In a remarkable achievement, Hit N Move, a boxing gear company founded amid the COVID-19 pandemic, has reached its 4,000th order. The brainchild of Ozhan “Ozzie” Akcakaya, the company’s success story is one of passion, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to quality and customer service.

The Journey of Ozhan Akcakaya

Ozhan Akcakaya arrived in the United States from Türkiye in 2012 with dreams and ambitions beyond his initial job with a prominent rental car company. Starting from the bottom, he quickly ascended the ranks to become a branch manager. However, his career took an unexpected turn when he ventured into the pharmaceutical industry, driven by his background and interest in the medical field, particularly orthopedics and dermatology.

Ozhan’s dedication and talent did not go unnoticed. He was awarded the national accolade as the most successful manager in the United States an impressive seven times. Despite his success in pharmaceuticals, Ozhan found a new passion that would eventually change his life: boxing.

With a solid background in soccer from his days in Türkiye, Ozhan found the transition to boxing relatively smooth. His initial goal was to spar with professional boxers, a milestone he proudly achieved by training with high-level professionals. Although he considered turning professional, the heightened risk of injuries led him to focus on the amateur circuit. His dedication paid off when he clinched the title of Boston Masters Champion.

Photo Courtesy: Hit N Move

The Birth of Hit N Move

The COVID-19 pandemic brought many challenges, but for Ozhan, it was a period of innovation and opportunity. Amid global uncertainty, he founded Hit N Move, a company that would soon revolutionize the boxing gear industry. As a glove collector, Ozhan was frustrated by the market’s lack of originality, where products were often indistinguishable except for their logos. He believed that none of the gloves met the standards he sought, which sparked his desire to create something better.

The breakthrough came during an unexpected moment of inspiration. While playing darts, Ozhan deconstructed a dart and had an epiphany: he could apply the principles of weight distribution from the dart to the padding of boxing gloves. This innovative approach led to creating the first unique padding in the United States. As he tested these gloves in his gym, his friends and fellow fighters were astounded by their quality and performance, urging him to commercialize his creation.

With encouragement from his peers and unwavering support from his wife, Ozhan launched his first pair of gloves, aptly named “All Day.” The reception was overwhelmingly positive, and his innovation journey did not stop there. Hit N Move grew into an internationally renowned company based in Virginia in just two years. Ozhan paused his pharmaceutical career to focus entirely on his burgeoning business.

Photo Courtesy: Hit N Move

The Team Behind Hit N Move

Today, Hit N Move operates with a dedicated team of seven individuals, including boxers, medical professionals, and designers. This diverse team ensures that the company produces high-quality products and remains at the forefront of innovation in the boxing gear industry. Ozhan’s story is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. From managing a rental car branch to revolutionizing boxing gloves, his journey underscores the importance of pursuing one’s passions and being open to unexpected opportunities.

A Unique Customer Service Model

Hit N Move has charted a different course in an era where businesses often prioritize efficiency and outsourcing. The company has become an international enterprise, not just because of its innovative products but due to its exceptional customer service model. This model, termed “reverse top-down silo,” has proven to be the magic behind the company’s success.

The concept of the reverse top-down silo at Hit N Move means that while other aspects of the business might be outsourced, customer service remains in-house and is managed by Ozzie himself, his brother Sam, or his wife, Alaina. This hands-on approach ensures that every customer interaction is infused with genuine knowledge and enthusiasm for boxing.

Ozzie’s philosophy is simple: “If you make a unique and good product, you will have a niche loyal customer base. Those customers are like the columns of your company. If those columns are strong, you can build up and add floors. The way to keep the columns strong is through absolute customer service reminiscent of the 1970s—direct text message help, phone calls, and personal interactions.”

Photo Courtesy: Hit N Move

The Road Ahead

Hit N Move’s success is driven by Ozhan Akcakaya’s passion and hands-on approach, proving that dedication to innovation and community can build a strong foundation for a business in the competitive boxing world. By focusing on perfecting boxing gear one innovation at a time, Ozhan and his family have created a brand that not only stands the test of time but also earns the trust and respect of the boxing community.

In the competitive world of boxing gear, few brands stand out as distinctly as Hit N Move. Founded by amateur master champion boxer Ozhan “Ozzie” Akcakaya, the company has carved out a niche through relentless innovation, superior quality, and a deeply personal approach to business. Unlike many contemporary entrepreneurs, Ozhan shuns the conventional route of investor-driven growth, instead staying true to his roots and passions.

Published By: Aize Perez