What I learned by reading The First Tycoon: The Epic Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt by TJ Stiles. ----His life spanned from the days of George Washington to John D. Rockefeller [0:01]$1 out of $20 in circulation [4:35]an overview of his life [5:35] the environment Vanderbilt was raised in [14:10] love of competition / dislike of school / first jobs [18:00] action for actions sake [22:00]an entrepreneur from the beginning [23:06] expansion fueled by aggressiveness, action, and constraints [30:00] partnering with the rich and powerful Thomas Gibbons [35:00]the solo founder [46:34]starting up with an eye on getting acquired [50:00] frugality wins [56:20]entrepreneurs vs large companies [1:03:45] more frugality and decentralized company structure [1:12:00] the size of his ambition was difficult for others to comprehend [1:19:25] ----Founders Notes gives you the ability to tap into the collective knowledge of history's greatest entrepreneurs on demand. Use it to supplement the decisions you make in your work.  Get access to Founders Notes here. ----“I have listened to every episode released and look forward to every episode that comes out. The only criticism I would have is that after each podcast I usually want to buy the book because I am interested so my poor wallet suffers. ” — GarethBe like Gareth. Buy a book: All the books featured on Founders Podcast

From an immigrant's journey to the New World to the rise and fall of the Vanderbilts, this episode covers the early career of Cornelius Vanderbilt in transportation, their expansion during the California Gold Rush, their immense wealth and legacy, the extravagant lifestyles of Vanderbilt descendants, and the decline of the Vanderbilt fortune.