1 Smart Business Story: A Private Equity Tale

What this episode covers

Schoolhouse made a name for itself selling vintage-styled lights from its headquarters in Portland. It then expanded from three employees to 150 with storefronts in New York and Pittsburgh, selling home hardware, furniture, and textiles in addition to lighting. All the while, its motto was “work hard and be nice to people.” Then came private equity. Freelance journalist Yelena Alpert joins host Rob Verger on this episode of 1 Smart Business Story to discuss her in-depth piece on Schoolhouse’s downfall for Inc. Listen to hear how the brand's private equity-backed acquisition led to its bankruptcy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of The Business Model by Inc.?

This episode is 41 minutes long.

When was this The Business Model by Inc. episode published?

This episode was published on April 13, 2026.

What is this episode about?

Schoolhouse made a name for itself selling vintage-styled lights from its headquarters in Portland. It then expanded from three employees to 150 with storefronts in New York and Pittsburgh, selling home hardware, furniture, and textiles in addition...

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