Otter Products, LLC, or simply OtterBox, is a privately owned consumer electronics accessory company based in Fort Collins, Colorado, that produces cases for mobile devices. The company was founded in 1998 as a manufacturer of water-resistant boxes meant to house electronic devices, mostly catering to outdoor enthusiasts.[2] Since then, OtterBox has produced both water-resistant and non-water-resistant protective phone cases for smartphones.
 | |
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1998 in Fort Collins, Colorado, U.S. |
| Founders | Curt Richardson David Bridge |
| Headquarters | , U.S. |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | |
| Products | Mobile phone accessories iPad accessories Apple Watch accessories Xbox accessories |
| Revenue |  US$923.6 million[1] |
Number of employees | c. 766[1] |
| Website | otterbox |
History
editIn 1991, Curt Richardson made the first “OtterBox,” a water-resistant box, in his garage after he noticed an increase in the popularity of water sports.[3] After settling on the design of the Otterbox, Richardson started the company in 1998.[4] He was strongly influenced by the 1986 book about business theories, E-Myth, by Michael Gerber.[3]
In 2001, the company began to produce iPod cases,[4] which were introduced in 2004.[5] OtterBox ceased the production of iPod cases in 2010 to focus on mobile devices.[4] As of 2024, the company provides military-grade accessories for protecting battlefield military technology.[6]
In July 2012, Curt Richardson announced he would be stepping down as CEO and taking up the position of chairman.[7] He was replaced by Brian Thomas.[7]
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, who served until March 2016.[8] In early 2016, Jim Parke, the CEO of Blue Ocean Enterprises, Inc, was appointed as the CEO of Otter Products, LLC.[9]
As of December 2022, JC Richardson, son of founders Curt and Nancy, took over the role of CEO of Otter Products. He took over the role, having previously sat on the board.[10]. In August 2024, Richardson announced that Trey Northrup, formerly of Lixil Group and Whirlpool Corporation, had been hired as CEO, with Richardson moving to the role of board chairman.[11]
Employees
editBy 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,[12] and soon after, a smaller sales office in Dubai was set up.[4] In 2012, OtterBox had 363 employees.[13]
Spin-offs
editThree start-up businesses grew from OtterBox: Nerdy Minds, Wild Rock, and 1OAK Technologies.[14] All three founders of these businesses worked at OtterBox and are now backed by the company.[14] On May 22, 2013, OtterBox acquired the San Diego–based smartphone and tablet case manufacturer LifeProof.[15]
Products
editAs of 2024[update], OtterBox provides cases for products by Amazon, Apple, BlackBerry, Google (Nexus), HTC, LG, Microsoft, Motorola, Nokia, OnePlus, and Samsung.[16] The company has produced eleven different lines of cases while four lines are no longer in production.[16] The company also manufactures screen protectors under its "Clearly Protected" line.[17]
In May 2017, OtterBox announced a new product line, a line of coolers and tumblers called "Venture Coolers".[18]
In January 2019, OtterBox announced a partnership with Corning to create a new line of screen protectors named "Amplify" for iPhone, Galaxy, and other mobile phones.[19]
In 2020, OtterBox launched power banks, charging kits, and cables that work with both Apple and Android products.[20]
In 2021, OtterBox branched into gaming accessories with mobile game clips and carrying cases for Xbox controllers and iPhones.[21]
In 2022, OtterBox launched a program called the "OtterBox Protection Program"[22] for all new cases.
Honors and awards
editIn 2012, the company was named one of the Best Medium Workplaces by Great Place To Work.
Otter Cares
editThe Otter Cares Foundation primarily focuses on grants for education, non-profits, and communities.[23]
References
edit- ^ a b Ferrier, Pat. "Out of the box: How the OtterBox empire sprang from a waterproof case". The Coloradoan. Retrieved 16 September 2022.
- ^ April Joyner (2011-09-14). "How I Reinvented My Business". Inc.com. Retrieved 2017-02-02.
- ^ a b c d Kristen Tatti (7–20 May 2010). "Richardson out of the garage for good". Northern Colorado Business Report. Retrieved 2 December 2012.
- ^ a b c d Joyner, April. "How I Reinvented My Business". Inc. Retrieved 1 December 2012.
- ^ Dennis Lloyd (13 May 2004). "OtterBox announces oPod - water resistant case for iPod". iLounge. Retrieved 2 May 2012.
- ^ "OtterBox-Arming the Military with Rugged Technology". OtterBox. Archived from the original on 6 March 2014. Retrieved 1 December 2012.
- ^ a b "OtterBox Evolution Continues with New Executive Leadership". Reuters. Archived from the original on 2 July 2013. Retrieved 1 December 2012.
- ^ Ferrier, Pat. "OtterBox announces leadership change". Fort Collins Coloradoan. Retrieved 13 November 2014.
- ^ Ferrier, Pat. "Jim Parke leads OtterBox into changing landscape". Coloradoan. Retrieved 22 May 2020.
- ^ Ferrier, Pat. "Jim Parke leads OtterBox into changing landscape". Otter Products Press Release. Retrieved 27 June 2023.
- ^ "Otter Products hires new CEO as former leader moves to chairman role". Retrieved 2 November 2024.
- ^ "9 News". Archived from the original on 2012-07-17.
- ^ "OtterBox". Inc. Archived from the original on 27 January 2013. Retrieved 1 December 2012.
- ^ a b 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.
- ^ "OtterBox Acquires LifeProof". Archived from the original on 2013-06-09. Retrieved 2013-09-12.
- ^ a b "Products". OtterBox. Retrieved 23 May 2014.
- ^ Archer, Tucker (25 December 2014). "OtterBox vs. LifeProof: What's the Best iPhone 6 Case?". heavy.com. Retrieved 22 May 2020.
- ^ "Unrule the Outdoors with New OtterBox Venture Coolers". OtterBox MediaRoom. Retrieved 2019-03-22.
- ^ "OtterBox and Corning Partner to Redefine Mobile Device Screen Protection". OtterBox MediaRoom. Retrieved 2019-03-22.
- ^ "Popular phone case brand Otterbox is selling chargers now". NBC News. 25 June 2020. Retrieved 2020-06-26.
- ^ Bouwmeester, Jason (2021-01-14). "[CES 2021] Otterbox branches out with Xbox gaming accessories". Techaeris. Retrieved 2021-01-15.
- ^ "New OtterBox Protection Program".
- ^ "Our Grant Program". OtterCares. Retrieved 2024-03-28.