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How a janitor at Frito-Lay invented Flamin' Hot Cheetos (2017)

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Re: How a janitor at Frito-Lay invented Flamin' Hot Cheetos (2017)

#31

Post by Noumenon72 »

compiler-guy wrote: post #10
TameAntelope wrote: post #4

There's no mention about whether or not the flavor Montañez came up with was the one used in the hot Cheetoes, or if the CEO even tried one. Not that it matters, but I think it's interesting that the actual product here we can safely hand-wave away, "The chefs in the test kitchen will make that part work."

The exact flavor isn't important. What is important is that he identified an unserved, high-potential, market and put together what was basically a minimum viable product. I'm sure it needed massive refinement, but that shortcoming is a normal piece of any product development.

Also, it sounds like his presentation skills provided management with a spokesperson/avatar/salesman for the project, possibly making it the right time to move forward with some ideas they already had but didn't have the right person for.

Re: How a janitor at Frito-Lay invented Flamin' Hot Cheetos (2017)

#32

Post by ksk »

TameAntelope wrote: post #4

There's no mention about whether or not the flavor Montañez came up with was the one used in the hot Cheetoes, or if the CEO even tried one. Not that it matters, but I think it's interesting that the actual product here we can safely hand-wave away, "The chefs in the test kitchen will make that part work."

I think coming up with the final formula requires an understanding of not just taste/food science, but also manufacturing logistics, raw material sourcing, etc. There's probably a lot of trade-offs involved, as you can imagine as well. I agree with you that it's a team effort, but unfortunately the impact of such stories is probably diminished if they weren't about the janitor walking into the CEO's office and hitting a home run.

Re: How a janitor at Frito-Lay invented Flamin' Hot Cheetos (2017)

#33

Post by nether »

fortran77 wrote: post #24

This story is being made into a movie. The twitter thread, no doubt, is an effort to promote it. See https://www.newsweek.com/flamin-hot-cheeto-movie-true-story-... See IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8105234/

When did it come out? Where can I see it?

Re: How a janitor at Frito-Lay invented Flamin' Hot Cheetos (2017)

#35

Post by _Understated_ »

scarface74 wrote: post #29
lixtra wrote: post #9

Earlier quoted context omitted.

More importantly he had time to learn about the business. How much time does a picker at Amazon have to think about the business ?

At least a picker at Amazon works for the same company as the CEO. Most jobs at that level would be contracted out.

In the UK, at least, Amazon hires temps via an agency.

Source: I work there for the agency (since I can't find a job... thanks to the Gov response to COVID!)

Re: How a janitor at Frito-Lay invented Flamin' Hot Cheetos (2017)

#36

Post by spicyramen »

This is a good story that poses philosophical questions as what intelligence means. Regardless his social class and jobs he look for opportunities and achieved success. There is a movement in tech for underrepresented minorities. I would dispute that opportunities should be given to anybody regardless their social class race or background, just not only latinos, black or women

Re: How a janitor at Frito-Lay invented Flamin' Hot Cheetos (2017)

#39

Post by laverya »

scarface74 wrote: post #28
Someone wrote: post #7

Great story, but it can’t happen today. No janitor works for the company whose floors he’s mopping anymore, so janitors wouldn’t get that company-wide email.

It’s amazing that corporate America thinks it can’t hire a at all levels from the custodian to the CEO, but almost every school system and government can figure it out.

Governments (in the west) don't hire their leaders, though. Same is true of schools - principals and the like might be hired, but the school boards that chose them are elected.

Re: How a janitor at Frito-Lay invented Flamin' Hot Cheetos (2017)

#40

Post by Glench »

Two things I haven't seen anyone mention that seem important:

1. For the one person who has "made it" economically, there are countless others that haven't, that still live in one-room houses. What about them?

2. I think it's worthwhile pointing out that the product that he created, while popular and financially successful, is a junk food that has a significant impact on the health of adults and children worldwide. We should evaluate "success" holistically, not just financially or else we miss the downstream effects of our decisions. This blindness is the same mindset that has caused climate change.

That said, it's wonderful to see someone lifted out of poverty. I hope millions more have the same chance.

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