With Simon Barnett, Founder & Massey University marketing lecturer
Simon Barnett, founder of OBO and marketing lecturer at Massey University, shared the remarkable story behind one of Palmerston North’s most successful niche brands.
OBO turned 25 this year, and Simon walked us through how a small, committed team built a globally recognised leader in hockey goalie protection.
Despite being based in Palmerston North and operating in a tiny market, OBO now sells into 72 countries. At the Rio Olympics, every female field hockey goalie wore OBO gear, along with 55% of the men — an incredible achievement for a small New Zealand company punching well above its weight.
Simon’s session explored how OBO has taken an unconventional approach to growth, from bold product design and a distinctive colour palette to its unapologetically memorable slogan, “Good sh*t that really works.” His stories highlighted how staying true to clear values, listening closely to customers, and daring to be different helped OBO stand out on the world stage.
Alongside the company journey, Simon shared practical marketing insights drawn from decades of hands on experience plus plenty of takeaways that attendees were quick to note down.
A great session full of energy, inspiration, and some very real Kiwi ingenuity.