The BusinessMakers Overtime - Week of March 31, 2010: Why Not Take a Vacation?

Episode 036 originally broadcast on March 31, 2010

Katie Laird and Esther Steinfeld are blasting your speakers as they dissect the funkier side of the week’s business news. In the news: Social Security, Dubai World; New Moore Island; and Subway. (“Climate change sucks.”)

Losing Money, Losing Property

Katie Laird and Esther Steinfeld are blasting your speakers as they dissect the funkier side of the week’s business news. In the news this week: Social Security is running out of money way ahead of schedule; Dubai World is restructuring $23.5 billion in debt; India can no longer lay claim to New Moore Island; and Subway is adding something new and exciting to its menu. (“Climate change sucks.”)

Marketing to Moms

Katie visits with Ken Broom, director of sales and marketing for Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine, TX. The resort is a 52-acre, indoor waterpark and hotel resort with year-round entertainment. Broom talks about Great Wolf’s 12 lodges located throughout the U.S. and Canada, his online marketing effort, and how he has changed his strategy to accommodate today’s vacation traveler. (“You cannot be afraid of learning what you are NOT doing right.”)

What’s in a Name?

Katie and Esther discuss the importance of brand. Founding stories, folklore and rumors all contribute to company histories. Did Steve Jobs live in a commune with apple trees? What was More Noyce? And you’ll never guess the story behind Nintendo. How do you get the “Apple” or “Google” name? It’s not what you think—in fact, some of these stories are stranger than fiction. (“That didn’t work so they opened a chain of LOVE HOTELS!!”)