Today we’d like to introduce you to Hessam Vakili
Hi Hessam, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
OC Breakerz: From Childhood Passion to Thriving Business
The journey of OC Breakerz began long before the name existed — back in the bustling streets of Boston, where a 10-year-old kid found his love for sports cards. The thrill of ripping open a fresh pack, the unmistakable taste of that hard cardboard chewing gum, and the excitement of chasing favorite athletes — these simple yet unforgettable experiences created lasting memories.
As I grew older, life took me in a different direction. I pursued a career in architecture and urban design, eventually moving to California to join the world-renowned firm Gensler in Newport Beach. Along the way, I became a dad — a role that brought immense joy and a chance to relive my childhood in unexpected ways.
After the COVID-19 pandemic, my then 9-year-old son sparked a moment of nostalgia that would reignite my passion. One day, he asked if we could stop by Target to buy some sports cards. That small request brought back the excitement I once knew, and soon, card collecting became something we enjoyed together as a family.
What started as a fun hobby quickly grew into something more. My son, daughter, and I sat down, sketched a logo, and decided to turn our shared passion into a business. We focused on F1 and NBA cards, and from those early moments, OC Breakerz was born.
Today, OC Breakerz is more than just a business — it’s a connection to my roots, a bridge between generations, and a way to share the excitement of sports cards with a growing community. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, we’re here to celebrate the thrill of the chase, one pack at a time.
#ocbreakerz #fromthetracktothecourt
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Overcoming Challenges: The OC Breakerz Journey
Starting OC Breakerz was far from a smooth road — it came with its fair share of challenges.
In the beginning, balancing my career as an architect and being a dad while trying to grow a new business was overwhelming. Time management became a constant struggle, especially since OC Breakerz wasn’t just about selling cards — it was about building a brand, curating inventory, and staying engaged with the trading card community.
Another hurdle was navigating the ever-changing sports card market. The post-COVID boom saw prices fluctuate dramatically, making it tricky to predict trends and manage inventory. Learning what to buy, when to sell, and how to connect with collectors required patience and persistence.
On top of that, gaining trust in the community was a challenge. As a new face in the trading card scene, I had to prove that OC Breakerz stood for authenticity, fair deals, and a genuine love for the hobby. Establishing that reputation took time, especially when competing with established sellers.
Despite the struggles, what kept me going was the passion I shared with my kids. Seeing their excitement during breaks, brainstorming ideas together, and turning a childhood memory into something real made every challenge worthwhile.
Today, OC Breakerz continues to grow, and while the journey hasn’t always been easy, those obstacles have shaped us into what we are — a family-driven business fueled by love for the hobby and the community.
As you know, we’re big fans of SMS Architects. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
SMS Architects is a multifaceted full-service architecture firm specializing in commercial mixed-use, retail, adaptive reuse, residential, and hospitality projects. Our portfolio features a range of completed ventures, from signature single tenant retail spaces to large-scale developments.
Our comprehensive range of services includes feasibility studies, programming, entitlements, master planning, interior design, and conceptual design through project delivery.
Our dedication to design excellence is at the core of everything we do. Starting from the initial conceptualization, we strive to not only meet but exceed our Clients’ expectations. We view design as our driving force, guiding us toward our mission of creating meaningful spaces for society, driven by innovation and collaboration.
Me:
Hessam Vakili
MANAGING DIRECTOR | URBAN DESIGN
Hessam Vakili is a design advocate with over two decades of experience, dedicated to excellence and community enrichment through innovative design solutions. With a diverse background spanning mixed-use developments, educational campuses, residential housing, and large-scale urban projects, he brings a holistic approach to every endeavor.
Having worked with renowned firms like Gensler and Elkus Manfredi, Hessam is recognized for his leadership and commitment to delivering impactful results. Beyond his professional achievements, he is passionate about mentoring emerging designers and contributing to philanthropic causes, embodying a dedication to shaping a better future through design innovation and community engagement.
Assoc. AIA/ASLA / ULI / ICSC / LEED AP
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Embracing Risk: The Mindset Behind OC Breakerz
Risk is an inevitable part of life — but I’ve always believed that it’s better to see it as an opportunity rather than a threat. Throughout my career, risk has been a constant presence, whether in architecture, urban design, or building OC Breakerz from the ground up.
Starting a business in the unpredictable world of sports cards wasn’t without its challenges. The market can be volatile, trends shift rapidly, and every investment carries a degree of uncertainty. But instead of letting those risks hold me back, I embraced them as part of the journey.
In architecture, every project has unknowns — budgets, timelines, design decisions — but you push forward, trusting your skills and vision. That same mindset carried over into OC Breakerz. I knew that to build something meaningful, I couldn’t let fear of failure stop me.
There were moments of doubt — cards that didn’t sell, investments that didn’t pan out, and times when it felt like things might fall apart. But quitting was never an option. I kept going, driven by the passion I shared with my kids and the belief that hard work would pay off.
Taking risks isn’t about ignoring the possibility of failure — it’s about recognizing that every challenge is a chance to learn, grow, and push forward. For me, that mindset has made all the difference — in my career, in OC Breakerz, and in life.
#ocbreakerz #fromthetracktothecourt
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ocbreakerz
- Facebook: Ocbreakerz
- Twitter: https://x.com/ocbreakerz?s=21&t=Ea7x0b_Zowyhd9fbU-lM_w
- Other: https://Www.sms-arch.com
Image Credits
Hessam Vakili
