Watching TV is not always what most parents think of when they think of educating their children, but I personally believe it can be a very educational way of spending an hour or two. Finding educational shows is the tricky part. I love documentaries, and biographies have to be my favorite, especially biographies of entrepreneurs. CNBC is an excellent place to find these.
Last week I watched the biography of JW Marriot and found it much more interesting than I expected. I had never read or watched anything about this hotel icon and was surprised he didn’t start into the hotel business until he was 57. He had been in business for himself from the beginning of his career and was very good at running restaurants. It was one of those stories of a man that came out of poverty and made his mark on the world the old fashioned way – by working hard. His devotion to his wife and family was inspirational, along with his incredible work ethic. He basically started his career with an A & W franchise with his wife working as hard as he was along his side.
The mark of a true entrepreneur, JW Marriot was a master at noticing the needs of those around him and finding a profitable way to meet those needs. Coupled with hard work, long hours and clean living, he was considered a ‘self-made man’. He was a devout Morman, and according to this biography, held strong to his beliefs and lived an outstanding moral life that did not go unnoticed.
That’s all I will share, you will have to watch it for yourself. CNBC has many biographies of entrepreneurs that you could watch with or without your children. Discussing what impacted both of you about the biography is an excellent ‘homeschool-entrepreneur’ project. I encourage you to watch several biographies, or even watch one per week as a regular assignment. The advantage to watching more than one is you will both see a pattern emerge from watching the lives of entrepreneurs that have seen a level of success. You will also have a unique opportunity to discuss how your family’s value were – or weren’t – reflected. Equally fascinating (at least to a business geek like myself…) are the stories behind how some of the retail giants like Walmart and Home Depot pushed their way to the forefront.
I don’t think the Biography on JW Marriot is scheduled again soon, but some of the upcoming biographies available on CNBC are: (the links are to short video previews)
Ferdinand Porsche – the story behind the unveiling of the Porsche 911 and how they established themselves as THE sports car
The Rockefellers – and how he built his empire – not a pretty picture
Frank Purdue – How Frank Purdue took his backyard egg business and made it a household name. The preview is hilarious! Read Frank Purdue’s ‘Ethical Will”
Harley Davidson – Did you know that the first ‘Harley Davidson’ was built in a shed by two childhood friends – in a shed? Watch the preview here.
The above biographies are playing on most networks in the next week or two, but here are some you might want to catch when they come around:
Walmart – Sam Walton I think Walmart’s humble beginnings will surprise you.
Microsoft – Bill Gates – I was born on the same day as Bill Gates, and remember well the computers that filled not just an entire room, but entire buildings!
Rachael Ray Show – You’ll love her even more after this show!
Wendy’s – Dave Thomas – Did you know that Colonel Sanders gave Dave Thomas his start?
Ford Motor Company – Henry Ford
Kentucky Fried Chicken-Colonel Sanders
You can also find an up-to-date listing of what’s showing in your area currently at Locate TV. (This link is only for the biographies on CNBC)
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Regards,
Michael Collins
Film Ideas, Inc.
Wheeling, IL
mikec@filmideas.com