For Stephen Deller and Brian Carmody, a shared 40-year business milestone is a chance to not only celebrate their companies’ successes from humble Brisbane beginnings, but a friendship stretching back to 1972.
Mr Deller knew Mr Carmody from the Steeden factory 13 years before he founded Fortitude Boxing in 1985 and reflected on their strong partnership.
“We butted heads a bit in the early days for reasons neither of us can remember now,” Mr Deller joked.
“Brian has always had that old-fashioned approach that I like.”
Times have changed in the four decades since Mr Carmody founded Madison Sports from his Wavell Heights garage, but Mr Deller still benefits from the partnership.
“He’s always approachable– the boxers can go up, drop in, get a cup of tea and have a yarn with him,” he said.
“When Brian supplied stuff for us, we’re dealing from the top of the business and it’s a different sort of relationship.
“He never just hid up in his office like most of the big bosses– he still buys tables at our fight nights to support the boxers and in return, the kids are happy to wear Madison on their clothing when they fight, they know it’s an Australian company.”
Madison Sports, which specialises in sports protective padding equipment, has landed high profile sponsorship deals, including advertising on ring of the 2017 Pacquiao vs Horn clash for the world welterweight crown.
But more meaningful to Mr Deller is Madison’s support of Fortitude boxer Shannon O’Connell, who Mr Carmody called “the best female fighter he’d ever seen”.
“We happily accept athletes and promote them,” Mr Carmody said.
“Jonathan Thurston’s probably our longest standing headgear wearer, we have Kalyn Ponga on the books, and Justis Huni as well.”
Reflecting on the 40 years, Mr Deller said, “I’ve met so many good people.
“I’ve been able to help plenty of good people and so many good people have helped me.
“That’s why we’re still running, we’ve got some good people on board that help out and that’s what it’s all about, community.”
