Feb 05
Quoted from Facebook’s S-1 (IPO) filing: We have cultivated a unique culture and management approach that we call the Hacker Way. The word “hacker” has an unfairly negative connotation from being portrayed in the media as people who break into computers. In reality, hacking just means building something quickly or testing the boundaries of what …
Oct 06
Steve Jobs defined and guided Apple to become one of the world’s most successful and influential technology companies. Among his many attributes, in addition to being a thought leader, was the ability to dispense inspirational and forward looking public statements. When it comes to innovation, design and creativity, Jobs has shared some lasting quotes that …
Mar 11
(Found online) Ask the question, “If Steve Jobs (or his clone) showed up at our company asking for a job – would we give him one?” Don’t forget, the Apple Board fired Steve Jobs some 20 years ago to give his role to a less creative, but more “professional,” John Scully. Mr. Scully was subsequently …
Jul 08
Link to Forbes Article Merrill Matthews, 07.07.10, 11:49 AM EDT ObamaCare will mean fewer insurers and fewer hospitals, leading to higher prices and lower quality. My comment: In a free market, a market leader may buy a competitor to weaken competition. When government legislates change, the dirty work is done for you and at no …
Jun 12
Pitch James Joyce back to the Minor Leagues for stealing a perfect game.
Jun 12
Why on earth would an investor offer $5MM when the original business plan only asked for $1MM? Redraft the business plan based on $5MM funding. How would you spend the money differently? Play out the best case and worst case scenarios with $5MM in funding. Present these cases to the potential investors and see if …
Jun 12
The United Auto Workers (UAW) contracts with the Big 3 Automakers included “Job Bank” provisions. Laid off workers were paid up to 90% of their base salary for NOT WORKING! This provision cost GM over $400 Million in 2006 alone. 2007 brought some much needed changes to the Big 3 labor contracts, saving an estimated $1,000 …
Jun 12
General Motors’ Annual Reports revealed a very sick business. * Every GM Division was losing money * A disproportionate share of profits came from high-margin SUVs and trucks – Of the top 20 profit contributors, only 9 were cars * Customer demand shifted toward smaller cars and trucks that have lower margins, thus lower contribution …
Jun 12
This is the first in series of blogs looking in the rear view mirror at the automotive industry in the United States. Early in 2009 as it appeared that the Big 3 car makers were sinking faster than the Titanic, I started thinking about buying stock in GM and Ford. I believed the auto industry …
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