Welcome to the second episode of Broad River Retail’s new summer series on Stories from the River. This episode continues to listen in on the talk that CEO Charlie Malouf gave to the retail leaders on July 10th, 2025, at the in-person, offsite, monthly GM Rx meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina. Charlie revisits the pivotal year of 2015—a crucible moment and turning point for the company. What began with excitement over new store acquisitions, a major ERP conversion, and a new HQ quickly unraveled into operational chaos, financial strain, and a brush with bankruptcy.

Thrown into the bank’s Special Assets division, Broad River faced a defining moment. Charlie candidly shares how the team, rather than folding, began holding weekly cross-departmental "Change the News" meetings during the 2nd quarter of 2015. Those meetings then led into the launch of a Bold Reset and a 100 Day Challenge. They restructured operations and entered into a period of massive creative reinvention to create what would become modern-day Broad River Retail.

By focusing on core stores, reallocating talent, and embracing a more transparent, human-centered culture, the company stabilized and returned to profitability. The year ended not in ruin—but with renewed hope, resilience, and a stronger foundation for the future.

Come back next week for the rest of the story and the conclusion of Charlie's presentation on The Story of Broad River Retail and the way we play the game.

Watch the first epsiode of the series:

Building Broad River Retail: How We Play the Game of Business | Part 1 (2003-2014) - https://youtu.be/ZacOr4KMGqk

Listen on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stories-from-the-river/id1608553391

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/0tB33vSX8cRc7OHmeQgbSS

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/67hsX3ly19A

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 and a brand new summer series! This new series comes from a talk that CEO Charlie Malouf gave to the retail leaders on July 10th, 2025, at the in-person, offsite, monthly GM Rx meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina. The acronym 'Rx' stands for "Retail Excellence" and also is our prescription for how we win the month, the quarter, and the year. The topic of this talk and of this series began as "Monthly Budgets Explained." But, to really explain the way that the Company sets its monthly budgets, Charlie presented the full story of how we got here with a presentation that can be called, "The Story of Broad River Retail and the Way We Play the Game - Our Version of the Great Game of Business."

In the first part of this talk, Charlie took a moment to reminisce on Broad River Retail's beginnings. This episode is part one of a four part series that will feature Charlie's keynote from the meeting as well as some audience questions.

In this first episode, Charlie addresses the much-requested topic of how monthly budgets are developed, emphasizing the importance of transparency and context. He shares stories from the company’s foundational years (2003 - 2014), tracing its journey from its early days as Ish Moore, Inc., the establishment of the 2nd operating company, Hillsboro Retail Group, Inc., and the creation of the 3rd operating company, Broad River Furniture, Inc.

Through significant milestones, challenges during the Great Recession, buying out one of the cofounders, surviving the Great Financial Crisis, and pivotal decisions that shaped Broad River into the premier Ashley Store operator it is today. Charlie relates lessons learned from both successes and failures, highlighting the company’s relentless pursuit of excellence and the value of collaboration.

In the next episode, Charlie will be focusing on the transformative events of 2015 and beyond.

Additional Resources:

Nick Saban Video Clip on High Standards that was played at the beginning of this presentation - "Mediocre People Don't Like High Achievers, and High Achievers Don't Like Mediocre People" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14_PNe3lcaE

From Stories from the River General Manager Series - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYZpX9KD7OqbAb8ZN5KEk5fCQt0vLMaXR

From Stories from the River Founders Scholarship Fund Series - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYZpX9KD7Oqb22Apq_6qBhE2-KZlRpN56

From Broad River's Archives - the Savvy Spaces YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@SavvyFurniture

"The Great Game of Business" by Jack Stack - https://www.amazon.com/Great-Game-Business-Expanded-Updated/dp/0385348339

The Great Game of Business - https://www.greatgame.com/

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZacOr4KMGqk

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 this episode of Stories from the River, the Scholarship Fund Series wraps up with it's fourth and final episode. President Manny Rodrigues introduces listeners to scholarship recipients Jordyn Collins, Don and Joseph Limekuller, and Vince Sayles, who share their journeys as they prepare for college and the next chapter in their lives. Each scholarship recipient discusses their school selection process, academic interests, extracurricular passions, and the impact the scholarship has had on them and their families. They reflect on overcoming self-doubt, the importance of authentic essays, and the pride they feel as many are first-generation college students or pioneers within their families.

Throughout the episode, these young scholarship recipients express gratitude for the support and encouragement they've received and offer advice to future applicants: be genuine, focus on personal growth, and don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. From stories of leadership in student government and community volunteering to the important lessons learned from athletics, music, and faith-based communities, the episode highlights the diverse paths these scholars are forging. The closing message celebrates the Founders Scholarship Fund's role in uplifting Memory Makers and their families, encouraging continued support and involvement for future generations.

Watch the other videos in this series:

Empowered to Learn: The Impact of the Founders Scholarship - https://youtu.be/g2ubeaebLyM

Dreams in Motion: Kate & Tamya’s College Pathways - https://youtu.be/YnZUehdI_9g

College Countdown: Scholarship Winners Discuss College Expectations - https://youtu.be/tqLta1vwKDI

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tqLta1vwKDI

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 the Scholarship Fund Series on Stories from the River! In this third episode, Manny Rodrigues introduces the special guests, including for the first time ever, two brothers—Don and Joey Leimkuhler—both scholarship recipients and sons of Memory Maker Janet Leimkuhler.

They are joined by fellow scholarship winners Kate Nettles and Jordyn Collins, who share their excitement and anticipation for starting college, from dorm decorations and campus exploration to the thrill of making new friends and joining clubs. Each guest reflects on their high school experiences and offers tips for future students, encouraging balance between academics and personal passions.

Throughout the episode, the college-bound scholarship recipients open up about their chosen majors, from criminal justice to business administration, and discuss what excites them most about campus life, such as unlimited meal swipes, athletic programs, and forming lifelong friendships. They offer honest insights into study habits, favorite study snacks, and the importance of building community. The conversation is filled with humor, sincerity, and practical advice, underlining the value of living out the company’s purpose of "furnishing life’s best memories" not just at work, but in the next chapter of life as well.

Watch the other videos in this series:

Empowered to Learn: The Impact of the Founders Scholarship - https://youtu.be/g2ubeaebLyM

Dreams in Motion: Kate & Tamya’s College Pathways - https://youtu.be/YnZUehdI_9g

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tqLta1vwKDI

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 the second episode of the Scholarship Fund Series on Stories from the River, we meet four remarkable women from the Broad River Retail community: Shari Nettles, Kate Nettles, Shamieka Smith, and Tamya Ormond.

Shari, Senior Marketing Manager, and Shamieka, Customer Experience Specialist, reflect on their journeys as proud parents of scholarship recipients and share how their daughters are stepping into exciting new chapters. Kate is headed to East Carolina University to study exercise physiology, while Tamya, inspired by her professors and mentors, is attending North Carolina Central University to pursue early childhood education. Both moms express heartfelt pride in their daughters’ perseverance, kindness, and determination—and emphasize the importance of starting conversations about higher education early.

Kate and Tamya open up about the key influences in their lives, including the role of sports, supportive teachers, and strong family foundations. They speak about their hopes for college, gaining hands-on experience, forming lasting friendships, and ultimately making an impact in their communities.

At the heart of this episode is a celebration of growth, leadership, and opportunity, made possible through the power of education and the unwavering support of the Broad River community.

Watch the first part of this series:

Empowered to Learn: The Impact of the Founders Scholarship - https://youtu.be/g2ubeaebLyM

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/YnZUehdI_9g

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 first episode of this season’s Scholarship Fund Series on Stories from the River!

In this kickoff episode, Manny Rodrigues, President & COO of Broad River Retail, explores the profound impact of Broad River Retail’s Founders Scholarship Fund—launched in 2019 to honor co-founders Jonathan Ishee and Jackson Moore. Created to support the educational goals of our Memory Makers and their families, the fund has already empowered more than 40 recipients on their academic journeys.

This episode hears from two of this year’s scholarship recipients—Lindsay Shelby, HRIS Analyst, People Allies, and Emily Boyle, Visual Impact Manager, Visual Impact Rockstars—who open up about their personal paths, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the difference this scholarship has made in their lives. Lindsay is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in human resources with a focus on talent development at Mercer University, while Emily is earning her master’s in professional writing at Liberty University.

Their stories are filled with perseverance, purpose, and a deep appreciation for the Broad River community. Hear how they’re redefining their futures, fueling their passions, and embracing the discipline it takes to grow—both academically and personally.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/g2ubeaebLyM

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

It's the fourth and last episode of the General Manager series on Stories from the River as host Heather Greenwood welcomes Ric Rush and Joshua Stanely, two seasoned General Managers at Broad River Retail.

Both Ric, Senior General Manager of Port City, The Mariners, and Joshua, Senior General Manager of Special Forces, Pinehurst Patriots, share insights from their extensive journeys with the company, discussing the unique challenges and rewards of leading multiple store locations. They emphasize the importance of fostering a positive culture, building trust, and creating an environment where Memory Makers feel supported and empowered to grow both personally and professionally.

The conversation also explores how Broad River's investment in its people—through training, leadership development, and recognition—drives personal success and company growth. The leaders highlight the company's purpose of "furnishing life's best memories," not only for guests but for Memory Makers as well, celebrating milestones such as million-dollar sales achievements and career advancement.

Both Ric and Joshua stress that being a General Manager at Broad River is fast-paced and action-oriented, offering those willing to take the leap a vibrant, supportive, and competitive career path where high performance is recognized and rewarded.

Watch the other episodes in this series!

Behind the Scenes with Broad River Retail’s General Managers: Heart, Hustle, and Culture - https://youtu.be/2AJKPAxjQJQ

Leading With Heart: General Managers Chris Morrell and Mitch Dixon on People, Passion, and Retail - https://youtu.be/b2yEN0TvSco

More Than Managers: General Managers as Builders of Trust and Talent - https://youtu.be/2AJKPAxjQJQ

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/S4Sa4LRQhAY

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

We're back with the third episode of the General Manager series on Stories from the River!

Heather Greenwood hosts a lively discussion with two dynamic General Managers from Broad River Retail: Troy Walker, who leads the Columbia Bloodline, and Jason Sessoms, General Manager of the Aiken Thoroughbreds. The conversation dives into their journeys with the company, highlighting the evolution of the General Manager role over the years—from a focus solely on selling furniture to embracing standardized processes and fostering a culture of consistency across stores. Both Troy and Jason share how their roles center around competition, setting the tone each day, and cultivating a winning mindset among the Memory Makers in their stores.

The episode also explores the importance of recruiting, training, and retaining top Memory Makers, with Jason emphasizing the long-term value of investing in people through thorough onboarding and continuous development. Troy reflects on building successful groups by fostering trust, supporting each other's growth, and ensuring that the right people are in the right seats. Both General Managers pay tribute to their personal and professional mentors—especially their multi-unit leader Dana—for her supportive and impactful leadership. They celebrate Broad River Retail's ongoing investment in Memory Makers' growth and development and offer advice for those seeking a rewarding, people-first career at the company.

Watch the other episodes in this series!

Behind the Scenes with Broad River Retail’s General Managers: Heart, Hustle, and Culture - https://youtu.be/2AJKPAxjQJQ

Leading With Heart: General Managers Chris Morrell and Mitch Dixon on People, Passion, and Retail - https://youtu.be/b2yEN0TvSco