#405 How Rockefeller Worked

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Nov 17, 2025

Explore the relentless principles of John D. Rockefeller, revealing his view of business as warfare. Discover his obsession with numbers and structured bookkeeping, his methodical problem-solving approach, and strategic focus on transportation costs. Learn how he leveraged technology, borrowed aggressively to scale, and prioritized vertical integration. Dive into his ruthless competitive tactics and expansive acquisitions, alongside his unique ability to maintain autonomy. This insightful journey highlights Rockefeller's complex yet effective strategies for dominating the oil industry.

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Episode notes

00:00 / 00:00

Business As A Battle

Rockefeller treated business like war, using secrecy and coded messages to shield strategy.
He concentrated intensely on one thing at a time, believing focus wins big outcomes.

00:00 / 00:00

Numbers Reveal The Truth

Rockefeller obsessed over numbers and bookkeeping as the true story of a business.
He inspected every line of every bill and rejected sloppy business practices.

00:00 / 00:00

Relentless, Methodical Persistence

Persist relentlessly like Rockefeller: visit prospects daily and keep repeating until you break through.
Make slow, methodical, wearing progress your default strategy for gaining traction.

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Business as War and Relentless Focus

01:11 • 1min

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Obsession with Numbers and Order

02:17 • 1min

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Relentless Problem-Solving and Persistence

03:39 • 3min

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Leveraging Technology and Acting Like an Owner

06:25 • 3min

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Know More: Deep Industry Expertise

08:58 • 1min

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Transportation as the Strategic Priority

10:02 • 1min

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Borrowing Aggressively to Grow Fast

11:06 • 3min

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Control, Vertical Integration, and Hiring A-Players

Managing Volatility and Strategic Speculation

29:25 • 1min

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Finding Leverage and Stacking Advantages

30:25 • 2min

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The Growth Flywheel: Scale, Rebates, and Buying Competitors

32:52 • 41sec

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Secret Allies, Cap Table as a Weapon

33:33 • 1min

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The Cleveland Massacre and Aggressive Consolidation

34:36 • 3min

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Hidden Companies and Maintaining Autonomy

37:49 • 2min

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Forming the National Refiners Association to Gather Intelligence

39:22 • 5min

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Daily Metrics, Patience, and Operational Discipline

44:28 • 2min

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Ruthless Competitive Tactics and Legal Pressure

46:15 • 4min

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Frugality Paired with Bold Investment in Downturns

50:21 • 55sec

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Vertical Integration and Byproduct Exploitation

51:16 • 1min

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Embracing Technology When Facts Change

52:32 • 1min

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Political Influence, Media Control, and Extreme Focus

54:01 • 1min

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Putting Risk on Himself to Resolve Disputes

55:17 • 13sec

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Righteous Narrative: Rockefeller's Justification of Standard Oil

John D. Rockefeller's secret weapon

Albert H. Z. Carr

This book provides a comprehensive analysis of John D. Rockefeller's approach to business, revealing the strategic 'secret weapon' behind his success. Albert H. Z. Carr examines Rockefeller's methods in building and maintaining his vast industrial empire, particularly focusing on his leadership in the oil industry and his role in the Union Tank Car Company. Originally published in 1962, the book offers historical insights into Rockefeller's business acumen and legacy.

#2875

• Mentioned in 12 episodes

John D.: The Founding Father of the Rockefellers

David Freeman Hawke

This biography, the first to make use of materials in the Rockefeller Archives, delves into the life of John D. Rockefeller, exploring his rise to becoming the richest man in the world. It examines his business practices, personal values, and the contradictions of his character, such as his aversion to losing money and his generosity in giving it away. The book provides a comprehensive look at Rockefeller's role in the oil industry and his impact on corporate history.

#253

• Mentioned in 75 episodes

Titan

The Life of John D. Rockefeller, Sr.

Ron Chernow

This biography by Ron Chernow provides an in-depth look at John D. Rockefeller, Sr., the founder of Standard Oil and one of the most influential figures in American history. Drawing on unprecedented access to Rockefeller’s private papers, Chernow reconstructs Rockefeller’s troubled origins, his single-minded pursuit of wealth, and his profound religiosity. The book also delves into Rockefeller’s philanthropic efforts, including his generous donations to the Rockefeller Foundation, the University of Chicago, and Rockefeller University. Chernow’s narrative synthesizes Rockefeller’s public and private lives, revealing a complex and multifaceted individual who was both a ruthless businessman and a devoted philanthropist. The book captures a pivotal moment in American history, documenting the post-Civil War shift from small businesses to giant corporations and featuring cameos by notable figures such as Ida Tarbell, Andrew Carnegie, and J.P. Morgan.

#317

• Mentioned in 64 episodes

Conspiracy

Ryan Holiday

In 'Conspiracy', Ryan Holiday chronicles the intricate and ambitious plot by Peter Thiel to take down Gawker Media. The book is based on interviews with key players and delves into the strategic and philosophical underpinnings of Thiel's actions. It examines the intersection of power, privacy, and free speech in the digital age, highlighting the ruthless and brilliant tactics employed by Thiel. The narrative transcends a simple tale of a billionaire vs. a media empire, offering insights into the broader implications for culture and society.

This episode covers the insanely valuable company-building principles of John D. Rockefeller—and nothing else. I spent over 40 hours reading (and rereading) this obscure biography of Rockefeller that costs $1,000 I then spent several days editing down 25 pages of notes from the book. I deleted everything that was not How Rockefeller Works Episode sponsors: ⁠ Ramp⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ gives you everything you need to control spend, watch your costs, and optimize your financial operations —all on a single platform. Make history's greatest entrepreneurs proud ⁠⁠⁠by going to Ramp and learning how they can help your business control your costs and save time and money.⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ramp.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ Automate compliance, security, and trust with Vanta.⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Vanta helps you win trust, close deals, and stay secure—faster and with less effort⁠⁠⁠⁠. ⁠⁠⁠Find out how increased security leads to more customers by going to Vanta⁠⁠⁠. Tell them David from Founders sent you and you'll get $1000 off. ⁠⁠⁠https://www.vanta.com/founders⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ Collateral⁠⁠ transforms your complex ideas into compelling narratives. Collateral crafts institutional grade marketing collateral for private equity, private credit, real estate, venture capital, family offices, hedge funds, oil & gas companies, and all kinds of corporations. Storytelling is one of the highest forms of leverage and you should invest heavily in it. You can do that by going to ⁠⁠https://collateral.com

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