In the latest episode of Brothers, Battles, and Bounty, hosts Andreas, Martin, and Stefan delve into the early successes that helped shape Trendler and fuel its growth. Their conversation offers an intimate look at how family dynamics, hard work, and strategic thinking intersect to create lasting success.
You can watch the entire Brothers, Battles, and Bounty episode here: Season 1 Episode 16.
Early Wins That Set the Stage
The brothers recall several pivotal milestones that helped establish their reputation and lay the foundation for the growth of Trendler. One of their earliest achievements was expanding manufacturing capabilities. Trendler initially focused on producing simple stamped plates and welded components, but a major contract with Daystrom Seating required us to expand our expertise. This project introduced wood components and full chair understructures, showcasing our ability to innovate and collaborate effectively across different materials and processes.
In the late 1990s, the brothers took another significant step by consolidating operations into a new facility and investing in advanced technologies, including powder coating, plastic injection molding, and tube fabrication. Each investment was carefully analyzed for return on investment, and the coordinated rollout of multiple technologies at once propelled Trendler into new markets, positioning us for long-term growth.
A key breakthrough in retail came in 2008 with the COSTCO bar stool project, our first large-scale retail account. Trendler sold 20,000 units within just 90 days, even as the housing market collapsed, strengthening our presence in the retail sector and demonstrating their resilience under challenging economic conditions.
Innovation in product mechanisms further distinguished Trendler from our competitors. Developing swivel-tilt seating mechanisms allowed us to compete with major manufacturers to earn Douglas Furniture business (Largest Dinette Manufacturer in the world), increasing both sales and industry recognition. These advances in design and functionality highlighted our commitment to creating quality, ergonomic products.
Operational growth was another critical factor. The purchase of a 28-foot box truck for local deliveries streamlined logistics and enhanced Trendler’s professional image. Later, relocating to a larger facility and acquiring the 4540 building enabled us to consolidate operations efficiently without disrupting customer service, marking a major step in our operational maturity.
Strategic partnerships were the final components that played a central role in our success. Bringing on the accounting firm Cray Kaiser helped streamline financial operations, implement GAAP-compliant reporting, and strengthen business valuation for buy-sell agreements. The introduction of “Replacement Swivels on Amazon”, was a huge addition to servicing the millions of swivels shipped over the years. This was initiated by Jake T. Gfesser at Inspirational Affluence. To assist Trendler in servicing the consumers’ needs in efficiently economical way! Additionally, Crossroads Consulting, led by Andreas, added a new dimension to marketing and customer engagement, enhancing overall company synergy and opening doors to new opportunities.
Family Business Insights
The Gfesser brothers emphasize that the true essence of their success lies in teamwork and a shared vision. While not every idea initially received unanimous support, open discussion, trust, and careful execution ensured that once a decision was made, the brothers moved forward together as a cohesive team. This alignment and collaboration became a defining factor in turning ambitious plans into tangible results.
Equally important was learning from their peers. By joining the Family Business Council, the brothers were able to benchmark their experiences against other family-run companies. This exposure provided valuable insights into both the successes and common pitfalls of family businesses, helping them refine their strategies and strengthen the foundation of their own company.
Personal Reflections and Legacy
Beyond their business milestones, the episode highlights the deeply personal side of the brothers’ journey. One particularly meaningful project was creating a documentary celebrating their mother’s life, which not only brought the family closer together but also underscored the importance of preserving legacy and honoring life stories. The Gfesser brothers reflect on their gratitude for the opportunity to build and sustain a business together, recognizing that their success has been shaped by a combination of hard work, strategic decisions, and a touch of good fortune along the way.
Key Takeaways
The Gfesser brothers offer several valuable lessons for anyone navigating a family business. Early successes often require bold investments, careful planning, and collaborative execution, while family dynamics can serve as both a challenge and a strength when approached with open communication and trust. Celebrating milestones and recognizing the contributions of mentors, partners, and family members further strengthens both business and personal bonds, reinforcing a culture of gratitude and teamwork. The brothers wrap up the episode by reminding everyone that every success story is part of a larger, supportive community.
To fully appreciate the humor, insight, and pride that Andreas, Martin, and Stefan bring to their work, listen to the full episode and hear:
You can also check Trendler’s YouTube channel for the latest episodes of Brothers, Battles, and Bounty: https://www.youtube.com/@TrendlerInc.