Meet The Owners
Meet the Visionaries Behind Rise4 — a team driven by passion, expertise, and a shared commitment to fostering a thriving fitness community. Our story begins with Sam and Corry, the original co-founders, whose innovative approach to fitness laid the foundation for what Rise4 is today. Inspired by their philosophy and dedication, Shannon and Ashley joined the leadership team, bringing their unique strengths and perspectives to expand our reach and deepen our impact. Together, these four leaders embody the spirit of Rise4, each contributing to our mission of enhancing health and wellness across our community. Below, discover more about each owner's journey, philosophy, and the personal touch they bring to Rise4.
Sam Stephens
Co-Founder, Head Trainer, Personal Trainer (PNC, CPT, FRCms)
Sam Stephens stands as a cornerstone of Rise4, bringing a wealth of expertise and passion from the emerald isles of Dublin, Ireland. Since 2016, Sam has been immersed in the health and fitness industry, where his dedication to fostering better movement patterns has flourished into a full-fledged career.
Educated at the Elite Fitness & Performance Academy, Ireland’s premier fitness training institution, Sam obtained comprehensive certifications in personal training, nutrition for physical activity, group fitness, and as a level 3 kettlebell instructor. His commitment to excellence didn’t stop there; Sam also became a certified Precision Nutrition coach and a Functional Range Conditioning Mobility Specialist (FRCms), rounding out his fitness and health repertoire.
Over the past six years, Sam’s focus has been on helping individuals enhance their lives through better movement, sustainable nutrition habits, and overall holistic health. His approach combines rigorous movement assessments with tailored strength training and effective recovery protocols, ensuring each client achieves their personal health goals in a supportive environment.
Now, as a co-founder of Rise4, Sam is dedicated to creating a community where like-minded individuals can thrive together. At Rise4, members experience a unique fitness journey tailored to their specific needs, guided by Sam’s expertise in both group settings and individual training sessions.
Sam’s vision for Rise4 is not just about building a gym; it’s about fostering a vibrant community where every member embarks on a transformative journey of health and wellness, supported by expert guidance and a commitment to achieving lasting results.
Shannon Ballinger
Physical Therapist, Personal Trainer, Nutritional Coach (PT, DPT, CSCS, FNC, TRS)
Shannon Ballinger brings a vibrant spirit and deep expertise to Rise4, seamlessly blending her passion for the outdoors and athletics into her professional career. With a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Utah and an extensive background as a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist, Shannon is a powerhouse of knowledge and skill. Her journey began in the rugged terrains of the North Cascades, Washington, where her love for competitive sports and nature bloomed.
At Rise4, Shannon not only treats clients in her own dedicated office but also energizes our group training classes with her dynamic coaching style. Her holistic approach to physical wellness is evident in every aspect of her work, from injury prevention and recovery to crafting customized strength and conditioning programs and nutritional coaching.
Shannon's commitment to lifelong learning has led her to acquire certifications across a spectrum of disciplines, including Functional Nutrition Coaching, Biomechanics Specialist, and more. Each certification, whether it's the cutting-edge techniques from The Ready State or the Empowered Performance Coach Certification, contributes to her multifaceted approach to client care, ensuring she meets a wide array of client needs with precision and empathy.
Outside the clinic, Shannon's life is just as active. Whether she's trail running with her German Short-haired Pointers, Miles and Mowgli, playing Ultimate Frisbee, or preparing a nutritious meal with her husband Alex, Shannon embodies the balanced, health-focused lifestyle she advocates for her clients.
At Rise4, Shannon's blend of expert knowledge, enthusiastic coaching, and dedication to client success makes her an indispensable part of our community. Her ability to connect with clients and guide them through their fitness journeys with tailored programs and heartfelt encouragement is what makes her a standout member of our team.
Have a hindering injury? Book a physical therapy session now.
Ashley Sackville
Manager, Personal Trainer (CPT, CNC)
Ashley Sackville combines a passion for fitness with deep managerial expertise to enrich the Rise4 experience for every member. A Utah native with years spent in Seattle, Ashley's journey is a testament to her adaptability and commitment to health and wellness. From the University of Washington where she kicked off her fitness career as a step aerobics instructor to managing a luxury home fragrance line, Ashley's diverse background brings a unique perspective to her role at Rise4.
While in Seattle, Ashley not only started her family but also cultivated a multifaceted career. However, Utah's call was irresistible, with its majestic mountains perfect for hiking or skiing—a reminder of where her heart truly belongs. Her time away from the fitness world, immersed in the business sector, reinforced her belief in the essential role of physical activity for mental well-being.
“The physiological benefits of exercise and movement cannot be underestimated. There is nothing more empowering than feeling strong both physically and mentally.”
Returning to the fitness industry after a 15-year tenure with Antica Farmacista, Ashley brought with her a wealth of experience and a renewed passion for group fitness. She cherishes the community spirit, the collective motivation, and the transformative impact of group exercise. As a gym manager and occasional trainer at Rise4, she strives to provide an exceptional experience both during and after workouts, aiming to see those smiling, sweaty faces that signify a job well done.
Ashley's Love for Fitness and Community: Ashley's approach as both manager and trainer is deeply influenced by her diverse experiences. Her background as a pastry chef adds a sprinkle of fun to her classes, reminding everyone that balance is key to a healthy lifestyle. She believes in the power of community to motivate and support, making every session at Rise4 not just a workout but a shared journey towards better health.
Corry Smith
Co-Founder
Corry Smith is not only the co-founder of Rise4 but also the linchpin behind its seamless operations and community-driven ethos. With a profound entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for community, Corry channels his enthusiasm into creating a fitness community where technology meets human connection. As the operational backbone of Rise4, he oversees all technological aspects that enhance the gym's functionality, ensuring a cutting-edge experience for all members.
Corry’s commitment extends beyond the operational logistics; he is a fixture within the gym walls, often the first to arrive and the last to leave. His hands-on approach sees him setting up equipment, optimizing workout spaces, and managing the gym’s finances with meticulous attention to detail. But it’s his genuine interactions with members that truly characterize his role at Rise4. Always ready with encouragement or a helping hand, Corry embodies the community spirit that is at the heart of the gym’s philosophy.
The concept of Rise4 was born from a synergy of Corry’s business acumen and his shared vision with Sam. Together, they crafted the gym’s foundational philosophy—Assess, Train, Recover, Repeat—integrating robust assessment and recovery processes into the workout routines. This holistic approach was spearheaded by Corry’s strategic planning and his keen sense for operational efficiency, setting Rise4 apart in a crowded fitness market.
Today, Corry continues to drive innovations at Rise4 and his dedication to the community is palpable, as he continues to foster an environment where every member can find strength and support. Corry’s leadership not only ensures that Rise4 operates like a well-oiled machine but also nurtures the warm, inclusive culture that members cherish.