Building Fortresses, Not Just Fences
The real trick, of course, is defending your turf. A market leader today can be a forgotten relic tomorrow if they can’t protect their position. The best niche companies build competitive moats that are devilishly difficult for others to cross. These aren’t just simple fences, they are deep, wide moats patrolled by crocodiles.
Look at Trex Company, which operates in the seemingly mundane world of composite decking. While others fight over the price of lumber, Trex built a brand synonymous with high quality, low maintenance outdoor living. Their manufacturing know-how and distribution network make it a nightmare for a new player to challenge them. Or consider Generac. When a storm knocks your power out, are you really going to spend hours shopping around for the cheapest generator? No, you’re going to call the company you trust to get the lights back on. That trust, built over years of specialisation, is a powerful defence. It’s this very principle that underpins a collection of companies I’ve been looking at, the Niche Dominators, which groups these quiet powerhouses together.