Forging a Family-Owned Legacy: The Story of Thompson Traders

Welcome to Episode 29 of the Preferred Shares Podcast.

In this episode, we interviewed Clifford Thompson of Thompson Traders, a family-owned business founded in 2002. Since then, Thompson Traders has carved out a niche in the high-end home fixture market with a focus on luxury copper and brass sinks, range hoods, innovative designs, and strong customer relationships.

We discussed a variety of topics:

* Cliff shares his journey in founding Thompson Traders;

* The importance of cash flow in small businesses;

* Thompson Traders evolving from importing to designing their own products;

* The intricacies of product design;

* The impact material choices have on customer preferences and product durability;

* How customer relationships are key to business success;

* How Thompson Traders has navigated a competitive marketplace; and

* The WSJ article in which Thompson Traders was featured and how tariffs have impacted small businesses like Thompson.

To see Thompson Trader’s products in all their glory, please take a look at their most recent “Look Books” for 2025:

Thompson Traders Photos

Additional Reading & Listening

Curious to see what else we’ve been working on? Check out some of the interesting things we’ve done recently:

* Douglas Ott (Andvari Associates and @yesandnotyes)

* 📖 Cranberries & Ocean Spray: Part I

* 📖 Constellation Software: A People Business

* Devin LaSarre (Invariant and @DevinLaSarre)

* 📖 2026 Nicotine Basket Snapshot

* Lawrence Hamtil (Fortune Financial and @lhamtil)

* 📖 Aerospace: After A Century of Growth; A Bright Future Ahead

Enjoy this episode? Share it with someone who loves business history as much as you do!

You can also follow Preferred Shares, Devin, Doug, and Lawrence on X.

Disclaimer

All opinions expressed by Preferred Shares Hosts and guests are solely their own opinions and do not reflect the opinions of their current or former employers. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions. None of the information contained in the podcast or this web site constitutes a recommendation that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction, or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.

Clients of Andvari Associates and Fortune Financial may maintain positions in the securities discussed in this podcast. Furthermore, from time to time, the Hosts may hold positions or other interests in securities mentioned in the Podcast and may trade for their own accounts based on the information presented. The Hosts may also take positions inconsistent with the views expressed in its messages on the Podcast.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.preferredsharespodcast.com