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 JJ’s Red Hots, Covisint, Loxa Beauty, the Los Angeles Clippers and Google.

From Megan Cassella: Dilworth hot dog chain JJ’s Red Hots honored for success in fast-casual arena

“The Dilworth property has been home to six restaurants in the past 10 years – one upscale, one seafood, one barbecue, none lasting very long. Fellow restaurant owners call the area cursed. JJ’s owner and co-founder Jonathan Luther calls it his home base. As his hot-dog chain nears its second birthday, winning national recognition and aiming to expand,”

From Mark Phelan: Auto-bred technology firm Covisint branches out

“Covisint, the Detroit-based Internet company that was born in the irrational exuberance of the 1990s tech boom, may finally be coming of age.”

From Jill Phillips: Online retailer Loxa Beauty has global success from Indy

“As more stylists advertised on the site and clients left reviews, Shaffer and McDowell noticed consumers wanted more information. They began writing blogs about beauty and hair trends and products. One particular blog about Neuma’s argon hair oil led to the founding of Jada Beauty, an e-commerce site that combined the concept of MyBestFriendsHair.com with selling professional products.”

From  Charles Fleming, Walter Hamilton, and Andrea Chang: Experts puzzle over $2-billion bid for Clippers

“Steve Ballmer’s $2-billion offer for the Los Angeles Clippers — nearly four times the record sale for an NBA team — has experts puzzling over how the former Microsoft chief plans to make any money on the deal.”

From Richard Brandt: Google’s mobile search ad dominance threatened by apps

“Google may be the world’s online search advertising powerhouse, but in the narrower (and fast-growing) segment of mobile search advertising, it’s encountering some powerful competition. The difficulty is that, right now, it’s difficult to figure out exactly who that competition is.”