Rockefeller's Ruthless Principles for Business Warfare

Resources

Books

• "John D. The Founding Fathers of the Rockefellers" by David Freeman Hawk - This biography is considered the best by the speaker for its concise explanation of how Rockefeller built Standard Oil.
• "Rockefeller's Secret Weapon" - An obscure biography focused on rebates and Rockefeller's obsession with transportation.
• "Titan" - Mentioned for its description of Rockefeller's strategy and the quote about him not persisting in a flawed situation.
• "Conspiracy" by Ryan Holiday - Contains a description of Rockefeller's tactic to break with his business partners by orchestrating an auction.

Tools & Software

• Ramp - A financial tool that uses AI to automate business finances, automate receipt chasing, and help close books.
• Vanta - A tool that helps companies prove their security for compliance and build trust to close more deals, offering automation for compliance and security.
• Collateral - A service that helps companies craft compelling narratives and marketing collateral for fundraising and business storytelling.

Websites & Online Resources

• ramp.com - Website to learn how Ramp can help businesses save time and money.
• vanta.com/founders - Website to get $1,000 off Vanta.
• collateral.com - Website to improve how a company tells its story.

People Mentioned

• David Freeman Hawk - Author of the biography "John D. The Founding Fathers of the Rockefellers."
• Kareem - Co-founder and CTO of Ramp, described as a brilliant technical mind obsessed with crafting high-quality products using the latest technology.
• Cornelius Vanderbilt - Mentioned as the richest person in America during Rockefeller's early career, illustrating Rockefeller's self-confidence.
• John Andrews - Hired by Rockefeller to oversee crude oil purchases, emphasizing Rockefeller's focus on timely and large-lot purchases.
• Henry Flagler - Described as Rockefeller's most formidable partner, bringing contacts and money into the business and focusing on controlling transportation costs.
• Stephen Harkness - A wealthy individual who provided money to the business through Flagler.
• Jay Gould - Controlled the Erie Railroad and worked with Rockefeller on a deal for rebates on oil traffic.
• Oliver Payne - A man from a politically connected family whose company Rockefeller bought, integrating his connections into Standard Oil.
• Thomas Scott - President of the Pennsylvania Railroad, with whom Rockefeller negotiated after the railroad's subsidiary became a competitor.
• Potts - The head of the Empire Transportation Company, a subsidiary of the Pennsylvania Railroad, who started a war with Rockefeller and was later bought out without his knowledge.
• Pratt - A partner of Rockefeller who disagreed on buying oil leases; Rockefeller offered to use his own money to take the risk, convincing Pratt to proceed.
• James Dyson - The speaker's hero and someone he wanted to meet, whose conversation will be featured on his new podcast feed.

Organizations & Institutions

• Standard Oil - The company Rockefeller built, discussed extensively throughout the episode.
• Hewitt and Tuttle - The commission house where Rockefeller had his first job, highlighting his early understanding of leveraging technology like railroads and telegraphs.
• Erie Railroad - Targeted by Rockefeller for large rebates due to its hunger for traffic.
• Pennsylvania Railroad - A giant business whose subsidiary, Empire Transportation Company, became a competitor to Rockefeller.
• Empire Transportation Company - A subsidiary of the Pennsylvania Railroad that expanded into refining, becoming a competitor to Rockefeller.
• National Refiners Association - A loose confederation of competing refiners organized by Rockefeller to buy crude as a group and negotiate transportation.
• Ramp - A company that uses AI to automate business finances.
• Vanta - A company that helps businesses with security compliance.
• Collateral - A company that helps businesses with marketing collateral and storytelling.

Other Resources

• Ray Ban Meta glasses - Mentioned at the beginning of the episode for their open audio feature and Meta AI integration.
• Doja Cat's "Gorgeous" - Song played through the Ray Ban Meta glasses.
• Doja Cat's next concert - A query posed to Meta AI.