Who are you, and what do you do?
My name is Brian Cregan and I am the Founder of Ocean & Earth.
Ocean & Earth was founded in Australia in 1978. Initially producing a couple of basic surfing products, O&E consisted of a small staff of three but slowly grew over time by establishing a network of retailers throughout New South Wales & Southern Queensland. Through years of trial and error, product development we grew stronger and stronger thanks to O&E’s talented staff made up of passionate surfers and innovators alike.
In the early eighties, I continued to build the O&E legacy through word of mouth during my surf travels around the world and in 1986, a 500sqm factory was built which further improved the brand’s efficiency. Initial distribution direct from Sussex Inlet was eventually replaced by separate distributors positioned around the globe and by the late eighties, Ocean & Earth’s product range had grown to encompass a broad range of premium surfing accessories and clothing. In 2010 O&E introduced the “World’s Strongest Leash” – a fully molded surf leash that provided stellar strength compared to the traditional three-piece heat-welded leash construction.
What is one habit of yours that helps you be productive?
A good night’s sleep, reading books to help innovate and learn. Also breathing exercises help keep me calm but nothing beats a morning surf just connecting with nature.
What is your morning routine and how does it help you get the most out of your day?
I Always get at least 8 hours of sleep and that will set up your entire morning and keep you focused throughout the week. God healthy eating is also a must as is a good cup of coffee.
In the last few years, what lifestyle, habit or behavior change has had the biggest positive impact on your life?
Spending time outdoors at the end of each week just surfing. I love different types of surfboards. Riding different types of boards helps to diversify your skillset. Learning about technology has been a huge learning curb as the internet came into play.
When you feel unfocused, what do you do?
Take a minute to breathe and then actually look at things objectively. Have a nice cup of coffee or sometimes I go surfing.
What is one piece of software or a web service that you get immense value out of? How do you use it?
I don’t know a whole lot about software but there is heaps happening online. Look to optimize business on any level you can to produce better margins and don’t be afraid to learn. I don’t really engage with technology beyond what I need.
What is the one book you recommend most often and why?
A.B Facey’s A Fortunate Life, it is a great book about overcoming the odds that life throws at you. It’s about a young bushie that struggles but makes a living.
What advice would you give a smart and ambitious recent college graduate? What advice should they ignore?
Always innovate and cultivate new solutions to difficult problems, don’t be afraid of change and to challenge the status quo. Understanding investments and always aim to learn new skill sets and be factual.
What is your favorite quote, one you aim to live by?
Do what you love its that simple my old man told me that and I never looked back.
Connect
Reach out through existing networks or they can find me in the waves.