SPIRE Academy is proud to share that CEO Steve Sanders has been named to the 2025 Crain’s Cleveland Business 40 Under 40 list, recognizing the region’s most influential young professionals driving impact across Northeast Ohio.

Steve earned the honor for his dynamic leadership and the role he has played in elevating SPIRE’s national and global profile. Since becoming CEO, he has led SPIRE through a transformative period of growth, expanding academic and athletic programming, building high-level strategic partnerships, and reinforcing the academy’s mission of developing well-rounded, high-performing student-athletes.

Under his leadership, SPIRE has experienced a 65 percent increase in student enrollment and a 45 percent rise in camp participation. These milestones reflect both the demand for SPIRE’s high-performance environment and his commitment to creating a world-class platform for young athletes.

“Being named to Crain’s 40 Under 40 is an incredible honor, but it’s really a credit to the people I work with,” said Sanders. “SPIRE and Northeast Ohio are full of builders—people who believe in big ideas and are willing to put in the work to bring them to life. I’m proud to be part of that momentum and excited about what’s ahead for our teams, our region, and the students we serve.”

SPIRE Owner Jonathan Ehrenfeld added, “Steve has built a culture of excellence across the organization in a short period of time. From installing structure and process to setting bold goals, he’s helped SPIRE operate at a higher level and positioned us for sustainable growth. This recognition is well deserved.”

Crain’s 40 Under 40 celebrates professionals who demonstrate leadership, innovation, and a commitment to driving meaningful impact in their organizations and communities. SPIRE Academy congratulates Steve on this well-earned recognition and thanks him for his continued leadership and dedication to students, families, and the broader SPIRE community.

Learn more about Steve Sanders and SPIRE Academy.