Jon D, Rockefeller essays

Jon D, Rockefeller essays John D. Rockefeller created the empire of Standard Oil. His firm grasp of business and his determination to do whatever it took to succeed and be the king of oil propelled him to great heights. But how did he get to the top? After Rockefeller left his job as a bookkeeper in 1859 to seek his own fortune, he joined forces with an Englishman named Marcie Clark. They formed a business as merchants in grain, hay, meat, and other goods. Taking advantage of the extra business that the war gave them, the firm flourished . In four short years, the Clark and Rockefeller Co. made great profits. However, our young John wasn't willing to sit back and relax in just one prosperous venture, the oil business was calling him. Rebates were given as a bonus for giving the railroads big business.{ "The published rates were charged to smaller independent businesses and a lower unpublished rate was charged to big suppliers."} In addition to this price break, the big firms were also given part of the higher prices charged to the smaller companies. Through this, smaller businesses were driven out of the market because they couldn't make as much profit as the larger companies. The strength of Rockefeller's business was in his ability to overpower any competition. He was bigger, stronger, and wealthier than anyone he came in competition with, he could simply starve them out of business. His success was due to the fact that he had a tremendous desire for achievement and the skills to take him there. He was a master of the business that he ran. He chose the best managers, saved money by being efficient in every area of operation and took any necessary steps to control the market. His plants and his company were simply the biggest and the best. By 1900, Standard Oil was in near complete control of the oil industry, controlling 90% of the United States total oil output. This success came at others expense though, and it was catch...