It was in 1993 that the Oztent was released to the public. Since then the Oztent has gone from success to success. The Oztent is now sold in eight countries and distributed by over 300 retailers in Australia.
This year, Oztent celebrates 20 years in business. To commemorate this anniversary they will be releasing a Signature Edition Oztent known as the JV. There will only be 1500 units produced, all individually numbered and bearing Joe Viglione’s name.
The JV will come as a complete package including peak side panels, deluxe front panel, fly and all new zip in floor for the awning area making it a two-room tent.
When Joe first displayed his new design of the Oztent he was told by those in the industry that it would not sell.
Today, the Oztent is one of the best-selling tents in Australia. “Our customers love it,” said Joe “they send us photos and comments every day.”
In 1993 Bev Gledhill (OAM) took the Oztent to the 21st International Exhibition of Inventions and Joe was awarded a silver medal.
In 1993, the Oztent also won the most innovative camping product by the ECIA and was awarded the Invention of the Month from the Inventors Association of Australia.
“I had a busy year in ‘93! I had a phone call from channel 2 who were making a new television program called ‘Great Ideas’ hosted by Mike Whitney and they wanted the Oztent to be the first item on the show. Sometime after, Mr Whitney wrote his book ‘Whiticisms’ and mentioned that his most remembered invention was the innovation called the 30 Second Oztent,” Joe said.
In 1994, Phil Nichols from Overlander Magazine tested the Oztent in the Simpson Desert.
The test induced a two-page write up that said the Oztent leaves you with more time to enjoy your trip. That same year, the Land Rover Owners Club ‘Sydney Branch’ tested the Oztent.
Since then the Oztent has had many write ups and has appeared on many TV shows. In 1998, Ron Moon the editor of 4X4 Magazine awarded the Oztent the Best Camping Product of the Year.
Today the business employs over 30 staff. Joe and his team had no idea that what started from nothing in 1993 would become what it is today.
Joe also became a Rotarian in 1993 and joined the Cumberland Business Chamber in 1994, where he is now the Vice President.
Joe's eldest son Shane, who worked closely alongside his dad took over the business and was very instrumental in getting it to where it is today.
Sadly Shane passed away recently and Oztent Australia is currently being run by a very capable team including Shane's two eldest sons.
Oztent Australia continues to be a great family business that endeavours to bring enjoyment and satisfaction to their customers for many years to come.
