Stories from the River

Broad River Retail
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Stories from the River Podcast explores the personal journeys of our very own Memory Makers. Whether it's interviews or standalone narratives, Stories from the River will bring you closer to what it's like to thrive together, wherever in the company you may be. We'll share personal experiences from our stores, Distribution Centers, Call Centers, and corporate campuses, giving listeners a front row seat to what it's really like to be a Memory Maker furnishing life's best memories every day.

  1. Meet the Pioneers: Broad River's Key Retail Presentations During the Purpose 8:28 Experience

    3D AGO

    Meet the Pioneers: Broad River's Key Retail Presentations During the Purpose 8:28 Experience

    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

    17 min
  2. Culture You Can Feel: Inside the Purpose 8:28 Experience

    5D AGO

    Culture You Can Feel: Inside the Purpose 8:28 Experience

    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

    18 min
  3. Empowerment, Ownership, and Collaboration: Kristen Hadeed's Framework for Modern Leaders

    OCT 23

    Empowerment, Ownership, and Collaboration: Kristen Hadeed's Framework for Modern Leaders

    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

    35 min
  4. Reflecting on Pioneering the Path Opening Keynote w/ Kristen Hadeed, pt 1

    OCT 21

    Reflecting on Pioneering the Path Opening Keynote w/ Kristen Hadeed, pt 1

    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

    28 min
  5. Behind the Scenes: Columbia's Remodel & Transformation w/ Visual MVP Emily Boyle

    OCT 16

    Behind the Scenes: Columbia's Remodel & Transformation w/ Visual MVP Emily Boyle

    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

    15 min
  6. Don't Give Up Before the Miracle Happens: The Power of Connection w/ the Bloodline's Lance Cline

    OCT 14

    Don't Give Up Before the Miracle Happens: The Power of Connection w/ the Bloodline's Lance Cline

    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

    12 min
  7. Inside Columbia's Store Remodel: Teamwork, Transformation, and Retail Innovation

    OCT 9

    Inside Columbia's Store Remodel: Teamwork, Transformation, and Retail Innovation

    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   .

    15 min
  8. Bloodline's Rebirth: Troy Walker on Transforming Columbia and Leading with Purpose

    OCT 7

    Bloodline's Rebirth: Troy Walker on Transforming Columbia and Leading with Purpose

    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

    20 min
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About

Stories from the River Podcast explores the personal journeys of our very own Memory Makers. Whether it's interviews or standalone narratives, Stories from the River will bring you closer to what it's like to thrive together, wherever in the company you may be. We'll share personal experiences from our stores, Distribution Centers, Call Centers, and corporate campuses, giving listeners a front row seat to what it's really like to be a Memory Maker furnishing life's best memories every day.

Information

  • Creator
    Broad River Retail
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    300
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2022
  • Show Website
    Stories from the River