We had the good fortune of connecting with Stephanie Magee and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Stephanie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process behind starting my SPENGA business came from seeing how many people struggle to stay consistent with fitness, not because they don’t care, but because the environment doesn’t support them. I wanted to create a place where people felt welcomed, guided, and genuinely supported, not intimidated or left to figure it out on their own.
SPENGA stood out to me because it brings together strength, cardio, and mobility in one efficient workout, but more importantly, it emphasizes community and connection. I believed that if I could build a studio rooted in encouragement, expert coaching, and consistency, people would not only show up, they would stick with it and see real change.
Starting this business was about more than opening a fitness studio. It was about creating a space where people feel confident walking through the door, where they’re challenged safely, and where fitness becomes something that adds to their life instead of feeling like another obligation. I wanted to change the way people experience fitness and help them build habits they can sustain long term.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
What makes us different is that we don’t just focus on the workout, we focus on the person. From the moment someone walks through our doors, they’re met with encouragement, expert coaching, and a genuine sense of belonging. We meet people where they are, help them feel confident, and guide them forward safely. Fitness can be intimidating, especially for busy adults juggling work, family, and life, and we’ve intentionally built a space where people feel seen and supported rather than judged.
What I’m most proud of is the community. We’ve created a place where people don’t just come to sweat, they come to connect, reset, and build consistency. I’m proud of the team we’ve built, the culture we protect, and the way our members show up for each other. Watching people gain confidence, improve their health, and rediscover what they’re capable of never gets old.
Getting to where I am today was not easy. Building a small business comes with constant problem-solving, long hours, and moments of doubt. There were challenges around staffing, growth, systems, finances, and learning how to lead effectively while still staying aligned with my values. I had to learn to trust myself, make tough decisions, and stay committed even when the results weren’t immediate.
What helped me overcome those challenges was clarity and consistency. I learned the importance of building systems that support people, not burn them out. I learned that leadership requires both empathy and accountability. I also learned that you don’t have to do everything perfectly, but you do have to keep showing up and refining as you go.
Some of the biggest lessons along the way have been that community matters more than comparison, progress is built through consistency, and strong businesses are rooted in strong relationships. Success isn’t about shortcuts, it’s about doing the small things well, over and over again.
What I want the world to know about my brand and my story is that this business was built with intention. It’s built on the belief that fitness should add to your life, not overwhelm it. That leadership can be kind and strong at the same time. And that when people feel supported, they’re capable of far more than they ever imagined.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend came to town for a week, I’d show them the area the way I live it.
Mornings would start with coffee at Stylus and Crate, followed by a must-stop pastry from Get Rights Bakery. From there, we’d head to a workout at SPENGA Wheat Ridge for an efficient, energizing sweat that leaves you feeling strong and reset, not wiped out.
Afternoons would be spent wandering local spots, supporting small businesses, and soaking up the neighborhood vibe. Evenings would end at Wolf & Wildflower with cocktails and charcuterie, the kind of place you go for one drink and end up staying awhile.
To me, the best part of this area isn’t just the places, it’s the people and the sense of community behind them. That’s what makes it special, and that’s what I’d want them to experience.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This isn’t a shoutout to just one person. It’s really a dedication to a long line of men and women who chose to go against the grain and boldly step into leadership and small business ownership, often without a clear roadmap.
Early in my career, one person who had a profound impact on me was John Haines, the CEO and Founder of the first company I worked for. John is no longer with us, but his leadership left a lasting impression. He led with kindness and heart, while also being decisive, strong, and bold. He showed me that you don’t have to choose between compassion and strength. The best leaders embody both.
More recently, I’m inspired by peers like Lisa Conway, owner of Vantage Salon. Her passion for people and community is contagious. I love being around women like her. Her light shines so brightly, not in a way that dims others, but in a way that makes the people around her shine even brighter.
Ultimately, my story is shaped by the leaders who showed me that success doesn’t have to come at the expense of humanity. It can be built with courage, integrity, and a genuine commitment to lifting others as you grow.
Website: https://wheatridgeco.spenga.com
Instagram: @spengawheatridge






