Stories from the River

Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/JMWamVoY-FY   In this spotlihg episode of 356, Charlie Malouf and Bo Pennebaker highlight the historic launch of the Ashley Luxe Collection, described as the largest launch in Ashley's history. Bo shares insights on the significance of this new offering, which is exclusive to Ashley stores. Unlike past product rollouts that primarily targeted internal marke...

Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/JMWamVoY-FY   Charlie Malouf welcomes Bo Pennebaker, EVP, Licensee Operations of Ashley Global Retail, for a conversation rooted in shared history, industry experience, and a passion for retail. In this episode of Stories from the River, Charlie and Bo reflect on their Mississippi roots, long-standing friendship, and the career paths that shaped Bo's journey—from...

Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/QcUzT0pDetY   In this spotlight from episode 355, Charlie Malouf and Manny Rodrigues highlight the company's ambitious growth across multiple regions while reinforcing their core focus on people, process, and purpose. They discuss recent expansions, including grand openings for Project Cascade in Spokane and Moscow, and a forthcoming location in South Portl...

Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/QcUzT0pDetY   In this spotlight from episode 355, Charlie Malouf and Manny Rodrigues discuss the exciting developments surrounding a new Ashley store location in Statesville. The space will become a 7.0 Ashley showroom, reflecting the company's latest design and renovation standards. Charlie highlights the store's connection to Charlotte, emphasizing ongoin...

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QcUzT0pDetY   Growth, intentional investment, and a people-first mindset continue to fuel Broad River's expansion. In this episode of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf and Manny Rodrigues share the news of Broad River Retail's expansion into Statesville, North Carolina with a new Ashley Store. They explore the importance of this market, highlighting its stra...

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/lfxkiGyCeqU   In this spotlight from episode 354 of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf sits down with Brian Fuller to explore what it takes to build a reputation for leadership and consistent success. Known as a go-to resource for peers across the business, Brian shares why so many sales managers and HFCs seek his guidance—and what truly makes the...

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/lfxkiGyCeqU   In this spotlight from episode 354 of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf sits down with Brian Fuller to explore the impact of the VIP program and the role it plays in supporting both guests and associates. From building confidence through repetition to creating a culture centered on belief, the conversation highlights what it takes to...

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lfxkiGyCeqU   Confidence, consistency, and a people-first mindset are key to driving lasting success. In this episode of Stories from the River, host and CEO Charlie Malouf welcomes back Brian Fuller, VIP Sales Manager and two-time VIP Sales Manager of the Year at Broad River Retail. Joining from Wilson, North Carolina, he shares insights into his team's success...

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/KEYLu7VfH-c   In this spotlight from episode 353 of Stories from the River, Tyler Trill sits down with Mark Deulley to explore the work behind earning Bridge Builder Awards in both CX and retail. From solving complex data challenges to leading impactful projects, the conversation highlights the power of collaboration across teams. Mark shares insights...

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/KEYLu7VfH-c   In this spotlight from episode 353 of Stories from the River, Tyler Trill sits down with Mark Deulley to explore the impact of servant leadership, humility, and collaboration in the workplace. From transitioning into data and project management to working alongside teams across Broad River, the conversation highlights a shift from persona...

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KEYLu7VfH-c   Growth, service, and continuous learning are at the heart of a meaningful career. In this episode of Stories from the River, host Tyler Trill sits down with Mark Deulley, Senior Manager of Project Management at Broad River Retail, to explore his journey across multiple roles within the company. From earning two Bridge Builder Awards to l...

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/bYmbwFZPixk   In this spotlight of episode 352 of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf sits down with Brian Deckelnick to break down the scale and complexity of managing inbound and outbound operations across multiple distribution centers. They explore how real-time visibility into cartons and cases helps teams align labor with demand, maintain effic...

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/_L3opPX_MiA   In this spotlight of episode 352 of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf sits down with Brian Deckelnick to reflect on his journey leading supply chain at Broad River Retail. They explore how the role has evolved over time, from early-stage operations to a scaled, nationwide network, and the shift from manufacturing control to managing...

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_L3opPX_MiA   Operational excellence doesn't happen by chance. It's built through experience, adaptability, and a relentless focus on people and process. In this episode of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf welcomes Executive of the Year Brian Deckelnick, diving into his journey at Broad River Retail and recent promotion to Vice President. They reflect on Br...

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/0YKzaL4-H3M    In this spotlight of episode 351 of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf sits down with Carl Hillesland to discuss the ongoing journey in Spokane, focusing on hiring, staffing, and operational complexities. They explore the challenges of building a strong team in a new market, navigating state regulations, and adapting to different sto...

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/0YKzaL4-H3M    In this spotlight from episode 351 of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf and Carl Hillesland explore the unique dynamics of their Spokane store, Broad River Retail's first mall-connected location. They discuss the impact of increased foot traffic, the challenge of understanding customer intent, and how the team is navigating multiple...

Watch full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0YKzaL4-H3M   Growth at scale requires more than expansion. It demands clarity, culture, and commitment in every new market. In this episode of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf, CEO, welcomes Carl Hillesland, Director of Retail Performance, to explore Project Cascade, Broad River Retail's expansion into the Northwest, with new locations in Spok...

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/QXiRAENvoOU   In this spotlight from episode 350, Charlie Malouf sits down with Idy Csongradi to talk about her recent recognition among her peers and the journey that led to that moment. Idy shares the excitement and nervous energy she felt during the announcement, recalling her path from early training to becoming a finalist and how the recognition f...

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/QXiRAENvoOU   In this spotlight from episode 350, Charlie Malouf and Idy Csongradi reflect on the unique culture at Broad River and what it means to be a "Memory Maker." The conversation opens with both expressing their appreciation for this meaningful title, which reflects the company's mission to "furnish life's best memories." Charlie Malouf shares...

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QXiRAENvoOU    Growth often begins with stepping into the unknown and trusting the journey ahead. In this episode of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf, CEO, welcomes Idy Csongradi, Broad River Retail's 2025 Memory Maker of the Year, for a heartfelt conversation recorded in the new broadcast studio at the Mill campus. Idy reflects on her journey from Hungary...

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/f8EFwdoLkos    In this spotlight from episode 349, Stacey touches on how despite a packed calendar and the challenges of fitting in special events, the VIP Summit proved invaluable by empowering their Memory Makers with deeper product knowledge. He emphasizes that knowledge builds confidence, which in turn drives successful sales experiences. Through s...

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/f8EFwdoLkos    In this spotlight from episode 349, Charlie Malouf and Stacey McCormick discuss the thoughtful selection of six breakout sessions, each focusing on unlocking new ways to empower guests and boost business. The sessions ranged from increasing prequalification applications with Versatile, leveraging 60-month no-interest financing with Synch...

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/f8EFwdoLkos   Turning inspiration into action takes focus, collaboration, and a clear vision for empowering Memory Makers and guests alike. In this episode of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf, CEO, welcomes Stacey McCormick, EVP, Retail Performance, to reflect on the impact of the recent VIP Summit, an event designed to unlock the potential of consumer fina...

Watch full episode here: https://youtu.be/7M114-FtZFI   In this spotlight from the VIP Summit episode, Charlie Malouf, Heather Greenwood, and Emelyne Henderson explore the impact of peer-led panels and collaborative learning among Memory Makers. Drawing on experiences from events like Orange Crush and Sleep Summit, they highlight how real-world insights from top-performing peers create practical,...

Watch full episode here: https://youtu.be/7M114-FtZFI   In this spotlight from episode 348, Charlie Malouf is joined by Emelyne Henderson, Debbie Ortega, and Heather Greenwood to discuss the vision behind this first-of-its-kind event. Designed to unite retail performance, experience, and leadership, the Summit centered on financing as a key unlock to success. The team shares how intentional traini...