Meet Pat Donaldson | Founder/CEO of “Addict Fit”

We had the good fortune of connecting with Pat Donaldson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Pat, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?

My thought process behind starting my own business is just a reflection of who I am as a person. I came from humbled beginnings and I was an athlete my entire life. In 2012, I started lifting weights but I also played football and basketball as an adolescent.

In 2017, after going through trials and tribulations; I was homeless and sleeping in my car for over 1 year. I signed up to a local gym because that was my only way to take a shower in the morning before work.

However, the gym also became my new way of life and it was very therapeutic. I used the gym as fuel to challenge myself mentally to set new goals and execute them.

In 2018, I came up with “Addict Fit” because fitness was my addiction and my new passion. I felt like my purpose in life was to help others become successful and help others feel good about themselves. I’m just happy that God was able to use me as an example to inspire others.

I held onto the name and I wanted to start a gym apparel brand dedicated not only to the bodybuilding community but also anyone who is addicted to fitness. Addict Fit- caters to all fitness levels, age groups, races, and genders. I wanted to build awareness on how important it is to exercise and eat healthy. I also want to one day compete with other athletic brands such as: Gymshark and Alphalete.

In March 2020, when Covid-19 first arrived over the news; everyone’s anxiety was really high. I was working for a Fortune 500 company in the cruise industry and they sent all of us to work from home.

It was really hard at first because we were on a pause for 2 years before starting to cruise again.

Luckily, I still had a book of business and I was able to stay afloat and make ends meet. However, I took that entire year to learn about the fitness apparel business. I felt like ownership was very important but I was able to look at the business that was impacted from Covid and the fitness industry had a high demand and showed growth in the future. Furthermore, I’m happy to say that “Addict Fit” is almost about to launch it’s official release date.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

I’m currently working in the cruise industry as an Elite Personal Vacation Planner. I basically plan vacations for people all around the world. I use to be very quit and timid but this industry taught me how to become a people’s person and a go getter. It really brought out different side that I never knew I had.

I just want people to know that you can’t make it on your own and everyone needs support. I’m a firm believer in just being independent, working for yourself, creating a organic following, and staying true to yourself.

My brand is for anyone who wants to look good while working out, running errands, or just lounging around the house. It’s scientifically proven that when you look good you feel good. I also want to provide the most comfortable and affordable fitness apparel to people all over the world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

I would probably take them to workout with me at Elev8tion fitness on Thursday.

On Friday, I probably would get ready for dinner at Moxies or Batch in Brickell. For entertainment my next spots would be to listen to some local music and have some drinks in Wynwood at Brick House, Wood Tavern, The Wharft, or Black Bird.

On Sunday, I would take them to Tap 42, Barsecco, Honey Uninhibited, Victory, or Dukunoo Jamaican Kitchen, depending on the vibe.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

I want to first start off by thanking God because he blessed me with everything that I have and without him I’m nothing.

I also would like to thank my mentor Gary Martin. I met him at 18 years old and he inspired me to become the man that I am today. He use to always put me on game and talk about ownership and investing into real estate.

He use to pick me up in the urban inner city community that I lived in and let me drive his Mercedes S-Class Benz. I’m so grateful to have met him because he educated me on finances and ownership. He was a positive role model that I had in my life.

He not only changed my perspective on life. He show me that you didn’t have to be a professional athlete, rapper, or entertainer to be considered “successful.”

I want to shout out to Eric Thomas (Motivational Speaker)

I also want to give a shout to Handy Inc. Christine Bernard MSW, Kirk Brown, and Evan Goldman Esq.

Thanks for all the guidance and support you guys provided me with.

I want to shout out my girl friend “Shivon”for pushing me to start my business and also believing me. She supported me through this entire journey and helped me stay on top of my deadlines with bringing this entire brand to life.

I’m currently reading:
“The 48 Laws of Power” by Robert Greene.
Power of Positive Selling” by Stephan Schiffman
How to Win Friends, and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie.

All of those are really good books.

Website: www.addictfit.com

Instagram: www.Instagram.com/patdonaldson

Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/patdonaldson1

Twitter: www.twitter.com/it’s patdonaldson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/495766060904734/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/PatDonaldsonFit

Other: Tik Tok @pat_donaldson Business Instagram: @addict.fit Business Tik Tok: @addictfit