Some of the best learning happens when you read stories about real people and real companies. Read them for ideas, for lessons, and inspiration. This week’s stories and strategies from real life are about Nugget Market, Netflix, Scátháin, Time, and Kroger

From Claire Zillman: Nugget Market: A retail gig that employees don’t hate

“Nugget Market inspires devotion in its workforce with plenty of training opportunities. The pay doesn’t hurt either.”

From Emily Steel: While Its Streaming Service Booms, Netflix Streamlines Old Business

“Instead of ignoring its DVD-by-mail operation that was dwindling but still bringing in hundreds of millions of dollars in profits every year, the company concentrated on efficiency.”

From Rick Romell: A bit of luck, connections bring Scátháin to celebs’ homes

“For years, John McWilliam tried to crack the music business — composing, performing, hitting industry conventions, showcasing his skills, seeking the break that would let him drop his painting business and do music full-time. ‘I remember working really hard trying to make it,’ he said. Never quite happened. But now, at 51, McWilliam has found another creative realm, running an industrial-chic, metal-smithing, wood-shaping shop called Scátháin in Walker’s Point and enjoying the satisfaction of seeing his work purchased by the world’s rich and famous.”

From Jeffrey Trachtenberg: Clock Is Ticking for Time Inc.’s CEO

“Joe Ripp pushes online video, ‘native’ ads and ‘big data’ to save the company Henry Luce built; ‘slow and steady death’”

From Steve Watkins: How Kroger has gained from rivals’ mismanagement

“Kroger’s prowess in running supermarkets has become the stuff of legend in the industry lately, but one analyst says there’s another reason it has done so well: rivals’ mismanagement.”