Peter Schmidt

How To Win In The Midwest

Business EN ↓ 4 episodes

This is a show that will tell the stories of success for the Midwest. The modern media landscape loves to talk about outliers. The unicorns. The world-ending supernovas. Companies that have global impact. But the reality is that our lives are more frequently impacted by companies in our own backyards. The formula to win in New York or San Francisco might not be the same formula to win in Cincinnati, Milwaukee, or Nashville. The playbook for success in the Midwest, The Heartland, is mostly unique to the region. Unfortunately, it's not well studied. Harvard Business School doesn't write a lot o...

Author

Peter Schmidt

Episodes

Episode 4: Worthington Industries, Steel, Enterprises and Beyond 01.07.2026 1:52:18

The conversation delves into the history of the steel industry, the founding of Worthington Industries, and the evolution of the business model from brokerage to manufacturing. It explores the challenges faced by small buyers of steel and the innovative solutions provided by Worthington Industries. The conversation delves into the topics of outsourcing and the tier system, highlighting the signifi...

Episode 3: Gorilla Glue - All 600 lbs of Brand Power 19.05.2026 1:40:12

The conversation delves into the history of glue, the acquisition of Lutz Tool, the success story of the Gorilla Glue Company, and the expansion of the business. It also explores the marketing strategy, SKU expansion, and leadership transition, highlighting the brand's growth and expansion over the years. The conversation delves into the incident involving Gorilla Glue, its public image, business...

Episode 2: TQL - Just Win, Baby 31.03.2026 1:37:06

The conversation covers the history and evolution of freight brokerage, the founding of Total Quality Logistics (TQL), and the impact of the Great Recession on the logistics industry. It also explores the competitive landscape, hiring practices, and the role of technology in the industry. TQL's journey from 2009 to 2025 is marked by impressive growth, geographic expansion, technological advancemen...

Episode 1: Graeter's Ice Cream - 156 Years of Stalwart Success 27.02.2026 1:59:12

Pilot Episode: How to Win In The Midwest, Graeter's Ice Cream Hosts: Sean Cox, Peter Schmidt