OtterBox

OtterBox is a privately owned consumer electronics accessory company based in Fort Collins, Colorado that produces water-resistant, shock-resistant, and drop-resistant cases for mobile devices. The company was founded in 1998 as a manufacturer of water-resistant boxes for electronic devices targeted to outdoor enthusiasts.[2] Since then, the company has specialized in protective cases for smartphones, both water-resistant and not.

Otter Products, LLC
Founded1998 in Fort Collins, Colorado
FoundersCurt Richardson, David Bridge
Headquarters
Fort Collins, Colorado
,
U.S.
Area served
International
Key people
Curt Richardson, Brian Thomas, Peter Lindgren
ProductsMobile phone cases and Screen protectors
RevenueUS$650 million[1]
Number of employees
550[1]
SubsidiariesLifeProof
Websiteotterbox.com

History

In 1991 Curt Richardson made his first “Otterbox”, a completely water-resistant box, in his garage in response to an increase in the popularity of water sports.[3] Richardson launched a company based on his finished 1995 Otterbox in 1998.[4] He was strongly influenced by the 1985 book about business theories, E-Myth.[3] In 2001, the company began to produce iPod cases,[4] which were introduced in 2004.[5] OtterBox ceased making iPod cases in 2010 to focus on mobile devices and technologies.[4] As of 2012, the company provides protection accessories for battlefield military technology.[6]

By early 2009, OtterBox had approximately 70 employees.[3] In 2010 the company opened an office in Cork, Ireland with ten employees to handle the European, Middle Eastern and African markets.[3] In 2011 it opened a Hong Kong office[7] and soon after a small Dubai sales office.[4] In 2012 OtterBox had 363 employees.[8] Curt Richardson announced he would be stepping down as CEO and taking the position of Chairman in July 2012.[9] He was replaced by Brian Thomas.[9]

Three start-up businesses grew from OtterBox: Nerdy Minds, Wild Rock PR and 1OAK Technologies.[10] All three founders of these businesses worked at OtterBox and now are backed by the company as they continue to develop their products and services.[10] On May 22, 2013, Otterbox acquired the San Diego-based smartphone and tablet case manufacturer LifeProof.[11] OtterBox made $347.5 million in revenue in 2011.[8]

In November 2014 the company announced the departure of CEO Brian Thomas. The company appointed the company’s president Peter Lindgren to the role of CEO to replace Thomas, where he served until March of 2016. [12] In early 2016, Jim Parke, the CEO of Blue Ocean Enterprises, Inc., was appointed as the CEO of Otter Products, LLC.[13]

Products

As of 2015, OtterBox provides cases for products by Amazon.com, Apple, BlackBerry, Google (Nexus), HTC, LG, Microsoft, Motorola, Nokia, OnePlus and Samsung.[14] The company has produced eleven different lines of cases: Achiever Series, Defender Series, Resurgence Series, Symmetry Series, Commuter Series, Reflex Series, Armor series, Prefix Series, Preserver series, Profile series, Strada series, Pursuit series, Statement series and the Drybox series. The Armor, Prefix, Reflex and Preserver series are no longer in production.[14]

The company also manufactures screen protectors under their "Clearly Protected" line.[15] Products are manufactured in Mexico, China and the United States.

In May 2017 OtterBox announced a new product line, a line of coolers and tumblrs called "Venture Coolers".[16]

In January 2019 OtterBox announced a partnership with Corning Incorporated to create a new line of Screen Protectors under the name "Amplify" for iPhone, Galaxy and other mobile phones.[17]

In 2020, OtterBox launched power banks, charging kits, and cables to provide durable universal charging capabilities that work with both Apple and Android products.[18]

2021 saw OtterBox branch into gaming accessories with the introduction of mobile game clips and carrying cases for Xbox controllers and iPhones.[19]

Honors and awards

In 2012, the company was named one of the Best Medium Workplaces by Great Place To Work for its expanding workforce, "carefree and creative habitat", and 24 hours of paid time off for employee volunteer work. The OtterCares foundation has donated over 3 million dollars since 2012 and primarily focuses on education for young children.[20]

References
  1. "Otterbox on the Forbes America's Most Promising Companies List". Forbes. Forbes. Retrieved 12 May 2015.
  2. April Joyner (2011-09-14). "How I Reinvented My Business". Inc.com. Retrieved 2017-02-02.
  3. Kristen Tatti (7–20 May 2010). "Richardson out of the garage for good". Northern Colorado Business Report. Retrieved 2 December 2012.
  4. Joyner, April. "How I Reinvented My Business". Inc. Retrieved 1 December 2012.
  5. Dennis Lloyd (13 May 2004). "OtterBox announces oPod - water resistant case for iPod". iLounge. Retrieved 2 May 2012.
  6. "OtterBox-Arming the Military with Rugged Technology". OtterBox. Archived from the original on 6 March 2014. Retrieved 1 December 2012.
  7. "9 News". Archived from the original on 2012-07-17.
  8. "OtterBox". Inc. Archived from the original on 27 January 2013. Retrieved 1 December 2012.
  9. "OtterBox Evolution Continues with New Executive Leadership". Reuters. Retrieved 1 December 2012.
  10. Armbrister, Molly. "Three new companies spring from OtterBox's JEremy success". Northern Colorado Business Report. Archived from the original on 30 December 2013. Retrieved 1 December 2012.
  11. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2013-06-09. Retrieved 2013-09-12.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  12. Ferrier, Pat. "OtterBox announces leadership change". Fort Collins Coloradoan. Retrieved 13 November 2014.
  13. Ferrier, Pat. "Jim Parke leads OtterBox into changing landscape". Coloradoan. Retrieved 22 May 2020.
  14. "Products". OtterBox. Retrieved 23 May 2014.
  15. Archer, Tucker. "OtterBox vs. LifeProof: What's the Best iPhone 6 Case?". heavy.com. Retrieved 22 May 2020.
  16. "Unrule the Outdoors with New OtterBox Venture Coolers". OtterBox MediaRoom. Retrieved 2019-03-22.
  17. "OtterBox and Corning Partner to Redefine Mobile Device Screen Protection". OtterBox MediaRoom. Retrieved 2019-03-22.
  18. "Popular phone case brand Otterbox is selling chargers now". NBC News. Retrieved 2020-06-26.
  19. Bouwmeester, Jason (2021-01-14). "[CES 2021] Otterbox branches out with Xbox gaming accessories". Techaeris. Retrieved 2021-01-15.
  20. "#7 - Best Medium Workplaces: OtterBox", Great Place to Work Institute of the United States, San Francisco, 2012.
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