Today we’d like to introduce you to Sam Stephens.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
In 2017, I moved from Dublin, Ireland, to San Francisco to join Anna—my then-girlfriend, now wife—and begin a new chapter of our lives together. My first job in the U.S. was with an Irish-owned moving company called Celtic Moving. Earning $20 an hour in one of the most expensive cities in the world was a challenge, but the physically active work and constant interaction with new people gave me a strong start and helped me find my footing.
Once my work visa was approved, I landed my first job in the fitness industry at Equinox on Market Street. This was my first real step toward my long-term goal: to become a well-established fitness professional and eventually open a small personal training gym. My time at Equinox was invaluable. I not only learned how to build relationships and communicate effectively in a new city and culture, but I also completed several tiers of education through their in-house training programs. That foundation proved essential as Anna and I planned our next move—to Salt Lake City.
Upon arriving in Salt Lake, we settled into an apartment complex called 4th West, which featured a well-equipped rooftop gym. I had already been in contact with management before the move, so I knew I’d be able to start a small personal training business right from that facility.
It took about six months to build a solid client base and reach a point where I could sustain myself financially. During that time, I realized I needed an additional fitness-related job to both support myself and reach a broader audience. I wanted more people to experience the benefits of intentional movement and training.
This led to more opportunities, including coaching group fitness classes, which significantly expanded both my client list and my experience. After three years, the franchise I was working with was changing ownership. I didn’t feel aligned with the new direction or the leadership’s lack of industry knowledge, so I started exploring other options. Around that time, I was on the verge of accepting a position I wasn’t fully convinced about when I got a call from one of my clients—now my business partner—Corry.
He called me the night before I was going to give my answer to the other company and said, “If you’re thinking of starting a gym, I’d love to do it with you.” It felt like a perfect yin-and-yang partnership: our strengths balanced each other out, and we shared the same vision for what a fitness community should look like.
Now, three years later, we’ve opened two gym locations in Utah, with another in the works in California. It’s been an incredible journey, and we’re just getting started.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Thankfully it’s s been pretty smooth. we had the right team from the start an all the people who opened with us are still employees this day.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in personal training and small group coaching with a strong focus on functional movement, pain-free performance, and long-term sustainability. I have a deep passion for understanding human movement patterns—how the body is designed to move—and helping people reconnect with that natural ability. Whether it’s restoring mobility, building strength, or simply helping someone feel confident in their own body again, my goal is always to guide people toward moving and feeling better in a way that feels authentic and empowering.
What truly fuels me, though, is people. I love getting to know each client’s story—where they’ve come from, what challenges they’ve faced, and what they’re striving for. Every person who walks through our doors brings a unique journey, and building relationships that go beyond sets and reps is what makes this work so meaningful.
What I’m most proud of is the community we’ve built—a space where people feel supported, inspired, and part of something bigger. It’s not just about fitness; it’s about growth, connection, and showing up fully for yourself and others.
What sets our business apart is the partnership between me and my co-founder and every one of the staff. We bring different strengths to the table, which has allowed us to build a brand rooted in both high-quality coaching and a deep sense of care. At the heart of it, we believe that fitness should be personal, purposeful, and accessible to everyone.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up in Dublin, I was full of energy—always on the move, always looking for the next thing to dive into. I wasn’t afraid to try anything, whether it was a new sport, a challenge, or just putting myself out there. I played rugby for years, which gave me a strong foundation in teamwork, resilience, and pushing through tough situations—lessons that still influence how I coach and lead today.
In my 20s, I definitely made the most of life. I partied hard, loved being out and about, and thrived on connection and experience. That time taught me a lot about people, relationships, and how important it is to be real with yourself and those around you.
I’ve always been loyal to the people in my circle and value authenticity above all else. Whether it was teammates, friends, or coworkers, I’ve always shown up as myself—no filters, no pretending. That loyalty and realness have carried through to my work today, where I build genuine connections with my clients and community.
Looking back, that high-energy, adventurous kid who was always getting stuck into something new is still very much part of who I am—I’ve just channeled it into a deeper purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rise-4.com
- Instagram: rise4slc, rise4holladay
