Today we’d like to introduce you to Marco And Leslie Sanchez.
Hi Marco and Leslie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
PDXFIT started in 2014 with a simple goal: help people get stronger and live better lives. In the beginning, that looked pretty humble, a free Bowflex, a set of dirty dumbbells, and 700 square feet of training space in Portland’s Lents District.
Over the years, we’ve grown through several locations, including an old church in the Foster-Powell neighborhood, before settling into our current 5,500 -square-foot home in the Brooklyn District. While the spaces have changed, our mission has stayed the same.
From day one, we’ve believed that strength is about more than fitness. It builds confidence, resilience, and the ability to fully enjoy life. That’s why we named our business PDXFIT, we love Portland and the active lifestyle and opportunities this city provides.
What has really shaped our journey is our commitment to coaching people at every stage of life. On any given day, we’re helping a teenager prepare for high school sports while also helping an 84-year-old maintain the strength and independence to get up off the floor. To us, both goals are equally important.
The reason we’ve been able to grow is simple: we’ve focused on creating a safe, supportive environment where people can challenge themselves, stay consistent, and feel part of a community. Our members support one another, celebrate each other’s successes, and make PDXFIT much more than a gym.
Today, we’re proud of how far we’ve come, from a free Bowflex and a handful of weights to a thriving fitness community, but what excites us most is continuing to help people discover just how strong they’re capable of becoming.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all. Like most small businesses, we’ve had our share of challenges from the very beginning.
We started with very little capital, so every decision mattered. As we grew, we faced the normal hurdles of running a business: economic uncertainty, cash flow challenges, staffing, and even a few difficult landlord situations. Then, like many fitness businesses, we had to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic while also dealing with the complexities of relocating our gym.
There were definitely moments when the future felt uncertain. But each challenge forced us to become more adaptable, creative, and resilient. Looking back, many of the obstacles that felt overwhelming at the time ended up teaching us some of our most valuable lessons.
We are genuinely grateful for all of it. The struggles helped shape who we are as a business, strengthened our community, and reinforced the importance of staying focused on our mission. Every challenge made us better coaches, better business owners, and better equipped to serve our members.
We’ve been impressed with PDXFIT, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
PDXFIT is a strength and conditioning gym built around one core belief: strength changes lives.
Our mission is to empower people through strength. We believe strength builds confidence, resilience, and the capacity to do more, move better, and live fully. While fitness is what brings people through our doors, what we’re really helping people build is a stronger, more capable version of themselves.
We specialize in personalized group fitness, personal training, and HYROX training. We’re known for our thoughtful programming, experienced coaching staff, and a facility designed to support people at every stage of their fitness journey. Our programs are measurable, progressive, and built around the fundamentals of strength and conditioning so members can see and feel meaningful progress over time.
What sets us apart is our commitment to both the process and the people. We believe real strength isn’t built overnight, it’s built through consistency, effort, and a commitment to showing up. Our coaching reflects that philosophy. Whether someone is training for competitive athletics, preparing for a HYROX event, or simply wants to stay healthy and independent as they age, we meet them where they are and help them move forward.
Brand-wise, what we’re most proud of is the culture we’ve created. We have teenagers training alongside retirees, experienced athletes working out next to complete beginners, and everyone is welcomed and supported. Our goal isn’t just to help people get stronger physically, it’s to create a place where people want to keep showing up.
We want readers to know that PDXFIT is more than a gym. It’s a community built around passion, process, and play. It’s a place where people can feel safe, challenged, and supported while building lasting friendships and developing strength that carries over into every area of life.
Our philosophy is simple: Show up. Do the work. Get stronger.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Our biggest piece of advice is to seek out people who are already doing what you want to do, and doing it in a way that aligns with your values. Success is important, but how someone achieves that success matters just as much.
When it comes to mentorship, don’t be afraid to reach out. Most people are more willing to share their experience than you might expect. Ask thoughtful questions, be respectful of their time, and focus on building genuine relationships rather than trying to get something from them.
The same applies to networking. One of the biggest misconceptions is that networking has to look a certain way. It doesn’t. You don’t have to force yourself into crowded events or become someone you’re not. If you’re extroverted, networking might happen through events, community gatherings, and meeting lots of people. If you’re more introverted, it might happen through one-on-one conversations, emails, coffee meetings, or small groups. Both approaches can be incredibly effective.
As business owners, networking has been one of the most valuable and underrated things we’ve done. Some of our best opportunities, partnerships, and friendships have come from simply connecting with people in our community. Our advice is to be intentional, be creative, and focus on building relationships with people you genuinely resonate with. Those connections tend to be the most meaningful and the most impactful over time.
Pricing:
- Intro offer: 26 Days for $26
- 2 times per week: $37/week
- 3 times per week: $53/week
- Unlimited per week: $65/week
- 10 Class Punch Card: $200
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mypdxfit.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pdxfit/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mypdxfit/
- Other: https://share.google/czCCR7fCfBO8d0NKn
