We had the good fortune of connecting with Anthony & Bridgette Portugal and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anthony & Bridgette, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
Making the decision to keep pushing to make the business successful is definitely a struggle. Without business experience, we weren’t exactly sure what to expect. We’ve learned that success isn’t achieved overnight nor linear. There’s ups and downs. So when we start to question whether the grind is worth it, our motivation comes from getting positive feedback from our customers. Hearing how the products that we’ve designed, developed, and manufacture are not only helping but outperforming products that multi-million dollar companies are producing is euphoric. It reminds us that we do have a “winning” product that helps people successfully achieve their goals. That’s what keeps us going!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
We both don’t come from a business or entrepreneurial background. I (Anthony) have worked in the medical field for the past 20 years, first starting in my teens as a Medical Assistant in a Sports Medicine Orthopedic office until now as an Anesthesia provider. And Bridgette as an Accountant for multiple sport and health supplement companies. It was through our love of exercise and fitness and the lack of highly effective hand protection products in the competitive fitness realm that motivated us to develop one. Since the decision to do so, it’s been a rewarding uphill battle. Success isn’t made by simply coming up with a “good idea.” We’re learning that it’s how you successfully market that idea and/or product. How you do you get that item in front of as many people as possible? That’s where the grind and dedication comes in. In addition to online marketing via various social media platform, we’ve visited multiple gyms and setup booths at trade shows and fitness competitions.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh wow…there’s just so many great places and things to do in the area to include it all, so we’ll try to just focus on some great places we love locally. Obviously, living in the Deerfield area, the beach is a must.. We strongly believe Deerfield Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Florida and has a ton of restaurants and bars to enjoy. A caipirinha from Barracuda’s, mojitos from JBs, lunch at Flanagan’s, and the views from Ocean’s 234 are all some of our favorite things to do while on the beach. Outside of the beach, some great food stops are El Jefe for legit tacos, Charm City for award-winning burgers, and Sicilian Oven for awesome pizza. And, obviously, CrossFit Deerfield or HEW Deerfield to get your fitness in and burn all that food and drinks off.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
We don’t think we’d have the drive to keep going without the continuous support of our home gyms of CrossFit Deerfield Beach and HEW Fitness Deerfield. It was there that first inspired us to develop our products and it’s these places that maintain our drive and keeps us sane 😆.

Website: https://www.deceitful-strength.com

Instagram: @deceitful.strength

Facebook: Facebook.com/deceitful.strength

Image Credits
Rafael Calero

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