The Power of Compounding: From Investments to Brand Building

written by Chris Lundeen

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read time 4 min

brand building

My career began on Wall Street, where I learned that the key to successful investing is not just making smart choices but staying in the game and letting time do the heavy lifting. Compounding—earning interest on your interest—transforms modest investments into significant wealth over time.


This same principle of long-term focus can be applied to brand building. Consistency is key, but so is the patience to let your efforts develop and grow.


I’m writing this post not just to share some insights but to remind myself of its importance. It’s easy to get lost in the daily grind and lose sight of the bigger picture. 


When I get burned out, it’s beneficial to remember that I’m building something that is worth something. I’m either going to pass my company down to my kids, or cash out for an early retirement.


But whether in finance or business, the small, consistent actions we take every day have a cumulative power that is transformative.

"The most powerful force in the universe is compound interest."

Warren Buffett

Building a Brand: Not a Passive Venture


Years ago, I came across a Fidelity study that changed the way I think about investing. 


It revealed that the best performing investors on the Fidelity platform were those who either forgot about their accounts or rarely logged in. By not reacting to every market movement, they allowed their investments to grow uninterrupted, avoiding the pitfalls of impulsive decisions.


Brand building, however, is far from passive. It requires real dedication—navigating challenges, responding to feedback, and continuously innovating.


We can’t afford to simply sit back and watch our investments grow. It requires us to roll up our sleeves and actively engage in the process.


I've grown to truly enjoy working in the shipping department. The rhythm of picking, packing, and shipping feels therapeutic. There's something satisfying about hearing the cash register ring—an important reminder that our hard work is paying off!


There’s no autopilot mode.


Every day brings a new set of hurdles, from creating products to making customers happy. It’s stress, sweat, and sometimes tears. 


But each challenge overcome is a step forward, building a company that’s worth something.

"A great co-founder should complement your skills, share your vision, and challenge you to grow."

co-founder

How Daily Actions Compound


1) Consistency is key. 


Just like in investing, where regular cash contributions lead to substantial growth, consistent daily actions are crucial in brand building. 


A single blog post or social media update won’t make or break your brand, but doing it day after day? That’s when the magic happens.


2) Momentum builds. 


Each action lays the foundation for the next. When you engage with customers on social media, they become more likely to share your content. 


When you write informative blog posts, your audience starts to get to know you. 


This momentum is like the interest that builds on your original investment.


3) Over time, the small actions compound. 


The more you invest in your brand through consistent effort, the more your brand equity grows. 


Just like how compound interest turns a small sum into a significant amount, your brand can grow from a small following to a loyal community.

"Building a successful business is not just about profits. It’s about creating a legacy for your family."

legacy

Adapt and Diversify


While consistency is key, so is the ability to adapt.


The business landscape is constantly evolving, and what worked yesterday may not work tomorrow. 


Successful brands aren’t just built on repetitive actions. They grow through problem solving and staying ahead of industry trends.


Just as a good investor diversifies their portfolio to minimize risk and maximize returns, a strong brand must be willing to experiment, take calculated risks, and pivot when necessary.


At The Fabric Company, we’re actively putting this principle to work by continuously expanding our product offerings.


Our goal is to become a one stop shop for quilters.


Though we started with just fabric, we now carry everything needed to create a quilt from start to finish.


Recently, we added Supreme Batting, which forms the core of a quilt, as well as sewing machines to our lineup. I'm proud to say our Supreme Batting is made here in the US of A.


I’m confident that Supreme Batting will quickly become our most popular product.

We even have a longarm— the huge machine used to stitch together the quilt top, batting, and backing. We'll soon offer this service to our customers.

longarm

Every new product we add brings us closer to becoming a more complete resource for our customers, enhancing our brand’s value and reputation. 


Word of mouth spreads quickly, and we’re seeing that positive impact unfold right now.

The Long Term Perspective


Whether it’s investments or building a brand, the power of compounding is a long game. 


The most significant gains come over time.


Just like investors who stay the course benefit from long term growth, brands that consistently put in the work reap the rewards of a strong customer base and increased market value.


Every company that I admire was once a startup.

"To succeed in business, you must think long term and be prepared to adapt along the way."

Jeff Bezos

Final Thoughts


Small, consistent actions lead to significant growth over time. 


Every dollar invested is a step toward financial freedom, and every action you take today is a step toward building a powerful, lasting brand.


So, invest in your brand daily, and watch it grow beyond what you ever thought possible.

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Stay tuned to "The Weekly Thread" for updates, inspiration, and opportunities to join us on this incredible journey.

If you have any questions or want to speak with a quilter about your project, reach out to us at hello@fabriccompany.com!

The Author: Chris Lundeen

My wife & I are the owners of The Fabric Company & Choice Fabrics. Prior to entering the fabric industry in 2021, my career was in finance. Now, I'm dedicated to growing a thriving sewing community.