Mark Twain made a substantial amount of money throughout his career but lost most of it. He lost the equivalent of $9,000,000 on a typesetting machine investment, his publishing company failed after selling only 200 copies of one of his books, & he was forced to sell his house in Connecticut.
business
Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan is a hotel in Japan…
Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan is a hotel in Japan, that has been running for over 1300 years, ever since it began in 705. It has been ran over 52 generations by the same family, which still operates it today.
In 2005, to protest against conditions…
In 2005, to protest against conditions in the cocoa industry, a Dutch reporter ate 17 chocolate bars then asked to be arrested and tried for child slavery. The judge wouldn’t convict him, and the reporter went on to found Tony’s Chocolonely company.
Junior Bridgeman a former NBA player…
Junior Bridgeman a former NBA player who was not a star in the league, took his earnings from the NBA and invested them into food franchises. He now has a net worth of $600 million only behind Michael Jordan as the richest NBA player in history.
In order to keep up its image…
In order to keep up its image, the Victoria’s Secret company listed its address as being in London even though the company was actually headquartered in Columbus, Ohio.
Companies such as Wholefoods, Starbucks…
Companies such as Wholefoods, Starbucks, Microsoft, IBM make use of prison labor.
There are at least 3 companies operating…
There are at least 3 companies operating under some form of the name WHATABURGER or What-A-Burger. There is the Texas based company, Virginia based, and a third based in the Carolinas. They sued each other in the early 2000’s and a result of the lawsuits was that all 3 could keep using the name.
After opening his first shop…
After opening his first shop, KFC’s Col. Sanders got in a shootout with a local competitor. His opponent shot a bystander and was eventually convicted of murder, ultimately eliminating Sander’s local competition.
Steve Jobs first business was selling…
Steve Jobs first business was selling blue boxes (designed by Steve Wozniak), that allowed users to get free phone service illegally.
Greyston Bakeries in Yonkers, NY hires…
Greyston Bakeries in Yonkers, NY hires without any interviews, resumes, or background checks via their ‘Open Hiring’. This has dramatically opened up opportunities for low income workers and ex-offenders. The approach has since been taken up by companies such as The Body Shop.