Libsyn Directory

Introducing The Lighthouse Fund, a Crisis Assistance Program for Memory Makers at Broad River Retail

Release Date: 08/05/2025

From Comfort Zone to Courage: Bradley Rapier's Engaging Groove Theory @ GLS 25

Stories from the River

It’s the 9th and final episode in the 2025 Global Leadership Summit Recap Series on Stories from the River! This week, Katrina Batchelor, Associate Manager of Retail Operations for the South and West Regions, and Meagan Guzman, Associate Director of People Operations, reflect on Bradley Rapier’s dynamic session at the Summit. Bradley Rapier—renowned choreographer, Emmy winner, and founder of the Groovaloos—brought incredible energy and inspiration through his “Groove Theory” and the concept of stepping into the circle. This powerful metaphor challenges leaders to embrace courage,...

Fighting Drift and Finding Purpose: Reflections on Christine Caine's Powerful Message at GLS 25

Stories from the River

Welcome to the eighth episode of the 2025 Global Leadership Summit Recap Series on Stories from the River! This week, CEO Charlie Malouf is joined by Carl Hillesland, Director of Retail Performance at Broad River Retail, to reflect on Christine Caine’s powerful session at the Summit. Christine Caine—author, speaker, and founder of the A21 anti-human trafficking campaign—shared her personal journey of discovering her life’s purpose and the critical turning point that led her to confront the realities of human trafficking. In her talk, she warned leaders about the danger of drift—the...

How to Leave a Legacy that Matters: Reflections from John Maxwell's GLS Talk

Stories from the River

It's the seventh episode of the 2025 Global Leadership Summit Recap Series on Stories from the River, and CEO Charlie Malouf is joined again by Will Luke, Senior Director of Project Management, to dive into John C. Maxwell's session at the Summit. They reflect on Maxwell’s legacy in leadership, his lifelong dedication to developing others, and the personal stories and frameworks that have shaped his teachings. John was presented with the Lifetime Leadership Legacy Award by Craig Groeschel at the Global Leadership Summit, and Craig referred to John Maxwell as the single greatest teacher...

How Regenerative Performance Can Transform Work: Insights from Dr. James Hewitt’s GLS Talk

Stories from the River

In this sixth episode of the 2025 Global Leadership Summit Recap Series on Stories from the River, CEO Charlie Malouf is joined by Will Luke, Senior Director of Project Management, to recap insights from Dr. James Hewitt's Global Leadership Summit keynote on regenerative performance. Dr. Hewitt, a former world-class cyclist turned human performance scientist, shared his journey from relentless “go, go, go” living to understanding the necessity of pausing and reflecting, especially after surviving cancer. The discussion introduces the concept of “cognitive gears,” a metaphor for...

Leadership Lessons from Nick Saban: Process, Discipline, and Transformation at the Global Leadership Summit

Stories from the River

The 2025 Global Leadership Summit Recap Series continues today on Stories from the River! CEO Charlie Malouf welcomes back guest Kellie Jones, Senior Manager, Retail Operations. The two deep dive into Nick Saban's interview with Paula Faris at the Global Leadership Summit. The episode kicks off with enthusiastic reflections on Broad River’s recent Experts Soirée at STK Steakhouse and the Grand Reopening of the Columbia store, highlighting the importance of community, transformation, and celebrating success with fellow Memory Makers. They also discuss the recent "Pioneering the Path -...

Less Really Is More: Takeaways from Juliet Funt’s Tactics to Cut Clutter at GLS25

Stories from the River

Welcome to the fourth episode of the 2025 Global Leadership Summit Recap Series on Stories from the River. Host Carl Hillesland, Director, Retail Performance, and guest Kellie Jones, Senior Manager, Retail Operations, dive into insights from Juliet Funt’s talk on Leadership Precision and against gluttony at the Global Leadership Summit. The discussion centers around the dangers of leaders overloading themselves, likening the approach to a buffet where piling on more projects and initiatives gives the illusion of progress but ultimately spreads everyone too thin. Drawing from Funt’s...

Live Life Like a Diversified Portfolio & More Insights from Thasunda Brown Duckett @ GLS25

Stories from the River

It's the third episode of the 2025 Gobal Leadership Summit Recap Series on Stories from the River! In today's episode, CEO Charlie Malouf welcomes Meagan Guzman, the newly hired Associate Director of People Operations. Just two months into her journey at Broad River Retail, Meagan reflects on her cross-country move from San Diego, her early experiences at the company, and the energizing environment of the Global Leadership Summit. This conversation highlights the value of attending the Summit with fellow leaders from Broad River and other community members, emphasizing the power of collective...

Unlocking Potential and Conquering Goals: Takeaways from Jon Acuff's Closing Keynote at the Global Leadership Summit

Stories from the River

In this second episode of the 2025 Global Leadership Summit (GLS) Recap Series on Stories from the River, host Charlie Malouf welcomes Steve Ramjit, the Regional Manager of Broad River Retail’s North Region. Steve, who oversees seven stores and has been with Broad River since October 2024, shares his impressions of attending his first GLS, describing it as an incredible, life-changing experience. The conversation not only highlights Steve’s journey from Florida to the Carolinas and his background with other furniture retailers, but also touches on the significance of August...

Consistency Over Charisma: Takeaways from Craig Groeschel's Opening Keynote at the 2025 Global Leadership Summit

Stories from the River

Welcome to a brand new series from Stories from the River featuring the 2025 Global Leadership Summit. 19 Memory Makers attended the Global Leadership Summit on August 7th and 8th from the local host site at The Park Expo and Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, where there was a big screen for all of the Memory Makers along with all attendees to virtually watch all of the speakers and videos from GLS 25. This GLS 25 recap series will highlight the experiences and takeaways from one speaker at a time. CEO Charlie Malouf introduces the series and sets the stage by...

New Store Alert: Announcing Broad River Retail's Expansion into Easley, South Carolina

Stories from the River

Welcome back to Stories from the River! Broad River Retail's CEO and podcast host Charlie Malouf sits down with President and COO Manny Rodrigues to share a mix of personal updates and major company news. They kick off with some lighthearted banter about summer vacations, soccer coaching, and family milestones before diving into the exciting announcement.... of a new Ashley store opening in Easley, South Carolina! The new Easley location will be Broad River's 5th overall store in the Upstate of South Carolina, joining Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, and Greenwood. And, the new Easley...

More Episodes

In this episode of Stories from the River, podcast host and CEO Charlie Malouf is joined by President and COO Manny Rodrigues to introduce The Lighthouse Fund, a new crisis assistance program at Broad River Retail designed to formally support Memory Makers during times of need and personal crisis.

Inspired by their faith as Scripture says to be light and by the desire to care first for Broad River's own Memory Makers, Charlie and Manny discuss why the name "The Lighthouse Fund" made sense for this program. The fund was created from a desire to provide a dignified, systematic approach to crisis assistance for Memory Makers during their times of need - something previously handled on a less formal, more ad hoc basis. Drawing on best practices from organizations like Movement Mortgage and Riverstone Logistics, The Lighthouse Fund was established to ensure no Memory Maker has to face challenging, unexpected events alone, whether dealing with potential eviction notices arising from rent concerns; unexpected medical bills; or transportation and vehicle breakdowns.

The conversation highlights Broad River Retail’s longstanding culture of generosity, referencing existing support programs such as Operation Magic School Bus and Operation Tis the Season, but noting the unique, formalized nature of The Lighthouse Fund. Manny and Charlie also reflect on the collaborative journey of building the fund, from the careful vetting of partners like HelpingHands Charitable and the National Christian Foundation, to crafting a meaningful brand identity rooted in the symbolism of a lighthouse as a beacon in stormy seas.

The Lighthouse Fund was initially seed funded by the Company's owners with an invitation from other Memory Makers to contribute via payroll deduction if they voluntarily desire and choose to do so. Amazingly, to no surprise and without an expectations, over 10% of fellow Memory Makers stepped up to initially and voluntarily donate to the fund. Charlie and Manny are proud to see the initiative fostering a deeper sense of community, care, and compassion within the company.

Additional Resources:

National Christian Foundation: https://www.ncfgiving.com

HelpingHands Charitable: https://hhcharitable.org

Donate to The Lighthouse Fund: https://hhcharitable.org/cap-programs/the-lighthouse-fund/

Movement Mortgage: https://movement.com/about

LoveWorks Booklet by Movement Mortgage: https://store.ecompanystore.com/movement/Shop/#/product/Search/MOV100032.000000-Loveworks-Booklet

Kyree's LoveWorks Story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8PdFGpbSYo

Stephone's LoveWorks Story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIH7XyZJK5U

The LoveWorks Story as featured and produced by Faith Driven Entrepreneurs: https://app.frame.io/presentations/2ccbf15a-dba4-4281-91bd-1846d0ce46b4

Riverstone Logistics: https://rlx.us

Previous series of Stories from the River:

Founders Scholarship Fund series - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYZpX9KD7Oqb22Apq_6qBhE2-KZlRpN56