The 5 Lenses for Building a Business That Lasts

David Kidder’s “5 Lenses” framework offers a strategic approach to building businesses that achieve long-term success by focusing on uniqueness, prioritization, and market dominance. By applying these principles, founders can create sustainable growth, establish competitive advantages, and position their businesses as indispensable in their industries.

The 5 Lenses Framework:

1. Proprietary Gift – Develop a unique, hard-to-replicate solution as your competitive edge.

2. Extreme Focus – Say “no” to distractions and prioritize what truly drives your business forward.

3. Painkillers, Not Vitamins – Solve chronic, urgent problems to attract high-value customers.

4. 10x Factor – Invest heavily in areas that provide exponential impact and differentiation.

5. Create Monopolies – Dominate your niche to establish a lasting, unchallenged market position.

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What We’re Reading

• This Mexican Border Town Had a Chaotic Trade-War Dress Rehearsal:​ In March, the U.S. imposed unexpected 25% tariffs on all goods entering from Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, to El Paso, Texas, causing significant disruption for businesses reliant on this busy border crossing. This abrupt action served as a chaotic rehearsal for potential future trade wars, highlighting the vulnerability of cross-border supply chains. (WSJ)

• Chinese Exporters Hunt for Alternatives to ‘Irreplaceable’ U.S. Buyers: ​Faced with escalating U.S. tariffs, Chinese exporters are actively seeking alternative markets, such as Russia's e-commerce platforms and regions in Southeast Asia and South America, to mitigate financial losses. However, many find the U.S. market nearly irreplaceable due to its unparalleled scale and purchasing power, with challenges including fragmented markets, lower incomes, and logistical issues hindering diversification efforts. (WSJ)

• The 1960s ‘Chicken Tax’ Shows the Lasting Impact of Tariffs: ​In 1963, the U.S. imposed a 25% tariff on imported pickup trucks, known as the "Chicken Tax," in retaliation against European duties on American poultry. This tariff has significantly influenced the American automotive industry by encouraging domestic production of pickups and limiting foreign competition, demonstrating the enduring and sometimes unintended consequences of trade policies.  (WSJ)

• Chipotle Went on a Seven-Year Quest to Find Avocados Outside of Mexico: ​To reduce reliance on Mexican avocados amid trade uncertainties, Chipotle Mexican Grill spent seven years diversifying its supply chain by sourcing from countries like Colombia, Peru, and the Dominican Republic. This strategic move aimed to mitigate potential cost increases from tariffs and ensure a stable avocado supply for its guacamole offerings. (WSJ)