New Business Startup: Kick Axion® was created by William D. Gibson and Barry Steadman as a competitive brand to No Fear® and launched in 1994 through Belk department stores in the Southeast. Debuting during the 1994 holiday season, the apparel line achieved record-breaking success, selling 51% of its inventory within 48 hours. In 1995, the brand was sold to a West Coast company, rebranded as Axion Apparel and Footwear, and continues to operate today.