Last August, I had the chance to spend time with Tony Carbajo, co-founder of Title Boxing. From admiring the sport as a child to becoming a Golden Gloves champion in his younger years, Tony’s head has always been in the ring. His story is a fascinating one, and is a testament to the importance of passion when it comes to building a business.

Boxing since he was just eight years old, Tony explains how he parlayed his interest into a stint at Kansas State University and then on to building Title Boxing, a business that is today the world’s largest distributor and manufacturer of boxing equipment.

In this interview, you’ll learn how Tony built his business and how he has moved from boxer to supplier, to product development.  He also discusses how he’s adapted his product line to meet the sport’s changing demographics, which now include women. 

Finally, hear why Tony and his partner choose to keep this business in the Kansas City area—Lenexa, Kan., to be specific.  While born and raised in the area, the choice to keep his thriving company in the heart of America is all about the practicality of being centrally located in the U.S.