Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Joan Verdon is a veteran retail reporter based in Northern New Jersey. The Lego Group built itself into one of the largest toy companies in the world brick-by-brick. Now, two major U.S ...

The runner had trained for months to attempt a world record, enduring calluses, rolled ankles and questions from friends who couldn’t understand why she pushed herself so hard. Near the starting line on race day, Gabrielle Wall felt nervous as she stretched.