The FAM Podcast with Mark Kinsley Sleep Summit Show

Step into a world where California sunshine meets the minds of mattress executives, seasoned industry veterans, and eager newcomers. Welcome to Dream Camp Palm Springs, where every moment is an immersive journey toward personal and professional growth.

This past week was nothing short of extraordinary. From the sprawling landscapes of Guatemala to the rugged beauty of Montana, participants converged from all corners of the globe, each bringing their unique perspectives and aspirations. California’s warmth embraced us, while the vibrant energy of North Carolina and the tranquil charm of everywhere in between infused the atmosphere with diversity and dynamism.

Guiding us on this transformative odyssey was none other than Kristoffer Carter, affectionately known as “KC.” As the author of the acclaimed book “Permission to Glow” and a revered leadership coach at Epic Leadership, KC’s presence electrified the camp. With wisdom drawn from his extensive experience, he illuminated the path to personal and professional excellence through the lens of the four crucial permissions every business leader must embrace.

From granting ourselves permission to innovate fearlessly to unleashing our creative potential, KC challenged us to transcend our limitations and unlock our true potential. His insights resonated deeply with every participant, igniting a spark of inspiration that would fuel our journey long after the camp’s conclusion.

But Dream Camp is more than just a gathering of minds; it’s a sanctuary for exploration, connection, and profound transformation. Amidst the palm trees and desert vistas, lifelong friendships blossomed, and alliances were forged that would ripple through the fabric of our professional lives.

As the sun set on another remarkable week at Dream Camp Palm Springs, we departed with hearts full of gratitude and minds ablaze with possibility. For in this hallowed space, we discovered not only the keys to unlocking our own greatness but also the boundless potential that lies within each of us, waiting to be unleashed.

Until we meet again under the desert skies, may we carry forth the lessons learned and the connections made, forever basking in the glow of our shared journey at Dream Camp


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In a world where smiles open doors and stories sell mattresses, Mark sits down with Sean Hathaway, the enterprising owner of Mattress World Northwest, in an enlightening episode that unwraps the secrets to business brilliance.



Sean, whose charisma and clever strategies have earned him a coveted Giants of Betting award, shares how a grin and a good tale are more than just pleasantries—they're pivotal to thriving in commerce.The conversation dives deep into the art of effective communication and the power of active listening—skills Sean credits for his profound understanding of customer needs. With a keen focus on the nuts and bolts of business, he stresses the importance of a meticulous plan, perfectly executed to ensure explosive growth.



But it's not all spreadsheets and smiles. Sean reveals the tougher side of leadership, from the necessity of tough love within the team to the daunting decisions that steer the company culture. Embracing change, according to Sean, isn't just part of the job—it's essential for survival in the competitive business jungle.



The two round out the episode by exploring the critical strategies of trust and delegation, essential for any leader aiming to scale their business without getting entangled in the minutiae. Sean discusses the intricate dance of lease negotiations, a crucial skill as he ambitiously expands his retail empire. Wrapping up their insightful exchange, he emphasizes the significance of community involvement and continual personal development, underscoring that true success transcends financial achievement and nurtures a well-rounded life enriched by robust community ties and personal evolution.


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Sleep better with insights from a fourth-generation mattress maker.

Shaun Pennington, CEO of ⁠Diamond Mattress⁠, shares his wisdom on the FAM podcast.

In this episode, Pennington discusses his leadership of the 80-year-old family business known for quality, integrity, and innovation. As a fourth-generation leader, he provides a unique perspective.

Key Takeaways from this episode:


Invest in coaching skills. Pennington prioritizes developing his coaching abilities. He believes supporting team members this way leads to empowerment and rewards. Consider how you can adopt a coaching mindset in your leadership role.
Communicate directly. Pennington and his sister learned to avoid "triangulation" in communication. This means speaking directly rather than relaying messages through others. Direct communication prevents misunderstandings. Try closing triangles in your own conversations.
Stay adaptable. The mattress business evolves rapidly. Diamond succeeds by innovating products while providing staples people rely on. Balance serving current needs with flexibility for the future.

Tune in to hear Pennington's insights on family business, company growth, industry trends, and even delivering a baby!


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Turn your least favorite part of business into a bedtime story with ShareTown, where mattress returns are transformed into innovative triumphs!

Transforming what is typically a logistical nightmare, mattress returns, into an innovative and sustainable solution, this week we sit down with Co-Founder Jorja Leavitt, of ShareTown. This company is not just managing returns; it's redefining the process by focusing on big, bulky items like bed-in-a-box mattresses, making the scenario a win-win for both businesses and consumers.

Originally starting as a community sharing platform, ShareTown transitioned into a reverse logistics leader after recognizing a crucial gap in the market. A casual conversation about the difficulties of mattress returns sparked an idea that would eventually lead to the reimagining of returned mattress logistics. ShareTown’s journey from a tech company to a logistics pioneer highlights their ability to pivot and innovate within the industry.

The discussion kicks off by exploring the origins of ShareTown. How did a technology platform morph into a logistics giant? The founders of ShareTown identified a significant issue: mattresses sold in boxes that couldn’t be returned to their original compact form. Addressing this bulky elephant in the room, they created a streamlined system to manage these returns effectively.

We also peel back the curtain on ShareTown’s operational strategies. The company employs a network of contractors who are tasked with the collection, cleaning, and refurbishment of returned mattresses. These items are then resold locally, demonstrating a robust model of sustainability and efficiency. This process not only supports local economies but also promotes a sustainable approach to consumer goods, reducing waste and extending the lifecycle of products.

Furthermore, we delve into the dual benefits of ShareTown’s business model. It’s not just about offering a logistical solution; it's about fostering sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and the consumer. ShareTown is helping brands maintain their reputational integrity by managing returns efficiently, while also providing consumers with affordable, sustainable options.



KEY TAKEAWAYS:



Revolutionizing Returns: ShareTown isn’t just moving mattresses; they’re moving the industry forward with a focus on big, bulky, and bed-in-a-box returns.

Pivot Perfect: From a community tech platform to a logistical leader, ShareTown exemplifies how to pivot with purpose, solving the squishy problem of mattress returns.

Sustainability Meets Strategy: With a network that cleans, refurbishes, and resells locally, ShareTown shows that what’s good for the planet can be great for business too.






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It's the age old quest for the perfect night's sleep!

Akin to the search for the Holy Grail, this episode serves up a veritable mattress odyssey with the affable Samuel Utt of Sleep USA Mattress in Cleveland, Tennessee. This isn't your typical yawner of a bed-buying guide; it's an adventure into the soft, sometimes perplexing world of sleep solutions, guided by a man who knows his mattresses better than most know their pillowcases.

Samuel Utt, a Dream Camp alumni and the spirited manager of Sleep USA Mattress, welcomed the podcast host with open arms and a promise of demystifying the often-overwhelming mattress shopping experience. The family-owned enterprise, sprouting its roots in 2006, has blossomed under the leadership of Samuel and his father, turning the daunting into the doable for slumber seekers across northern Georgia, eastern Tennessee, and North Carolina.

Here are three key takeaways from this pillow talk that might just change how you approach mattress shopping:


The Five-Step Comfort Crusade: Samuel takes the host (and listeners) on a step-by-step journey designed to cut through the confusion that often clouds mattress shopping. Starting with finding your comfort, the process includes pillow selection, diving into mattress technology, exploring adjustable bases, and wrapping up with essential bedding items. This guided exploration not only simplifies the process but makes it quite the adventure.
A Pillow Can Make or Break Your Sleep: It might sound fluffy, but as Samuel points out, the right pillow accounts for a whopping 25% of your sleep surface. The art of pillow selection is given its due respect, blending science with a touch of magic to find the perfect headrest. This segment of the episode emphasizes the importance of not overlooking the small stuff—because sometimes, it's a small change that makes a big difference.
Technology Is Your Friend: From classic innersprings to hybrid beds, Samuel illustrates the importance of understanding what lies beneath the surface of your mattress. The conversation around technology isn’t just informative; it’s a revelation that the right mattress technology can be a game-changer for your sleep quality.

Throughout the episode, Samuel’s wit and wisdom shine, turning what could have been a mundane topic into an enlightening and entertaining experience. The journey through Sleep USA’s showroom isn’t just about finding a mattress; it’s about discovering how to elevate your sleep experience from a necessity to a luxury. And perhaps the most comforting takeaway? That the path to a perfect night’s sleep doesn’t have to be a nightmare.

So, whether you're in the market for a new bed or simply curious about the complexities of comfort, Samuel Utt's insights offer a roadmap to better sleep. Remember, the perfect mattress is out there, and with the right guide, you're sure to find it. Now, if only finding the Samuel Utt jersey was as easy as navigating through Sleep USA's five-step process!


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It's an inauguration that no one wants to sleep through as Mark Kinsley passes the CEO baton to Chealen Martin. 

In this episode, we're not just fluffing pillows; we're laying down insights with Chealen Martin, the newly minted president and CEO of Englander, who's ready to give us a peek under the covers of the mattress industry. From navigating the coils of corporate leadership to the plush comfort of customer-centric innovation, Chealen unfolds his journey through the mattress world and dreams up the future of Englander.

With a blueprint for success that's as carefully crafted as their mattresses, Martin highlights the critical role of customer feedback in shaping a brand that people can't wait to sleep on. But it's not all springs and foam; Martin also dives into the competitive dynamics of the mattress market, revealing how Englander stands out in a crowded room thanks to robust partnerships with Sutherland, Corsicana, and BIA. These collaborations are the bedrock of Englander's strategy for innovation and growth, ensuring they're always a step ahead in the quest for the perfect night's sleep.

Here are the dreamy takeaways you won't want to snooze on:

Customer is King (Size): Emphasizing the power of customer feedback and innovation driven by real user experiences, Martin shares how this approach is shaping the future of Englander.


Adapting to Sleep Patterns: As the mattress industry evolves, so must the companies within it. Englander is poised to meet these changes head-on, ensuring that comfort, support, and temperature regulation remain at the forefront of their innovation.

The Support System: Highlighting the strength of Englander's partnerships, Martin sheds light on how collaborations with Sutherland, Corsicana, and BIA lay a strong foundation for operational excellence, product development, and manufacturing prowess.

And because life isn't just about what happens between the sheets, Martin opens up about his personal passions, from the family values that anchor him, the smoky allure of barbecue that feeds his soul, the high-flying excitement of cheerleading that keeps him on his toes. Tune in to find out how all these elements combine to keep Martin, and Englander, bouncing back no matter what the night brings.




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