Success: A Business History Podcast

Schlitz beer has always been intertwined with Pabst Brewing Company, but in its heyday, Schlitz was actually the beer of choice. Through a series of unfortunate events, the Uihlein brothers found themselves as the owners of Schlitz Brewing Company by 1875 and were ready to take the company to new heights. Some would even argue that without Schlitz, Milwaukee wouldn’t be the successful city it is today. This episode we’re talking about an escape from Germany, all the reasons you’ll ever need to never want to take a trip on a ship again, and the start of a family dynasty.

Streaming on major platforms now!

Resources

American Cheese has been a fan favorite of children and adults for decades, but most cheesemakers feel very differently about it. We’re delving into James Krafts’ entrepreneur spirit, the ins and outs of “process cheese”, and the ingenious business strategies that made Kraft Foods a household name. This episode is all about Kraft Foods history starting from a little town in Canada to a big jump across the Niagara River. It’s time to stir up a pot of mac and cheese while we talk about how a horse named Paddy, a little blind ambition, and cheese changed the world.

When Henry Heinz lost everything to a bad business investment, he turned to his family for help to build a ketchup kingdom. With a little creativity and a lot of business sense, Henry was able to create America’s most beloved condiment. Grab some fries and layer on the ketchup as we dish on ketchup, rotting cucumbers, and a sinking ship (metaphorically and literally).

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram at Success PDCST to see photos from the episode!

You’ve seen Pabst Beer in the grocery stores for decades, but it was not any easy road to success for this two hundred year old company. It all started with the Best family’s decision to leave Germany and take a chance on building a new business in a budding new American town, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Pour a Blue Ribbon brewski and settle in as we uncover the story of Pabst that was brewed with company pivots, family shame, and a hostile takeover.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram at Success PDCST to see photos from the episode!

182 years ago the foundation was put in place for one of the world’s largest conglomerates. And it all started in a little town in Massachusetts. This episode, we’re headed down the Berkshire Hathaway rabbit hole to figure out how one boat ride from London to New York set off the events that would lead Warren Buffet to owning one of the most well-known businesses in the nation. Strap in for the journey as we talk cotton mills, sibling rivalries, and blind revenge.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram at Success PDCST to see photos from the episode!

We have chocolate on the mind so there was no way we could do Mars, Incorporated without an episode on Hershey too! Milton Hershey's desire to be the greatest son ever created a lot of business setbacks in his life, but with William Murrie at the wheel, Hershey Chocolate Company could weather any storm. This episode we're talking about love, triumph, and a blood bath that changes American history.

Those M&Ms you're reaching for did not have a sweet beginning. We're going back to the early 1900s as we talk about Frank Mars' chocolate-coated ideas, Forrest Mars' unrelenting tenacity, and the unlikely story that is Mars, Inc. In this debut episode, we'll walk through Mars, Inc. history and uncover the most pivotal moments that made it possible for this secretive company to exist today. Grab a Snickers, as we talk deceit, nepotism, and espionage.