Business on the Brink

Latest Episodes:

The Brink Books a Room at the Hilton Apr 15, 2019

Show notes

Conrad Hilton, the founder of Hilton hotels, took a lot of risks while building his empire. Despite numerous setbacks and challenges, he was able to forge a powerful company and establish hundreds of hotels across the world.

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This is CBS! (On The Brink) Apr 08, 2019

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In the 1990s, CBS was on a roller coaster. The TV network went from first to worst, leading to a buyout and a big change in programming. How did CBS navigate the difficult transition and emerge as America's most watched network?

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The Brink Places an Order at Starbucks Apr 01, 2019

Show notes

There's probably a location within an easy walk of where you are, but how did Starbucks become the omnipresent coffee shop? We look at the history of this famous chain.

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The Brink Gets Preppy with J Crew Mar 25, 2019

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The clothing brand associated with preppy kids established itself early on in the 1980s but found itself floundering after focusing on more high-priced products. This is the story of how a brand nearly priced itself out of the market.

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The Brink Toasts with Pabst Blue Ribbon Mar 18, 2019

Show notes

Did the Pabst Blue Ribbon beer really win a blue ribbon prize at the Chicago World's Fair? And how did this award-winning brew become associated with cheap beer? How did hipsters revive and then abandon PBR?

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Millennials Killed the Brink Mar 11, 2019

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Those pesky Millennials are at it again. From mayo to diamonds, they're just killing off industries left and right. Where did that idea come from and is it valid?

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Snacking on Rocky Mountain Chocolate Mar 04, 2019

Show notes

After a move to Durango, Colorado, Frank Crail had a tough decision ahead of him. Should he open up a chocolate factory, or a car wash? Lucky for chocaholics, he picked the sweeter route.

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A Converse Conversation Feb 25, 2019

Show notes

It started off as a galoshes company and evolved into a brand that for many years was an integral component of basketball in the US. We look at the lay ups and smack downs Converse has experienced since 1908.

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No Place for MySpace Feb 18, 2019

Show notes

Once it was the king of social media platforms but these days MySpace is nearly forgotten. How did the company go from being on top of the world to a punchline?

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Xerox: Hoping to Copy Past Success Feb 11, 2019

Show notes

This venerable company, whose trademarked name became the generic term for photocopiers, has been through a lot. We look at how some recent major changes have reshaped Xerox.

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