Shortform Books

Advantages of Decentralization—Why it Works

What is decentralization, and how can it help businesses succeed? What are the advantages of decentralization, and what can they teach you about business strategy? Decentralization is a business practice where executives develop a system to keep decision making limited to a few people. Typically, these businesses don’t have a headquarters with thousands of people in decision making roles, and instead limit decision making power. Read about the advantages of decentralization, and how it worked for top companies.

Berkshire Hathaway History + How Buffett’s Approach Evolved

The Top 4 Habits of Millionaires You Need to Know

Investors have been following in the footsteps of business giant Warren Buffett for decades. But what makes Buffett’s company, Berkshire Hathaway history has been marked by constant success and growth. But what makes this happen? Berkshire Hathaway is one of the most successful companies of the modern age, and Buffett is a top investor, adviser, and business leader. Find out Berkshire Hathaway’s history, how it became the company you know today, and how Buffett continues to pursue company growth and excellence.

General Cinema History—Diverse Portfolio Leads to Big Payoff

Why did General Cinema cease to operate after building a successful and diverse company? How can diversifying your portfolio create more value? Even though General Cinema ceased operations in 2006, it is still regarded as one of the most successful companies of the twentieth century. Find out how General Cinema’s CEO Dick Smith increased company value, and then created profit for investors.

CEO Dick Smith: General Cinema, More Than Movies

How do you take a grow a movie theater company? Dick Smith, CEO of General Cinema, found a way: by expanding into other business associated with movie theaters. General Cinema Theatres was a movie theater company founded in 1922 by Phillip Smith, who expanded drive-in theaters throughout New England and the Midwest. When he died in 1962, his son Dick Smith took over as CEO. Dick Smith further expanded the company’s theater locations, then diversified into unrelated businesses such as beverage bottling and retail.

Ralston Purina: History, Merger, and a Winning Strategy

What was Ralston Purina company, and what made the company so successful leading up to the 2001 Nestle merger? Ralston Purina and its most successful CEO, Bill Stiritz, stuck to unconventional but effective methods of financial management and acquisitions. Ralston Purina was known for it’s analytical, data-driven approach and a strict policy to follow the numbers. This unconventional method clearly led to a big payoff.

CEO Bill Stiritz: The Big Payoffs of Unconventional Tactics

Can a business get too big and lose focus? Can that negatively affect profits and share value? Bill Stiritz thought so, and moved swiftly to redefine the focus of Ralston Purina. Ralston Purina was a consumer packaged goods company producing commercial animal feed, consumer pet food, and human foods. With Bill Stiritz, Ralston Purina CEO, the company defined its focus, and worked on acquisitions that fit their profile. In 2001, Ralston merged with Nestle in a transaction worth $10.4 billion. Read on to find out how Bill Stiritz redefined the company and increased its value.

The Washington Post’s History: The Power of a Visionary CEO

What makes a newspaper successful? How does the Washington Post’s history prove that a publication can succeed both as a business, and for its journalistic merit? The Washington Post’s history was mostly spent as a local newspaper, and Graham sought a way to grow the company, while increasing its journalistic prestige. During her time as CEO, Graham was able to do both, by focusing on the business and hiring the best people to get the job done.

Bill Anders—The Astronaut & CEO’s Top 3 Business Strategies

Why was William Anders’ (Bill Anders) work as CEO of General Dynamics Corporation so impactful? What strategies did he employ to make growth possible? William Anders is a former fighter pilot and astronaut. Anders joined General Dynamics to offer a new perspective on the defense company’s tactics following the end of the Cold War. Anders immediately worked to scale back operations, and find ways to grow the company’s value. Learn Bill Anders’ key business strategies at General Dynamics.

Katharine Graham—How She Took the Washington Post to the Top

How did an inexperienced executive like Katharine Graham take the Washington Post from a local newspaper to a nationally-renowned publication and high-value company? Katharine Graham, Washington Post CEO from 1963-1993, took over management when her husband committed suicide. She first spent several years learning the ropes. She became a powerful CEO and smart decision-maker, and she made sure she had the best staff and advisers to make the company the powerhouse it is today.

Warren Buffett’s Stock Portfolio—Top Picks +How He Chose Them

What does top business tycoon Warren Buffett invest in? Will Warren Buffett’s stock portfolio and investment strategy help you succeed? While the complete portfolio of Berkshire Hathaway may not be available to most of us, you can take a learn about Warren Buffett’s stock portfolio, how he built it, his investment history, and major stock purchases to understand his investment strategy–and maybe use it yourself.