CBJ Interviews With Climbing Business Professionals

interviews with climbing business professionals

Over the years CBJ has interviewed dozens of climbing gym founders, managers, routesetters, and other professionals of indoor climbing. The majority of the interviews below were conducted by John Burgman, with contributions from Jackie Hueftle, Joe Robinson, Naomi Stevens, and Holly Yu Tung Chen.

ARTICLE TITLENAME(S)BUSINESSTITLETOPIC
Don’t Give Up on “Mom-and-Pop” Gyms (podcast)Jackson ScottAL - Crux ClimbingCo-Ownermanagementhttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/dont-give-up-on-mom-and-pop-gyms-cbj-podcast-with-jackson-scott/
Family - and Climbing Family - Come FirstJesse WaldorfBC - Strait UpCo-Foundermanagementhttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/behind-the-closures-with-strait-up-climbing-family-comes-first/
Problem Solving TogetherLauren WatsonBC - Ground UpDirector & Co-Ownermanagementhttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/behind-the-desk-with-lauren-watson-problem-solving-together/
Pride, Relief, ExhaustionSimon PartonBC - Project ClimbingNational Competition Chief Routesetterroutesettinghttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/pride-relief-exhaustion-behind-the-wrench-with-simon-parton/
Making Life BetterAndrew CoffeyBC - The HiveOwner & King Worker Beemanagementhttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/making-life-better-behind-the-desk-with-andrew-coffey/
Breaking BoundariesCamielle WeetlyCA - Cliffs of IdRoutesetterroutesettinghttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/behind-the-wrench-with-camielle-weetly/
Letting the Routesetting Gods Take OverClaire MillerCA - Grotto ClimbingRoutesetterroutesettinghttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/letting-the-routesetting-gods-take-over-behind-the-wrench-with-claire-miller/
Distance Learning Meets Climbing: Sender One's COOL CampCrystal TanCA - Sender OneBrand Marketing Managerprogramminghttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/distance-learning-meets-climbing-sender-ones-cool-camp/
Keeping Things Community-CentricMailee HungCA - TouchstoneDirector of Communications and Community Engagementmanagement, communityhttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/keeping-things-community-centric-behind-the-desk-with-mailee-hung/
Coaching and Routesetting for Future Olympians (podcast)Garrett GregorCORoutesetter & Coachroutesetting, coachinghttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/garrett-gregor-coaching-and-routesetting-for-future-olympians-cbj-podcast/
Routesetting on Common and Uncommon Ground (podcast)Sierra McMurryCORoutesetterroutesetting, communityhttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/sierra-mcmurry-routesetting-on-common-and-uncommon-ground-cbj-podcast/
Where Computers and Climbing MeetJon LacheltCO - Ascent StudioOwnermanagement, datahttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/where-computers-and-climbing-meet-behind-the-desk-with-jon-lachelt/
Helping People Do What They Were Born to DoLara Grosjean & Heather RobinsonCO - CityROCKMajority Owner & General Managermanagement, communityhttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/helping-people-do-what-they-were-born-to-do-behind-the-desk-at-cityrock-colorado-springs/
Private Coaching is Getting More PopularEmmett CooksonCO - DenverParaclimbing National Team Coach and Personal Trainercoachinghttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/behind-the-desk-with-paraclimbing-national-team-coach-emmett-cookson/
Macaroni & Cheese to Steak DinnerKegan MinockCO - Rock'n & Jam'nHead Setterroutesetting, shapinghttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/macaroni-cheese-to-steak-dinner-behind-the-wrench-with-kegan-minock/
Storytelling Through MovementHolly ChenCO - Ubergrippen & BRCRoutesetter, Writerroutesettinghttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/storytelling-through-movement-behind-the-wrench-with-holly-chen/
"Climb Rocking"Heel Hook HarryCO - Wooden MountainMascotmarketing, programminghttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/climb-rocking-with-heel-hook-harry/
The Value of Routesetting MentorshipMatt RatajczakDC - BKB EckingtonRoute Setting Managerroutesettinghttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/the-value-of-routesetting-mentorship-behind-the-wrench-with-bkbs-matt-ratajczak/
Community as a Long-Term InvestmentBritton FrankelFL - DynoClimbCo-Ownermanagement, communityhttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/community-as-a-long-term-investment-behind-the-desk-with-britton-frankel/
Every Town Can Hold a Climbing GymAdrian PrelipceanuGA - Active ClimbingOwnermanagementhttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/every-town-can-hold-a-climbing-gym-behind-the-desk-with-adrian-prelipceanu/
Optimism Solves ProblemsDon CampbellID - GemstoneOwnermanagementhttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/behind-the-closures-with-don-campbell-optimism-solves-problems/
The Future of Climbing Competitions in a COVID-19 WorldClint Colwell & Gary MattosID - The CommonsCo-Owner & Head Routesetterroutesettinghttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/the-future-of-climbing-competitions-in-a-covid-19-world/
Making the Most of a Climbing Gym Retail Space (podcast)Brad WerntzIL - BouldersPresidentretailinghttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/making-the-most-of-a-climbing-gym-retail-space-cbj-podcast-with-brad-werntz/
Coaching Youth Through the Ages (podcast)Dave HudsonIL - FA ClimbingCo-Founder and Coachcoachinghttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/dave-hudson-coaching-youth-through-the-ages-cbj-podcast/
We All Have a StoryLynnette MillerKY - Rock Gem & Vision HoldsOwnerroutesetting, coaching, shapinghttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/we-all-have-a-story-behind-the-desk-with-lynnette-miller/
Value Propositions and Pricing Sweet SpotsLee Guilbeau & Robb AntrobusLA - UpTownCo-Foundersmanagement, communityhttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/value-propositions-and-pricing-sweet-spots-behind-the-desk-with-uptown/
Standing Out In a City of Many GymsMichael PauknerMA - Rock SpotManagermanagementhttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/standing-out-in-a-city-of-many-gyms-behind-the-desk-with-michael-paukner/
Stay True to Your CorePete SanciancoMA - Rock SpotDirector of Marketingmarketinghttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/stay-true-to-your-core-behind-the-desk-with-pete-sancianco-at-rock-spot/
Routesetting Should Be Fun - It's Not Brain SurgeryAlison KrayerMD - Earth Treks HampdenRoutesetterroutesettinghttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/routesetting-should-be-fun-its-not-brain-surgery-behind-the-wrench-with-alison-krayer/
The Midwest Psych Is HighChristopher DealMN - Nature of the NorthDirector of Climbingroutesettinghttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/the-midwest-psych-is-high-behind-the-wrench-with-christopher-deal/
Climbers and Riders Both Show UpElizabeth JacksonNC - RiveterGeneral Manager & Foundermanagement, communityhttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/climbers-and-riders-both-show-up-behind-the-desk-with-riveter-founder-elizabeth-jackson/
Hold the Doors OpenSydney McNairNH - NH Climbing & FitnessHead Setterroutesettinghttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/hold-the-doors-open-behind-the-wrench-with-sydney-mcnair/
Are Markets Approaching Saturation?Lucas KovalcikNJ - The Gravity VaultFoundermanagementhttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/are-markets-approaching-saturation-behind-the-desk-with-lucas-kovalcik-at-the-gravity-vault/
Mentoring Coaches, Developing Strong Youth Programs (podcast)Jackie PettittNV - Mesa RimHead Coachcoachinghttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/jackie-pettitt-mentor-to-head-coaches-cbj-podcast/
What Makes a Good Gym Video?Jeremiah Curtis, Aaron Stromberg & Ben LaneNM - Stone AgeFilmmakersmarketinghttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/what-makes-a-good-gym-video/
Inclusion Takes IntentionGabby ZonneveldNY - MetroRock BrooklynManagermanagement, communityhttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/inclusion-takes-intention-behind-the-desk-with-gabby-zonneveld-at-metrorock/
Behind the Desk with Kristina EricsonKristina EricsonNY - The CliffsEvents Coordinatoreventshttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/behind-the-desk-with-kristina-ericson/
Providing Climbing for EverybodyEmily Buckley & Lulu RodriguezNY - The Cliffs HarlemDirector of Operations & General Managerprogramminghttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/behind-the-desk-with-emily-buckley-and-lulu-rodriguez/
Taking 24-Hour Access Coast to CoastDavid SacherNY - VITAL BrooklynCo-Foundermanagementhttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/taking-24-hour-gym-access-coast-to-coast-behind-the-desk-with-david-sacher/
Simpler Ideas Win the DayTrevor GalvinOK - BlocworksOperations Supervisorprogramming, communityhttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/simpler-ideas-win-the-day-behind-the-desk-with-trevor-galvin-at-blocworks/
Gearing Up for Survival ModeHannah MosierOK - Climb TulsaAssistant Managermanagementhttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/behind-the-closures-with-hannah-mosier-gearing-up-for-survival-mode/
Setting Your Own WayTony AgnelliON - Of Rock and ChalkRoutesetterroutesettinghttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/behind-the-wrench-with-tony-agnelli-setting-your-own-way/
You’re Stronger if You’re HonestAbby WilsonOR - Rock HavenHead Setterroutesettinghttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/youre-stronger-if-youre-honest-behind-the-wrench-with-abby-wilson/
Our Gym Is Still StandingMatt LambertOR - Rogue Rock GymOwnermanagementhttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/our-gym-is-still-standing-behind-the-desk-with-matt-lambert/
Behind the Desk with Danny BurkheadDanny BurkheadOR - The CircuitGeneral Managermanagementhttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/behind-the-desk-with-danny-burkhead/
Getting Slacklining Going at Your Gym (podcast)Wade DesaiPA - ASCENDDirector of Climbingprogramminghttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/wade-desai-getting-slacklining-going-at-your-gym-cbj-podcast/
From Doctor to Director of ClimbingWade DesaiPA - ASCENDDirector of Climbingprogramminghttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/from-doctor-to-director-of-climbing-behind-the-desk-with-wade-desai-at-ascend/
Always Be Open to New IdeasCharlie SchreiberPA - Reach ClimbingDirector of Programmingcoaching, managementhttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/always-be-open-to-new-ideas-behind-the-desk-with-charlie-schreiber/
It's a New WorldMichael FeinbergPA - Reach ClimbingOwnermanagementhttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/its-a-new-world-behind-the-desk-with-michael-feinberg/
Legal Challenges Come With Growth (podcast)Jason PillPhelps DunbarLawyermanagementhttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/jason-pill-legal-challenges-come-with-growth-cbj-podcast/
Gym Development in Canada and “Making Friends Through Climbing” (podcast)Jean-Marc de la PlanteQC - UplifyFoundermanagementhttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/gym-development-in-canada-and-making-friends-through-climbing-cbj-podcast-with-jean-marc-de-la-plante/
Letting Go of an IdeaAaron DavisSC - BlocHavenHead Routesetterroutesettinghttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/letting-go-of-an-idea-behind-the-wrench-with-aaron-davis/
What It's Like to Open a New Gym During a PandemicTravis KlinghagenSD - ClimberzOwnermanagementhttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/what-its-like-to-open-a-new-gym-during-a-pandemic/
A Custodian of the CommunityJordan MackaySK - Regina Climbing CentreFoundermanagementhttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/a-custodian-of-the-community-behind-the-closures-with-jordan-mackay/
Comp Combines Spicy Chicken with Epic SendsJonathan BrandtTN - Climb NashvilleRoutesetting Directorevents, routesettinghttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/comp-combines-spicy-chicken-with-epic-sends/
Making Route Design a Team EffortCody GrodzkiTN - High Point ChattanoogaDirector of Routesettingroutesettinghttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/behind-the-wrench-with-cody-grodzki/
Getting a Gym Ready for National Team Trials During a PandemicJohn WiygulTN - High Point MemphisPresidenteventshttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/getting-a-gym-ready-for-national-team-trials-during-a-pandemic/
The Meaning of CommunityJon Hawk & Daniel ArnoldTN - Memphis RoxDirector of Operations & Training / Volunteer Coordinatormanagement, communityhttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/the-meaning-of-community-behind-the-desk-with-memphis-rox/
Community Happens FastAndrew AndressTX - Armadillo BouldersOperations Managermanagement, communityhttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/community-happens-fast-behind-the-desk-with-andrew-andress/
Work Hard and Enjoy the ProcessBen WaggonerTX - Cave ClimbingOwnermanagementhttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/behind-the-desk-with-ben-waggoner/
Gym Events that Benefit the CommunityLydia HuelskampTX - Crux Climbing CenterMarketing & Events Managereventshttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/behind-the-desk-with-lydia-huelskamp-events-that-benefit-the-community/
Our Staff Matter MostJacquelyn HortonUT - Contact ClimbingGym Manager & Co-Foundermanagementhttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/our-staff-matter-most-behind-the-desk-with-jacquelyn-horton/
Routesetting in a New EraEddie MorillasUT - The FrontDirector of Routesettingroutesettinghttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/routesetting-in-a-new-era-behind-the-wrench-with-eddie-morillas/
Fine-Tuning Gym ProgrammingJustin WyseUT - The FrontProgram Directorprogramming, managementhttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/fine-tuning-gym-programming-behind-the-desk-with-justin-wyse-at-the-front/
From Volunteer Routesetter To Gym ManagerMatthew Butler-BugherVT - MetroRock EssexGeneral Managermanagement, routesettinghttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/from-volunteer-routesetter-to-gym-manager/
Community Will Help Sustain UsAndrea CharestVT - Petra CliffsOwner & Guidemanagementhttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/behind-the-closures-with-andrea-charest/
All Ships Will RiseNathan HadleyWA - Bouldering ProjectSetting Managerroutesettinghttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/all-ships-will-rise-behind-the-wrench-with-nathan-hadley/
Routesetting in the Age of Social Media (podcast)Stefanie MyrWA - Climb TacomaGM, Head Routesetterroutesettinghttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/routesetting-in-the-age-of-social-media-cbj-podcast-with-stefanie-myr/
Proving Try-Hard Gyms WorkAndrew HouWA - UpliftFoundermanagementhttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/proving-try-hard-gyms-work-behind-the-desk-with-uplifts-andrew-hou/
Revitalizing Routesetting for the Next Generation (podcast)Louie AndersonWYFreelance Routesetterroutesettinghttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/louie-anderson-revitalizing-routesetting-for-the-next-generation-cbj-podcast/
Gyms in South America Are Adapting TooFernando CicconiArgentina - Realization EscaladaChief Routesetterroutesettinghttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/gyms-in-south-america-are-adapting-too-behind-the-desk-with-fernando-cicconi/
Learning, Adapting, Growing in AustraliaJack MaselAustralia - 9 Dewgrees WaterlooManager & Head Routesettermanagement, routesettinghttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/behind-the-desk-with-jack-masel-learning-adapting-growing-in-australia/
Bringing a Dream to Life in IsraelYuval HamburgIsrael - Performance RockOwnermanagementhttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/behind-the-desk-with-yuval-hamburg-in-israel/
U.S. Comp Climbing's Top JournalistJohn BurgmanCBJ, Climbing MagazineJournalistcommunityhttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/meet-john-burgman-us-comp-climbings-top-journalist/
Gym Social Media Is More About “One-to-One” Than “One-to-Many” (podcast)Sam Van BoxtelClimbers CragFoundermarketinghttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/gym-social-media-is-more-about-one-to-one-than-one-to-many-cbj-podcast-with-sam-van-boxtel/
Finding Time To VolunteerEmily MooreClimbing Wall AssociationEvents Managereventshttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/finding-time-to-volunteer-behind-the-desk-with-emily-moore/
A Climbing Wall ArtistPhil LewisEldorado ClimbingArtistartworkhttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/behind-the-desk-with-phil-lewis-a-climbing-wall-artist/
Old Ropes, New ArtElliot LacroixEnd of the Line DesignArtistartworkhttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/old-ropes-new-art-behind-the-desk-with-elliot-lacroix/
More Keys to Route SettingJacky GodoffeFranceFreelance Routesetterroutesettinghttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/more-keys-to-route-setting-a-behind-the-scenes-interview-with-jacky-godoffe/
Chalk Business is Changing TooKevin BrownFriction LabsCo-Founder & CEOmanagementhttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/chalk-business-is-changing-too-behind-the-closures-with-kevin-brown/
Eating Disorders, RED-S, and a Look Behind the Resignations (podcast)Dr. Volker SchöfflGermanyDoctorcoachinghttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/eating-disorders-red-s-and-a-look-behind-the-resignations-cbj-podcast-with-dr-volker-schoffl/
Growth Spurs InnovationJohn OungstKAYACustomer Success Managercommunityhttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/growth-spurs-innovation-behind-the-desk-with-john-oungst/
Adding What Should Always Have Been There (podcast)Hannah Barker, Jiarra Chiang, Hayley MoranSiege ClimbingFoundersroutesetting, eventshttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/siege-climbing-adding-what-should-always-have-been-there-cbj-podcast/
Now Is the Time to Come TogetherAndy NelsonMethod GripsPresidentshapinghttps://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/behind-the-closures-with-andy-nelson/