of family, and ultimately form what they proudly call the “Bloodline.” The remodel marked a pivotal new chapter, bringing modern design and fresh energy into the space. Troy discusses how the changes, such as the new sleep gallery and polished floors, have greatly improved both the guest and Memory Maker experience. The process was challenging, with months of dust, noise, and mental strain, but ultimately resulted in a beautiful, revitalized showroom. Throughout the episode, Troy emphasizes the importance of culture, camaraderie, and shared success—highlighting how Memory Makers compete but also support one another so everyone can thrive. With big dreams ahead, including aspirations to become the store of the year, Troy and his Bloodline Memory Makers are focused on driving performance, providing meaningful experiences, and becoming a flagship for both Broad River and the wider community. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jQuDnH4mKPI  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 fourth and final episode of the Stories from the River series on Broad River Retail's 4th Annual Home Furnishings Expert Soirée, host and CEO Charlie Malouf and EVP of Retail Performance Stacey McCormick reflect on the significance of this special celebration honoring Broad River's Memory Makers. The soirée is a cherished tradition that recognizes and celebrates Home Furnishings Experts—spotlighting the dedication, discipline, and humility it takes to achieve this distinguished status. Charlie highlights how these top Memory Makers not only excel at their craft but also mentor and uplift others, embodying the company's values and fueling its continued growth. Gratitude also extends to valued partners like Synchrony, whose support helps make these accomplishments and celebrations possible. Stacey brings heartfelt appreciation, recognizing not only the experts but also the supporting teams and loved ones who stand beside them. He emphasizes the importance of relationships, trust, and genuine care within Broad River, celebrating both first-time experts and those who have earned this honor multiple times. With deep respect and admiration, he applauds their passion, resilience, and impact. This episode captures the closing moments of the soirée series, honoring the Memory Makers who drive Broad River's success and make life's best memories possible for their guests. Watch the previous three episodes from this series:  Fresh Takes From the 4th Annual Home Furnishings Expert Soirée - https://youtu.be/h4ipi5QVtoc    Retail Experts: Generating Performance, Rewarding Excellence, and Driving Culture - https://youtu.be/KxBIKL25ESo   A Toast to Dedication, Teamwork, and Home Furnishings Experts - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbMzV0sDrs8  

In this third episode from Broad River Retail's 4th Annual Home Furnishings Expert Soirée, host and CEO Charlie Malouf shares a special recap of the evening's inspiring speeches. The soirée featured remarks from Heather Greenwood, Director of People; and in this episode, listeners will hear highlights from Manny Rodrigues, President & COO, and Amy Kneeland, GM & SVP at Synchrony. Together, they celebrated and honored Broad River's exceptional Memory Makers. The event underscored the values of hard work, consistency, and pioneering spirit. Manny emphasized that true expertise is earned through disciplined habits, persistent effort, and a commitment to leading the industry forward. Amy echoed the theme of partnership, applauding the Memory Makers for their dedication and passion, which continue to set a high standard across the home furnishings space. This episode captures the gratitude, recognition, and celebratory energy of the soirée—raising a well-deserved toast to every Memory Maker for their remarkable achievements and lasting contributions. Watch parts one and two: Fresh Takes From the 4th Annual Home Furnishings Expert Soirée - https://youtu.be/h4ipi5QVtoc   Retail Experts: Generating Performance, Rewarding Excellence, and Driving Culture - https://youtu.be/KxBIKL25ESo  Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/gbMzV0sDrs8  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