AGENT OF CHANGE  

For OtterBox founder and CEO, Curt Richardson, entrepreneurial drive has always been a way of life. As a kid, Curt organized yard sales and started a lawn service business. By 21, he owned a plastics and tooling company and from there created several businesses. Combining his industry experience with his passion for innovation, Curt created the first prototype of a waterproof case in his garage in the early 90’s and in 1998, OtterBox was born. OtterBox evolved into a leader in protective cases for mobile technology and is ranked No. 70 on the 2011 Inc. 500. @OtterBox


Do Your Company a Favor-Go Away

Business owners are often hard pressed to take vacations. But getting away from the business helps you to work on it rather than in it.  Read story

Move Innovation Beyond Product Design

Just because you've implemented a system doesn't mean your work is done.  Read story

Design Your Business Like a Product

Some companies have product design down to a science. These engineering-minded entrepreneurs can apply these same skills to scaling their business.  Read story

3 Tips for a Healthy Hiring Process

Hiring people who are not the right fit for your company is akin to catching a cold. Here's how to limit the extent of the illness to the rest of the company.  Read story

3 Must-Have Goals at Tech Trade Show CES

Adjust your goals and strategies at industry trade shows as your company's needs change.  Read story

The Art of the Expatriate

Probably the most important decision a business owner can make when deciding to set up an office abroad is the selection of who will run it.  Read story

Ace Your Global Expansion: 3 Tips

When expanding, choosing the right city, country, and continent can have lasting effects on a business--so choose correctly.  Read story

One Thing I Wish I Knew Before Going Global

OtterBox's CEO talks about a lesson he learned the hard way after expanding his business overseas.  Read story

Going Global: It's Not If, But When

For many companies the complex and daunting task of operating globally is inevitable.  Read story

Influence Your Company Culture (For the Better)

Benefits, perks and compensation may paint a rosy picture for recruitment, but it's these intangible elements that make for a happy and healthy company culture.  Read story

Leading the Competition? Be Careful

Those at the top are targets for competitors, media and industry-watchers, but it's important to maintain focus on what's truly important.  Read story

3 Steps to Building Brand Loyalty

Becoming an enduring brand with a loyal following starts early and takes a lot of time and effort. Take these three cues from some of the best.  Read story

The Entrepreneur's Fall Reading List

Just because you've received your degree doesn't mean you're done learning. Go back to "school" this fall with a hefty reading list.  Read story

5 Tips on Fast Growth From a 5-Time Inc. 5000 Company

Growing revenue in a down economy is no easy feat. Here's how Inc. 5000 honoree OtterBox was able to buck the global downturn.  Read story

OtterBox CEO: Why I Don't Use Social Media

Social media has become a powerful tool for all businesses, but a firm belief that 'if you can't do it well, you shouldn't do it at all' is behind my absence...  Read story

When Customers Have Had Enough Innovation

Can there be too much innovation? Yes, and smartphone manufacturers had to learn this fact the hard way.  Read story

Why It's Time I Pass the Torch

It takes courage to recognize when your company is ready for its next fearless leader.  Read story

4 Ways to Beat Knock-offs

For a growing business, protecting your intellectual property and brand can be timely and expensive. Here's how to prepare yourself for the fight.  Read story

The Case for Keeping a Fluid Employee Structure

Structure is often thought of as something that is immobile. However, the structure of a company is more about how people fit into a complex and changing bus...  Read story

Independence: Good for Business ...& Country

This July 4 is a perfect time to reflect on independence. What does it mean to your business? And what does it mean to this country?  Read story

3 Overlooked Areas Ripe for Innovation

Innovation isn't just for your products. Missed opportunities for innovation could be hidden throughout an organization and staunching potential growth.  Read story

Don't Get Customers ...Make Partners

Customers, clients, suppliers and vendors are more than just that - they are your partners. Treat them as such and they will become your best advocate.  Read story

Accountability and Integrity: The Golden Rules of Business

Deciding to do the right thing seems like a simple rule of business but often it gets lost in the day-to-day grind.  Read story

Why Your Business Needs a Motherly Touch

Company leaders with motherly traits can help employees develop into the best they can be in their field.  Read story

4 Tips for Inspiring Passion in Employees

Passion is easy for an entrepreneur, but keeping that spark alive as a company grows is another story. Here are four tips for keeping the fire burning.  Read story

Core Values Will Create Your Success

Build some real value into your business by building your business on strong values that you determine.  Read story

How to Cultivate a Culture of Caring

It's not enough to have a great product anymore. Consumers want to buy into company culture.  Read story

Help Your Employees Give Back

It's National Volunteer Month! Companies have the ability to increase their reach by empowering employees to get involved in efforts to give back.  Read story

What Really Makes Apple Sexy

Some elements of running a business seem downright dull ... until you see the payoff.  Read story

Why Timing is Everything in Hiring

Like the Broncos signing Peyton Manning, getting the right person in the right role at the right time is key to the success of any organization.  Read story

Bring Your Vision into Focus

Vision will push you to reach higher, has to come before anything else, and must be the center of all decisions.  Read story

Why Evolution is Important in Business

Change is never easy, but it's often essential. OtterBox founder and CEO Curt Richardson, found this out the hard way on several early endeavors.  Read story