The Empire Builders Podcast
By: Stephen Semple and David Young
Language: en-CA
Categories: Business, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Management
Reverse engineering the success of established business empires.
Episodes
#238: Google – Do No Evil…
Jan 07, 2026Larry Page said in the early day, a guiding principle is Do No Evil. I wonder if we can say that today or is it just business as usual?
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom-and-pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve...
Duration: 00:26:06#237: Chocolate Chip Cookies – An Empire???
Dec 31, 2025When your year’s earnings are stolen and you need a quick way to make some cash on the cheap, you invent chocolate chip cookies.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom-and-pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector and storyteller. I’m Steven’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for o...
Duration: 00:20:06#236: Porsche – From Inexpensive To Luxury
Dec 17, 2025Ferdinand wanted to make cars for the people, but the Porsche brand we know is an empire of performance.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for our clients, so here’s one...
Duration: 00:23:42#235: The Home Depot – Inspired by Wal-Mart
Dec 10, 2025When two employees of Handy Dan hardware store gave this idea to management, they got fired! So, they started Home Depot. Someone’s kicking themselves now!
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not so secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom-and-pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is… well, it’s us. But we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and p...
Duration: 00:20:24#234: Ebay – Not That Kind of Auction
Dec 03, 2025From negotiating on the phone for some art to generating 10 Billion dollars a year, Pierre Omidyar built an empire out of other peoples stuff.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom-and-pop to major brand. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for our clie...
Duration: 00:23:09#233: Lowes – From Hardware to Home Repair
Nov 26, 2025Lucious Lowe never saw his empire, but his son and son-in-law figured out how to give the customer what they needed.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom-and-pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is… Well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for our clients, so here’s one...
Duration: 00:19:29#232: Amazon – 8,000 Orders a Minute
Nov 19, 2025From Jeffy’s Online Books to everything from A to Z, Amazon.com is an empire amongst empires. Bezos created something remarkable.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom-and-pop to major brands.
Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is… Well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for our clients...
Duration: 00:21:20#231: Lily’s Sweets – Sweeter Than Sugar
Nov 12, 2025Cynthia Tice started Lily’s Sweets at the age of 60 and sold it to Hersey’s 11 years later for $400 Million. Wow!
Dave Young:
Welcome to The Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom-and-pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for our clients. So, here’s one o...
Duration: 00:20:36#230: French Florist (Part 2) – In The Business of Love
Nov 05, 2025Stephen Continues his discussion with Michael Jacobson about how he help save and ultimately revive his uncle’s business.
Dave Young:
Welcome to The Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for our clients. So here’s one...
Duration: 00:22:54#229: French Florist (Part 1) – From Failing to Flourishing
Oct 29, 2025Michael Jacobson wanted to help his uncle sell his flower shop, but now it is growing like a weed.
Dave Young:
Welcome to The Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick in business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for our clients, so here’s on...
Duration: 00:26:45#228: Saving Lego – The Amazing Turnaround
Oct 22, 2025From almost going out of business in 2000 to becoming the biggest toy manufacturer in the world. This is an empire!
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom-and-pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is… well, it’s us. But we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for our clients. So here’s one of...
Duration: 00:18:38#227: AOL – You’ve Got Mail
Oct 15, 2025Did you know that at it’s peak America On Line was responsible for 50% of all Compact Disc production in America?
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Simple is a marketing consultant, story collector and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for our clients. S...
Duration: 00:24:20#226: 7-Eleven – The World’s Biggest
Oct 08, 2025Joe Thompson saw the future shifting with the invention of the refrigerator. So with innovation after innovation we now have convenience stores.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom-and-pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is… Well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for our clients, s...
Duration: 00:24:30#225: Movie Concessions – Let’s All Go To The Lobby
Oct 01, 2025Joseph Blumenthal, Jack Beresin and Milton Holloway, all kind of came together to make movie concessions happen.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom-and-pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young.
Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us. But we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for our clients so here’s one of those...
Duration: 00:20:26#224: Power Rangers – Japan Meets America
Sep 24, 2025Haim Saban is a Billionaire and it all started with a trip to Japan and only one thing on TV. Way to Go Go Power Rangers.
Dave Young:
Welcome to The Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written a...
Duration: 00:18:17#223: Untuckit – Shirt. Problem. Solved.
Sep 18, 2025Chris Ricobono walked into garment makers all over the fashion district in New York and no one would make an off spec shirt for him.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick in business partner Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and...
Duration: 00:20:45#222: Avis – They Try Harder…
Sep 10, 2025Avis found a loophole for selling used cars at whatever price he wanted. This became the norm for all rental companies.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young.
Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for...
Duration: 00:15:23#221: Hertz – 10 Years After The Model “T”
Sep 03, 2025Walter Jacobs was an automotive geek. From the assembly line to owning a Ford dealership to Rental Car King. Walter built and Empire.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast. Teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Simple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is … Well, it’s us. But we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for o...
Duration: 00:18:11#220: LeNoble Lumber (con’t) – 3 Generations Strong
Aug 27, 2025LeNoble has prided itself, since generation #1, that because it is hard to do, it has to get done. Then mastered the how…
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Simple is a marketing consultant, story collector and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for our client...
Duration: 00:22:53#219: LeNoble Lumber – 3 Generations Strong
Aug 20, 2025Jessica, Dan and Ben took on the responsibility of the family business and are driving it into the future. Three more generations please.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom-and-pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is… Well, it’s us. But we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for our clients. S...
Duration: 00:24:02#218: Frappuccino – Not A Brand???
Aug 13, 2025Starbucks was having a students going home issue and needed to keep selling coffee, so they copied and perfected as Seattle treat.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom-and-pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us. But we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for our clients, so...
Duration: 00:18:57#217: Sesame Street – Breaking Boundries
Aug 06, 2025Using TV addiction to educate children. Sesame Street broke boundries and changed rules to bring education to every child.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is… Well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for our clients. So here’s one...
Duration: 00:18:39#216: Oliva Gibbs Law – Part 2
Jul 30, 2025Zach Oliva truly understands commitment and dedication to growing something you believe in. He practices active recommitting to stay on goal.
Dave Young:
Welcome to The Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom-and-pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is… Well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for our clients. So here’s one...
Duration: 00:24:19#215: Oliva Gibbs Law – Part 1
Jul 23, 2025Zach Oliva had just graduated from law school when Ohio discover a huge natural gas shale. Well, he went digging where no other lawyers were…
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom-and-pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for o...
Duration: 00:21:52#214: Mr. Coffee – So Easy a Man Can Do It
Jul 16, 2025Vince Marrotta realized that the percolated coffee at home was not as good as the coffee at restaurants. Mr. Coffee is how he fixed that.
Dave Young:
Welcome to The Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Simple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and...
Duration: 00:19:19#213: Folgers – The Best Part of Waking Up
Jul 09, 2025From a horrible caffeine delivery system, Jim Folger takes a huge interest in making coffee better and we thank him for it.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom-and-pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for our clients. So...
Duration: 00:17:48#212: Red Bull – Powerful Branding Works
Jul 02, 2025Red Bull has used the same marketing for 20 years. This is the power of a well thought out brand that stays the course.
Dave Young:
Welcome to The Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for...
Duration: 00:19:30#211: Alienware – Computing Power Empire
Jun 25, 2025Synonymous with gaming Alienware rode the wave of easy to use and beautiful gaming computers. Now they are the G.O.A.T.
Dave Young:
Welcome to The Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is… Well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for o...
Duration: 00:21:47#210: Tesla – Changing the Auto Industry
Jun 18, 2025Instead of talking like all the others about EVs being environmentally friendly, Tesla made a sure everyone knew just how exciting driving one was.
Dave Young:
Welcome to The Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced...
Duration: 00:13:37#209: Hexclad – From Auditions to Non-Stick
Jun 11, 2025What would you do if you were a starving actor that just lost his last orange? Start a cookware Company of course.
Dave Young:
Welcome to The Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom-and-pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick in business partner Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for our clients. So...
Duration: 00:25:41#208: 4 Years of Learning – What this Podcast Has Taught Us
Jun 04, 2025You don’t create 4 years of podcasts and walk away without some insights. Dave and Stephen talk about what they have learned so far on The Empire Builders Podcast.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom-and-pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve writte...
Duration: 00:16:05#207: Dr. Gross Skincare – Yes, A Real Doctor
May 28, 2025Dr. Dennis met Carrie in the elevator and they would make fun of how skincare products had no real value to them. Then they changed that.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us. But we’re highlighting ads we’ve written a...
Duration: 00:17:26#206: Transformers – More Than Meets The Eye
May 21, 2025Tonka needed something to get them out of a $10,000,000 hole. The needed to transform their situation.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Simple is a marketing consultant, story collector and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for our clients. So, here’s one of those.<...
Duration: 00:18:08#205: Specialized Bikes – Staying Ahead of the Trends
May 14, 2025Mike Sinyard dropped out of school at 16, toured Europe on a bike and became the Specialist no one knew they needed.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for our clients...
Duration: 00:23:19#204: Levis – Did NOT Invent Denim
May 07, 2025Levi help Jacob patent the famous rivet on the Levis jeans that make the pockets so durable. That is how Levis starts to build the empire.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Simple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written a...
Duration: 00:20:33#203: Parker Brothers – Their Monopoly Story
Apr 30, 2025Making games better and getting them into the world seems like the thing to do when your dad passes and you need money. Sounds like Monopoly.
Dave Young:
Welcome to The Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written a...
Duration: 00:15:47#202: Sour Patch Kids – Gummy Bears Meet Cabbage Patch Kids
Apr 23, 2025Sour Patch Kids were the result of paying attention to the industry and the wants and delights of the world at large. And delivering what the people wanted.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve...
Duration: 00:15:44#201: Cabela’s – From Furniture to Fishing Flies
Apr 16, 20251000 fishing flies and an ad that failed turned a furniture store family into a sporting goods store empire. Way to go Cabela’s.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for o...
Duration: 00:23:34#200: Happy Meal – 35 Billion Served
Apr 09, 2025Because of the Happy Meal McDonalds is the world’s largest toy distributor. Larger than Hasbro or Mattel. This is an Empire!
Dave Young:
Welcome to The Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is… Well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for our clients...
Duration: 00:19:44#199: Supergoop – A Cancer Scare Jumpstarts An Empire
Apr 02, 2025When a family friend is diagnosed with skin cancer, Holly Thaggard polls a bunch a skin care chemists and comes up with the Unseen Sunscreen.
Dave Young:
Welcome to The Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick in business partner Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and...
Duration: 00:24:48#198: Wizard Academy – Magical Communication
Mar 26, 2025From writing a regular article in Radio Ink magazine to a weekly outbound memo to free clinics, Roy H. Williams created a marketing school like no other.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick in business partner Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve writ...
Duration: 00:21:29#197: James Bond – Shaken Not Stirred
Mar 19, 2025A feeling of authenticity is what really brought 007 to life and the Broccoli family brought it to the screen.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom-and-pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner Dave Young.
Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us. But we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for our clients, so here’s on...
Duration: 00:22:18#196: Swatch – Saving the Swiss Watch Makers
Mar 12, 2025Japan’s digital watches massively disrupted the Swiss watch market. So, an entry level fashion watch is created to save the day. Swatch!
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom-and-pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us. But we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for our clients, s...
Duration: 00:22:39#195: PEZ – Part 2 – From Loophole to Pez Outlaw
Mar 05, 2025How Steve Glue made 4 Million giving the people what they wanted by beating the system; and how Pez ran him out of the business.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is… Well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced f...
Duration: 00:13:17#194: Pez – Part 1 – The Mint that Became a Collectable
Feb 26, 2025What do you do when you think cigarette smoke is disgusting and you are a bit of a germaphobe? Create a collectable candy empire, of course.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written a...
Duration: 00:17:00#193: Jacuzzi – Propellers to Propellers
Feb 19, 2025The Jacuzzi Seven were obsessed with flight and engineered better propellers. What is the difference between propellers of air or water???
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us. But we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for our clients...
Duration: 00:18:51#192: Polaroid – Instant Idea, Instant Pic, Instant Empire
Feb 12, 2025What happens when you are in the polarization film business and your daughter asks why she can’t see the picture right away? You invent Polaroid.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us. But we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and...
Duration: 00:24:16#191: Three Levels of Trust – From Surface to Deep
Feb 05, 2025Stephen has been studying and learning how to use and explain trust for Organizations. Let’s just say, you need to get vulnerable for this one.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and...
Duration: 00:23:09#190: Care & Repair – A True Empire Building Story
Jan 29, 2025Sergei Kaminskiy started his empire by taking jobs that he didn’t know how to do and then hiring a professional to learn from. Wow.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us. But we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and pro...
Duration: 00:29:01#189: Birkenstock – Went Public At 7 Billion
Jan 22, 2025You know you have a great idea when you start having competitors copy you. Well, Dr. Scholl’s copied the foot bed from Birkenstock.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is… Well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for...
Duration: 00:18:21#188: Walmart – Big Dreams for Small Towns
Jan 15, 2025Sam Walton left JC Penny and realized that people in rural America had to travel to shop in department stores. He changed all that.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is… Well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced f...
Duration: 00:17:55#187: Willy Wonka – More Than A Movie!
Jan 08, 2025Stephen and Dave stroll down memory lane to discover just how the Willy Wonka bar came to be. Dave was a little disappointed. But you won’t be.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom-and-pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller.
I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve wr...
Duration: 00:15:50#186: Rolex – How To Promote a Premium Brand
Jan 01, 2025Affinity marketing at it’s very, very finest. Rolex has made Mariners, Aviators, Drivers, etc, seek out and own a luxury time piece.
Dave Young:
Welcome to The Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom-and-pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for our clients. So...
Duration: 00:21:02#185: Dirty Dough (part 2) – No Money? Invest Time.
Dec 26, 2024Bennett Maxwell continues by explaining how, when you are starting out, it is critically important to invest time and win peoples hearts.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom-and-pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for our clients. So...
Duration: 00:25:18#184: Dirty Dough (Part 1) – A Chairman’s Story
Dec 20, 2024Bennett Maxwell understood that to run a successful company he needed to know the business and be the least important person in it.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us. But we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for...
Duration: 00:19:38#184: Rolex – How To Promote a Premium Brand
Dec 18, 2024Affinity marketing at it’s very, very finest. Rolex has made Mariners, Aviators, Drivers, etc, seek out and own a luxury time piece.
Dave Young:
Welcome to The Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom-and-pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for our clients. So...
Duration: 00:21:02#183: Talking A.I. – Terminator or Jetsons
Dec 11, 2024Stephen talks about how embracing AI is the best way for the world to head into the future. It will be brighter and more creative.
Dave Young:
Welcome to The Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom-and-pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for...
Duration: 00:15:06#182: Twitter – Not “X”
Dec 04, 2024Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner Dave Young.
Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is… Well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for our clients, so here’s one of those.
[Out Of This World Plumbing Ad]
Dave Young:
Welcome ba...
Duration: 00:22:44#181: Rebecca Cassel – Part 2 – Partnerships Take Work
Nov 27, 2024Rebecca and Lon build out a coaching empire that takes full use of the manuals and techniques they developed building successful home service companies.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced...
Duration: 00:27:50#180: Rebecca Cassel – Part 1 – Helping Contractors Succeed
Nov 20, 2024Rebecca meets Lon and they build an empire of home services companies that lead to the best Contractor Coaching Program.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick in business partner, Dave Young.
Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for our clie...
Duration: 00:26:43#179: Banana Ball – Frictionless Baseball
Nov 13, 2024The Banana’s asked one fundamental question to revive a defunct minor ball team. What do fans hate about going to a game?
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick in business partner Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for o...
Duration: 00:21:43#178: Spin Master – Yep, The Toy Company
Nov 06, 2024Going from public domain toys to Spin Master Originals was a must. How did Harari, Rabi and Verity do it? It wasn’t with the devil sticks.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Simple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve writte...
Duration: 00:19:17#177: Lip Bar – All Natural Happy Place
Oct 30, 2024This is how you go from not wanting to be unhappy to working your passion to Shark Tank to Lipstick Empire. Way to go, Melissa Butler.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom-and-pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is … well, it’s us. But we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced f...
Duration: 00:23:08#176: Mars – Part 2 – The Best Chocolate Union
Oct 23, 2024When you need the chocolate you find creative ways to make the deal work. See the best of both worlds.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from Mom and Pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for our clients. So...
Duration: 00:16:01#175: Mars – Part1 – Like Father Unlike Son
Oct 16, 2024Franklyn Mars bails his son Forrest out of jail. Then Forrest decides to build a bigger company. Mars is an absolute empire.
Dave Young:
Welcome to The Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom-and-pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is … Well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for our clients. So he...
Duration: 00:14:19#174: Daniel Whittington – The Chancellor, The Myth, The Legend
Oct 09, 2024Daniel Whittington spent 7 months crafting the perfect message and a mere 10 minutes on the the plan of attack. How did it turn out?
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom-and-pop to major brands.
Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young.
Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and...
Duration: 00:21:30#173: Scrabble – Strategic Crossword Empire
Oct 02, 2024Alfred Butts worked on this game from 1938 until 1949 and then gave up the rights to James Brunot for royalties.
Dave Young:
Welcome to The Empire Builders podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom-and-pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for our clients. So here’s one of those...
Duration: 00:16:43#172: Marriott – Creating the Future of Hotels
Sep 25, 2024J.W. Marriott had a gift for seeing what the public needed and made sure to give it to them. Marriott is the epitome of Entrepreneur to Empire.
Dave Young:
Welcome to The Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve writ...
Duration: 00:17:28#171: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – Cowabunga, Dude
Sep 18, 2024A one point more TMNT action figures where sold than Snickers chocolate bars. Instantly qualifies as an Empire.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders podcast, teaching business owners the not so secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for our clients, so here’s on...
Duration: 00:18:35#170: Connect 4 – Tic Tac Checkers
Sep 11, 2024Dave
Dave Young had no recollection of this game. Really, he didn’t know. But after hearing this story he applauds Howard Wexler for knowing himself.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve writte...
Duration: 00:17:34#169: Hilton – Unlucky???
Sep 04, 2024Conrad Hilton, despite being unlucky, created what we now know to be the hotel experience. Always improving customer experience.
Dave Young:
Welcome to The Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for our clients. So here’s on...
Duration: 00:20:15#168: Uno – Say My Name, Say My Name
Aug 28, 2024Would you remortgaging the house, driving around the country and put your home address in the public for Millions?
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Sample is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for our clients. So here’s on...
Duration: 00:16:09#167: Clue – When Murder Becomes a Game
Aug 21, 2024Anthony Pratt wanted to elevate playing board games from games of chance to thinking games. His wife was responsible for keeping it random.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young.
Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and...
Duration: 00:14:26#166: Rocky – Not Just Another Bum in the Neighborhood
Aug 14, 2024Sylvester Stallone was not making it, trying to be an actor. So, instead of giving up, he tried a different path.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not so secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for...
Duration: 00:16:21#165: Costco – 900 Stores vs 10,000
Aug 07, 2024Sol Price had and idea that he was not going to let go of. No matter how many times others tried to take it away.
Dave Young:
Welcome to The Empire Builders podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and...
Duration: 00:19:18#164: Howard Johnson’s – He Saw The Future
Jul 31, 2024Seeing that the world was getting faster and smaller, Howard Johnson started a hospitality empire. The first restaurant franchise.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom-and-pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for our clients. So, here’s one of those...
Duration: 00:20:18#163: Lite Beer – Diet or Less Filling
Jul 24, 2024Even if you make an awesome product, if you don’t help your perfect customer identify with your brand, it won’t sell.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not so secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom-and-pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for our...
Duration: 00:18:06#162: Avon – Ding Dong Avon Calling
Jul 17, 2024David McConnell ditched his door to door book selling gig to pursue the bribe that he we giving for attention.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders podcast, teaching business owners the Not-So-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for our clients. So...
Duration: 00:16:45#161: How To Create A Strategy – Let’s get real.
Jul 10, 2024Do not confuse Strategy with Best Practices. Creating a great strategy will allow you to stand out, not fit in.
Dave Young:
Welcome to The Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well it’s us. But we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for our clients. Her...
Duration: 00:18:43#160: Hires Root Beer – The Origin Of Root Beer
Jul 03, 2024What do you d
What do you drink when water is not good for you and your only other option is alcohol? Well, you rename root tea to root beer.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us. But we’r...
Duration: 00:17:16#159: Calendly – Made It Simple
Jun 26, 2024The secret to creating something viable is you better be highly engaged in it. Tope Awatona learned this lesson the hard way.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for our clie...
Duration: 00:19:21#158: Yahtzee – Part Myth Part Real
Jun 19, 2024Edwin Lowe, yes the Beano… uhm Bingo guy took all he learned and created Yahtzee. You need to be observant.
Dave Young:
Welcome to The Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is… Well, it’s us. But we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for our clients. So here...
Duration: 00:18:13#157: Pictionary – Followed a Path To Success
Jun 12, 2024Recognizing problems growing a new game and then looking for solutions that have worked in the past. WTG, Robert Angel.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom-and-pop to major brands.
Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young.
Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for our clie...
Duration: 00:17:09#156: Liquid Death – 99% Marketing
Jun 05, 2024Liquid Death is what happens when a very creative marketing guy got frustrated with the lack of courage from clients and bosses.
Dave Young:
Welcome to, The Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Simple, is a Marketing Consultant, Story Collector, and Storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is… Well, it’s us. But we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for our client...
Duration: 00:18:16#155: StretchMed – Starting a Franchise During a Pandemic
May 29, 2024Brian Cook is a force to be reckoned with and figured out how to redefine in-person service during a pandemic.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders podcast, teaching business owners the not-So-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for our clients. So...
Duration: 00:23:53#154: Slinky – It’s Slinky, Oh What a Wonderful Toy
May 22, 2024A failed suspension idea for the navy, slinky becomes a toy so popular they sell over 300 million of them.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for our clients. So here’s on...
Duration: 00:15:25#153: Dunkin Donuts – Giving People What They Want
May 15, 2024Taking a true look at where your business is taking you and working hard to give customers what they want. Bill Rosenberg, way to go.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders podcast, teaching business owners the not so secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve writ...
Duration: 00:20:29#152: Social Media & Recruitment – A Case Study with No Bull RV
May 08, 2024Building trust is not easy, but when you are consistent, unique and true to yourself people take notice. No Bull RV has done this very well.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is … Well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and...
Duration: 00:15:57#151: Anacin – Unique Selling Proposition or Feelings?
May 01, 2024The marketing for Anacin was brilliant and studied. Creating emotion around how you make others feel was a master class of messaging.
Dave Young:
Welcome to The Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor which is, well it’s us. But we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for our clie...
Duration: 00:16:07#150: United Parcel Service – Delivery by Model “T”
Apr 24, 2024California joins the union and messages need to be delivered. UPS had a solution and decided it needed to be luxury and efficient.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders podcast. Teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom-and-pop, to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us. But we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for our clients...
Duration: 00:19:01#149: History of Franchising – Making Millionaires
Apr 17, 2024Stephen and Dave right a wrong from a previous episode and dive deep into the history of franchising. A system for making millionaires.
Dave Young:
Welcome to The Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not so secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and...
Duration: 00:16:51#148: Kodak – They Captured Their Own Moment
Apr 10, 2024The amazing rise of Kodak was due to innovation after innovation and you’ll never guess why George Eastman called it Kodak.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom-and-pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for our clients. So he...
Duration: 00:17:56#147: Cabbage Patch Kids – Popular ‘Til Everyone Had One
Apr 03, 2024Martha had a great idea. Xavier had a bigger dream. Roger knew what to call them. The story of the Cabbage Patch Kids will surprise you.
Dave Young:
Welcome to The Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young.
Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is … Well, it’s us. But we’re highlighting ads we’ve wr...
Duration: 00:21:06#146: Etsy – The Online Craft Show
Mar 27, 2024How to build a tech company without being techy! No seriously, Rob Kalin, an artist, started Etsy and then polled more artists to make it awesome.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not so secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve...
Duration: 00:21:11#145: Xero Shoes – Invisible Shoes You Can See
Mar 20, 2024How does a serial entrepreneur turn into the owner of one of the largest shoe companies in the minimalist category? One shoe at a time…
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Simple is a marketing consultant, story collector and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and pr...
Duration: 00:18:55#144: FedEx – When it has to be there the next day.
Mar 14, 2024Fred Smith came up with the idea of hub based courier service in school and the teachers gave him a “C”. Jokes on them!
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for...
Duration: 00:21:14#143: Xerox – Oops, Just Missed.
Mar 06, 2024Xerox had an innovation department that put out some of the tech that we use on a daily basis, but never truly capitalized on it.
Dave Young:
Welcome to The Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not so secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom-and-pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us. But we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and...
Duration: 00:28:18#142: Kinko’s – Kinky Red Hair to Copy Company Empire
Feb 28, 2024FedEx purchased Kinko’s for 2+ Billion Dollars. Kinko’s doesn’t exist any more, but I think we can all agree that Paul Orfelea built an empire.
Dave Young:
Welcome to The Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not so secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads...
Duration: 00:22:02#141: Bubble Wrap – Fidget Toy or Packing Safety?
Feb 21, 2024We all think about the pop pop pop. But it works best when it doesn’t make a sound. Here is the beginning of Bubble Wrap and the Sealed Air Corporation.
Dave Young:
Welcome to The Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom-and-pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us. But we’re highlighting ads we’ve...
Duration: 00:13:44#140: Building Trust – Using Social Media
Feb 14, 2024Being willing to expose a weakness or a flaw or admitting a mistrake… uhm, sorry, A mistake allows people to know you are real. And real matters when building trust.
Dave Young:
Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not so secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re...
Duration: 00:21:05