Coke – they already had an empire, but…
No matter how big you are, no matter how much you spend, and even if you are the best marketers on the planet; you cannot bend the consumer to your will.
Gaggia Espresso Machines had a problem
This is a lesson of overcoming resistance to new innovations. What to do with unwanted oily film? The answer built an empire and even changed how fine espresso is judged.
An interview with a small business that applied the Wrigley formula
He does not sell gum. He sells used RVs and he applied the lessons from Wrigley’s and is growing like crazy.
The birth of Play-doh. A cleaning agent becomes a toy.
Observing how your customer is using your products can lead to new product ideas and maybe even save your company.
Get rid of all the bells and whistles. The Birth of the Sony Walkman
It lacked all the things people wanted but gave them one thing they had not thought about. And a star is born.
How to marry brick and mortar with online retailing. The Canada Goose way.
Canada Goose is the second fastest-growing luxury brand in the world.
Retailers Beware!
This is a departure. In this episode, Stephen Semple shares trends that he is seeing that are being embraced by retailers. Trends that are dangerously wrong.
Who is J.D. Power? Is he a real person? Find out.
Started over a kitchen table on April Fools and sold later for $400M USD. This is the story of how to make your consulting service more valuable.
Armed with Scissors and an Idea a Billionaire is Born. The Spanx Story.
Sara Blakely was getting ready for a party when she realized she didn't have the right undergarment to provide a smooth look. Like all revolutions: it was not easy.
What delivering newspapers taught me about pizza – The story of Domino’s.
How an orphan who was swindled out of his life savings grew the largest independent restaurant business on the planet.
How $1,500 of Flea Market Garb became Banana Republic
Banana Republic was founded by 2 journalists with the dream to make a little extra money so they could travel. Little did they know they would create a fashion juggernaut.
Pat Weaver Changed the Face of Advertising Forever
You have not heard of him, but if you've ever run an ad on TV or Radio then you have him to thank. Learn the key to controlling eyeballs (and your own destiny).
A Trip to Italy Changes Everything for Starbucks
How a sip of espresso at a piazza in Italy transformed the coffee industry in North America. It seems obvious now. But trust me. This idea was crazy.
How to Build an Empire in Uncertain Times. The story of Wrigley’s
At the top of their game the Wrigley’s family was one of the wealthiest families in the world. Learn how they broke into the big time when they actually had nothing to sell.
Empire Builders #003: Trump Decoded
It doesn't matter if you love him or hate him. Learn the 7 communication strategies he used to create his tribe and how you can use this to build yours.