Business Movers

Explore the challenges faced by Nintendo in the early days, pivotal decisions made by Minoru Arakawa, the birth of Donkey Kong as a gaming icon, and the legal battles over copyright infringement with Universal Pictures.

In the 19th Century, Samuel Cunard wins a contract to deliver mail from Britain to North America by steamship - a new technology that will make transatlantic travel faster than ever before. His company goes on to become the Cunard Line. It will carry millions of immigrants to the new world, serve in two world wars, and dominate the transatlantic passenger business - until another new technology emerges to threaten the illustrious company’s future.Need more Business Movers? With Wondery+, enjoy exclusive seasons, early access to new ones, and they’re always ad-free. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.app.link/inIc9lKeyLb now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Industrialist Henry Ford seeks alternative rubber sources, leading to a risky venture in the Amazon Rainforest. Ford's ambitious projects at Muscle Shoals and his shift to Brazil highlight his determination and strategic pursuits. The turbulent journey of Willis Reeves Blakely managing Ford's Brazilian plantation project showcases challenges faced in the pursuit of innovation.

The podcast explores Pepsi President Walter Mack hiring a team of Black salesmen in the 1940s to target African American customers despite segregation. It delves into the challenges faced by the sales team in racially segregated areas, their efforts to build brand loyalty, and the innovative marketing strategies implemented to tap into the African American market.

A skeptical bookseller rejects a publisher's offer to sell affordable paperback books, leading to a revolutionary change in the publishing industry. The origins of Penguin Books and the Lane brothers' determination to change the industry. Alan's journey of discovering a gap in the market, facing resistance from the board of directors. Naming the Penguins and the challenges faced in promoting the paperbacks. From skepticism to success and the overwhelming demand for affordable paperbacks.

Takeshi “Shin” Okawara, young businessman who became the manager of one of the first KFCs in Japan, shares the story of the struggles and triumphs of KFC in Japan. The podcast explores how KFC became a Christmas tradition in Japan and the challenges faced in opening KFC restaurants in the country. It also delves into the joint venture between KFC and Mitsubishi and the battle for independence of KFC Japan.

Rowland Macy opens his new store in New York City after failed ventures, and finds success and a new family. Macy's grows and becomes a department store under Margaret's leadership. After Roland's death, the store faces uncertainty but is rebuilt by the Straus family, transforming into an iconic American institution.

Milton Hershey, confectioner and founder of the Lancaster Caramel Company, overcomes failures to become a millionaire. He becomes interested in chocolate and starts his own candy-making business, the Lancaster Caramel Company. Facing financial difficulties, he works tirelessly to sell enough caramels and successfully delivers a large order to achieve success for the first time in his career.

Sandy Lerner and Len Bosack invent a technology to connect computers of different makes and models. They face resistance from Stanford University, leading them to start their own company. The founders of Cisco overcome financial struggles by letting customers access source code and forming partnerships. However, their success is threatened when accused of theft by Stanford University.

A small Danish toy company survives World War Two by manufacturing plastic bricks, but faces bankruptcy. The shift to plastic manufacturing causes tensions within the family-owned company. After a fire destroys the factory, Ole Kirk rebuilds the company. A disagreement arises over sales figures and toy production. The strained relationship between Ole Kirk and Godfred leads to a battle of perspectives on expanding the Lego factory.