Climbing Business Journal is an independent news outlet dedicated to covering the indoor climbing industry. Here you will find the latest coverage of climbing industry news, gym developments, industry best practices, risk management, climbing competitions, youth coaching and routesetting. Stay current on the latest trends that are shaping indoor climbing.
We created CBJ to fill a gap in the climbing media universe. While there are many magazines, websites and film companies covering the exciting and photogenic world of outdoor climbing, we wanted more information about the growing indoor climbing community. We wanted one place that offered news and advice for people that work in the industry or just love climbing on plastic: owners and managers of climbing gyms, routesetters, hold shapers, wall builders, pad designers, equipment retailers and climbing geeks. Since that place didn’t exist we decided to create it. CBJ launched in July 2013.
Our goal is to provide breaking news, in-depth coverage and just plain fun stories about the indoor climbing industry. We are still figuring out what works and what you, our readers, want to see. We welcome your thoughts, suggestions and gentle criticisms, so why not drop us a line? We would love to hear from you.
Climbing Business Journal’s mission is to authentically and generously inform and connect the professionals and organizations of indoor climbing.
Editorial & Advertising Manager | |
 Read articles by Joe Robinson | Joe Robinson, Editorial & Advertising Manager Communications specialist and poverty economist, Joe has been contributing his expertise to the global climbing industry for nearly a decade and currently manages CBJ advertising and social media. He traveled around the world as the IFSC’s community manager during Olympic inclusion as well as across the US while writing for Alpinist, Climberism, DPM and CBJ. He worked in local climbing gyms of the Pacific Northwest and West Michigan and advanced economic empowerment, educational equity, youth development and diversity programs alongside national non-profit organizations. |
Senior Editor | |
 Read articles by John Burgman | John Burgman, Senior Editor John Burgman has been writing about climbing for nearly a decade. He is a Fulbright journalism grant recipient, a former magazine editor at Outdoor Life, and the author of two books. He holds a master’s degree from New York University and bachelor’s degree from Miami University in Ohio. In addition to writing, he coaches a youth bouldering team. |
Legal Analyst | |
 Read articles by Jason Pill | Jason Pill, Legal Analyst Jason Pill is a longtime climber and an attorney with Phelps Dunbar, LLP in Tampa, Florida. He practices in the area of labor and employment and assists clients in handling unique issues that arise at the intersection of law and technology. Additionally, Jason managed a climbing gym before embarking on a legal career, and he currently serves as the Chairperson of USA Climbing’s Risk Management Committee. |
Marketing Coordinator | |
 | Jamie Strong, Marketing Coordinator Jamie Strong has been working in graphic design and marketing for nearly a decade and climbing for about 5 years. She is a co-owner of a climbing gym, a youth climbing coach, and a certified yoga instructor. Jamie holds a master’s degree from University College London and a bachelor’s degree from Missouri State University. She spends her weekends and vacations traveling to climb throughout the US. |
Contributor | |
 Read articles by Zoe Leibovitch | Zoe Leibovitch, Contributor Zoe Leibovitch has been a climbing competitor on the national and international level since 2006. She has traveled the world competing in IFSC events, has been on the Evolv athlete team since 2014, and continues to spread her passion for climbing as a guest setter and coach. She has written for Climbing Magazine and works at The Spot Bouldering Gym coordinating their events and marketing. In addition to climbing, Zoe enjoys snowboarding, surfing, and all things adrenaline-pumping. |
Publisher & Editor-in-Chief | |
 Read articles by Scott Rennak | Scott Rennak, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Scott has been promoting indoor climbing since 1997 when he bought Climb Time of Cincinnati and started what would become the American Bouldering Series. Since then he has helped hundreds of small businesses grow including climbing gyms and manufacturers. In his free time he still scours nearby hills for untouched boulders, skis all year, and is a dedicated father to his two young children. |
Founder | |
 | Mike Helt, Founder Mike has over 20 years experience working in and with climbing gyms all over the country. He’s a USAC Level 5 National Chief Routesetter with setting experience that ranges from locals to international World Cups, and he sat on the USAC Routesetting Committee, which created USAC’s routesetter clinic and certification system. In 2007 he founded Routesetter.com and ran the site until its closing in 2009. Mike is also Head Routesetter at Mesa Rim Climbing – Reno. |
