Anna Burrow
03 English
11/3/2017
The Influence and Impact of the Disney and Vanderbilt Families
Although their lifestyles and up-bringing were drastically different, the famous Vanderbilt and Disney families were highly influential in the 1800’s and still continue to make an impact today. Both families navigated through the business industry, facing doubt and countless setbacks. However, despite their challenges, these families reached their goals and impacted the American business industry. Disney and Vanderbilt’s drive for success was clearly evident during the 1800’s and still make an impact on the business industry today. “Disney”, is a well-known animation company applauded for their award-winning films and popular attractions/amusement parks. Disneyland is located in California and Disneyworld in the Sunshine State of Florida. The Walt Disney Company had a revenue of 55.3 billion USD in 2016, with 42 billion USD coming from the United States alone (Statistica). The Walt Disney Company, or Disney as its common nick-name, has grown from a small business working in a tiny office space, to being one of the most influential entertainment companies with a business geared towards family. The Walt Disney Company was an idea brought to life by two brothers raised in the Disney family household, Roy, and Walt (IF, 2015). Walt Disney, more than likely, would be the first person that comes to mind when thinking about the company. Although the man is thought of as an icon of inspiration today, many people in the early chapters of his life often shook their heads with disapproval when seeing Walt’s passion. “The Black Sheep of the Family” the young boy had early on earned that title in life. Rather than helping his father with work, he craved to use his time for something that sparked imagination (IF, 2015). He had passion for something nobody thought was passion-worthy; this passion was drawing. Dropping out of high school early, Walt was offered his first technical job where he learned about the fascinating industry of animation. Shortly after receiving the job, he was let-go. He realized his passion for animation and wanted to put the small amount of knowledge about the animation industry to good use, he gathered a few of his friends and started a business. They gave themselves a much-needed name: Laugh- O Gram Company (Thank You Walt Dinsey, Inc., n.d.). An animation company where films about politics and popular gossip were created with a comical twist. However, not very long into the start of the company, there were many signs of struggle. Poor financial experience led to poor financial decisions, putting a hole on the company’s funds. Additionally, the competition with more popular companies was brutal. Walt was not a man known for giving up. Sacrifice after sacrifice, Walt was doing anything he could to keep the Laugh-O-Gram Company alive; he simply wanted nothing more than to see it succeed. Despite Walt’s efforts and the efforts of others on his team, the company hit rock-bottom. The Laugh- O-Gram Company was …show more content…
After getting a feel for the ferry business, Cornelius understood the wants of customers. Thinking of ways to attract more customers, he thought of a brilliant strategy; charging lowers wages (Institute, n.d.). Simple as it seems, it worked, and his reasoning was that people did not need to spend high amounts of money, for unnecessary luxury travel. The business man competed with the high-cost means of transportation. Eventually after steady success and stability, Vanderbilt upgraded to several more luxury ventures, while still maintaining low ridding …show more content…
The New York City railroad helped influence the growth and spread of railroads. By participating in this business, Vanderbilt had an impact on the industrial revolution, connecting the country and enabling it’s efficiency, while also providing jobs for many individuals. (The Men Who Built America, n.d.) One of the most important accomplishments of Vanderbilt was building the Grand Central station in New York. The Grand Central was a huge railroad station, where all three major railroads connected. In fact, the station and well-known clock are still standing today. Cornelius Vanderbilt is considered to be one of the “Men Who Built America.” (The Men Who Built America,