#307 The Worlds Great Family Dynasties Rockefeller, Rothschild, Morgan, & Toyada

In this episode, the host reflects on his experience at Capital camp, an investing and entrepreneurship conference, and how it highlighted the impact of his Eight Sleep mattress on sleep quality. He also discusses the services provided by Meter, which offers hassle-free internet and Wi-Fi for businesses, and Tiny, a company that facilitates straightforward cash exits for founders looking to sell their businesses. The host then delves into the history of prominent family dynasties like the Rockefellers, Rothschilds, Morgans, and Toyotas, exploring the traits and strategies that led to their success and, in some cases, their decline. He emphasizes the importance of innovation, long-term thinking, and adapting to market changes. Key figures mentioned include Mateo Franceschetti (founder of Eight Sleep), the Rockefeller family, Nathan Rothschild, and Sakichi Toyota, whose textile machinery patents funded the Toyota Motor Company.

• David Senra attended Capital Camp, an investing and entrepreneurship conference in Missouri.
• He experienced poor sleep quality due to the inability to control the bed temperature, unlike at home with his Eight Sleep mattress.
• The temperature control feature of the Eight Sleep mattress significantly improved his sleep quality.
• David's wife suggested he include his experience in an Eight Sleep ad.
• Eight Sleep offers a discount for listeners, shipping internationally.

"I'm so used to being able to control the temperature of my bed now that when I travel, I actually notice a difference in the quality of my sleep." This quote highlights the impact of the Eight Sleep mattress's temperature control on David's sleep quality, emphasizing its importance in his daily routine.

• Historical figures like John D. Rockefeller and J.P. Morgan would have used services like Meter for their business internet needs.
• Meter provides fast, secure, reliable internet that can scale with business growth.
• It offers easy setup and no upfront costs, appealing to businesses looking to expand without significant initial investment.
• Meter is beneficial for various commercial spaces and simplifies internet management for business owners.

"Meter gives your business faster, simpler, and more secure Internet and Wi-Fi for all parts of your empire." This quote explains the core benefits of Meter's internet services, emphasizing speed, simplicity, and security for businesses.

• Tiny offers straightforward cash exits for founders looking to sell their businesses.
• It caters to a range of business sizes and is interested in profitable internet businesses.
• Venture capitalists with portfolio companies that may not receive further funding but could be profitable are encouraged to contact Tiny.
• Tiny's process is hassle-free, and they respond quickly to inquiries.

"Tiny is the easiest way for you to sell your business." This quote emphasizes Tiny's ease of use and streamlined process for business owners looking to sell their companies.

• David Senra shares his personal history on the "Invest Like the Best" podcast with Patrick.
• Episode 292, titled "David Senra, Passion and Pain," is recommended for those interested in learning more about him.

"I've been getting a lot of messages about people wanting to hear more about my personal history." This quote indicates that there is significant interest in David Senra's background, prompting him to direct listeners to a specific podcast episode for more information.

• A dynasty is defined as three successive generations of family control over a business.
• Growth, diversification, technological advances, and success can threaten the continuity of a family firm.
• Heirs may become distracted by other interests such as politics, culture, or leisure, rather than running the family business.
• The book "Dynasties: Fortunes and Misfortunes of the World's Great Family Businesses" by David Landes is a primary reference for understanding these challenges.

"As the firm develops power and prestige, the heirs find many interesting and amusing things to do rather than run their business." This quote outlines the tendency of heirs to become preoccupied with pursuits outside the family business, which can lead to a decline in the firm's continuity.

• The Rothschild family began in a Jewish ghetto in Frankfurt and overcame oppressive conditions to build a global financial empire.
• Mayer Rothschild, the founder, valued long-term relationships over short-term profit and involved his family intimately in the business.
• Nathan Rothschild, Mayer's third son, was especially notable for his confidence and business acumen.
• The Rothschilds are an example of a dynasty where tenacity and focus are passed down through generations.
• The book suggests that the Rothschild family is somewhat of an exception among the dynasties profiled, maintaining their wealth and influence over time.

"The Rothschilds are a case study in tenacity and a dynasty in which the traits of persistence and intense focus have been passed down from one extraordinary generation to the next." This quote characterizes the Rothschild family as exemplifying determination and sustained attention to their business across generations, contributing to their lasting success.

• The Rothschilds were a powerful family that financed governments and wars in Europe.
• Nathan Rothschild was seen as a unique genius by his family and led with strict privacy and discipline.
• The family's wealth was often shrouded in secrecy, and they developed techniques to discreetly manage and move wealth across Europe.
• They had a logistical network that included special carriages and ships for transporting goods and wealth.
• Nathan's financing of the British government during the Napoleonic Wars was one of the family's most lucrative transactions.

"Nathan became the commanding general of the clan of his entire family, even though his father's still alive." This quote highlights Nathan Rothschild's leadership role within the family, even while his father was alive, indicating his exceptional capabilities and the respect he commanded.

"The Rothschilds developed the technique of absolute discretion to perfection." This quote emphasizes the Rothschilds' focus on maintaining secrecy in their business dealings, which was a key to their success.

"Nathan's biggest coup was lending the British government the money it needed to finance Wellington's campaign against Napoleon." This quote describes one of the family's most profitable ventures, showcasing their significant role in historical events.

• Mayer Amschel Rothschild left guiding principles for his family to follow, which they adhered to for several generations.
• The family business was to be exclusively for direct male descendants, excluding son-in-laws from ownership and management.
• Mayer warned his children against disturbing the business peace, indicating his desire for continuity and stability.

"Before he went, he drew up a partnership agreement and a will that laid out the principles he felt should guide the family enterprise into the future." This quote conveys Mayer Rothschild's foresight in establishing a clear succession plan and guidelines for the family business.

"I shall never forgive my children if they should, against my parental will, take it upon themselves to disturb my sons in the peaceful possession of their business." This quote reflects Mayer Rothschild's stern warning to his descendants, underlining the importance he placed on the orderly conduct of family affairs.

• The Rothschilds often intermarried within the family to keep the business and wealth consolidated.
• Nathan Rothschild died young but had become possibly the richest person in the world at that time.
• The family's strict adherence to Mayer's rules began to wane over time as new generations adopted different values.

"16 of the 18 matches made by mayor's grandchildren were between uncle and niece, our first cousins." This quote reveals the family's practice of intermarriage to maintain control over their wealth and business.

"The brilliant entrepreneur and innovator was gone, and his like would not be found again." This quote signifies the unique and irreplaceable nature of Nathan Rothschild's entrepreneurial spirit within the family.

• The Rothschild family gradually shifted from being active promoters and investors to custodians of their fortune.
• This change reflected a broader pattern among dynasties where the focus shifts from growth to preservation of wealth.
• The family's newer generations were more conservative in their business dealings, valuing peace of mind over risky ventures.

"The passage of time changed the family gradually from an active promoter and investor to a custodian of family fortunes." This quote captures the evolution of the Rothschild family's role in business over time, moving from aggressive expansion to conservative management.

"The tacit rules of the Rothschild dynasty now were aimed at preserving sleep and peace of mind." This quote illustrates the shift in the family's business philosophy towards ensuring personal well-being and avoiding stress.

• The Morgans studied and emulated successful dynasties like the Rothschilds but adapted their strategy to include outside partners due to a smaller family size.
• Junius Morgan, J.P. Morgan's father, moved to London to capitalize on the city's status as the financial center of the world.
• The Morgans' family business actually began with George Peabody, who later partnered with Junius Morgan.

"The Morgans offered a very different response to success and growth from that of the Rothschilds." This quote contrasts the Morgans' openness to outside partners with the Rothschilds' insistence on keeping the business within the family.

"The history of the house of Morgan tends to glide too quickly over the career of Junius." This quote suggests that Junius Morgan's pivotal role in establishing the family's place in international banking is often overlooked.

• J.P. Morgan had health issues throughout his life, which led to a work pattern of intense activity followed by periods of rest.
• This approach was different from the continuous hard work typical of other founders but still allowed for significant wealth accumulation.
• Morgan was known to take extended breaks, delegating responsibilities to senior colleagues during his absences.

"Work had to be compensated by intervals of recovery and repose." This quote describes J.P. Morgan's need to balance intense work with rest due to his health, which was atypical for business leaders of his time.

"I am a sprinter. I rest, I sprint. I rest, I sprint again." This quote, from Larry Ellison's biography, is used to draw a parallel with J.P. Morgan's work-rest pattern, highlighting the effectiveness of this approach for certain individuals.

• Junius Morgan made a significant fortune from a single transaction, equating to about $450 million in today's money.
• He became an important figure in international finance, much like the Rothschilds after the Napoleonic Wars.
• Junius faced resistance from established financial families, including the Rothschilds, who were reluctant to accept new players in the industry.
• He established the "House of Morgan" as a powerful banking entity with his son, J.P. Morgan, in America, capitalizing on the booming American economy.

"Junius made a fortune from this unanticipated windfall. Estimated he made about $450,000,000 in today's money from this one single transaction." This quote highlights the massive financial gain Junius Morgan made from a single deal, underscoring his rise to prominence in the financial world.

• J.P. Morgan, Junius's son, was instrumental in expanding the family business in America.
• Junius provided J.P. with guidance, connections, and a rigorous upbringing with high standards, similar to Nathan Rothschild's approach with his children.
• J.P. Morgan was known for his uncompromising and demanding business style, which made it difficult for him to find suitable partners.
• He played a key role in the development of several industries, including railroads, oceanic transportation, and steel.
• J.P. Morgan created the world's first billion-dollar corporation, U.S. Steel, by consolidating the steel industry and buying out Carnegie Steel.

"The american economy took off after the civil war. At the heart of its growth were the railroads." This quote emphasizes the pivotal role railroads played in the growth of the American economy post-Civil War, an industry in which J.P. Morgan was heavily involved.

• J.P. Morgan had a keen sense for new technologies and business opportunities, as evidenced by his formation of General Electric.
• He was ruthless in business, taking over companies rather than merely assisting them, as seen in his dealings with Edison Electric.
• J.P. Morgan's death marked the end of his personal dominance in the industry, with the firm relying on outside talent and partners thereafter.

"A man always has two reasons for the things he does. A good one and the real one." This quote by J.P. Morgan reveals his understanding of human motivations in business, suggesting that there are often hidden agendas behind actions.

• Sakichi Toyota, the founding father of Toyota, began his career in the textile industry and was instrumental in advancing loom technology.
• Sakichi's innovations in loom technology provided the seed money for the Toyota Motor Company.
• The Toyota family embraced a philosophy of quality, societal benefit, and a mission greater than oneself.
• Kichiero Toyota, Sakichi's son, was encouraged to enter the automobile industry and build a Japanese car, leading to the establishment of Toyota as an automotive manufacturer.
• Toyota's success was attributed to a deep understanding of processes and system of production, which later became known as the Toyota Production System.

"You should make an effort to make something that will benefit society." This quote from Sakichi Toyota to his son Kichiero encapsulates the family's philosophy of creating products that have a positive impact on society, a principle that guided the development of Toyota Motor Company.

• Kichiero Toyota traveled to America to study the automobile industry, taking extensive notes and learning from competitors.
• Japan's automobile industry lagged behind Europe and America, but Toyota was determined to catch up by focusing on engine manufacturing.
• Kichiero's strategy included reverse-engineering a Chevy engine to ensure compatibility with readily available parts, demonstrating a pragmatic approach to overcoming resource limitations.

"The result was an engine so exact that it could accept Chevy replacement parts, a major advantage when the inevitable breakdown occurred." This quote illustrates Toyota's strategic decision to create engines compatible with Chevy parts, ensuring the viability and maintainability of their vehicles despite limited resources.

• Entrepreneurs often begin with limited resources, which encourages creativity and resourcefulness.
• Testing demand before scaling up is a common strategy among successful entrepreneurs.
• The Toyota family's lean production approach exemplifies starting small and growing in response to demand.

"The greatest entrepreneurs usually start out resource constrained. It forces you to be more creative, to be more resourceful, and to actually test to see if there's actually enough demand to build a valuable business for the product that you think that you're trying to put out into the world."

This quote highlights the advantage of starting a business with limited resources, as it compels entrepreneurs to innovate and validate the market demand for their product before expanding their operations.

• Kiichiro Toyota introduced lean production to minimize cash outlays by reducing warehouse capacity.
• The lean production model was designed to produce vehicles on order and pay for materials with the proceeds, known as "just-in-time" manufacturing.
• Toyota's adaptation during wartime and post-war periods demonstrated resilience and strategic pivoting.

"Kichiero's idea came to be known as lean production... The goal was to produce vehicles on order and to use the proceeds to pay for materials and parts as needed."

The quote explains the essence of lean production, which is to minimize waste and increase efficiency by producing goods only when there is a demand and using the revenue to fund ongoing production costs.

• Toyota had to pivot to food production during the post-WWII period due to a lack of demand for vehicles.
• The company's flexibility allowed it to survive by focusing on subsistence and meeting the immediate needs of the population.
• The Korean War provided Toyota with a new opportunity as the U.S. military required vehicles, leading to a significant influx of money.

"The Americans needed transportations. They asked Toyota to start making trucks again. That is, in the mid to late 1940s and 1950s, Toyota has a huge influx in money from America again because of the Korean War."

This quote indicates the turning point for Toyota when the American military's demand for trucks provided the company with a financial boost and an opportunity to return to vehicle production.

• Kiichiro Toyota recognized the need for the Japanese auto industry to adapt to a free market system.
• He emphasized the importance of developing skills and capabilities to compete globally without relying on government contracts.
• Toyota's leadership transitioned to Ejai, who was inspired by American manufacturing and aimed to adapt Toyota's operations to compete on a global scale.

"We need to have the skills to survive in a free market. Towards the end of his presidency, in a memo that became something of a moral call to arms, he said, the Japanese auto industry has been fostered and protected in a controlled economy and has never braved the rough ways of a free market system."

The quote captures Kiichiro Toyota's foresight in recognizing that the company's future success depended on its ability to compete in a free market without government support.

• Ono developed the Toyota Production System (TPS), a revolutionary approach to manufacturing that emphasized efficiency and waste reduction.
• TPS became a major technical innovation, influencing manufacturing worldwide.
• The system's success was not immediately apparent, as it took decades to develop and perfect.

"Ono had vision. It was he who developed and implemented Kichero's idea of lean production into a system that became known as TPS, or the Toyota Production System, which could be used in making not only automobiles but all manner of complex industrial products."

The quote describes Ono's significant contribution to Toyota's success through the development of the TPS, which optimized the production process and became a benchmark for the manufacturing industry.

• Toyota remained a family enterprise, with Ejai Toyota eventually taking leadership as a bloodline family member.
• Under Ejai's presidency, Toyota's production and growth accelerated, allowing the company to compete internationally.
• The company's success in the 1990s can be traced back to the foundations laid by Shakichi Toyota in 1929.

"In 1967, the family finally thought that Eji Toyota was ready to take back the reins. He finally got his chance and he took over as president, the first family member by bloodline to hold the position since Kichiero."

This quote underscores the continuation of family leadership within Toyota and marks the moment when Ejai Toyota assumed the presidency, leading to a period of significant growth for the company.

• The Rockefeller family is often perceived as a dynasty due to their continued influence in various sectors.
• John D. Rockefeller's success was attributed to being the right person, in the right place, at the right time, with the right skills.
• Rockefeller's upbringing and personal traits, such as patience and methodical nature, played a crucial role in his business success.

"Rockefeller's luck came from time and place. The Cleveland of his early years was a small boomtown, a place that favored energy and ambition."

This quote emphasizes how John D. Rockefeller's early environment and personal qualities were conducive to his success in the burgeoning oil industry.

• Rockefeller's strategies included securing rebates from railways and maintaining secrecy about his acquisitions.
• He encouraged competitors to sell to him by demonstrating Standard Oil's superior efficiency.
• Rockefeller's focus on long-term vision and control over the oil industry distinguished him from his contemporaries.

"Rockefeller was such a large producer that he could promise the railways steady amounts... This is the most important fact that this all hinges on."

The quote highlights Rockefeller's leverage in negotiations with railways, which was pivotal in his strategy to dominate the oil industry through preferential rates and rebates.

• John D. Rockefeller did not groom his descendants to take over the family business, focusing instead on philanthropy.
• The Rockefeller children were largely unaware of the family's wealth and were not involved in the oil business.
• The Rockefeller fortune transitioned from a business enterprise to a philanthropic legacy.

"Between 1917 and 1922, John D. gave almost half a billion dollars to his children. Almost all of it went to junior... Junior did not have the same taste for business that his father did."

This quote reveals the transfer of wealth from John D. Rockefeller to his children, particularly his son, who chose to concentrate on philanthropic endeavors rather than business operations.