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 LinkedIn, Rohan Oza, Rosenbauer America, ChannelNet, and J. Solotken & Co.

From the Economist: LinkedIn: Workers of the world, log in

“The social network has already shaken up the way professionals are hired. Its ambitions go far beyond that.”

From John Kell: Meet the man who wants to upend your pantry

“Oza’s investment philosophy is fairly simple: he wants to invest in products he would use. He also favors snacks and beverages that are healthier than what is already on shelves.”

From Ginger Christ: Fostering a Flame-Resistant Culture

“Who better to craft the fire trucks being used in every city than the ones who use them every day, the ones putting their lives on the line?”

From Susan Tompor: ChannelNet CEO brings Silicon Valley tech to Motor City customers

“Paula Tompkins, CEO and founder of Dearborn-based ChannelNet, created a space by cleverly applying Silicon Valley technology to the sales and marketing process for bricks-and-mortar businesses.”

From John Ketzenberger: Scrap yard married tradition, technology

“Scrap dealers, though, sit between those who want to get rid of things and those who want to buy them to recycle. Solotken and other scrap companies live on the thin margin of making a market, and a highly competitive one to boot. Any day another scrap company could promise to pay more to Solotken’s suppliers or sell for less to its buyer.”