This Week In Business History

In this episode of This Week in Business History, Scott is joined by special guest Jenny Froome, COO of SAPICS, a leading provider of knowledge in supply chain management, production and operations in South Africa. Join the dynamic duo as they trace the origins of the hot dog, debate confectionery nomenclature (“hard candy” or “boiled sweets”?) and explore the success story of a little company you may have heard of called Intel. Jenny also shares the history and legacy of Nelson Mandela Day, held every July 18, and how 67 minutes could jump start the changes you wish to see around the world.

In this episode of This Week in Business History, Kelly Barner tells the life story of John Wanamaker, the so-called Merchant Prince of Philadelphia. He has an unusually long list of firsts to his name, and they are not all in business. He established the first department store in Philadelphia, coined the term ‘department store,’ was the first retail store to advertise in the newspaper, the first to use price tags, and the first to offer full refunds.

In this LIVE episode of This Week in Business History, Scott Luton and Allison Krache Giddens connected the dots of history while taking a journey down memory lane, shining a light on some of the most significant leaders, companies, innovations – and even lessons learned – from the week of July 4-8th. They shared stories about: • The delicious history of Graham crackers • The success of Donkey Kong and its many spin-off brands • Use of the world’s first active communications satellite

In this edition of This Week in Business History, Kelly Barner remembers key innovations, inventions, and firsts that took place the week of July 5th. The important role that the secret, silent Mr. Charles Bergstresser played in the founding of Dow Jones and The Wall Street Journal., why buying a set of soup can paintings ended up being an “intense chicken noodle” of an investment, and the advice and backstory of Shark Tank’s “Mr. Wonderful,” Kevin O’Leary.

Many innovations extend beyond one invention or improvement. They happen thanks to combined changes in attitude, economics, technology, and society. In this week’s episode of This Week in Business History we see this dynamic play out in home kitchens – starting with the patenting of the first electric stove by William S. Hadaway on June 30, 1896. Right in the midst of the second industrial revolution, this invention can be considered alongside the electrification of American homes, a desire for cleanliness and food safety, and standardization of everything from manufacturing to recipe measurements. Listen to these stories and then marvel at the many innovations sitting in your own home kitchen!

When did the word “robot” enter the English language? When did the famous Sears catalog finally bid us all adieu? This Week in Business History just made a little bit of history of its own… this week! Scott Luton and Kelly Barner went LIVE to take a journey down memory lane, shining a light on some of the most significant leaders, companies, innovations – and even lessons learned – from the week of June 20-24. They shared stories about: • The iconic Jimmy Dean, musician, businessman, and – some might say – philosopher • The birth of Pizza Hut, which spawned a challenge to list as many famous ‘huts’ as possible • The backstory on Wheaties cereal and their innovating marketing techniques, including the iconic athlete features on their box and the first ever jingle featured in a radio commercial

During the Enlightenment, humanity experienced huge increases in understanding, and free thinkers that were so impactful we still study their works today. It was also a time of revolution: the American, French, Scientific, and Industrial. One of the greatest minds the world has ever known was born into the midst of all this change: Adam Smith. His book, The Wealth of Nations, was a landmark publication and instant bestseller in its day. It is still studied and read today, even if we don’t accept all of the ideas inside it as gospel. Listen to this episode of This Week in Business History as host Kelly Barner examines the philosophy, writing, and relationships of Adam Smith, the father of modern economics and the father of capitalism.

Over the last few years, we have seen ports closed for labor strikes, COVID, and the Ever Given getting stuck sideways in the Suez Canal. Every time a port is closed, it disrupts the flow of materials for a whole region and creates hardships for vast areas and communities that count on that port to supply them with all kinds of things. But can a closed port be a world history changing rallying point? It was in 1774. In fact, closing the port of Boston led to a turn in public opinion that brought together the residents of the Massachusetts Bay Colony – separatists and loyalists alike – as well as the other 12 colonies. It was a catalyst leading up to the American Revolution. Listen to this episode of This Week in Business History as host Kelly Barner shares the very business-driven history of the Boston Port Act, which took effect on June 1, 1774.

In this installment of our popular “This Week in Business History” series, host Scott W. Luton profiles a living legend in the advertising industry and global business world: Mary Wells Lawrence. We share her rise from her first role as a copywriter – – to eventually being inducted into the Hall of Fame. She would go on to create some of the most iconic advertising campaigns of all time, and forever change the industry.