Discover the Unexpected: Top 13 Fun Facts About the Business World You Never Knew!
1. Dynamite Inventor's Nobel Prizes
They say laughter is the best medicine, but who knew dynamite could lead to Nobel Prizes? Well, Alfred Nobel sure did: this explosives entrepreneur built a booming empire on over 90 factories churning out dynamite and detonating caps for the construction industry, and he kindly decided to share his wealth by establishing the highly prestigious Nobel Prizes, honoring those with explosive achievements in physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature, and peace.
Source => nobelprize.org
2. Wall Street Bull's Secret Origin
In a bold move that would make any stockbroker blush, a cunning SoHo artist decided to leave a larger-than-life surprise under a festive Christmas tree in 1989: The Wall Street Bull, or Charging Bull, was actually a guerrilla art installation by Arturo Di Modica, made in response to the 1987 stock market crash as a symbol of power and prosperity. This unauthorized bull was first installed without a permit on the center line of Broad Street, but after its impounding by the police and passionate public outcry, it found its forever home in Bowling Green Park where it stands proud as an international symbol of Wall Street.
Source => elementfcu.org
Did you know that small businesses are the true heroes in our economy, representing a staggering 99.9% of all US businesses and generating millions of jobs every year? Discover the mighty power of mom-and-pop shops! 💪🏼🛍️🌟
=> Fun Facts about Small-Businesses
3. Monopoly's Progressive Past
Before becoming the bane of friendships and the destroyer of living room alliances, Monopoly had a rather progressive alter ego: Elizabeth Magie's 1903 invention, "The Landlord's Game", aimed to teach progressive economic policies and showcase the perils of land monopolies, aligning with Henry George's idea of taxing wealthy landowners rather than the working class. The game featured dual rulesets—anti-monopolist and monopolist—but ultimately, the monopolist version inspired the board game titan we know today, proving that even noble intentions can occasionally Pass Go and collect $200.
Source => theguardian.com
4. Ford's Bicycle-inspired Quadricycle
Before Transformers, there was Ford's fabulous four-wheeler on a bicycle diet: The Quadricycle was Henry Ford's first experimental automobile that ran on four bicycle tires, powered by a 4-horsepower engine, and dazzled the streets at a blazing top speed of 20 mph. This quirky invention would eventually lead to the creation of the Detroit Automobile Company, the Henry Ford Company, and the massively successful Ford Motor Company, securing Henry Ford's spot as one of the wealthiest men in history.
Source => en.wikipedia.org
5. Budget-friendly Moissanite Rings
Who needs a diamond the size of the Ritz when you can make your betrothed swoon over a moissanite stunner that shines brighter than the Bat-Signal in the night sky? Presto-agadabra: This captivating 1.25 ct square cut moissanite ring, exquisitely encircled by a double halo and a pave set split band, can be yours for a mere $224.00! Fear not, fickle ring aficionados; there are myriad cuts and styles awaiting your perusal – all eligible for 2-day shipping – so you can bask in the joy of your newfound savings and scintillating gemstone.
Source => walmart.com
6. Coca-Cola's Cocaine History
What do Coca-Cola and Scarface have in common? A questionable Colombian connection: Until 1905, Coca-Cola beverages contained traces of cocaine, thanks to its creator, pharmacist John Pemberton, who originally combined coca leaves and cola nuts with carbonated water, aiming for a refreshing soda drink but inadvertently launching the world's biggest soft drink empire.
Source => linkedin.com
7. Eastman Kodak's Generous Founder
Who said "cheese" just couldn't cut it? George Eastman, that's who: the founder of Eastman Kodak Company not only invented roll film and handheld cameras, but also generously shared his wealth by implementing a "Wage Dividend" program, donating $10 million in stock to employees, and establishing retirement annuity, life insurance, and disability benefit plans for his workers. The philanthropist even founded music schools, theaters, symphony orchestras, and dental clinics worldwide to benefit children's dental care.
Source => kodak.com
8. Renato Bialetti's Moka Pot Burial
Talk about brewing up your own final resting place: Renato Bialetti, the mastermind behind the popular Moka pot, ensured his legacy was rich and aromatic by having his ashes buried in the very invention he helped make famous. This iconic eight-sided coffee maker was initially a failed brainchild of his father in 1933, but it took Renato's knack for marketing to help it percolate into coffee lovers' hearts.
Source => businessinsider.com
9. Chinese Business Card Etiquette
Who knew China was big on "cardio" - business card etiquette, that is! Their recipe for successful networking includes a dash of politeness and a sprinkle of bilingual skills: In China, handling a business card is a classy affair, involving a Simplified Chinese translation on one side, flipping it up to face the recipient as you present it with both hands, and, of course, graciously receiving your counterpart's card in the same manner.
Source => dragonsteaching.com
10. Haagen-Dazs' Fake Danish Name
In a world where Danish pastries aren't the only ones shaking their creamy cores, it turns out Haagen-Dazs was having a serious identity crisis all along: Founded by Reuben Mattus, the seemingly Danish brand name was completely fabricated to exude an aura of sophistication and luxury. With its initial trifecta of flavors - vanilla, chocolate, and coffee - the brand rapidly evolved to whip up exclusive taste sensations like Vanilla Swiss Almond and Bananas Foster, while maintaining their "super-premium" reputation and commitment to using top-notch ingredients.
Source => en.wikipedia.org
11. Chewing Gum's Stress-relief Powers
Who needs a shrink when you've got bubblegum? Plop one in your mouth and let the stress-busting begin: Chewing gum has been shown in a randomized controlled study to potentially decrease stress, anxiety, and depression in students, leading to improved academic performance in both the short and long term. Just a quick heads-up, though: Gum chewers with focus issues might want to keep it in moderation.
Source => pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
12. McDonald's Real Estate Strategy
You might think that McDonald's is as much a real estate tycoon as they are a burger flipper, but don't be fooled by their sprawling empire of prime locations: McDonald's is ultimately a fast-food company, despite strategically acquiring and developing properties in hotspots such as airports, malls, tollways, and colleges to place their golden arches in prime feeding grounds while also giving back to the communities.
Source => mcdonalds.com
13. Google's Legal Pickle with NAAG
It seems Google is in a bit of a "pickle" with the law again, caught between a rock and a hard search: The National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) has accused the tech giant of enabling the advertising and sale of illegal and counterfeit goods, including dangerous drugs, on its search engine, raising concerns over consumer safety and the promotion of illegal activities.
Source => searchengineland.com
