81. Oh Thank Heaven for 7-Eleven

In this podcast episode, host Laura Sexton shares a story of determination, and resilience. The story of the Southland Ice Company is an enjoyable one. You’ll learn something you never knew. And, hopefully, you’ll be inspired to make a change in your own life as well.

In this episode we’ll:

.     share a story of a little start up that could.

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Transcript

Laura: 0:03

Hello and welcome to the Accelerate Your Legacy podcast. I'm Laura Sexton, your trusted financial coach and money mindset specialist. Join me as we explore the world of money and money mindset while also paving the way for a lasting legacy that extends far beyond money. Together we'll eliminate stress, amplify freedom, and ensure you stop paying for your past so you can start saving for your future. If you're seeking peace in your finances, more margin in your budget, and a legacy that inspires generations to come, you're in the right place. Oh, thank heaven for 7 Eleven. Hello accelerators and welcome to the podcast. Today is one of my favorite days just based on number. I think it's hysterical and it could just be the prevalence of the chain store 7 Eleven. It could be something else. I'm not entirely sure, but I always get a kick. Out of 7, 11, maybe you're with me. I wanted to tell you a story that begins in the sweltering heat of Dallas, Texas in 1927. All right. Now friends, picture this. It is a hot summer day. What is it that you want? You're outside, you're working, you're in the sweltering heat. What is it that you want? You want an ice cold beverage, but in 1927, refrigerators aren't a household item yet. So, how do people keep their food fresh? They use ice boxes. That's why some people still call the fridge the ice box. Those iceboxes needed a constant supply of ice. So that's where the Southland Ice Company comes in. They were a business that focused on delivering big blocks of ice to homes so they could keep their food from spoiling. This may seem absolutely crazy to you, but you need a giant blocks of ice to put in your icebox to keep your food cold. You're not taking chunks of this and putting it in that ice cold beverage that you would really like, but maybe, just maybe your drink could come out of the ice box cold. The Southland Ice Company was doing well. They stopped focusing on only delivering, and they started having these things called ice houses. The ice house was a place in the neighborhood where people could come and pick up their ice. It wasn't always needing to be delivered. Well, then one of their forward thinking employees, John Jefferson Green, had a brilliant idea. What was this brilliant idea? He started selling milk, bread, and eggs from the Ice House. Can you imagine the convenience? Instead of having to make multiple trips to multiple locations, customers could pick up their daily essentials in just one go. This little experiment was a hit. The idea of combining essential items with ice sales caught on really quickly. They called these stores, totem stores, because customers could tote their goods away. They even added real Alaskan totem poles outside of the stores for a fun little touch. It was all about making the shopping experience convenient and enjoyable. Well, as the years went by, the totem stores continue to grow and they continue to innovate. But then came the 1930s and the Great Depression. Times were tough, and many businesses struggled to survive. However, Southland pressed on. They expanded their product range even further, beyond ice, beyond conveniences, and they started selling gasoline. They were always thinking about what their customer needed and how they could provide it more conveniently. In the 1940s, the company decided it was time for a rebrand. Back in the day, they were kind of revolutionary in their hours of operation. You see, this store, these Totem stores, the Southland Ice Company, their stores operated from 7 a. m. to 11 p. m. Most stores closed much earlier than that, but 7 11 saw the value in being open when others were not. It was all about meeting the customer's needs whenever they needed it. The 1950s and 60s were decades of rapid growth and innovation for 7 Eleven. They introduced the world to the Slurpee in 1966. It is a frozen carbonated beverage that quickly became a customer favorite. And today, 7 Eleven, you can go get a free Slurpee at most convenience stores. Why did I choose today to tell you the story of 7 Eleven? It's because this little startup company could have very easily gone out of business when refrigerators became a household item. When they no longer needed to deliver ice house to house. But they didn't. They innovated. They changed. Based on what people needed. Based on what was right in front of them. Accelerators, if things look like they need to change for you, Today's the day to decide how you want to change it. Today's the day to innovate. Today is the day to switch from being a convenient store that only operates on normal hours and extend those hours to 7 11. If your day job is not cutting it for your family, if you go to work and you come home and you have too much month at the end of the money. How are we going to extend your hours? How are we going to bring more in accelerators? You have the power to change your own life, your own destiny. Do not be stuck in the ice delivery business because that's not going to be profitable for you. You know, 7 11, it is a convenient store and it does sell gas. That is true. But, you know, their biggest item outside of gasoline, the biggest convenience store item that they sell is still ice. Thanks. If you need ice for a backyard barbecue, the best place to go get it is at a 7 Eleven because even though they're no longer an ice house, even though they're no longer a totem store, They still sell a whole lot of ice. We don't have to let go of the thing that makes you, you. You have the ability, Accelerators, to change things that you want to change in your life. If you need a little bit of help doing that, all you have to do is reach out. I'm here for you. I love that you were already paying attention, you were a step ahead of the rest. But let's take some huge strides forward. If I can help you in any way, all you have to do is send me a message on Instagram at accelerateyourlegacy or shoot me an email, laura at accelerateyourlegacy. com. You can see all of my free resources on my resource page at my website. Uh, Accelerators, I am here for you and I look forward to seeing how you innovate and how you grow. As for now, go out and make a difference. Thank you for investing your time with us today on the Accelerate Your Legacy podcast. Remember, your legacy isn't just measured in dollars and cents, but in the tools, habits, mindset, and reputation you leave behind. Don't just listen to the show, but take action on what you've learned. Share this wisdom with a friend who can benefit and help us spread the word by rating and reviewing the podcast. For questions or encouragement, reach out to me on Instagram at Accelerate Your Legacy or explore the resources listed in the show notes. I will be back with you next week. Until then, build your legacy with intention.