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Tupperware’s Downfall: What Small Business Owners Can Learn from an Icon’s Struggle
Remember your first Tupperware container? Maybe it was the one your grandmother used to store cookies or the colorful set your mother kept neatly stacked in the pantry. For many, Tupperware was more than just a container—it symbolized home, family, and the promise of well-preserved leftovers. However, the brand that revolutionized food storage has now filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, struggling to stay relevant in a world dominated by e-commerce and changing consumer prefere

Rick Slark
Sep 20, 20242 min read
Braving Economic Storms: Thriving Amidst Global and Local Pressures
Introduction In the industrial heartland of Northeast Ohio, brothers Mike and Dave run a small but proud manufacturing business. Their company has been a cornerstone of the community for decades, producing high-quality steel components for various industries. However, in recent years, Mike and Dave have felt the squeeze from forces far beyond their control. Global economic tremors and local competitive pressures have made their journey increasingly turbulent. Yet, with the ri

Rick Slark
Aug 13, 20244 min read
Base Hits Build Empires: The Power of Consistency
The recent MLB Home Run Derby was a spectacle of power and precision, with players smashing baseballs out of the park. In contrast, the...

Rick Slark
Jul 19, 20242 min read
Avoid Common Leadership Pitfalls as an Emerging Leader or Manager
How you handle power as a leader or manager can define your journey to success. Let's explore five common leadership pitfalls that can undermine your credibility and effectiveness and how to avoid them. The Fixer Pitfall New leaders and managers often try to solve everyone's problems, micromanaging projects or offering unnecessary suggestions. Instead, focus on asking questions before providing answers. Actively listening to your team fosters their independence and enhances t

Rick Slark
Jun 28, 20242 min read
Could Kellogg's 1930s Workweek Revolutionize Today's Workplace?
In the early 20th century, amidst the economic strains of the Great Depression, W.K. Kellogg made a bold move at his Battle Creek plant: He introduced a six-hour workday, effectively creating a shorter workweek. This decision was rooted in his philosophy of "more for all and less for none," which aimed to increase employment by spreading available work among more people. Kellogg believed this change would not only help mitigate unemployment but also improve the overall well-b

Rick Slark
May 3, 20241 min read
How Express is Rewriting Its Future in Retail
Express, alongside its associated brands Bonobos and UpWest, once thrived as a cornerstone of American corporate wardrobe retailing. However, the advent of remote work and a drastic shift in consumer fashion preferences led to a significant downturn in the company's fortunes. In the wake of changing work cultures, Express confronted stark financial realities, accumulating nearly $1.2 billion in debt against $1.3 billion in assets as of March 2. The situation became untenable

Rick Slark
Apr 26, 20242 min read
“Greatness is not in where we stand, but in what direction we are moving".— Oliver Wendell Holmes
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