ORSM '12 New Exhibitors Preview: Original BugPatch
SNEWS highlights some new exhibitors at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2012 trade show. Check out the Original BugPatch's story and perhaps swing by their booth if you're at the show.
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Quick Start Marketing’s Original BugPatch
www.originalBugPatch.com / Bobby Borland, president / Ozark, Ala. / # PV697 / Founded 2003
Bobby Borland on Quick Start Marketing’s Original Bug Patch: “Quick Start Marketing’s BugPatch is the only patented product available in the market for anyone that wants all-natural, full-body protection rather than spraying themselves with chemically based products that only protect you where you spray and have to be reapplied every few hours. One BugPatch delivers up to 48 hours of full body protection. The Thiamin B-1 based formula is completely natural and provides convenient protection without the smell or mess of sprays, wipes and bands. Commonly taken orally as a vitamin supplement with recognized health benefits, Thiamin is eliminated not only in the urine but excreted through perspiration as well. Using the skin’s unique ability to absorb and release, the BugPatch delivers a far more effective dose of B-1 supplement, maximizing protection from biting insects. Each patch contains 50mg Thiamin B-1.”
Tell us about your brands and products.
We have the only patented all-natural, DEET-free and safe insect repellent in the world. We call the product the BugPatch. It’s a transdermal patch that provides a consistent flow of the vitamin B1 Thiamin to the blood stream that is released through the pores of the skin that repels mosquitoes, no-see-ums, chiggers, flies and other biting insects.
What were you, as the founder of the company, doing before this?
I was a turf engineer and managed several public and private athletic fields. Always outdoors, the issue of insects and how to repel them was big in my world.
Where did your inspiration come from?
Around 2001, there began to be a lot of news about mosquitoes and the West Nile Virus. Mosquito bites became more than just a nuisance; there was a major health risk when someone would get bit. While searching for safer and more natural solutions than chemicals, I was introduced to a liquid repellant from Australia that was taken orally – and it worked! My mission to develop the safest, most effective and easiest to use insect repellent began. Looking for an alternative to a liquid that needed to be ingested, I started researching different application methods and came up with the transdermal patch. So I took the finest and most effective formula for natural, chemical free insect repellent and put it into the newest delivery technology available and the BugPatch was born!
What’s the one best feature of your product?
Applying just one BugPatch provides complete, full-body protection from biting insects for up to an incredible 48 hours. Safe for all ages, there is no concern about diluting protection from water, sweat or sun.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Creating awareness about our product. That is why we are coming to OR!
Why are you at Outdoor Retailer?
We are simply seeking more exposure. Of course, we want to gain more customers but I totally believe in forming mutually beneficial alliances. Since our product can complement just about every other attendee at the show, we are seeking and suggesting cross-promotional opportunities, licensing endeavors, event partners, etc. OR is the quick start marketing and the BugPatch’s coming out party, so to speak.
We just discovered Summer Market on June 12, but we contracted space the same day and have rallied the troops and cleared the decks to make OR the company’s top priority. The customers of the retailers that attend this show are the perfect demographic for our product.
Who do you look up to in the industry?
All of the retailers in this industry have special niches and I respect them all. I particularly follow companies that are committed to natural solutions and that accessorize or enhance established brands and products.
Who do you want to compete against in the industry?
Since we have the only patent on this product I don’t feel we have any competition. We want to be on the shelves of every retailer along with their other insect repellents.
