The Empire Builders Podcast

Reverse engineering the success of established business empires.

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#121: G.I. Joe – The First Action Figure

Posted October 4, 202300:18:05

Not a direct path to popularity, but G.I. Joe the toy doesn’t give up. Hasbro was brilliant in finding ways for G.I. Joe to always be current.

Dave...

#120: Barbie, Hot Wheels, Matchbox – On to the cars…

Posted September 27, 202300:17:31

User experience versus the imagination. Matchbox light the imagination of playable toy car and Hot Wheels rolled out the playable version.

Dave...

#119: Barbie, Hot Wheels, Matchbox – Very Very Connected

Posted September 20, 202300:17:30

Have you every heard of the Yukadoodle? It was parent’s favorite toy. Now learn how that turned into Barbie.

Dave Young:

Welcome...

#118: Rubik’s Cube – Teaching Device or Toy?

Posted September 13, 202300:14:58

An accident that really happened by an accident. Erno Rubik created his cube to visualize 3D space, but people just wanted to solve a puzzle.

Dave...

#117: Maker’s Mark – A story of doing what you’re supposed to.

Posted September 6, 202300:22:20

Bill sells the family name and moves on from Whisky.  Marjorie knew he wasn’t happy and told him to make whisky again.

Dave Young:

Welcome...