Stories from the River

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/P4RxOI4ryCQ   In this spotlight of episode 364, Anita and Drew discuss the critical importance of preventing major transitions from becoming solely technical IT projects. Anita emphasizes the need to ensure that such shifts remain inclusive and not just relegated to IT departments, highlighting an example involving the leadership group to illustrate the point. Dr...

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/I3uYs1NB_t8    In this spotlight of episode 364, the conversation focused on a recent CX leadership meeting where the importance of the "three Ps"—People, Process, and Purpose—was discussed in the context of an ongoing technological transformation. One concept discussed was how these foundational elements help maintain focus and clarity during large-scale changes...

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2zzEE8PxY64   Partnership, innovation, and a people-first approach are essential to creating meaningful change and lasting success. In this episode of Stories from the River, Wes Dudley, Senior Vice President of Customer Experience at Broad River Retail, sits down with Abe Barghouti, Senior Account Director at Zoom; Krista Hentz, Senior Sales Leader at Zoom; Drew...

Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/6IAf19oA4b8    In this spotlight of episode 363, Charlie Malouf and Bradley Sullivan  focused on the significance of collaboration as a core value at Broad River. One concept discussed was the importance of fostering the growth of internal Memory Makers, highlighting specific individuals who have advanced from entry-level positions to leadership roles. Exam...

Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/qhEhZsJ6fJA   In this spotlight of episode 363, Charlie Malouf  and Bradley Sullivan explore the habits and performance metrics that helped make one of Broad River Retail's top-performing teams. The conversation highlights the importance of average ticket and items per ticket, along with the mindset that every guest interaction presents an opportunity to cr...

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qhEhZsJ6fJA   Winning cultures are built through consistency, trust, and a commitment to helping people grow. In this episode of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf welcomes Bradley Sullivan, General Manager of Cary Crushers. They reflect on a landmark year, celebrating the accomplishments that led to recognition as the 2025 GM of the Year and a season filled...

Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/EhPWOPsJILI   In this spotlight of episode 362, Charlie Malouf and John Russo discuss the launch of the 41,000-square-foot Ashley that opened in Easley, SC. The conversation highlights the fast-paced effort required to prepare the new location, along with the challenge of building a team that included many new Memory Makers. John reflects on the passion, re...

Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/EhPWOPsJILI    In this spotlight of episode 362, Charlie Malouf and John Russo focus on the transformation of a showroom styled to the Ashley 7.0 standard. John spoke about the appreciation for the openness, brightness, and inviting atmosphere of the new showroom, which created a positive environment for all who entered. The discussion explored specific ele...

Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/EhPWOPsJILI   Growth, opportunity, and strong leadership are at the heart of every successful new beginning. In this episode of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf welcomes John Russo, General Manager of the newly opened Easley Express, Broad River Retail's newest Ashley Store and Outlet in Easley, South Carolina. John shares his journey to Broad River Retail,...

Watch the full episode:   https://youtu.be/3YliqB3qyqg    In this spotlight of episode 361, Charlie Malouf and David Kirby discuss what people considering joining Broad River should know, emphasizing the importance of discipline and grit in their backgrounds. According to David, success and belonging at the River are rooted in the willingness to consistently work hard, learn, and persist through c...

Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/3YliqB3qyqg    In this spotlight of episode 361, Charlie Malouf welcomes David Kirby, known for his energetic, "wild card" personality. The conversation centers around the his passion for fostering a positive workplace culture, highlighting efforts to create an inclusive, upbeat environment where everyone feels recognized and valued. David describes his out...

This episode on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/3YliqB3qyqg Culture, mentorship, and a willingness to embrace new challenges can open the door to unexpected opportunities. In this episode of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf welcomes David Kirby, Home Furnishings Associate at the newly opened Spokane Ashley Store and Outlet. David shares his unique career journey from serving 20 years as an Air Fo...

Watch the full episode:  https://youtu.be/KO747BAYr-I   In this spotlight of episode 360, Charlie Malouf and Derryck Hugson explore the expansion of new offerings designed to create more options and better experiences for every guest. From a 70–80 bed sleep shop to a dedicated outlet and the introduction of Ashley Luxe, the conversation highlights how a broader assortment allows Memory Makers to s...

Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/vt2_dfeHjnY   In this spotlight of episode 360, Charlie Malouf continues the conversation with Derryck Hugson around the launch of the Spokane Ashley store, exploring the challenges that come with transitioning from a smaller retail environment into a 101,000-square-foot flagship store and outlet. The discussion highlights how, despite differences in termin...

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vt2_dfeHjnY   Growth, risk-taking, and a commitment to culture are essential to building something meaningful from the ground up. In this episode of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf, CEO of Broad River, welcomes Derryck Hugson, General Manager of the Spokane Pathfinders, to discuss the grand opening of the new Spokane Ashley store—a three-story, 101,000-squ...

Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/PjT9Z-7YZgk   In this spotlight of episode 359, Charlie Malouf continues the conversation with Dana Mallory, exploring her advice for aspiring female leaders and the lessons that have shaped her leadership journey. Dana shares the importance of understanding both strengths and weaknesses, emphasizing that self-awareness and authenticity are foundational to...

Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/PjT9Z-7YZgk   In this spotlight of episode 359, the conversation explores Broad River Retail's unique approach to leadership through the concept of being "in a position to impact" (P2I). Rather than relying solely on observation and post-sale feedback, leaders are encouraged to actively engage alongside Memory Makers and guests in the moment—creating opport...

Watch full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/PjT9Z-7YZgk   Consistency, servant leadership, and a strong team culture are at the heart of building lasting success. In this episode of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf sits down with Dana Mallory, Broad River Retail's 2025 Senior Retail Leader of the Year and newly promoted Regional Manager. Dana reflects on her journey from humble beginning...

Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/H2r4Bf7qDD0   In this spotlight of episode 358, Charlie Malouf and David Moraco reflect on a successful year with the Wolfpack, discussing what drove their achievements and the sense of impact they felt. David talks about running strong numbers throughout the year while acknowledging ongoing opportunities for growth. They highlight the importance of consist...

Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/H2r4Bf7qDD0   In this spotlight of episode 358 of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf and David Moraco discuss the impact and value of the senior sales manager role. Charlie explains that this position was conceptualized as a way for individuals new to the company to learn the system through hands-on experience. David reflects on his personal journey, hi...

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/H2r4Bf7qDD0   Leadership, culture, and a commitment to serving others are essential ingredients for building strong teams and lasting impact. In this episode of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf welcomes David Moraco, General Manager at Broad River Retail, to share his journey from retail leadership roles across the country. David reflects on joining Broad R...

Watch full episode: https://youtu.be/2aPU-4PUXNk   In this spotlight of episode 357, Charlie Malouf and Lee Vang dive into how asking deeper questions about data use leads to more actionable insights and drives a culture of learning within the organization. They discuss how data from business intelligence isn't just about collecting numbers; it's about transforming those figures into strategies fo...

Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/2aPU-4PUXNk   In this spotlight of episode 357, Charlie Malouf and Lee Vang talk about the importance of leveraging large language models to explore the massive trove of organizational data, delving into overlooked areas for new insights. They emphasize the critical need to maintain data integrity and discuss strategies for protecting sensitive information....

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2aPU-4PUXNk   Clarity, resilience, and a commitment to building the right systems can transform how an organization operates and grows. In this episode of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf welcomes Lee Vang, Senior Business Intelligence Developer, to reflect on his journey at Broad River Retail and the pivotal role he played in rebuilding the company's busin...

Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/JMWamVoY-FY    In this spotlight of 356, Bo Pennebaker takes a moment before concluding to express heartfelt gratitude and admiration for the Charlie Malouf and the Broad River organization. Drawing on personal experience from working with a variety of retailers over the years, Bo highlights the unique culture and purpose-driven spirit that sets Broad River...