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by Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal
Every company has a story. Learn the playbooks that built the world’s greatest companies — and how you can apply them.
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Vanguard, founded by Jack Bogle, revolutionized investing by creating the first index fund for individual investors and structuring the company to be owned by its customers, not outside shareholders. This model has saved investors over $1 trillion in fees and fundamentally reshaped the financial industry.
Ferrari is a paradox: it sells fewer than 15,000 cars annually—less than Toyota sells in 10 hours—yet commands a market capitalization higher than Ford, Volkswagen, and Mercedes-Benz. Built on myth, tragedy, and Enzo Ferrari’s genius for marketing, the company leverages scarcity, racing heritage, and emotional storytelling to create one of the most powerful luxury brands in history, with a business model that prioritizes brand mystique over volume.
Formula One transformed from a chaotic, money-losing motorsport into a $25 billion enterprise under Liberty Media, thanks to visionary leadership from Bernie Ecclestone and strategic modernization. The sport now thrives on global appeal, Netflix’s Drive to Survive, and a business model balancing engineering excellence with entertainment.
The NFL has evolved into the most valuable media property in America through a century of strategic cooperation, revenue sharing, and media innovation, culminating in record valuations, global expansion, and cultural dominance — all while navigating controversies around player safety, social justice, and ownership transformation.
Rolex is a paradox: a secretive, privately-held company that has become one of the most recognizable luxury brands in the world, built not on fashion or exclusivity alone, but on engineering excellence, brand storytelling, and a deliberate strategy of controlled scarcity. Despite being a mechanical watchmaker in a digital age, Rolex has achieved unmatched market dominance by redefining the job of a watch — not to tell time, but to signal achievement, reliability, and timeless taste.
Costco is a retail powerhouse built on a deceptively simple yet brilliantly executed business model that prioritizes extreme value, high-quality products, and the lowest possible prices. Its success stems from a tightly integrated system of 50+ innovations refined over decades, rooted in principles established by retail pioneer Saul Price and perfected by Jim Sinegal, resulting in a company with cult-like customer loyalty, industry-leading efficiency, and a durable competitive moat.
To celebrate their 10th anniversary, Acquired hosts Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal reflect on the journey of their podcast with guest Michael Lewis, dissecting the principles behind its success—deep research, emotional storytelling, and a unique partnership—while recording in the original Google garage.
Coca-Cola's journey from a patent medicine in 1886 to a $300 billion global brand is a masterclass in brand building, marketing innovation, and strategic partnerships. By combining a secret formula with relentless advertising, a unique bottling franchise system, and cultural co-opting—from Santa Claus to the Olympics—Coca-Cola became synonymous with happiness and America itself, surviving crises like the infamous New Coke debacle and the rise of Pepsi to remain a dominant force in the beverage world.
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Every company has a story. Learn the playbooks that built the world’s greatest companies — and how you can apply them.
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Acquired covers topics including Technology, Business, Investing. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
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