Retail Retold
By DLC Management Corp.
Each week our guests share stories of what worked, what didn’t, the ups and downs – giving the audience a critical set of tools needed for business success. Join host Chris Ressa and new guests weekly for amazing insights and thought-provoking stories. Brought to you by DLC Management Corp.
Retail RetoldApr 02, 2021
EP 125: Grant’s Kitchen & Grill in Gallatin, TN with Caroline Harrelson
Caroline Harrelson, Retail Recruitment Consultant Specialist for The Retail Coach, shares what it is like to work for local municipalities to bring retail to their communities. Listen in to hear how she helped connect Grant’s Kitchen & Grill, a casual restaurant with one location, to a new market, and an investor to partner with! Giving a small business owner the opportunity to scale up and work out a deal leading to his dream of franchising realized!
EP 124: Auntie Anne’s in Orlando, FL & Duck Donuts in Harrisburg, PA with Andy Kmiec
7-billion-dollar donut industry and growing!
We have a double header in today’s episode! Andy Kmiec, Vice President of Development at Duck Donuts, shares his story about opening an unconventional Auntie Anne’s location in Orlando, and Duck Donut’s new endeavor into the drive-thru business model in Harrisburg, PA.
Listen in now to hear how he got the deals done with perseverance, brand awareness, and creativity, turning a 200 sq. foot kiosk into a top selling location!
EP 123: Magic Beans in Cambridge, MA with Eli Gurock
Opening a new location in 45 days, just in time for Christmas!
Eli Gurock, co-owner of Magic Beans, a baby gear and toy retailer, and Youtuber with over 22M views joins us on today’s podcast. Eli shares his story about opening a new location in Cambridge MA filling the space previously occupied by a specialty toy store just weeks before the Christmas shopping season. Listen to his episode now to find out how he navigates customer acquisition costs, and his innovative solution to staffing!
EP 122: Maria Toliopoulos (RTS #36)
It’s time for some more real talk with Maria Toliopoulos!
Maria, Vice President of Real Estate Strategy at Ulta Beauty, brings her Real Estate and leadership strategy to today’s talk.
Chris and Maria discuss the convergence of the physical retail space and online retail, and how Amazon’s move to brick-and-mortar locations and, the pandemic provided two pivotal moments for retailers to bring change and innovation to their real estate strategies. Maria also shares where she finds her passion for retail real estate and what excites her about being a leader. Listen now!
EP 121: Rick Helfenbein (RTS #35)
It’s time for some REAL TALK with Rick Helfenbein!
Rick is a Retail & Fashion Industry Consultant, and former Chairman, President and CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association. With over 20 years of experience in fashion retail and manufacturing, Rick shares his take on the fashion industry today, and where it’s going tomorrow!
Listen in as he shares industry trade trends, and the surprising opportunities inflation can bring to fashion retailers.
EP 120: Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa in Dallas, TX with Kris Smith
Today’s guest is Kris Smith, Vice President of Real Estate Development for Hand & Stone Massage Franchise Corporation
Kris’ enthusiasm and dedication to his franchisees is hard to ignore! In this episode, Kris shares his own unique experience as a former franchisee and how it impacts his role as a VP. Chris and Kris discuss the value in multi-unit operators, building the franchisee-franchisor relationship, and the benefits of a member-based business.
EP 119: Armor Coffee Co. in Allen, TX with Mike Todryk
Today’s guest is Mike Todryk, CEO and founder of Armor Coffee Co.
Mike and Chris discuss the importance of customer loyalty, choosing faith over fear during uncertain times, and what success really looks like. Mike also shares his powerhouse, three pillar business strategy with us. Listen now!
EP 118: Buff City Soap in Charleston, WV with Rick Kueber
Rick Kueber, the CEO of Sun Tan City, and a franchisee of Buff City Soap and Planet Fitness joins our host Chris Ressa to discuss the importance of a good track record and knowing your trade area. Rick shares a story about a Buff City Soap deal in Charleston, WV, giving us a textbook example of the saying “there’s no deal until there’s a deal.”
EP 117: Apple Store at Cumberland Mall in Atlanta, GA with Alan Barocas
"You can make a major impact on the retail landscape if you have a working formula”
Our guest today is Alan Barocas, former Sr. EVP of Leasing at GGP and former SVP of Retail at Gap Inc.
Listen to the compelling way Alan brings retail knowledge to leasing strategies, and what he has to say about co-tenancy and improving work culture!
EP 116: Dairy Queen in Brainerd, MN with Jennifer Rude
Today's guest is Jennifer Rude, Franchise Developer at Dairy Queen. She jumps on the podcast to discuss the future of DQ Franchises and shares an inspirational story about a Dairy Queen in Brainerd, MN that shows how "paying it forward" can catch on like wildfire, even during a pandemic. Listen now!
EP 115: Five Below in Downingtown, PA with Zach Minteer
Getting a lease resolved in 30 days, a brand new prototype & a new beginning for Five Below...
Zach Minteer, VP of Real Estate at Five Below, joins us on today's podcast. Zach shares a story about opening a new prototype for Five Below in Downingtown, PA where timing is EVERYTHING! Listen to his episode now to find out how he navigated risks and challenges that appeared while making this deal.
EP 114: HTeaO in Georgetown, TX with Brad Williamson
What's one thing most people agree with that you do not?
Listen in now to hear Brad Williamson's fun answer to this question along with everything there is to know about the current operations of HTeaO.
EP 113: Porsche Driving Experience Center in Atlanta, GA with Ken Ashley
Wondering what's going on in the world of office real estate today? Check out this new episode with Ken Ashley, Executive Director of Cushman & Wakefield.
EP 112: Insomnia Cookies at Temple University, PA with Dave Lasus
Dave Lasus, the current CEO at Heart + Paw, joins our host, Chris Ressa to take a deep dive into the future of Heart + Paw and shares a story from his past about an Insomnia cookie deal at Temple University.
Listen now!
EP 111: Pyscho Bunny in Tysons, VA with Drew Schaul
Today's guest is Drew Schaul, VP of CBRE.
Listen in as he shares the story of opening a new Psycho Bunny at Tysons Corner in Tysons, VA.
EP 110: The Top 3 Things To Consider When Hiring A Facilities Maintenance Company with Ryan Dempsey (RTS #34)
Today's Real Talk Series guest is Ryan Dempsey, Managing Partner at East End Group.
Listen in as Chris and Ryan go over the Top 3 Things To Consider When Hiring A Facilities Maintenance Company.
EP 109: Busy Beaver Center, Calcutta OH with Joseph Kallen
"The regional retailers are expanding we just don’t get the headlines…”
Our guest today is Joseph Kallen, CEO at Busy Beaver Building Centers, Inc.
Listen to the unique way Joseph is handling the inventory at Building Beavers Building Centers and what he has to say about thriving regional retail brands!
EP 108: 5 Things People Don't Know About Solar with Bluesky Utility (RTS #33)
Want to learn more about solar energy? This is the perfect episode for you! Chris sits down with Bluesky Utility to discuss the 5 things that people don't know about solar.
EP 107: Walmart Neighborhood Market in Athens, GA with Karren Hutton
43 Walmarts in 36 months…
Karren Hutton proves the impossible is possible in today’s story about opening up the last of the 43 Walmarts. Listen in now to hear her incredible story and how she got it all done just in time for opening day!
EP 106: Gautham Vadakkepatt (RTS #32) The Center For Retail Transformation
It's time for some more REAL TALK, with Gautham Vadakkepatt, Founding Director of The Center For Retail Transformation.
Learn all about how he's influencing his students to push the boundaries of retail.
Ep 105: BurritoBar in Howell, MI with Shawn Saraga
Today's guest is Shawn Saraga, VP of Business Development for BarBurrito Restaurants.
Shawn shares insights on BarBurrito expanding down into the US after finding continued success in Canada. Learn how they plan to set themselves apart from the Chipotles and other fast-casual Mexican food brands in the United States as well as what it took to move into one of their first locations in the states, in Howell, MI.
EP 104: Andre Harris (RTS #31)
It's time for some Real Talk with Andre Harris!
Andre is a culture transformation leader and game-changer with over 25 years of experience in creating customer-centric cultures where customers are loyal and employees are engaged.
Listen in as she goes over 5 Tips for Landlords to Improve the Customer Experience for Their Tenants.
EP 103: MYKITA in New York, NY with Larry Haber
Today's guest is Larry Haber, Managing Partner of CRE at AGMB, LLP.
Larry represents both tenants and landlords, focusing primarily on commercial lease negotiations, restructurings, reviews and audits in addition to real estate acquisitions, dispositions, construction contracts and due diligence advisory services.
Larry and Chris discuss MYKITA opening in NYC as well as the Top 3 Commercial Real Estate Trends from an attorney's perspective. Listen now!
EP 102: Neely Tamminga (RTS #30)
Real Talk Series #30 with Neely Tamminga, CEO of DISTILL Advisory.
Learn about the Top 4 Economic Influences On Today’s Consumer!
EP 101: Falafel Inc. in Kansas City, MO with Ahmad Ashkar
Today's guest is Ahmad Ashkar, Falafel Inc. Founder.
Ahmad has also served as the CEO and Chief Investment Officer of the Hult Prize Foundation, graduating more than 2.1M impact entrepreneurs from 121 countries and directly deploying $100M in capital with indirect funding of $1B+.
Listen in to hear Ahmad's entrepreneurial perspective on the food and beverage industry, why he created Falafel Inc. and to learn about the unique impact his company has on the lives of refugees.
EP 100: Brunswick Home & Billiards in Chicago, IL with Sandy Stein
Today's guest is Sandford (Sandy) Stein, Forbes Contributor & Founder of RETAIL SPEAK on LinkedIn.
In 2014, Sanford launched RETAIL SPEAK™, a LinkedIn platform for sharing ideas on all things retailing. This is on the heels of the introduction of his book RETAIL SCHMETAIL™ ONE Hundred Years, TWO Immigrants, THREE Generations, FOUR Hundred Projects. The combination textbook/memoir was awarded an IBPA Benjamin Franklin Silver Award in 2015. "In the age of Amazon, Sandy Stein reminds us why retail is far from dead."
EP 99: Tory Burch in Honolulu, HI with Ron Thurston
Today's guest is Ron Thurston, Best Selling Author of RETAIL PRIDE, Vice President of Stores at INTERMIX and Board of Directors at GOODWILL.
Are you still stuck in the mindset of location, location, location? Ron may change your mind in this week's episode!
EP 98: Andrew Cox (RTS#29)
Real Talk Series #29 : Retail Supply Chain
Today's guest is Andrew Cox, Senior Retail Analyst at FreightWave. Chris and Andrew take a deep dive into the world of freight and logistics as they discuss The Top Trends in The Retail Supply Chain.
1. Divergence in Delivery Strategies
2. Supply Chain Strategies (BOPIS, Curbside PickUp)
3. Low Inventory Levels
EP 97: The Local Oyster in Baltimore, MD with Mike Morris
Mike Morris, Principal at Cana Development, joins our host Chris Ressa to discuss all things related to food halls and food hall development.
Wondering about the current state of food halls, how they differ from food courts, or how The Local Oyster landed its location in Baltimore, MD? Listen now!
EP 96: Nuts About Cakes in Lagos, Nigeria with Nike Majekodunmi
We're taking a virtual trip all the way to Nigeria in this latest episode of Retail Retold!
Nike Majekodunmi shares her bootstrapping, entrepreneurial journey with us as well as walking us through the process of setting up her Nuts About Cakes location in Lagos, Nigeria.
Listen now to hear Nike's fascinating story!
EP 95: Jeremy Goodrich & Stephanie Saunders (RTS #28)
We have a special Real Talk Series Episode today with two guests! This is a combined episode with two full-length interviews.
First up is Jeremy Goodrich, Owner of Shine Insurance Agency. His segment is all about Real Estate Insurance.
Second is Stephanie Saunders, Partner at United Claims Specialists. Her segment is a deep dive into the role of Public Adjusters.
Listen in for some fascinating insights on the two related topics!
EP 94: Kitchen House Coffee in St. Louis, MO with David Rodgers
Today's guest is David Rodgers, owner of Kitchen House Coffee in St. Louis, MO.
The coffee house is an extension of Paul Whitsitt & Rodgers' nearby urban farm, Kitchen House Farm, named for the old kitchen house or summer kitchen that still stands on the property. The vision for Kitchen House Coffee is centered around the idea of finding a country respite in the city - a repurposed, urban space focused on sustainable product.
Listen in to hear how David made the decision to step out of the corporate Retail Real Estate world and into owning his own Coffee Shop! David is a true inspiration and community leader, dedicated to giving back and helping his neighbors and the local Shenandoah High School.
EP 93: Caroline and Main in Saratoga Springs, NY with Heidi Owen West
Heidi Owen West is a true retail inspiration! She's taking over Saratoga Springs, NY with not one but three shops in walking distance from one another. Listen in to hear how she's powered through 2020 and has differentiated her customer's retailing experience.
EP 92: Dunkin Donuts in Memphis, TN with Larry Strain
Larry is an industry-respected growth driver bringing 20(+) years of success steering national retail expansion for many high-profile brands:
• Starbucks Coffee
• McDonald’s
• Dunkin’ Brands
• Global Partners
• and many more…
On today's show, Larry tells us the unique story of the very first to market Dunkin Donuts in Memphis, TN. Fascinating!
Listen in now to hear for yourself.
EP 91: Nicole Leinbach Reyhle (RTS#27)
Real Talk Series #27 with Nicole Leinbach Reyhle.
Nicole Leinbach Reyhle is the Founder and Publisher of RetailMinded.com, a well-respected retail industry resource that has been recognized worldwide for its leading business insight since 2007. With a core concentration on independent retailers, small businesses, technology and how the various touchpoints of commerce influence modern merchants, Reyhle is a frequent guest and contributor to various media outlets that include The Today Show, Forbes, Entreprenuer.com and countless B2B publications.
EP 90: Party City in Anchorage, AL with Jason Gendel
Today we're joined by Jason Gendel, VP of Real Estate for Party City. Jason has over fifteen years of experience in the real estate industry. Listen in to learn about Part City's recent ventures, where they're heading in the future, and to hear an interesting story about opening up a retail store in Anchorage Alaska!
EP 89: Mark Thompson (RTS #26)
This episode is a part of our Real Talk Series.
Today's guest is Mark Thompson, Founder of NNN Capital and GroceryAnchored.com
Often referenced as the "cars.com for grocery-anchored real estate," GroceryAnchored.com tracks all 25,000 grocery-anchored real estate properties across the country providing on-market and sold optics in addition to providing daily updates through their newsfeed.
Listen now to hear Mark's perspective on the grocery market!
EP 88: PRESS Massage in Williamsburg, NY with Rachel Beider
Rachel Beider is a bestselling author, entrepreneur, investor, speaker, and mentor. Rachel is the proud owner of PRESS Modern Massage, a group of award-winning clinical massage studios. She has made her career about empowering wellness professionals to start and grow their own practices, via Wellness Business Consulting.
Rachel is a passionate entrepreneur, today she shares the story of opening her very first PRESS Massage location.
EP 87: Brittain Ladd (RTS #25)
Have you ever heard of micro fulfillment?
Brittain Ladd will fill you in on this and more in this Real Talk Series episode of Retail Retold.
Brittain Ladd is the Chief Supply Chain Officer at PULSE Integration and has had over 20 years of experience in the retail world. Mr. Ladd has appeared on every major network globally including CNN, Fox, BBC, and multiple stations in Japan, China, Russia, and Latin America. He is also a contributor to publications such as Forbes, Observer, and numerous industry publications.
Listen in now to learn about micro fulfillment, automation, streamlining process solutions, and yes, even self-driving scooters.
https://brittainladd.com/about/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittainladd/
EP 86: Lovesac in Chicago, IL with Clary Groen
Clary H. Groen is the first Vice President of Real Estate for Lovesac (NASDAQ: LOVE), a direct-to-consumer specialty furniture brand with approximately 80 retail showrooms supporting its eCommerce delivery model. Mr. Groen is also Founder and President of Foresite Retail Advisors, provider of comprehensive consulting services specializing in the development of internal foundations for store development departments and strategic expansion.
Listen in now to hear his unique story about opening a Lovesac in Chicago, IL.
EP 85: Simeon Siegel (RTS#24)
Real Talk Series #24 with Simeon Siegel, Managing Director, Senior Retail and eCommerce Analyst at BMO Capital Markets
Simeon Siegel is a Managing Director and award-winning Senior Analyst specializing in Retail and E-commerce. Simeon has been named a Rising Star of Wall Street by Institutional Investor, a Rising Star of Equity Research by Business Insider, a Top Stock Picker by StarMine and a Top Earnings Estimator by Thomson Reuters and Refinitiv. He has worked on the Institutional Investor #1 ranked All America Research Team for Specialty Retail and the Wall Street Journal's "Best on the Street" list of top analysts.
Listen in now to hear interesting insights and a thought-provoking conversation about the world of retail real estate.
EP 84: Listener Q & A #1
We're starting off 2021 with a bang! Our host, Chris Ressa reads and responds to listener questions for this first episode of the new year.
EP 83: One Paseo in San Diego, CA with Carrie Bobb
LAST EPISODE OF 2020! Today's guest is Carrie Bobb, the founder and CEO of Carrie Bobb & Co. She is a consumer analytics expert and has a strong history of driving revenue through digital and brick & mortar leasing strategies. She has successfully merchandised and executed the leasing for some of San Diego's most notable and high profile retail projects for over 17 years. Listen in as she talks specifically about the One Paseo shopping center in SD, California.
EP 82: UNIQLO in Chicago, IL with Sanjiv Chadha
Today’s Guest is Sanjiv Chadha, President of NWS Architects/Chadha & Associates.
Sanjiv shares his insights on what's to come for retail in 2021, projects he is currently working on and an interesting story about a UNIQLO in Chicago, IL.
Listen in to hear how he navigated a failing smoke test inspection just days before opening!
EP 81: Fleet Feet in Poughkeepsie, NY with Kim Caruso
Today's guest is one of our own tenants Kim Caruso! Kim is the owner of Fleet Feet Poughkeepsie located at the Shoppes at South Hills. Kim is the definition of grit and resolve. After fifteen years of working as a marketing professional, Kim developed a new love of running and a new desire for a career change. Listen in now to hear her entrepreneurial journey and the details about how she was able to open up her first store.
EP 80: Valvoline in Alpharetta, GA with David Wright
On today's episode we have David Wright, Senior Real Estate Manager at Valvoline Inc.
David shares not one but TWO stories with us on today’s episode. The first is about a McDonald’s maneuvering into a baseball field and the second is about a Valvoline deal that turned into a corner piece as you enter the Atlanta Market.
EP 79: (RTS #23) with Julia Raymond
Today's episode is part of our Real Talk Series.
Our featured guest is Julia Raymond, Editor-in-Chief at RETHINK Retail, Podcast Host, and Global Director at Valtech
After spending 4 years in global marketing roles for the digital agency Valtech, Julia co-founded its media brand RETHINK Retail. By interviewing retail executives, academics and thought leaders, she delivers retail insights for leaders, from leaders.
In today's episode, Julia discusses 3 tips for podcasters, reimagining retail centers, her perspective on the retail market today and shares an endearing story about her grandmother.
EP 78: Basecamp Fitness in Edina, MN with Mark Norman
Today’s guest is Mark Norman the VP of Real Estate at Self Esteem Brands, LLC.
Self Esteem Brands is the parent company of Anytime Fitness (the world’s #1 “Top Global” franchise) Waxing the City, Basecamp Fitness, and The Bar Method. In today's episode, Mark tells Chris the story of a Basecamp fitness studio that opened in his hometown of Edina, MN.
Mark has 17 years of experience in the Retail Real Estate Industry. Listen in as he dives into his own perspective on the market today for fitness and other service businesses.
EP 77: The White House Interiors in Birmingham, AL with Ann Marie James
Today we have, Ann Marie James, the owner of The White House Interiors. Ann Marie is also a real estate investor and the owner of Silver Real Estate and Crown Properties. She’s bought, remodeled and furnished more than 200 houses in Birmingham, the Lake Martin area and the Florida Panhandle.
The White House Interiors is a charming, privately owned store in the Greystone area. Listen in to her story now to learn how she has grown her new thriving business!
EP 76: (RTS#22) LeasePilot with Gabriel Safar
This episode is a deep dive into the LeasePilot software with the Co-Founder & CEO, Gabriel Safar.
LeasePilot is a cloud-based software provider that facilitates the preparation and abstraction of commercial leases. As a former real estate attorney, Gabriel is focused on promoting a paradigm shift in the way commercial leases are drafted, negotiated and consumed by real estate organizations.
The purpose of LeasePilot is to cut the amount of time it takes to go from an LOI to a signed lease in half and automate the transfer of leasing information into other critical systems such as financial reporting and property management software. LeasePilot does this through a novel combination of context-aware automation, purpose-built lease drafting tools and a modern SaaS architecture.
Listen now to learn more about Gabriel's process in creating the LeasePilot program!