Levis may well have been the pants that won the West, but it wasn’t the pants themselves that put Levi Strauss & Company on the map, it was the rivets that held them together under the strain of hard labor. And the rivets weren’t Strauss’ invention – that came from Jacob Davis, a tailor from Reno, Nevada, who had a great idea but not $69 for a patent. So he partnered with Strauss, and the rest is history.
Listen to this episode of This Week in Business History with Kelly Barner to trace blue jean innovations as they cross paths with the gold rush, the great 1906 San Francisco earthquake, World War I, and the Gilded Age.
More Podcast Episodes
economy
Podcast
March 20, 2024
The Women of Supply Chain Now Present: National Supply Chain Day
Who’s ready to celebrate the amazing supply chain professionals who keep the world connected? The ladies of Supply Chain Now, Mary Kate Love, Amanda Luton, and Katherine Hintz, take over the podcast in today’s episode, as they look forward to the upcoming National Supply Chain Day on April 29th! Listen in and learn more about: The genesis of National Supply Chain Day and the reasons behind the mission of celebrating the crucial role supply chain professionals play in the global workforce, economy, and marketplace The importance of supply chains in various sectors, including e-commerce, disaster relief, healthcare, and manufacturing. The special National Supply CHain Day livestream on Monday, April 29th at 12 Noon ET And how you can be a part of the National Supply Chain Day celebration!
titanium economy
Podcast
March 18, 2026
The Titanium Economy: How AI and Supply Chains Are Reshaping Industrial Competitiveness
Some of the most influential companies in today’s economy rarely make headlines. Known as the titanium economy, these small and mid-sized industrial businesses supply the parts, systems, and expertise that keep global supply chains operating. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, hosts Scott Luton and Karin Bursa are joined by Steffen Fuchs, Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company, and Ryan Fletcher, Partner at McKinsey & Company, to examine what makes these industrial companies so effective. The group discusses the characteristics that set them apart, from disciplined operations and close customer relationships to long-term thinking that helps them remain competitive across changing market conditions. Steffen and Ryan also share perspectives from their work with companies in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, and energy. The discussion looks at how these organizations respond to supply chain disruptions, approach growth opportunities, and invest in their people and operations. Along the way, the group explores leadership decisions, workforce development, and how companies are applying new technologies to support continued growth. This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Karin Bursa, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. Additional Links & Resources Check out all the great resources and information…