bigwig interview
BIG WIG INTERVIEW
PAT O’C O N N E L - F LO R E N C E M A R I N E X
One of the nicest guys in the surf industry, we first spoke with Pat O’Connell at the inaugural WCT event at Kelly Slater’s Surf Ranch Pro 2018, then serving as VP of Sports Marketing at Hurley. Since then, Pat went on to head up competitions at the WSL and is now back working with the Hurley family and John John Florence on the world champion surfer’s brand Florence Marine X. Launched to great fanfare within the surf industry, they are positioning the brand as more than just a surf company. We speak with Pat to find out more about their bespoke wetsuit programme and discover how they are leveraging community with great effect – often with exclusive offers for brand membership holders, selling within a day. We also gauge Pat’s thoughts on how a newly formed company balances D2C efforts with the wholesale channel. Interview by SOURCE Editor Harry MT. Interview by Source Editor, Harry MT. 76
