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 Lear, General Mills, Cargill, Amazon, Google, Avon, Under Armour.

From Brent Snavely: Key acquisitions put Lear in the drivers seat

“Lear CEO says the acquisition of leather manufacturer Ottawa Eagle gives it an advantage on seat designs, quality and craftsmanship.”

From Jim Spencer and Mike Hughlett: Minnesota’s food expertise reaches across the ocean

“General Mills and Cargill workers are spearheading Partners in Food Solutions, an effort to improve food production and distribution in Africa.”

From Hilary Stout: Amazon, Google and More Are Drawn to Home Services Market

“Bringing the efficiency of the web to common household tasks has opened a new door to the home services industry, which is estimated to be worth more than $800 billion.”

From Joann S. Lublin and Ellen Byron: Avon Explores Strategic Options

“Avon Products Inc. is exploring options including a sale of the company or its struggling North American business, people familiar with the matter said, an acknowledgment that its problems are more than skin deep.”

From Hayley Peterson: This story about Under Armour’s CEO withdrawing thousands of dollars from an ATM at the Masters shows how far his company has come

“Under Armour struck gold Sunday with Jordan Spieth’s Masters win.”