Inside Dallas Market Center: Retail Revelations and Trends

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Business can be a lonely game, but it doesn't have to be. Welcome to Boutique Chat where we explore community over competition and how to scale your company with the balance and the happiness that we all seek. We'll hear from product based businesses of all types, retailers, e commerce and wholesale brands, along with industry experts shaping the future of our industry. I'm your host Ashley Alderson from the Boutique Hub and and I can't wait to chat. Hey guys, welcome back to the podcast. This week I am so excited to be joined by a dear friend of mine and I would, I would consider you a mentor of mine as well. Cindy, thanks for being on the podcast today.

Oh, Ashley, I'm so excited to join you. I'm really, really thrilled to visit with you today.

Likewise. I feel like every time you and I get together, we both, I think, are idea people. And so we're always just, you know, squirreling on what's happening in the industry. What do you think, you know, where do you think we're going next? And so I think to bring this conversation to our community is going to be really exciting. Whether, you know, those who are listening are a wholesale brand manufacturer, if they're a retailer, whether they've been to market or not, I think there's just a lot of value that you're going to be able to share with us. So let's dig into it. Let's start here. For those who don't know the history of Dallas Market center, take me back to how the Market center got started and just kind of its growth over the years.

Well, you know, actually the first building at DMC was built in 1957 and it was built by our founder, Trim Crow, and he subsequently built additional buildings. Here we are a total of five and a half million square feet and so and it spread amongst a campus and we serve lots and lots of different industries here. And so if you look at it, we kind of break our business down by hard goods and soft goods. And within the Hargaan side of the business, we have gift, we have home, we have lighting, we have floral and holiday, we have housewares and gourmet products. And then within the soft good side of the business, we have men's, women's and children's apparel and we have fashion accessories and then we have western and we also have equestrian. And so those are all the different industries. And then we host markets for all those industries throughout the year. So, so on the apparel side, we host our five women's and children's markets. We host Two men's markets, two English markets, and two western markets. And then on the gift and home side, we host four gift and home shows a year, and then we host two light ovation shows a year. But then in addition to that, we are really also the only design center in America that's in a wholesale market center. So on a daily basis, we have interior designers who are bringing their clients in and they are shopping every day. So we have a significant amount of daily traffic here. And then we also, in between markets, we host a lot of major store buys. And so those major store buyers come in, they shop the existing showrooms we have. And then there's also vendors that come in to service those showrooms. But really what it all boils down to is that our goal and our mission is to bring buyer and seller together. So we are in the one thing about our business, and I think this is the same, and you've seen it everywhere. And the only real constant in our business is change. And so we're always looking. We're looking for what is that new product? What's that new industry? What's that trend? What's going on at retail? How can we help our buyers and our exhibitors? And we're really kind of unique in that we have two customer sets. We have our buyers and we have our exhibitors. And so we're constantly looking to say, how do we best serve those two constituents that we serve?

Man, you just hearing all of those markets and just the opportunity. I think there's a lot of retailers and wholesalers who are listening, who didn't realize there was so much crossover between all of those opportunities and so many different shows and so many different people in the building. When you think about, like, hard goods, soft goods, and all the crossover between what do you think are maybe like, misconceptions or opportunities that a lot of retailers and wholesalers who are listening could take advantage of by. By dabbling in a few of those different industries and shows.

You know, it's really interesting because I totally agree. There are so many opportunities, and the retailers that take the time that come and they walk every aisle of the show, I mean, one, they always find new product. But to me, the biggest opportunity is that lifestyle market that we are in, that crossover buying. And that's really how you differentiate yourselves. And so, you know, when I'm talking to an apparel store and they'll say, well, you know, give me some ideas. I said, come to a gift market, because that's where you're going to find products that your competitors don't have. And so that's where I think the biggest opportunity is. And, and it even goes into other industries like lighting retailers, you know, lighting retail showrooms. You would walk in and you would see a sea of light, ceiling lights. Well, then they started adding your home product, you know, occasional furniture. What can they put below those lights to sell and generate more revenue? And so it's really in every single industry we serve. You know, luxury home stores are adding luxury gift products, you know, home fragrance to their stores. You know, one of the big ones is just the jewelry and fashion accessories. I mean, when women shop, they love to go and pick out something for themselves while they're there. And so there are so many opportunities to explore. And it's really unique for us because our March market is the one time a year where we hold gift and apparel together. And you can do everything at one time. And I think we're really the only market center that does a combined market like that. But that gives you the opportunity at one time. But beyond that, you know, explore a different show because I promise you, you're going to find product and that's going to set you apart from your competitor.

I totally agree with that. And I wonder, I don't know if there's a timeline that, that you see this happening, but I really think since COVID specifically, when all retailers were really kind of forced to shake up how they do business, is when I saw the most crossover begin between apparel and home and gift. And you know, like you said, luxury stores now getting into some other products, like all of this, like, mix up of. Of products and how they traditionally brought products in. Is that kind of what you saw too? Like, the industry really started to shift and more of that crossover started to happen during that period of time?

Absolutely. Now we saw some prior, but I think Covid really, really accelerated it. It. And you know, what's one of the, I guess, projects that I've done that has been probably one of the most gratifying is visiting stores. And so, you know, when I go on the road and I see stores, I went in this one store and it was like this really many, many, many department store. And it was women's apparel and it was shoes, it was home decor, it was gourmet food and housewares. And the owner, she said, I know what my customer wants to wear, I know what she wants to put in her home, I know what she wants to cook at night. I mean, and so she knew her customer to that detail. And that to me, was like the true lifestyle store where you can go in and it's one stop shopping. And so many retailers saw that opportunity and they, it really, really accelerated during COVID And then I think also in visiting those stores, I mean they would say to me, you've been in other stores, tell me what should I add, what can I do? And, and one thing that was super interesting, that always stuck with me and it's really, it was kind of common sense and I thought, why didn't I even think of that? But one of the retailers said, you know, one of my hot, hot areas are baby gifts. And I always want personalized baby gifts because if they're personalized, they're non returnable. And so that's a huge, huge benefit for me. But it's those kind of things that you learn when you interact with those stores. And so I think there's always opportunity from that lifestyle perspective to really get to know your customer and then cater to them because you know, everyone time is so valuable and if they can come into your store and buy everything they need. You know another really interesting point, I went in one store and they had started a graduation registry. And so you know, like you see bridal registries, you see baby registries, they did a graduation registry. So then when grandparents, you know, friends were coming to buy there, they could go in this one stop shop. And how brilliant of that store to do that because now they're going to sell all those graduation gifts. But it's just incredible how you learn all of that and what has happened on the lifestyle front.

Yeah, for me I just feel like lights are dinging and flashing for everybody. Like this is a huge opportunity. If you've already done the work to really know your customer on such an intimate level, why would you just stop with selling them clothes or why would you just stop with selling them gift when there's just so many more categories that you can have access to now Granted, I don't want to get anyone in a pinch, you know, with over buying. So there's some management obviously that has to go into it and understanding where opportunity is. But that crossover is what makes you different from so many different online competitors today. And I think the opportunity to sell gift and home in an online space is also alive and well. You know, it doesn't just have to be a brick and mortar anymore.

No, you're absolutely right. There's a huge opportunity there for gift and home online, you know, and, and also then when you get into the home side, there's also the design piece of it, you know, the design studio component and how you can help people design for their homes. And then that adds a whole nother layer to what you can do. And the interesting thing about the gift market is it's a very, very different business from apparel because for the most part minimums are lower there and so it's easier for stores to enter one. You're not buying the size range of product and so you can go in and you can really find great product lines. And again, when you talk open to buy, the minimums aren't as high so you can enter into that business much more cost effectively.

I totally agree with that. And also I feel like, especially when I'm walking through some of the gift showrooms, I think that the minimum is one piece, but the other exciting piece is there's so many great stories with those brands that are in home and gift showrooms like mom and pop stories and just really like solving a problem story. I feel like there's a gap between apparel stores who've never shopped in a showroom and also gift stores who've never shopped. Like a temporary situation, like an apparel show would be. Talk to me more about what you see between maybe misconceptions or things people should know about shopping one side or the other. Let's start with talking about showrooms. For example, what are things that people should know if they haven't shopped showrooms before?

You know, one thing to think about with showrooms and even if you look at the gift and the apparel business are so different in that apparel is very appointment driven for some of the showrooms, particularly when you get into the higher end product because of the way they're showing the collection. And on the gift side of the business, while many of the reps make appointments, there's also a significant amount of walk in business. And so it's much easier on the gift side to walk into a showroom and browse, you know, versus on the apparel size side. Particularly those collections, they really are much more appointment driven. And so that's one of the big, big differences that we see between shopping different types of showrooms here. But you know, from a retailer perspective, I mean, what's the great thing about market? It's finding new. And you know, I think that so many retailers and it's easy to order online when you're doing reorders, but when you want to find new product, I mean that's really what market provides is that opportunity to explore and see what's new and, and then, you know, when you build that relationship with your rep to find out, you know, what's selling, what are the best sellers. And even when you get into a gift showroom with. When you're looking at fragrance, I mean, what are those bestsellers? And that's what reps can really play such a valuable role with. And so I think those really, really smart retailers, they recognize that. I mean, they come in and, you know, they work with their reps, they learn from their reps, they utilize their reps as a great tool to help them better run their business. And so there's huge value in coming to market, you know, to shop the new. Find not only new product within your existing resources, but find new resources. And again, like I said earlier, I mean, explore. We have, you know, one retailer who they had one staff person, and all they did was walk the entire building, every row of taps, just with floor maps in hand, and they were marking, scouting for the rest of the team to come and look. And it's amazing because that's how you differentiate yourself.

Yeah, it absolutely is. Do you find that during apparel shows, some of the gift showrooms remain open, just like. So we talked about March being a crossover, right. Where both shows combine. But when it's not March, is there still an opportunity for apparel stores to come and shop gift showrooms?

Absolutely, there is. In fact, probably somewhere between 70 and 80% of all of our showrooms are open every day. And so particularly on the gift side, you know, the lighting is a little bit different, the fixture lighting, but the gift and design showrooms are open every day, and so there's a huge opportunity to come in. And honestly, so many of them, they're not real busy, then obviously, it's not their market, per se, and so they have staff that can help. And we also have information booths on all of the floors. And if you're looking for product, we can help direct you and what floors to go to, if it's price point or if it's product specific, you know, circle showrooms. Try this one and see. But yes, there's a big opportunity, and that's unique because. Because we have so much daily business. That's why so many of our showrooms are open daily. And even on the gift side, because even the interior designers, now they're starting to buy home fragrance. They're starting to help their clients, clients with tabletop products. So those showrooms are open every day to sell that product.

Awesome. And how about the apparel showrooms? I think there's also more of an evolution that has to happen of apparel stores going up, going up to the 15th floor and the 14th floor and seeing what's, what's available in apparel showrooms as well. There's all kinds of unique goods up there.

Yeah, there absolutely are. And we, as a market center, we try to categorize kind of as best we can what's on each floor. But you have like the majority of our fashion Accessories are on 13. But if you go to 15, you're going to find brands that are, you know, inside some of the rep showrooms there. And one of the other big differentiators about Dallas are just our reps because we have a really, really great base of reps here that curate product. And so that's another benefit for stores when they shop Dallas is that they can go in one of those rep showrooms, whether large or small, and they'll find a really, really well curated assortment of product. And so when you are looking at lifestyle, you're looking at price point. That's another way that can easily help you because those showrooms, a lot of them mean they've created, you know, their own look and feel within their space.

Yeah, there's some really great ones. And of course, I have to mention, come by floor 13 because we're so grateful to be able to have a showroom on 13. And what's incredible is all of the hub member brands that have filled in around our showroom on 13, I just think that is such a neat opportunity. We're almost going to have like Hub row eventually on that floor. That's going to be so good.

You will. And we are so thrilled that you're on 13. And, and the great thing about the 13th floor is is that half of it is or permanent showrooms. And so it's apparel and fashion accessories, shoes, but then the other half are temporaries. And our temporaries on 13 are really an amazing collection of product because you've got your apparel product, you have your fashion accessories product. You also have emerging designers, you have Shine, which is some of your indie beauty brands. And then also you have footwear on that floor as well. And so it's a great resource. And those brands are constantly shifting and changing because some of those collections, they may not have five collections a year, they may only be here three times a year or two times a year. And so, you know, our team that leases at temp space, they're constantly looking to curate those new brands to create a really, really fresh environment on 13. So yes, we're thrilled that you and your group is on 13. In fact, I often work that information booth and people come up all the time and they say, where's the hub? Where's the hub show room? And we have all these signs that point to the Hub showroom on 13. So, yeah, it's great to see you and your team here during market.

We appreciate it. Well, we've got to talk about what you just mentioned because I hear this from people all the time. I can't believe the CEO of Dallas Market center is in the information booth on the floor. People are absolutely blown away that you and your entire team care so much and that you're there talking to people and you're so approachable. And I just, I'm always amazed when I hear people talk about that. But it always goes hand in hand with. When I go to Dallas, I can just feel the culture and I can feel the community and the hospitality in the building. Like they really are excited that I'm there. So how did you guys, how did you build that culture amongst the building and amongst your team? And where did this idea of you and everyone else working the information booths come from? Because it's really working for people.

Well, thanks. You know, it's really one of my favorite, favorite things to do because it puts you right in touch with the customer and to be able to visit with them and say, you know, where are you from, you know, and are you new? Have you been here before? Tell me about your store. What kind of product are you looking for? You know, it's really, really invigorating to be able to have that opportunity to do that with the customers. But when you look at the culture of dmc, I mean, it really goes back to our founder, Trammell Crow, because we're a family owned business and Trammel's son Harlan is now runs Crow Holdings. But when you're a family owned business, you're like a lot of our customers are family owned businesses and you really value the relationship side of the business. And so it's, you know, the relationships are critical that you build. And with us having such a strength of Dallas based reps here, you know, their business is driven by the business in Dallas and so they're constantly looking at you. How do we improve? I mean, hospitality is critical and you know, within our company, I mean, we look at our company as a family. I mean, you think about it, you spend almost more time in the at work than you do at home with your family. And so you, you have to be able to create that type of an environment. And from Our culture, we've added some programs like in July, which is really one of our slower months, we do half day Fridays in July. So that way people can plan for it, they can plan a long weekend, they can spend time with their family. And so we've also instituted some things here, like you get your birthday off from work, you get a day a year to go work for your favorite charity. And so I think it's really important to, to talk to the employees and I'll share an experience. Years ago, did a luncheon with some employees and they were some new people and some people that had been here longer. And at that time the workplace was a little more formal than it is today. And we were talking about what can we do? And they said implement more casual attire. We know when to dress up. Help us save money on dry cleaning. It's those kind of things that you learn over the years from just engaging with people about what's important to them, what's going to make a difference in their life. And so it's really critical to us. And it really goes back to our founder, Trimmer Crow, and just, you know, being part of a family owned business, it's really, it's very, very special.

Have you decided to attend the Boutique Summit yet, you guys? This is our industry's biggest business conference and in person gathering for you to learn from all of the top industry experts, top retailers in home and gift, top retailers in e commerce stores in apparel, and all kinds of industry experts. I hope you join us June 9th and 10th in Dallas, Texas for the Boutique Summit. Plus, you guys, John Acuff, he is our keynote speaker this year and he's one of my all time favorite authors and he's going to be doing deep dives on leadership just for you. You guys. I want to get you something special. So here is a $50 off per ticket at checkout coupon that you can use just for listening to the podcast. Use summitcast at checkout when you're purchasing a ticket to the Boutique summit and get $50 off per ticket. I've got those links linked up to you in the show notes, so let me know if you've got any questions. But I can't wait to see you at this year's boutique summit June 9th and 10th in Dallas, Texas. Yeah, you know what's ironic about that? I was just reading this book last night, I just picked it up and it's called the Founder's Mentality and it's talking about the difference in companies that have a strong growth period. And then fall off versus those who have a strong growth period, like sustained over 10 years or more. And in the study, in this book, it was talking about that the companies that are successful have this thing in common, which is the founder's mentality, and that is an obsession with the front line. And so to hear you say, I'm obsessed with being at that information booth, hearing where people are from, knowing what drives their business, them being a family owned business, like we're a family owned business, that's the thing that, you know, really shines for Dallas Market center. And I think for so many businesses listening, again, that that obsession with the front line and that customer experience right off the bat, so, so neat to see that, you know, living proof right out of the book, right?

Yes, absolutely, yes.

All right, well, I want to ask you a couple personal questions because like I said earlier, I look at you as a mentor in this industry. You know, someone who, I'm assuming when you first grew into leadership at Dallas Market center, there probably weren't a lot of women in the space of leadership. And so tell me about just your career's evolution and what it meant for you to rise up and become CEO and maybe advice you have for other women that are growing their career and growing their businesses in terms of leadership.

You know, it's really interesting. I've been here at DMC celebrating 35 years next month. And so, you know, I started here actually in the advertising department in an account executive role, and then moved up to a VP of Marketing and then to an EVP of marketing, and then to Chief Operating Officer, and then took over my current role in 2015. And, you know, from an advice perspective, I mean, there's a couple of things that I've learned along the way. When I moved into the role, you know, my predecessor had been. We had worked together for 23 years. And the one thing that he said to me is he said from day one, he said, you were honest with me. You never told me what I wanted to hear. And so I knew that you would talk to me about what you really thought needed to be done. And I think that's so critical. I mean, never be afraid to share ideas or talk about your thoughts because you're on the ground. I mean, you're in the trenches and you know what's happening and what's going on. And then the other advice I think I would have is that our founder, Mr. Crow, had a statement, and we've actually posted it around the building and it says there is as much risk in doing nothing, as in doing something. And you have to take risks. I mean, you're always going to fail, you're going to make a mistake, everybody's going to. But if you don't take those risks and try something, you know, you're never really going to succeed and see huge, huge potential here. And so for me now, when you look at our company, we have a lot of women here and a lot of our customers are women. And so some of our industries, like lighting are a little more male dominated. But our exec team is. The majority of women are on our exec team. And I think our employee base is probably the majority women as well. And so there's been a lot of growth here, but I think there's so much opportunity for women today. I really, really do. So it's been a great journey for me, a great career here and I've loved every minute of it. And I think the other piece is you have to have passion. And you know, in this business, I mean, passion is really what I think differentiates the people that, that succeed from those that don't is really having passion and coming to work every day, you know, excited about what awaits. And it's never the same day twice. I mean, there's always new things, new adventures, new learnings. And part of that within our company is because of all the industries we serve. It's an exciting, exciting place to be.

It is. I love hearing your story when we have a chance just to sit down and visit again about the difference in those industries. But no two days ever looks the same. It seems like there's always something new cooking at dmc. So I love hearing that. I love watching your journey. Any other leadership advice you would give those listening?

You know, I guess what I would probably say is, you know, always look to the future. Always look ahead, see what opportunities you can have. You know, don't ever settle because there are, there are opportunities. There are so many, you know, different roles. I mean, never fear taking on a new project. Always look for what else you can do to learn the business. We have so many young people here at dmc and I think at first it's overwhelming. I mean, anytime you walk inside five and a half million square feet and you see all these buildings and all this product and just trying to figure out how do you find your way from your desk down to the food court to have lunch is a challenge. But really you have to step back and look and say, how can I contribute? How can I make a difference? Because people that are Willing to step out and make a difference and really, really share their thoughts or observations. You know, they're the ones that are going to rise to the top. And I even will have lunch. I have lunch with new employees when they start. And then I also, you know, have lunch with employees periodically. And I'll always say, you know, even to, you know, whether it's our housekeepers or engineers, you know, give us ideas, you know, share an idea. What are you seeing? Because they're seeing things very differently from what I'm seeing or from what other execs are seeing. And so I think no matter what your role is within a company, there's an opportunity for you to really shine, differentiate yourselves and contribute. You know, and back to Mr. Crow for a minute. I mean, one of the things he was so great at was he would make people believe they could do things they were never capable of doing. And when you're able to do that and people can see the value and what they're bringing, I mean, that such fulfillment in what you're contributing to a company. Yes.

And such servant leadership as well. Wow. Well, let's. Let's switch gears a little bit. Let's talk about June markets. So those who are listening, that's our next opportunity to join you in person and hopefully get to meet you in person at the info booth, but also experience the space. What do you have in store specifically for June apparel market? Because I know we've got some exciting things coming up as well with you guys.

We are the most excited about the summit coming here in June. I mean, that's a, a huge, huge highlight for us. And I can't wait to see you and your group back. And, and I just have to share one quick thought. When you were here last year, and I went over and I was listening to one, it was a session on social media and I heard your group, the questions, the Q and A that they were asking at the end of the presentation, and the information was so valuable and it was information they could take back and implement that day that could impact their business. And so, you know, that's what I enjoy the most about watching you and your group when they're here, because the information is so incredibly valuable to the stores. But from a DMC perspective, we have, you know, obviously June apparel and accessories coming up, Kids World coming up. And then we also have, right after that, we have our total home and gift market and light ovation on the apparel side of the business. You know, we do our events, we've got our trend show on Tuesday night, which is, which is always incredible. And I'm, you know, it's what impresses me so much is how they're able to curate those goods from so many different showrooms and temporaries and put that together on the Runway in such a cohesive presentation. So we've got our trend fashion show. We've got our temporary exhibits obviously on 12 and 13, on 10, and then we've got our permanent showrooms on 13, 14, 15, and then again right following that about a week later, starts total home and gift market and Light Ovation for the summer edition of that. And so we're super excited about all the opportunities that we have in June. And then if you just fast forward a little bit, I really haven't talked at all about Western and equestrian. And that was, that's just a huge, huge addition to our market. And in fact, we added that during COVID In January of 2021, we worked with the Western and English Sales Association, WESA and launched their show. And then in August of 21, we launched the ADA, the equestrian piece of it. And what I think is really so special about that addition of Western is that when we were meeting with WESA and talking about it, what stood out was it was so beneficial for both. And that's what makes the true partnership really work. Work, because it has to work for both people. And when you looked at it, what we were able to provide Wes's buyers were we were able to provide them additional resources, you know, like things, you know, like, you know, contemporary and other product categories, accessories that they, you know, may not have been previously carrying. And we were able to provide their exhibitors additional retailers that they may not have sold before. So it was a huge, huge win, win. And so we have that coming up in August, both WESA and ada, and that has been so incredibly successful that we're actually expanding our Western permanent onto part of the 10th floor. So we've been busy working on that. And that will open in January of 2025. But in Western is so of the moment right now. I mean, it's the hottest trend there is. And so whether you're an apparel store means still, I mean, you know, go, you know, look at a boot line, you know, look at a hat line. I mean, there's, you know, hats have become such a huge trend as well. But again, it just talks the strength of Dallas, all those categories, all those products you can buy to differentiate your stores. And. And Western is certainly another one. And there's not a better place in the World to buy Western product than Dallas Market Center.

I mean, what a huge move and what a huge opportunity that was for you guys. I. I can't, like, overstate this enough, but if I go back to what happened in 2020 and the way that you guys opened the building and had a market when no one else was doing that, and then what happened in 21 when, you know, this deal was finalized and the shows began, those were some really pivotal moments for Dallas Market center and for you and your career. I'm sure there was probably plenty of sleepless nights making some of those decisions and negotiations along the way. But now to look in the rearview mirror and go, wow, we made some tough choices, but they were the right choices because look at where they got us today. How did you, as a leader, get through those moments that were maybe a little bit up and down, making those decisions along the way?

Yeah, Ashley, it was super tough. I mean, people were scared, and it was really, really understandable. But for us, I mean, we had to look at our customers and retailers. They needed product. I mean, exhibitors needed to sell product to stay in business. And so we sat back and we said, you know, we're going to figure out how to do this safely, which we were able to do. And we were also very fortunate, you know, in the state of Texas, you know, that we didn't have restrictions that prohibited us. So, you know, with that and then also with the, you know, it was hard in terms of, you know, just because people were scared, you know, trying to, you know, talk to people and say, we can do this safely, you know, and in doing it, we really picked up market share. It helped our business enormously. And so, you know, you can always look back and. And at this point, you know, it's a memory, and you forget the tough parts of it, and you look at all the great things that came from it, because, I mean, that. That's the way that you have to do that when you're leading a business. You have to look. Look at it and say, you know, what's the next new thing? What can we do to change and evolve? And actually, we're also adding a textile show here in March and October, starting this October going forward as well. So when I said the one constant is change, it's so true. It really is. You have to look and evolve. And how do you continue to keep your marketplace exciting for your retailers? Because it's our job to help them be successful and our exhibitors. And so as long as we're doing that, and I Think we did that during COVID then we're always going to win. Yeah.

So true. And really, it kind of complements our relationship and our journey along the way too, everything that you're saying. Because when we were looking to take a risk and create an in person event, you, you guys said, yes, you took a risk on this group that you had no idea who we were, what we were about. And I said, I think I can bring 300 people. And you guys were like, well, okay, let's make it happen. So I mean, to your point, again, you always have to be taking risk. You took a risk on us and that's why us hosting the summit there is so special and we appreciate that relationship so much. It's so nice to bring people to Dallas for that awesome experience. So again, June 9th and 10th, for those of you who are listening, we'll be back. I'll link up tickets in the show notes so you can still have an opportunity to grab one. And we'll make it super easy for everyone to stay in attend market during June as well, after the summit, correct, Cindy?

Absolutely. We are so excited to see you and your group here in June. Yes.

All right, one fun fact before we wrap up. So when we're in Market Hall, I don't think everyone knows the historic piece of Market hall as it relates to President Kennedy and what happened in Dallas. Can you share a little bit of that story for those who don't know?

Yes, I sure can. So President Kennedy was actually heading to Dallas Market center for a luncheon, you know, on the fateful day. And he was on his way here. And what they ended up doing was they went straight up Simmons Freeway over to Parkland Hospital, and Mr. Crow was here at Dallas Market center and he was actually having to address the crew, the crowd that was there, and tell them what had happened, which was so, so tragic. And in front of our trademark building, there is an eagle sculpture that the citizens of Dallas donated and put there in honor of President Kennedy that day that he was headed here to our campus.

That's incredible. It's such a piece of history that many of us are walking in and out of every day and during market and we don't even know the significance. So thanks for sharing that.

Well, you know, and the other interesting thing about Market hall specifically is that it was the first column free exhibition center built in America. And so when you go into Main hall, there are no columns and there's also natural light, which is very, very unique for any type of a convention facility. But that's another fun fact. And, you know, also, you know, our atrium buildings here are, you know, firsts as well. So there's, there's really a lot of first that we have here and we cherish with our history. And so it's. Yeah, there's. And, and plus, you know, the other thing we appreciate here, and I think your buyers have probably seen it, is just all the art here at Dallas Market Center. I mean, the Crow family has done an amazing job of curating art over the years, and it, it's special to be able to add that component just for people to enjoy when they visit Dallas Market Center.

Absolutely. Well, Cindy, again, thank you so much for your time today. I have just one final question, and this is my favorite question to ask because I think that you and I both agree that life in business is about far more than just selling things.

Right?

It's about more than the dollars that we're turning, you know, and the things we're doing on a daily basis. It's much bigger than that. So I know you're a mom and you've got some wonderful sons, and I want you to think just forward. I'm going to say, you know, 15 years, and you're sitting there on the front porch with your family, your husband, your sons, and you're talking about this life that you've lived, the career, career that you had, the people you've met along the way. I'm curious, what's the thing that you want them to remember most about you, who you are as a person and this journey that you've been on over the years?

Oh, my gosh, let me think. You know, it's been such an incredible journey. And, and I think that the one thing that my family has probably enjoyed from this journey, and I'm just going to step back for a minute, is that I have done some international consulting and consulted for eight years on a project in China in the early 2000s. And because I did that, I obviously, along the way earned a lot of air miles and I was able to take my husband and my children to places that they probably may not have never seen or certainly by their ages now. But I think that the one thing when I look back on it is that just the fact that when I look at what I've accomplished, one, as a woman within this business, I think that, yeah, I want them to see that the sky's the limit. I mean, there's so much that you can do and that you can contribute, you know, to the world today. And so that's probably what I want them to think about and remember and the exposure that they've had and they've been able to see just in different parts of the world and different cultures. And, you know, you could learn so much from other people in that journey along the way.

Absolutely. Well, Cindy, thanks for sharing your time with us today. We look forward to seeing you again at Market soon, but this has been incredible. Again, thanks. Thanks so much for your partnership and all that you do for our industry.

Thank you, Ashley, and thanks to all your members for shopping Dallas. We appreciate it.

Thanks for listening, guys. I hope you took away all kinds of nuggets and new ideas from this week's episode. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a rating and review. We love to hear your feedback and give you a chance to be featured on the show each and every week. For more information on our spirit of community over competition and to access guest downloads and bonuses and all the resources we talked about on the show, head on over to the boutiquehub.com and join the community. We'll see you next week.