Who We Are
Meet Tracy & Matt Furrey
Tracy’s journey began with a passion for helping individuals with special needs as a recreational therapist. While raising her children, she found great success working from home in the direct selling industry. But as her kids grew up and went off to college, Tracy felt a renewed calling for deeper fulfillment in her career. When she learned about the mission of Special Strong, she knew this was the new direction God had prepared for her.
Matt, a former baseball player for The Ohio State University, has dedicated his career to sales and is a lifelong fitness enthusiast. His commitment to health and fitness, combined with Tracy’s background, makes them a powerful team for the NorCal Special Strong franchise.
Together, they bring a blend of business acumen, sales expertise, recreational therapy, and a shared passion for fitness to serve clients, caregivers, trainers, gym owners, and the broader community. Through Special Strong, they’re excited to inspire others to lead more abundant lives.
Tracy holds a degree in Recreational Therapy from Ohio University, and Matt earned his degree in Human Ecology from Ohio State University. Married for 27 years, they live in Folsom, CA, where they enjoy traveling, sports events, and staying active through workouts, paddleboarding, and long walks. They have three adult children—Trey (25), Grant (23), and Rhyan (21)—whom they hope will join the family business in the future.
The Special Strong Story
By the age of 21, Daniel Stein had been diagnosed with a learning disability, mood disorder and autoimmune disease. After successfully using exercise to overcome his unique challenges, he felt called upon to help others with disabilities obtain healthier, happier, and higher functioning lives. Daniel obtained certifications through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), the National Federation of Personal Trainers (NFPT), and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).
In 2016, Daniel and his wife, Trinity, launched Special Strong, one of the only fitness centers in the country for individuals with mental, physical, and cognitive challenges. Today, Special Strong continues to specialize in adaptive and inclusive fitness training and is making a difference in the lives of children, adolescents and adults all over the world.
Mission
To unlock the strength and confidence within the mind, body, and spirit of every individual impacted by mental, physical, and cognitive challenges in order to live a more independent and abundant life.
Vision
Our Core Values
At Special Strong, we are governed by Christian values, using the acronym “STRONG.” Through our values, we have created a life-giving culture where solutions can be created, people can prosper, and God can be glorified.
Stewardship
We are Faithful Stewards of what God has Given Us
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much” Luke 16:10
Give extra care and attention to our clients and team with safety as our number one priority
Commit to using our time, treasure, and talents to glorify God in everything we do
Improve on our gifts and strengths by our commitment to personal growth and continuous improvement
Transparency
We are Real People who are Real with People
“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32
Demonstrate honesty and openness to make decisions and deliver information
Conduct and display our services with complete and open transparency
Have the respect to confront issues and problems that arise in order to grow to the next level
Relationship Focused
We are Relationship Focused First and Profit Second
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33
Fuel all of our actions by remembering “why” we do what we do
Assume the best by extending our trust before trust is earned
Focus everything on the relationship and everything else will follow
Ownership
We Own Our Unique Roles and Take 100% Responsibility
“You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.” Matthew 25:23
Use initiative to act on opportunities and do more than is required of us
Commitment to personal growth and continuous improvement
Hungry for honest feedback from clients and teammates
No Judgement
We Seek to Relate and Understand Another Person’s Walk of Life
“Do for others what you would like them to do for you. This is a summary of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.” Matthew 7:12
Practice sensitivity towards the feelings, thoughts, and experiences of others
Accept others where they are without judgment – physically, spiritually, and emotionally
Show respect for and value all individuals for their diverse backgrounds, beliefs, experiences, styles, and ideas
Generosity
We are Blessed to be a Blessing to Others
“Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” 2 Corinthians 9:6
Create opportunities to be generous with our time, treasure, and talents
Intentional with giving words of encouragement and gratitude to make others feel valued and appreciated
Serve the community, ministries, and non-profits with our resources