The Power of Face-To-Face Marketing in Retail with Neely Woodson Powell

In this episode, hosts Brian Burt and Brian Johnson welcome Neely Woodson Powell, founder of Charleston Shoe Co. Neely shares her entrepreneurial journey, starting from importing and selling shoes as a teenager to running 26 brick-and-mortar stores with 60 cobblers in Central Mexico and over 150 US employees.Key topics:The importance of viewing problems as growth opportunitiesBuilding authentic customer relationships through face-to-face interactionsThe significance of hands-on customer engagement and feedbackOvercoming business hurdles, including a significant theft incidentNeely's experience in a male-dominated industry and her passion-driven approachExpansion plans to the Caribbean and establishing the Shoe Joy nonprofit during COVID-19Importance of focus and innovation in sustaining business successTune in to hear how Neely's resilience, creativity, and dedication to authentic customer interactions have propelled Charleston Shoe Co to greater heights.Timestamped Overview:00:00 Teenage entrepreneur saw need for comfy shoes.06:27 Started with car shoe sales, built successful marketing.07:52 Creating real relationships drives success in retail.10:23 Legacy of quality and family pride prevail.16:31 Building trust with loyal customers, authentic marketing efforts.19:08 Snow teeth whitening founder engaged directly with customers.23:17 Started nonprofit Shoe Joy to help employees.27:09 Entrepreneur's memorable experience at a trunk show.29:50 Passion and enjoyment help prevent burnout.32:18 Balancing management and trust in business relationships.37:20 Persisting through adversity, holding onto determination.41:02 Love interacting with customers, employees, Caribbean expansion.44:17 Embrace a centralized lifestyle for long-standing success.