Business Breakdowns

Business Breakdowns

Author: Colossus | Investing & Business Podcasts Language: English Episodes: 100
Ever wondered what really makes a giant corporation tick or how a scrappy startup managed to carve out its own niche? Business Breakdowns digs into those questions with a level of detail that goes far beyond the headlines. Hosts Matt Reustle and Zack Fuss, from the Colossus network, have a simple but powerful method: they take one company per episode and pull it apart completely. You’ll hear about its founding story, the operational model it runs on, the financial engine under the hood, and that elusive competitive advantage it hopes to protect. This isn’t just a surface-level interview show; it’s a deep, analytical conversation designed for anyone curious about the mechanics of commerce and capital. Whether you're an investor looking for deeper due diligence or simply a business enthusiast fascinated by corporate strategy, this podcast serves as a masterclass in understanding what separates enduring enterprises from the rest. The discussions are grounded and practical, focusing on the tangible decisions and historical contexts that shaped each featured organization. By committing each episode to a single, thorough case study, the format allows for a nuanced exploration you won’t find elsewhere. Tune in and gain a clearer framework for analyzing any business, one compelling breakdown at a time.
Episodes
Apollo: Connoisseurs of Complexity - [Business Breakdowns, EP.208] [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:28
​Today, we are breaking down the global alternative asset manager, Apollo. I reflected on my personal experiences with Apollo for this episode, and there's a saying that hard work can beat talent when talent doesn't work…
Cognex: Vision Quest - [Business Breakdowns, EP.207] [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:45
Today we are breaking down machine vision leader, Cognex. Cognex Corporation is an American manufacturer of machine vision systems, software and sensors used in automated manufacturing to inspect and identify parts, dete…
Rolls-Royce: Turbines and Tribulations - [Business Breakdowns, REPLAY] [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:41
Today, we are breaking down Rolls-Royce. A fair warning to those expecting to hear about luxury automobiles, that division was split from this business in the 1970s. But as we discuss the history of Rolls-Royce on this e…
AMETEK: Industrial Excellence - [Business Breakdowns, REPLAY] [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:11
Today, we are replaying one of our favorites, breaking down the industrial conglomerate AMETEK. AMETEK is a great pairing with last week's episode on Jack Henry. These are two businesses with very long track records exec…
Jack Henry: VMS King - [Business Breakdowns, EP.206] [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:53
Today, we are breaking down Jack Henry. If you're not familiar with it, Mark Leonard of Constellation Software once referred to this business as their ‘gold standard.’ Jack Henry is a true best in class operator within t…
APi Group: Safety Services at Scale - [Business Breakdowns, EP.205] [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:33
This is Zack Fuss. Today, we are breaking down APi Group, a leading provider of life safety and specialty services to buildings and construction projects. While not necessarily a household name, APi's services play a vit…
Kaspi.kz: The Kazakh Super-App - [Business Breakdowns, EP.204] [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:42
This is Zack Fuss. Today, we are breaking down Kaspi, a leading financial technology company based in Kazakhstan best known for its super app. Kaspi plays a central role in the lives of millions of Kazakh citizens by off…
Gaming Consoles Part 3: Nintendo - [Business Breakdowns, EP.203] [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:54
Today's episode is the third in our three-part miniseries on video game consoles. Here, we are breaking down Nintendo. Our guest is Ryan O'Connor, the founder of Crossroads Capital. He has a wealth of knowledge about Nin…
Gaming Consoles Part 2: Sony - [Business Breakdowns, EP.202] [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:29
This is the second episode of our multi-part series on the video game console market. If you've yet to listen to Episode One, Sia Kamalie is the founder and fund manager at Skycatcher. Join me in breaking down the video…
Gaming Consoles Part 1: The Thesis - [Business Breakdowns, EP.201] [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:07
Today's episode is the first in a multi-part series on the video game console market. Our guest is Sia Kamalie, the founder and fund manager at Skycatcher. Skycatcher describes itself as focused on capturing asymmetry at…