What is an Ozean?

Years ago, we set out to change the world. We abandoned the corporate cocoon with its predictable salary, benefits, and steady cash flow. We believed in our business plan. We believed in our research. We jumped. 

We started our own company, and damn it we were going to change the world.  

First problem: what to call this company?

Our brainstorming led us to German words.

Both founders had strong connections to Heidelberg, Germany. Alex Patton, Ozean’s co-founder, attended high school there (go lions!). The  other founder was born there.

As a side note, Heidelberg, Germany is beautiful, and you should visit!

Ahh…inspiration was taking over.

Inspiration struck during brainstorming. We found “Ozean.”

“Ozean” is the German word for “Ocean.”  O•ze•an, pronounced Ozean! 

Then inspiration met cockiness . We would change the the world by “making waves”….

Boom. Company named. Logo designed, waves included. Brand born.

Years later, people still ask: “What is an Ozean?” “How did you come up with that name?” “Can you spell that?”

Sometimes I wonder if we should have named the company “AAAA Communications” and called it a day.

The question lingers: Do you name a company for personal reasons, for customers, or does it matter?

Every time someone asks, I explain the origin story. I think it sticks.

The name means something to us. We’ve evolved from “making waves” to “Navigating to Victory, even the hard ones.” That story comes later.

Now you know: Ozean came from Heidelberg, Germany, and cockiness (or naiveté).

P.S. Plan that Heidelberg trip. You’ll thank us.