The Empire Builders Podcast

Reverse engineering the success of established business empires.

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#246: Firestone & Goodyear – Innovation By Competition

Posted March 4, 202600:21:54

Two start-ups a couple of years apart became the inspiration for each other to get better and better and better.

Dave Young:

Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from Mom-and-Pop to major brands.

Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector and storyteller. I’m Steven’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young.

Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us. But we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for our clients, so here’s one of those.

[AirVantage...

#245: Gymboree – A 1.8 Billion Dollar Empire

Posted February 26, 202600:22:41

Joan Barnes wanted to meet new moms and that was the inspiration for a place for moms to hang out with other moms.

Dave Young:

Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young.

Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is… Well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for our clients. Here’s one of those.

[Tommy...

#244: Pace Salsa – The OG American Salsa

Posted February 18, 202600:17:16

In 1947 Dave Pace spiced up America with Salsa and this turned into a 90 Billion Dollar category.

Dave Young:

Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not so secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for our clients. So here’s one of those.

[ECO...

#243: Doritos & Tostitos – A Risk That Paid Off

Posted February 11, 202600:18:27

Arch West had the heart of an entrepreneur and liked to take risks. Unfortunately he worked for Frito-Lay and had bosses to convince.

Dave...

#242: Nintendo – Video Games Starting in 1889

Posted February 4, 202600:19:41

Mario Bros. is the biggest franchise of all time. Bigger than Star Wars, Marvel… bigger than Harry Potter. Nintendo is an empire.

Dave Young:

Welcome...