The Empire Builders Podcast
#268: Chanel – From Orphan to Empire
August 5, 2026
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To say that Coco Chanel was influential in fashion would be a huge understatement. Ever heard of the little black dress? 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. [Oliva Gibbs Law Ad] Dave Young: ...
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#267: Swiss Miss – Bye Bye Milkman
July 29, 2026
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The Sanna family of Chicago saw the end of the milkman and needed adapt their dairy business for the future. Hello Swiss Miss. 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. [Seaside Plumbing Ad] Dave ...
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#266: Yoohoo – Means I Love You
July 22, 2026
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Natale Olivieri wanted to sell bottled drinks so people could take them home. Noticed no premade chocolate milk, so… YooHoo! 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. [Central Heating & Air Ad] Dave Young: ...
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#265: Liberty Ships –
July 15, 2026
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Snippet 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. [Seaside Plumbing Ad] Dave Young: Welcome back to The Empire Builders Podcast. Dave Young here with Stephen Semple. And Stephen just told me we’re going to talk about Henry Kaiser. Stephen Semple: Yes, sir. Dave Young: And that’s not … I’m thinking of the German leader in World War I. Stephen Semple: Not Wilhelm. Dave Young: That was Wilhelm Kaiser. Stephen Semple: Yes. Dave Young: Must be one of his great nephews or something. Stephen Semple: ...
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#264: Ferragamo – Comfortable Luxury
July 8, 2026
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Salvatori Ferragamo didn’t make beautiful shoes, he made shoes that work with the human body beautifully. 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. [Rocket Cooling Ad] Dave Young: Welcome back to the Empire Builders Podcast. Dave Young here along with Stephen Semple, and we’re talking about businesses and empires and how people grew their business and the decisions they made and all of those things. Hi, Stephen. Stephen Semple: Hey, David. Dave Young: ...
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