“RUN ON THE SMELL OF AN OILY RAG”, ONTHEGO FACES NO BOUNDARIES TO ITS GROWTH, SAYS CEO

When Mick Spencer entered a lucrative contract to produce 500 cycling jerseys, five years ago, his fledgling sportswear startup was operating with little more than an old screen printer. There was, he admits, an element of ‘fake it until you make it’. Today, ONTHEGO is a rapidly growing e-commerce company with an enviable customer base that boasts national and international sporting organisations as well as corporate brands.

The Canberra native caught up with Dynamic Business to discuss the evolution and success of his startup, his ‘deal-but-no-deal’ stint on Network Ten’s Shark Tank, the ‘emotional rollercoaster’ that is entrepreneurship, the challenge of saying ‘no’, and why adverse situations are good for business.

DB: What is the elevator pitch for ONTHEGO?

Spencer: ONTHEGO (OTG) enables customers to customise and manufacture sports apparel and accessories. Plus, we’re cutting out the middle-man with unique, innovative technology – our backbone system presents customers with customisation options while enabling them to connect with manufacturer to connect in real-time, optimising production and delivery. Read more

James Harkness - Dynamic Business - 15 Dec 2017