Ride the wave to business success: how Christo Hall, founder of Basic Bananas, powers up local businesses with smart marketing
Paddle hard, position yourself right, and commit—just like in surfing, great marketing is about momentum, strategy, and making waves in your industry.
For Christo Hall, business and surfing share a common thread—it’s all about strategy, timing, and committing to the right wave. As a former professional surfer turned marketing expert, “Marketing is just like surfing,” says Christo. “You have to paddle early, position yourself well, and commit. If you don’t, the wave will pass you by, and so will your customers.”
As the founder of Basic Bananas, Christo has built a leading small business marketing agency that helps entrepreneurs create strong brands, attract customers, and generate sustainable growth. His strategies focus on building relationships, measuring what works, and staying adaptable in an ever-changing business environment.
From surfing to sales: a journey of growth
Before diving into the business world, Christo was a professional surfer for 9 years. But the thrill of competition wasn’t so different from the challenges of running a business, especially when it came to sales and marketing. His drive to find solutions led him to develop marketing strategies that worked—not just for himself, but for countless other small businesses.
“I saw my parents’ business struggle with sales, and I had the same issue with my own ventures,” Christo explains. “That’s when I became obsessed with generating more sales. It eventually led to helping others do the same.”
Finding his niche
After experimenting with surfboard manufacturing, product distribution, surf coaching, and website development, Christo found his true calling in marketing mentorship. “It was the one thing that really clicked,” he says. “I love seeing the direct impact on small business owners’ lives when their businesses improve. It might sound cheesy, but I genuinely believe I’m in the business of transforming lives.”
The secret to business success
What’s the key to keeping clients coming back? According to Christo, it’s all about nurturing relationships. “Not everyone is ready to buy the second they find your business. You have to look after potential customers like seeds in a garden—give them value and care, and they’ll flourish in time.”
One of the most successful strategies at Basic Bananas is their free online workshops, particularly *The Marketing Ecosystem Workshop*. “We make sure it’s the best marketing training out there,” Christo says. “People attend over and over, and many eventually become customers.”
Christo’s top three marketing tips for small businesses
- Build a brand with personality** – people connect with personality, not just products.
- Be known for one or two things** – trying to be known for everything dilutes your brand.
- Measure your marketing** – track what works and what doesn’t, so you’re not wasting time and money.
Overcoming challenges and staying flexible
The pandemic forced Basic Bananas to pivot quickly. With 36 staff and face-to-face workshops running across Australia, New Zealand, the US, Canada, Switzerland, and Sweden, the business had to shift entirely online. “It wasn’t easy letting go of staff, but we adapted and kept going,” Christo recalls.
His mindset for handling change? “You’re either green and growing or ripe and rotting. We always stay hungry but humble.”
Community and sustainability
Beyond marketing, Christo is passionate about giving back. Basic Bananas runs free workshops, beach clean-ups, and charity events, including one that raised $24,000 for flood relief. Sustainability is also a priority, with initiatives like a ‘plastic-free checklist’ for small businesses and social media tips on running an eco-friendly business.
The Northern Beaches lifestyle
Christo’s love for the Northern Beaches is at the heart of everything he does. “My office is in Narrabeen because I live in Narrabeen—and my favourite surf break is in Narrabeen,” he laughs. The flexibility of working close to home lets him skateboard or walk to the office and enjoy time with his young family.
When asked why supporting local businesses matters, he doesn’t hesitate: “If we like a business, we need to support it, or it might disappear. Small businesses face huge competition from online giants, and their costs are often higher than people realise.”
Looking ahead
With clients around the world, Basic Bananas is set to grow even further. Christo is focused on scaling up while maintaining a balance between work, family, and enjoying the Northern Beaches lifestyle.
His approach to business is simple—stay adaptable, stay hungry, and always focus on building genuine relationships.
His journey proves that with the right strategy, small businesses can not only survive but thrive.