Kurt Mangum II is an entrepreneur and co-founder of CoupleyFit, a Black-owned health, wellness and lifestyle brand based in Chandler.
Mangum’s entrepreneurial journey started when he was training for the NFL and working in a family-owned cafe. With the support of his then-girlfriend and now wife, De Anna, he began helping his coworkers improve their health and wellness through consultations and meal prep. The results were remarkable, with the cafe staff collectively losing over 200 pounds and the cafe increasing its revenue and earning recognition as the “Best of the Valley” for its customer service.
“My most critical risk was taking the leap of faith to start my business, CoupleyFit, with my wife as newlyweds,” Mangum said. “Growing our business required difficult sacrifices that proved to be worthwhile. We bootstrapped for years and downsized our home to invest in our company. Entrepreneurship comes with significant risks and an opportunity for great rewards!”
As their influence grew, the Mangums were invited to speak at Uber’s Center of Excellence on diversity in health and wellness. This experience inspired them to expand their reach in the community, leading them to create boot camps at local parks in Tempe. Their simple and accessible approach to improving physical health, S.W.A.N. (sleep, water, activity and nutrition), resonated with individuals and couples.
Through digital content creation and their perspective on wellness, the Mangums empower couples to prioritize their health and get back to the basics. Their philosophy emphasizes the power of connection, accountability and motivation to drive results.
CoupleyFit’s vision is to transform the lives of millions of couples by promoting generational health through S.W.A.N. They aim to empower parents to change their health together and pass down healthy habits to their children. The company’s partnership with Walmart has enabled the Mangums to create awareness about health and wellness during critical times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the aftermath of the George Floyd murder.
CoupleyFit’s work in fighting employee disengagement and its commitment to diversity have been recognized by SXSW, Walmart and numerous media outlets. The company has been featured in Scottsdale Health magazine, Chandler Lifestyle magazine, FITNESS magazine Canada and Voyage Phoenix.
The Mangums’ community work is equally impressive. They have partnered with organizations such as Barrow Neurological Center, Omega Youth Leadership Academy, Improving Chandler Area Neighborhoods (ICAN) and Bayless Integrated Healthcare to bring awareness and support to critical issues like suicide prevention, minority representation and community health initiatives. They have been involved in campaigns, fundraisers and volunteering efforts that highlight the importance of health, wellness and unity within minority communities.
