The BusinessMakers Overtime - Week of May 26, 2010: Can’t Find It? Make it Yourself!

Episode 044 originally broadcast on May 26, 2010

Katie Laird and Esther Steinfeld bring you their view of the news you should know but probably don’t. Walmart and AT&T are in the news this week. Russ interviews high-tech gear junkie Nate Alder, founder of Klymit; and we have advice for BP. (“Who even HAS a dumb phone anymore?!”)

Not All Retailers are Coming Back

Katie Laird and Esther Steinfeld bring you their view of the news you should know but probably don’t. In the news this week: What’s up with Walmart and its still-not-recovering sales? What if you don’t have an iPhone and you want out of your AT&T contract? We have New Links to Know and a segment called “Business Fact or Fiction. (“Who even HAS a dumb phone anymore?!”)

Overtime Revisits Nate Alder, Founder and CEO of Klymit

Russ interviews Nathan Alder, founder and CEO of Klymit, an outdoors technology company, maker of Klymit-Kontrolled outdoor clothing and gear. During a scuba diving trip, he learned that noble gases can be used to provide insulation from frigid temperatures. The company’s first product, an inflatable vest sold online, was sold out immediately and promptly backordered for months. (“Seek out mentors. You gotta have somebody to guide you through it.”)

Crisis Management (Hellooo, BP?!)

The press is now asking: what if a hurricane hits the Gulf of Mexico amid the oil spill disaster? Wow, BP could really use some help with its crisis management… and they aren’t the first to face disaster. Katie and Esther compare other companies’ dark days and subsequently successful crisis containment. When leadership becomes weary of it all, the company REALLY IS in trouble. (“It’s just a little floormat thing.”)