As I unwind after work in mid-2025, my thoughts often rewind to 2016. Carbon Offroad began with just myself and Rob, building a dream out of a simple beach shack in Victoria. Those early days were low-stress, filled with the singular focus on quality that would define us.
I’ll never forget the meticulous QC: for the first four or five shipments, Rob and I personally opened and tested every single winch before it left our hands. It was a commitment to our customers, ensuring a perfect experience and holding our manufacturers to the highest standard. That dedication laid the groundwork for an unexpected, exhilarating growth journey. Life has a way of surprising you, doesn’t it?
Within a year, it was clear our vision for a superior winch resonated. The market responded, confirming there was far more opportunity than we’d ever imagined. Now, almost a decade into the Carbon Offroad story, the last 12 months have been nothing short of a rollercoaster.
Our debut at SEMA 2024 was huge. We built fantastic connections and successfully launched into the US market. Yes, the recent tariff changes under the Trump administration have caused a temporary slowdown – a bit of a dampener. But every challenge presents an opportunity. This slowdown has given us invaluable time to reflect, to fortify our business, refine our brand, and execute the essential backend work that truly elevates a company.
