FoundersAugust 12, 2018

#33 Levi Strauss: The Man Who Gave Blue Jeans to the World

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Audio URL: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/DSLLC9099623756.mp3?updated=1748636337

About This Episode

What I learned from reading Levi Strauss: The Man Who Gave Blue Jeans to the World by Lynn Downey --- [0:01] Levi was one of the men who set that firm foundation [17:35] I do not have at this time a specific occupation...I will share the fate that has been assigned to me [22:29] Enduring hardship for the ultimate goal [29:24] A hole in the market [42:00] Levi starts his business cold [54:18] The dangers of shipping by sea [1:04:42] Inventing Jeans by accident [1:10:00] Overnight success 20 years in the making [1:17:40] How Levi was able to serve customers who were illiterate or spoke another language ---- Founders Notes gives you the ability to tap into the collective knowledge of history's greatest entrepreneurs on demand. Use it to supplement the decisions you make in your work. Get access to Founders Notes here. ---- “I have listened to every episode released and look forward to every episode that comes out. The only criticism I would have is that after each podcast I usually want to buy the book because I am interested so my poor wallet suffers. ” — Gareth Be like Gareth. Buy a book: All the books featured on Founders Podcast

Book Mentions

6 book mentions in this episode.

Jump to books

Tip: Click “Mentioned at …” to copy a timestamp.

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Books Mentioned

Levi Strauss, The Man Who Gave Blue Jeans to the World

Lynn Downey

“The speaker introduces the book about Levi Strauss, discussing his impact on fashion and commerce, particularly through the invention of blue jeans.”

Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: impact of Levi Strauss

For: Individuals interested in business history and cultural impact

Key quote: “He didn't invent blue jeans, but without him, the most iconic garment in fashion history might never have been more than just duck cloth pants on the rear ends of Nevada's miners and teamsters.”

The host highlights Levi Strauss's significant contributions to commerce and culture, emphasizing his role in transforming blue jeans into an iconic garment. This sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the biography that details his life and impact.

ASIN: N/A

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The Wizard of Menlo Park

“The speaker mentions reading 'The Wizard of Menlo Park', a biography of Thomas Edison, and reflects on its relevance to the ideas discussed.”

Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: Thomas Edison and autonomy

For: Individuals interested in entrepreneurship and personal development

Key quote: “Having one's own shop, working on projects of one's own choosing, making enough money today so one could do the same tomorrow.”

The host mentions 'The Wizard of Menlo Park' to illustrate Thomas Edison's pursuit of autonomy and entrepreneurship. This biography resonates with the host's reflections on personal goals and the deeper meanings of wealth and freedom.

ASIN: N/A

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Super Intelligence, Path, Dangerous and Strategies

Nick Bostrom

“The speaker refers to 'Super Intelligence, Path, Dangerous and Strategies' by Nick Bostrom as one of their favorite books and relates it to the discussion about getting to California.”

Sentiment: Passing Reference

Trigger: business strategies and risks

For: Entrepreneurs and business strategists

Key quote: “One of my favorite books that I read is Nick Bostrom's Super Intelligence, Path, Dangerous and Strategies.”

The host mentions Nick Bostrom's book to highlight the importance of strategic thinking in the face of risks, drawing a parallel to historical journeys for gold. This reference serves to emphasize the challenges and opportunities present in business ventures today.

ASIN: N/A

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Annales of San Francisco

“This remarkable book recounts the history of San Francisco from early exploration to 1855, covering various aspects of the city's development.”

Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: history of San Francisco

For: History enthusiasts and those interested in business development

Key quote: “It is a clear headed look at San Francisco's personality as well as history.”

The host mentions 'Annales of San Francisco' to highlight the comprehensive historical account it provides about the city, which is crucial for understanding the context of Levi Strauss's business endeavors. The book offers insights into the city's development and the challenges it faced, enriching the narrative of the industry’s origins.

ASIN: 1893163083

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This Time is Different, Eight Centuries of Financial Folly

“The book provides an in-depth look into 800 years of financial crises, emphasizing the importance of understanding economic booms and busts.”

Sentiment: Highly Recommended

Trigger: economic booms and busts

For: Individuals interested in economics and financial history

Key quote: “It's just fantastic and really mind-blowing.”

The host mentions 'This Time is Different' to emphasize the inevitability of economic cycles throughout history. They highlight the book's extensive analysis of financial crises over 800 years, suggesting it provides valuable insights into understanding these patterns.

ASIN: N/A

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Team of Rivals

null

“The podcast discusses the biography of Abraham Lincoln, focusing on the Civil War and its events, which provides context for Levi Strauss's business during that time.”

Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: Civil War and business

For: History enthusiasts and business professionals

Key quote: “California gold was as essential as beef to the Union's war efforts in order to obtain and secure good credit with allies Britain and France.”

The host mentions 'Team of Rivals' to highlight the broader context of the Civil War and its impact on business in California. The book provides insights into how the gold from California was crucial for the Union's war efforts, which is often overlooked in discussions focused on the East Coast.

ASIN: N/A

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