KRIS INTRESS- FOUNDER OF ROCK SPRINGS RETREAT CENTER

Hi Kris!! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our questions!! I’m going to jump right in!

How would you introduce yourself to people who are unaware of you?

I am Kris Intress, the founder of Rock Springs Retreat Center, a 200-acre pastoral retreat where we help people reclaim their lives through fitness. I am also a mother, entrepreneur, Army Reservist, I have my MBA from Kellogg and have been the CEO of multiple companies, including a global luxury hotel company. 

Okay so you were in corporate America before you decided to open Rock Springs Retreat Center. Please tell us what lead you to creating this all-inclusive Retreat Center? What are you most proud of so far?

I was a corporate executive that struggled to find time for my own health, I realized  my career was taking over the need to prioritize my wellbeing. I watched my parents struggle with obesity their entire lives. After I lost my mother, I decided  I wanted to help people take control of and transform their lives.  

I’m  most proud of being a single mom without sacrificing my own hopes and dreams. I found out I was pregnant at 4 months; I struggled knowing I would be a single mom. I decided in that moment I would not give up my identity, I would not resent or blame my child for the struggles I would face. Instead, I promised myself I would pursue and accomplish everything I set out to do and NOT feel guilty, rather show my child what life is like through having a role model and take him on the journey of “Life”. My son was born in Scotland and I returned to the US without his father when he was 2 weeks old; no money, no degree, no plan.  I then completed undergrad in 2 years and an MBA from Kellogg while holding a full-time jobs. I was humble, on government assistance for one year, lived in small apts, and eventually became the CEO of numerous companies. The American dream inspired with the power of motherhood and anything is possible! – he is an Army officer and currently in grad school planning to “Save the World”.

Okay! So you also created and have Fit Farm which is an all-inclusive weight loss & fitness retreat. Please explain what are the benefits of people booking this service?

Fit Farm offers our most popular fitness and weight loss retreats that can range from an extended weekend to 8-weeks or longer and are customized for each guest.

We use data driven programs that take a holistic approach to body, mind and health that maximize results by focusing on fitness, nutrition, and overall wellness. We’ll guide you through the process of creating and maintaining healthier habits for life with the best, most effective techniques. We will not only challenge your limits, but also reset your pace for life. You’ll leave Fit Farm feeling even better than when you first arrived.

List 5 things you can’t live without 

Five things I can’t live without are:

1.    Wine and coffee, depending on the time of day

2.    My driver’s license, passport, and the freedom to travel

3.    Helping people

4.    Inspiration

5.    Sushi

What is your favorite way to stay healthy? 

My favorite way to stay healthy is to teach classes at Rock Springs. Teaching our guests how to exercise and how to cook inspires me to take that home and continue to incorporate it into my everyday life.

What are you most grateful for?

I’m most grateful for my mom. I was raised by a strong woman who felt the need to take care of everyone but herself. She was extremely talented but insanely humble. As a therapist she helped me to understand everyone needs and wants to be heard, “Listen” She often sacrificed her own happiness for others yet would lecture me on how critical it was to take care of myself before helping others. Her contradictions were my map to success.  She pushed me not to repeat her regrets yet make my own mistakes. She raised me to be the woman she was afraid to be Growing up, she instilled a few mantras: Nothing in life is final, except for death. Put yourself first and be present and an inspiration for others. Be humble and grateful, but always a voice speaking up for yourself and others.   

Last & most fun question! What is your favorite way to unwind!

My favorite way to unwind is cooking and enjoying a nice glass of wine. I also like to get creative, whether that’s by designing or building something. I was 16 when I moved out, so I started as a cartoonist and did art on the street. Art was something that never felt limiting to me because of my dyslexia.