Transcript
Welcome to business pants, free floats, daily podcast, covering all things business news, all things, ESG news, all things corporate woke Wars. The Geniuses here at free flow. Ari, Jesse, and Matt believe in this stuff so much that they made a product to sell directly to you. It's called board sabermetrics. And it puts the who back into ESG. It's Tuesday, which means it's time for our business pants. Corporate theater America's longest running corporate theater. Troupe dedicated to dramatizing and satirizing, business news headlines, business pants, corporate theater will be performing live on stage in June, in the great city of Portland, Maine more details to come. If you were looking for a weekend, getaway from your corner office suite, high above Madison Avenue. But come on, let's get to the good stuff. Our corporate theater players. Tonight are the extraordinary Courtney Cook. Phil Haack, Ashley kutzer, Mark McGee and Molly McGill. This week on the show, a tupperware history lesson. King Kong complains about the new obesity drug. And a conversation about the homelessness crisis. Up first. How about a bedtime story? This week. It's the Forgotten story of brownie wise. The ingenious marketer behind the Tupperware potty. Earl Chopper invented the containers Sia. But it was a Savvy convention, defying entrepreneur, who got the product line into the homes of Housewives. I've got that top birthday feeling up in my head, up in my head up in my head. I got that. All right, kiddo, time for bed but you know what that means. Write a story business story. Kelsey, you've got to be the only nine year old that request stories about the corporate world. And you know what, I'm pretty okay with that and Billy Tyler likes stories about 19th century robber barons, it's because Billy Tyler's dad is a 21st century. Robert Barron I thought He worked for the bank, same thing. No, you're interested is much more layered. You seem to generally want to know how this crazy capitalistic system works and being a harsh critic of that system. For most of my 40 years, there's no better person to give you all of its blood sucking details. Billy's dad says, you're a communist good. Let Me think that I'm not a communist, but if it's strikes the fear of God into that money, assess limited thinking, right? Wing not so be it. Stay classy. Mom always my dear. Okay. So tonight we're going to learn about a very influential business woman. Yes, her name was brownie wise. Sounds like a name for a hobbit know, a wizard brownie. The wise brownie, the wise was much more of a wizard than a hobbit. She was a female business Visionary that did not shy away, from sharing her ideas and making herself known in a time. When women didn't really do that. When was that the 1950s? Oh, the 1950s. That's when women in minorities were constantly oppressed by evil and scared white men living high in their Ivory Towers. Right? Well, you could actually say that has happened in every decade to this day but yeah. So how did brownie the wise defeat the evil men in the Ivory Towers? Well defeat may not be the right word. Okay, so I was reading today that a company called Tupperware is tanking financially. They're on their last legs and it may be the end to this one's very popular and powerful company. What kind of company are they? They created a plastic food storage containers and they had that revolutionary watertight and airtight double seal lid. The health food stay fresh for a much longer time. Boo plastic. Well yeah, but remember this was a time when many people couldn't afford refrigerators so these containers were a godsend and they were so cool looking too. They came in light pastel colors and they were designed to stack well and cabinets. So of course they were marketed to the good old American housewife. Who ate them up Tupperware was hugely popular and a game changer in the way they sold their products. And that brings us to brownie wise. Oh brownie, the wife, her actual name was brownie, May Humphrey. And when Tupperware came out she was a single mom without a job. Like you were last year right? Brownie, the wise, loved Tupperware and had a vision that the best way to sell it was women selling to other women and that's what she started doing. She begins selling out home parties and created a social networking Marketing System through dealers and sellers that quickly outsold top Aaron's store sales. Only the wise had a vision, she sure. Did soon brownie, the wise is Success caught, the attention of tupperware's inventor, the evil and very stodgy Earl of Tupper. The Earl of Tupper, one of the evil scared white men living in the Ivory Tower? Yes, most definitely. Well, his real name was just Earl Tupper and he's the villain of our story. Boo, all of topper. So the Earl of Tupper, notice the success of brownie, the wise invited her to be vice, president of Tupperware. Home parties in 1951. Oh, well, that doesn't sound so evil. I mean appointing a woman to such a high executive title was pretty Progressive for the 50s, right? You got correct. But even though she was paid a decent yearly salary, the Earl of Tupper prevented her from getting a formal contract with Tupperware, but why she was making the company money, she was doing a better job than the Men were. No, wait. I know what you're going to say, you should, because I mentioned this horrible creature in almost every story. The Woman hating green-eyed monster of misogyny. I don't really like that guy mom as well. You shouldn't the Earl of Tupper gave in to that monster. And the only reason he let brownie, the wise in the Executive Suite at all, is because she was making lots and lots of money for Tupperware. Her home. Party concept became a national sensation and women all across the country began hosting their own Tupperware parties brownie. The wise was empowering women in the name of Tupperware and you can imagine that even though he was taking in all the cash, the Earl of topper hated that This Bitter End with brownie. The wise slang, the green eyed monster of misogyny and knocking that of her out of his Ivory Tower. Do any of these stories on that way? Kelsey know but I'm still hopeful one will. If anyone can change things that sure looks like brownie. Wise can well, she sure tried brownie. The wise insisted that the Earl of Tupper Market. His products exclusively through party plans where women invited friends, and neighbors to accommodation, social event, and sales presentation, she insisted nice. Exactly, women didn't do a lot of that back. Then anyway, brownie, the wise had the freedom to implement her vision of marketing strategies. She enabled thousands of women to have a career at a time when a woman's role was conventionally tied to the home brownie the wise made TV appearances, was featured a magazine and newspaper articles and became a huge celebrity in 1954. She became the first woman to appear on the cover of business week, that was on heard of yay, brownie, the wise but that must have made the Earl of Tupper pretty mad. Okay, Mom, just break it to me. How does the Earl ruin all of this? Well, hold on a minute. Things were going great for brownie and tupperware for a few years sales. Were soaring in 1954 more and more women became dealers and Distributors and not just white women in the suburbs were all women. Herbal women black women. They all were inspired by brownie. The wisest wonderful self-affirming philosophy on business and life. But you're right the evil and stogy Earl of Tupper found it difficult to deal with brownie, the wisest immense popularity as the face of Tupperware. The two had frequent disagreements about how business should be run with Browning the wise, almost always in the right. And by the late 1950s, the earlier Tupper was thinking of selling the company and giving into the monster of misogyny, he thought it would be less attractive to sell the company with an outspoken woman at the helm. Of course, he did. Of course, he did. So, in January 1958, he and the board of directors fired brownie. The wise they said it was due to their frequent disagreements. And remember how I said early that. She never had a formal contract with Tupperware. Well, because of that, they were not obliged to pay her any Severance did brownie the wise fight back with her sort of anti misogynistic Justice sword, of anti misogynistic Justice as a good Kelsey, yes, brownie, the wise did fight back. She took them to court and won but since she didn't have a formal All contract. They only gave her a one-time payout of a year's salary, which was around 30 grand still. A nice chunk of change for 1958 but not nearly as much as she deserves. She brought that company Millions not long after the Earl of Tupper sold the company for 60 million divorced his wife gave up his US citizenship to avoid taxes and bought an island off the coast of Costa Rica where he lived happily ever after until his death in 1983. Are you kidding me? I know, I know instead of being slayed By The Sword of anti misogynistic Justice, the Earl of Tupper lived. His last days in South American luxury and the monster of misogyny still roams the copper world to this day. But brownie, the wise still made a impact in the business world. And for women everywhere, many other large companies, like Mary Kay cosmetics, copied the home party selling formula. She perfected and her Legacy continues to this day in so many ways. What happened to her? Well, she tried to start in a couple companies afterwards, but none succeeded like Tupperware. She owned some real estate in Florida and lived a quiet life there, making rock, who a type of Japanese, ceramic Pottery, traditionally used in taroni. She died in 1992. I love the brownie. The wise made Raccoon pottery She was very cool. She was she definitely was so now it looks like the company is about to crash and burn. Good Karma Zone. Oh, seriously Mom after treating brownie, that way, you may be right. Tupperware only added brownies name to their official company history. In 2016, when they created a park in her honor at the corporate headquarters, 2,000 16. Yeah, they deserve to burn. Well this story is more about brownie than Tupperware. I like giving these stories a bit of fairy tale Flair, but you know that these aren't fairy tales, right? They're real stories about real people. People you should know about. I know Mom. Thanks for telling me about brownie, the wise. I really like her. She was a real Pioneer. Yes. A Pioneer for women everywhere, and we will always remember her and never forget that the world is full of Earl of topper characters. And of course, the green-eyed monster of misogyny, they're still out there and we need to battle them every day. Maybe Billy, Taylor's dad is right? Maybe you are a communist. Oh, yeah, well, maybe your marks. The libertarian you're left is socialist. You're a Theocratic. Fascist, you're a Baptist conservative. Oh, you now let's go to a little town in New Jersey where things are really popping. Yes, there's a party going on at Mrs. Betty, Martin's house, it's a tougher wear party and its really fun. The girls get together and meet their old friends and make some new ones. Then there's a demonstration by one of the Tupperware dealers who lives in your community. Watch her show the way to use tupperware's patented seeds. See. See you on tight. Then press down the center and lift the seal a bit at one side. Here, that that's tupperware's. Airtight promise to lock in flavor and lock out air. So salads, keep their And gelatin, desserts. Keep their since Tupperware cats spill or leak, you can store it any which way in your freezer or refrigerator Plan to have or attend the Tupperware party soon. Just look in the Yellow Pages under housewares or plastics, for your nearest Tupperware distributor or write Tupperware or Lando Florida. Every Hostess receives, a valuable gift from Tupperware and between now and May 6th both hosts and guests can receive an extra special gift. We will unwrap the package later on, so stay tuned. Next. King Kong calls his agent to complain about all the headlines, linking him with Eli, Lilly's new obesity drug How this is Kong? Listen, how I'm seeing my name in the newspaper today and it's not good. Well, let me read you a few headlines. The King Kong of weight loss. Drugs is coming. There may be a new King Kong drug. That provides huge weight loss benefits, a new King Kong obesity treatment gains ground. I mean, what the hell? It's this drug called a Manjaro mon Jarreau. Yeah, it's a drug for diabetes but now Eli Lilly and other pharmacies are going to use it for obesity. Listen, how I don't want to be associated with this. Did you get any inkling that they were going to use my name? Well, why didn't you say anything? You're my agent for Christ sake? No, you're right. I wouldn't have agreed to it. It's an obesity drug Hal. Why would I want to be associated with that? Okay. It's an anti-obesity drug, but I still don't like it. What do you think? People see here, King Kong hand in hand with obesity. That's what they see. That's not what I'm about how. I've always always focused on engaging in a healthy lifestyle. I exercise constantly, I work out about five hours a day. You can't climb up the freaking Empire State Building without working out Hal. Oh, and I fought Godzilla. How Godzilla you think I could do that? Well, being a 75 foot 100, tons slots sitting on my couch watching my old movies all day. Damn, right. I couldn't I mean, I know I lost that fight but still the whole thing was rigged. Anyway, and another thing I'm a goddamn vegetarian, people know that Hal I've never eaten an animal or a human being on screen or otherwise and all my 157 years Jesus. How this is just wrong. Well, yes, I do have issues with the drug too. I think this is a terrible thing to put on the market. Obesity is such a serious problem, especially in America exercise and healthy diet should definitely be promoted. More not new drugs, that can shed the extra weight off in an abnormally short time without any change to diet or physical activity. I can see the ridiculous rationalizations already. Oh, I could still eat five pounds of sugar today because I'm going to take Manjaro tonight or hey, pass the salt and give me another Bacon fat smoothie. I'm on Manjaro. It's a friggin enabler drug and I do not want to be connected with it in any way. A spokesperson. So that's what this is all about. They use my name without asking and then a spokesperson proposal is pushed in my face. Unbelievable, these pharmacies are outrageous. Know, how tell them King Kong says, no, Well, send it to Godzilla then I don't care. They're not gonna blackmail me, by saying the offer will go to my biggest rival. I don't care. How much? Send me the paperwork, right? I could be in New York by Friday by Hal. Fuck you. Before I get to our last get married. Once again, thank our business pants. Corporates theater. in alphabetical order, they are Courtney Cook, Philip Hawk, Ashley kutzer, Mark McGee and Molly McGill. Let's end Today's Show with a heartwarming conversation between Frank and Dolores. Last time we visited with our favorite 1950s power, couple. They were talking about Eminem's going. Whoa. This week. They are here to share their observations about the homelessness crisis. Is that you Frank? Of course, it's me Dolores. Who else comes in through the front door without knocking? Is this something you want to tell me? Dolores Sally. From next door, sometimes comes in without knocking, I thought she stopped when she caught me in my boxers at one time. It shook her up for a few weeks but she got over it already hard. Did the car pass inspection it did despite needing a left tail light bulb which I can convince them, I could replace myself. I'm not paying the ridiculous labor charge for a simple Bowl. Oh you should have had him do it. Frank I know how to replace a bulb Delores. It's not the skill. It's the act of actually doing it. I'll do it. Don't you? Worry. I have an oven light that begs to differ with you. Hey, you know, that homeless guy that stands on the intersection of Holly and Elm the young man with the bike. Oh, he's very nice. I gave him some change the other day. Did you give him some change? Well, no, because I was waiting for the light to change and gave him a look over. He was wearing a white shirt that I could have sworn was ironed. He was wearing a pressure and it looked like he had an iPhone in his pocket. Maybe he was happy to see you. Frank, that's not funny Dolores. Maybe he was in a pressured because he had somewhere nice to go today, somewhere. Nice to go. If he had somewhere nice to go, can you get a damn job? Maybe he was going to an interview for a job. Maybe he has a job. Frank, not everyone begging on. The street is homeless and without a job. What are you talking about the horse? Why are these people begging on the street? If they have homes and jobs? That's got to be illegal. That ain't right? Remember when I made you come with me to help out at the soup kitchen? You did not make me Dolores. Oh I made you Frank and then you immediately had a fit that the kitchen was serving everyone, Sam and that night Shaman. You know how expensive salmon is? No, that didn't bode well for me to Laura's. So people in need shouldn't be allowed to have good food food. Did they normally wouldn't have? Is that what you saying? That's not what I'm saying, Dolores, but come on salmon, I don't even eat. Salmon, gives you hives Frank. Besides that salmon was most likely donated from a local restaurant, right before they threw it out. I think it's wonderful that some restaurants do that instead of just throwing it away. Anyway, back to my point, remember how a lot of those people didn't always fit the homeless stereotype, the young families that came in where and regular clean looking clothes. Look, I know you do because I remember you commenting about that too. Yeah, so those guys were even clean shaven that didn't bode well for me either. Oh, if someone in need, doesn't look like a Depression era. Bum stereotype, you discredit them all together? If they don't look like red skelton's, Freddy the free load of character, then they're just scam artists. So out of touch with what defines a person in need in 2023, Frank, well, why don't you like me Dolores? Tell me how people with homes and jobs and iron clothes and new iPhones and brand new bikes, that guy intersection has a shiny new bike. Tell me how all those people are in need, okay, I'll go slow Frank. So you can understand You have to realize that in this reality, we live in people's lives, can turn on a dime, an unforeseen life-changing event, an illness, a job loss, an unplanned expense. There are Myriad of situations that can occur that can cause someone to lose everything. And if you're not financially prepared, which most aren't it, can happen overnight. You know, Steven Crowley, he lives. At the end of the street, he was laid off six months ago, his wife still works but to save on Child Care. He's staying home with the kids doing a few work from home temp jobs. He went on the exchange for his health care and and got a low rate, but now he just found out that they overestimated his premium credit and now he owes about 500 extra dollars in taxes because of that the savings is taped and he doesn't know how he's gonna pay that. Unexpected circumstances Frank, Steven could lose his house, his car overnight, and if he decided to start asking for help on the street corner tomorrow, he'd still have his white shirts, his iron his iPhone and his electric razor. You don't become someone in need immediately become Cinderella changing back to her Rags, at midnight, Frank as in everything in life. Their degrees. Despite how much you want it to be. This world is not black and white. It's a great world. Frank. It always has been. So think about that. The next time you start to judge someone on the corner, asking for help. I wasn't judging Dolores, just asking a question and like I said, maybe that nice guy at the corner has a job. Not every place is increased their hourly wage. The still people work in two or three jobs just to get by. I'll not bore you with my views on a living wage corporate greed, or Universal Health Care right now, but you know how I feel. Oh, I know, I know, you know Frank We've been very lucky. We had good jobs. We were able to save a little and have wonderful support from our family and friends, not everyone has that and those of us that do need to look out for those that don't, Well, where are you going now? I'm taking a covered dish to the crowleys and don't worry. It's not Salmon. Well, I'll go with you. The tail light bulb can wait. That'd be nice. Frank. You really should have had the mechanics changed that bulb, though? I can change a light bulb Dolores. Can you hear that? It's the oven light laughing at you, hearty heart? Oh, yeah, you take your coat. I don't need it. All right, it's a little cold outside Frank. we are bored super metrics and we will be back tomorrow without this Silly voice, I promise. And please go ahead. Share this podcast with your