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.

This dissertation explores how identity and worldview are shaped within the framework of American consumer iCulture, which features the creative influences of figures like Walt Disney and Steve Jobs.