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 TITLE | NAME(S) | BUSINESS | TITLE | TOPIC | INTERVIEWER | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Don’t Give Up on “Mom-and-Pop” Gyms (podcast) | Jackson Scott | AL - Crux Climbing | Co-Owner | management | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/dont-give-up-on-mom-and-pop-gyms-cbj-podcast-with-jackson-scott/ | John Burgman |
| Gyms in South America Are Adapting Too | Fernando Cicconi | Argentina - Realization Escalada | Chief Routesetter | routesetting | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/gyms-in-south-america-are-adapting-too-behind-the-desk-with-fernando-cicconi/ | John Burgman |
| Learning, Adapting, Growing in Australia | Jack Masel | Australia - 9 Dewgrees Waterloo | Manager & Head Routesetter | management, routesetting | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/behind-the-desk-with-jack-masel-learning-adapting-growing-in-australia/ | John Burgman |
| Family - and Climbing Family - Come First | Jesse Waldorf | BC - Strait Up | Co-Founder | management | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/behind-the-closures-with-strait-up-climbing-family-comes-first/ | John Burgman |
| Problem Solving Together | Lauren Watson | BC - Ground Up | Director & Co-Owner | management | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/behind-the-desk-with-lauren-watson-problem-solving-together/ | John Burgman |
| Pride, Relief, Exhaustion | Simon Parton | BC - Project Climbing | National Competition Chief Routesetter | routesetting | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/pride-relief-exhaustion-behind-the-wrench-with-simon-parton/ | John Burgman |
| Making Life Better | Andrew Coffey | BC - The Hive | Owner & King Worker Bee | management | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/making-life-better-behind-the-desk-with-andrew-coffey/ | Joe Robinson |
| Breaking Boundaries | Camielle Weetly | CA - Cliffs of Id | Routesetter | routesetting | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/behind-the-wrench-with-camielle-weetly/ | Jackie Hueftle |
| Letting the Routesetting Gods Take Over | Claire Miller | CA - Grotto Climbing | Routesetter | routesetting | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/letting-the-routesetting-gods-take-over-behind-the-wrench-with-claire-miller/ | John Burgman |
| Distance Learning Meets Climbing: Sender One's COOL Camp | Crystal Tan | CA - Sender One | Brand Marketing Manager | programming | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/distance-learning-meets-climbing-sender-ones-cool-camp/ | John Burgman |
| Keep Them Sketched Out (podcast) | Claire Kawainui Miller | CA - Touchstone | Crew Leader | routesetting | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/keep-them-sketched-out-cbj-podcast-with-claire-kawainui-miller/ | Holly Yu Tung Chen |
| Keeping Things Community-Centric | Mailee Hung | CA - Touchstone | Director of Communications and Community Engagement | management, community | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/keeping-things-community-centric-behind-the-desk-with-mailee-hung/ | John Burgman |
| U.S. Comp Climbing's Top Journalist | John Burgman | CBJ, Climbing Magazine | Journalist | community | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/meet-john-burgman-us-comp-climbings-top-journalist/ | Joe Robinson |
| Gym Social Media Is More About “One-to-One” Than “One-to-Many” (podcast) | Sam Van Boxtel | Climbers Crag | Founder | marketing | Gym Social Media Is More About “One-to-One” Than “One-to-Many” | Scott Rennak |
| Finding Time To Volunteer | Emily Moore | Climbing Wall Association | Events Manager | events | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/finding-time-to-volunteer-behind-the-desk-with-emily-moore/ | John Burgman |
| Coaching and Routesetting for Future Olympians (podcast) | Garrett Gregor | CO | Routesetter & Coach | routesetting, coaching | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/garrett-gregor-coaching-and-routesetting-for-future-olympians-cbj-podcast/ | John Burgman |
| Routesetting on Common and Uncommon Ground (podcast) | Sierra McMurry | CO | Routesetter | routesetting, community | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/sierra-mcmurry-routesetting-on-common-and-uncommon-ground-cbj-podcast/ | Holly Yu Tung Chen |
| Where Computers and Climbing Meet | Jon Lachelt | CO - Ascent Studio | Owner | management, data | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/where-computers-and-climbing-meet-behind-the-desk-with-jon-lachelt/ | John Burgman |
| The “Indiana Jones of Climbing” (podcast) | John McGowan | CO - Boulder | Founder | management, industry | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/the-indiana-jones-of-climbing-cbj-podcast-with-john-mcgowan/ | John Burgman |
| Helping People Do What They Were Born to Do | Lara Grosjean & Heather Robinson | CO - CityROCK | Majority Owner & General Manager | management, community | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/helping-people-do-what-they-were-born-to-do-behind-the-desk-at-cityrock-colorado-springs/ | John Burgman |
| Private Coaching is Getting More Popular | Emmett Cookson | CO - Denver | Paraclimbing National Team Coach and Personal Trainer | coaching | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/behind-the-desk-with-paraclimbing-national-team-coach-emmett-cookson/ | John Burgman |
| Routesetting Through Pregnancy | Carolina Fullerton | CO - Movement Boulder | Routesetter | routesetting | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/routesetting-through-pregnancy-behind-the-wrench-with-carolina-fullerton/ | Holly Yu Tung Chen |
| Macaroni & Cheese to Steak Dinner | Kegan Minock | CO - Rock'n & Jam'n | Head Setter | routesetting, shaping | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/macaroni-cheese-to-steak-dinner-behind-the-wrench-with-kegan-minock/ | Holly Yu Tung Chen |
| Storytelling Through Movement | Holly Chen | CO - Ubergrippen & BRC | Routesetter, Writer | routesetting | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/storytelling-through-movement-behind-the-wrench-with-holly-chen/ | John Burgman |
| "Climb Rocking" | Heel Hook Harry | CO - Wooden Mountain | Mascot | marketing, community | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/climb-rocking-with-heel-hook-harry/ | Naomi Stevens |
| The Value of Routesetting Mentorship | Matt Ratajczak | DC - BKB Eckington | Route Setting Manager | routesetting | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/the-value-of-routesetting-mentorship-behind-the-wrench-with-bkbs-matt-ratajczak/ | John Burgman |
| A Climbing Wall Artist | Phil Lewis | Eldorado Climbing | Artist | artwork | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/behind-the-desk-with-phil-lewis-a-climbing-wall-artist/ | John Burgman |
| Old Ropes, New Art | Elliot Lacroix | End of the Line Design | Artist | artwork | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/old-ropes-new-art-behind-the-desk-with-elliot-lacroix/ | John Burgman |
| Community as a Long-Term Investment | Britton Frankel | FL - DynoClimb | Co-Owner | management, community | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/community-as-a-long-term-investment-behind-the-desk-with-britton-frankel/ | John Burgman |
| Old-School Foundation, New-School Shapes (podcast) | Mathieu Ackermann | Flathold | Co-Owner | routesetting, shaping | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/old-school-foundation-new-school-shapes-cbj-podcast-with-mathieu-ackermann/ | John Burgman |
| More Keys to Route Setting | Jacky Godoffe | France | Freelance Routesetter | routesetting | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/more-keys-to-route-setting-a-behind-the-scenes-interview-with-jacky-godoffe/ | John Burgman |
| Chalk Business is Changing Too | Kevin Brown | Friction Labs | Co-Founder & CEO | management | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/chalk-business-is-changing-too-behind-the-closures-with-kevin-brown/ | John Burgman |
| Every Town Can Hold a Climbing Gym | Adrian Prelipceanu | GA - Active Climbing | Owner | management | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/every-town-can-hold-a-climbing-gym-behind-the-desk-with-adrian-prelipceanu/ | John Burgman |
| Eating Disorders, RED-S, and a Look Behind the Resignations (podcast) | Dr. Volker Schöffl | Germany | Doctor | coaching | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/eating-disorders-red-s-and-a-look-behind-the-resignations-cbj-podcast-with-dr-volker-schoffl/ | John Burgman |
| Optimism Solves Problems | Don Campbell | ID - Gemstone | Owner | management | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/behind-the-closures-with-don-campbell-optimism-solves-problems/ | John Burgman |
| The Future of Climbing Competitions in a COVID-19 World | Clint Colwell & Gary Mattos | ID - The Commons | Co-Owner & Head Routesetter | routesetting | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/the-future-of-climbing-competitions-in-a-covid-19-world/ | John Burgman |
| Making the Most of a Climbing Gym Retail Space (podcast) | Brad Werntz | IL - Boulders | President | retailing | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/making-the-most-of-a-climbing-gym-retail-space-cbj-podcast-with-brad-werntz/ | John Burgman |
| Coaching Youth Through the Ages (podcast) | Dave Hudson | IL - FA Climbing | Co-Founder & Coach | coaching | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/dave-hudson-coaching-youth-through-the-ages-cbj-podcast/ | John Burgman |
| Days of the “Big Boss Brain” (podcast) | Kasia Pietras | Kilter | Routesetter & Instructor | routesetting, industry | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/days-of-the-big-boss-brain-cbj-podcast-with-kasia-pietras/ | Holly Yu Tung Chen |
| Bringing a Dream to Life in Israel | Yuval Hamburg | Israel - Performance Rock | Owner | management | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/behind-the-desk-with-yuval-hamburg-in-israel/ | John Burgman |
| Growth Spurs Innovation | John Oungst | KAYA | Customer Success Manager | community | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/growth-spurs-innovation-behind-the-desk-with-john-oungst/ | John Burgman |
| We All Have a Story | Lynnette Miller | KY - Rock Gem & Vision Holds | Owner | routesetting, coaching, shaping | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/we-all-have-a-story-behind-the-desk-with-lynnette-miller/ | John Burgman |
| Value Propositions and Pricing Sweet Spots | Lee Guilbeau & Robb Antrobus | LA - UpTown | Co-Founders | management, community | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/value-propositions-and-pricing-sweet-spots-behind-the-desk-with-uptown/ | John Burgman |
| Standing Out In a City of Many Gyms | Michael Paukner | MA - Rock Spot | Manager | management | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/standing-out-in-a-city-of-many-gyms-behind-the-desk-with-michael-paukner/ | John Burgman |
| Mexico’s Gym Industry Is Booming (podcast) | Javier Díaz | Mexico - Sierra Elevation | Co-Founder | industry, community | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/mexicos-gym-industry-is-booming-cbj-podcast-with-javier-diaz/ | John Burgman |
| Routesetting Should Be Fun - It's Not Brain Surgery | Alison Krayer | MD - Earth Treks Hampden | Routesetter | routesetting | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/routesetting-should-be-fun-its-not-brain-surgery-behind-the-wrench-with-alison-krayer/ | John Burgman |
| Thinking Outside Yourself | Kevin McLean | NJ - The Gravity Vault | Head Routesetter | routesetting | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/thinking-outside-yourself-behind-the-wrench-with-kevin-mclean/ | Amalia Wompa |
| Now Is the Time to Come Together | Andy Nelson | Method Grips | President | shaping | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/behind-the-closures-with-andy-nelson/ | John Burgman |
| The Midwest Psych Is High | Christopher Deal | MN - Nature of the North | Director of Climbing | routesetting | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/the-midwest-psych-is-high-behind-the-wrench-with-christopher-deal/ | John Burgman |
| Climbers and Riders Both Show Up | Elizabeth Jackson | NC - Riveter | General Manager & Founder | management, community | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/climbers-and-riders-both-show-up-behind-the-desk-with-riveter-founder-elizabeth-jackson/ | John Burgman |
| Hold the Doors Open | Sydney McNair | NH - NH Climbing & Fitness | Head Setter | routesetting | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/hold-the-doors-open-behind-the-wrench-with-sydney-mcnair/ | Holly Yu Tung Chen |
| Are Markets Approaching Saturation? | Lucas Kovalcik | NJ - The Gravity Vault | Founder | management | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/are-markets-approaching-saturation-behind-the-desk-with-lucas-kovalcik-at-the-gravity-vault/ | |
| What Makes a Good Gym Video? | Jeremiah Curtis, Aaron Stromberg & Ben Lane | NM - Stone Age | Filmmakers | marketing | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/what-makes-a-good-gym-video/ | John Burgman |
| Mentoring Coaches, Developing Strong Youth Programs | Jackie Pettitt | NV - Mesa Rim | Head Coach | coaching | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/jackie-pettitt-mentor-to-head-coaches-cbj-podcast/ | Zoe Leibovitch |
| Inclusion Takes Intention | Gabby Zonneveld | NY - MetroRock | Manager | management, community | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/inclusion-takes-intention-behind-the-desk-with-gabby-zonneveld-at-metrorock/ | John Burgman |
| Behind the Desk with Kristina Ericson | Kristina Ericson | NY - The Cliffs | Events Coordinator | events | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/behind-the-desk-with-kristina-ericson/ | John Burgman |
| Providing Climbing for Everybody | Emily Buckley & Lulu Rodriguez | NY - The Cliffs Harlem | Director of Operations & General Manager | programming | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/behind-the-desk-with-emily-buckley-and-lulu-rodriguez/ | John Burgman |
| Taking 24-Hour Access Coast to Coast | David Sacher | NY - VITAL Brooklyn | Co-Founder | management | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/taking-24-hour-gym-access-coast-to-coast-behind-the-desk-with-david-sacher/ | John Burgman |
| Simpler Ideas Win the Day | Trevor Galvin | OK - Blocworks | Operations Supervisor | programming, community | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/simpler-ideas-win-the-day-behind-the-desk-with-trevor-galvin-at-blocworks/ | John Burgman |
| Gearing Up for Survival Mode | Hannah Mosier | OK - Climb Tulsa | Assistant Manager | management | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/behind-the-closures-with-hannah-mosier-gearing-up-for-survival-mode/ | John Burgman |
| Setting Your Own Way | Tony Agnelli | ON - Of Rock and Chalk | Routesetter | routesetting | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/behind-the-wrench-with-tony-agnelli-setting-your-own-way/ | Jackie Hueftle |
| You’re Stronger if You’re Honest | Abby Wilson | OR - Rock Haven | Head Setter | routesetting | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/youre-stronger-if-youre-honest-behind-the-wrench-with-abby-wilson/ | Holly Yu Tung Chen |
| Anti-Tall Setter’s Club (members: short setters only) (podcast) | Abby Tran | OR - The Circuit | Assistant Head Setter | routesetting | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/anti-tall-setters-club-members-short-setters-only-cbj-podcast-with-abby-tran/ | Holly Yu Tung Chen |
| Our Gym Is Still Standing | Matt Lambert | OR - Rogue Rock Gym | Owner | management | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/our-gym-is-still-standing-behind-the-desk-with-matt-lambert/ | John Burgman |
| Behind the Desk with Danny Burkhead | Danny Burkhead | OR - The Circuit | General Manager | management | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/behind-the-desk-with-danny-burkhead/ | John Burgman |
| From Doctor to Director of Climbing | Wade Desai | PA - ASCEND | Director of Climbing | programming | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/from-doctor-to-director-of-climbing-behind-the-desk-with-wade-desai-at-ascend/ | John Burgman |
| Getting Slacklining Going at Your Gym (podcast) | Wade Desai | PA - ASCEND | Director of Climbing | programming | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/wade-desai-getting-slacklining-going-at-your-gym-cbj-podcast/ | John Burgman |
| What American gyms can learn from Europe’s gym industry (podcast) | Dean Privett | PA - Iron City Boulders | Gym Manager & Head Routesetter | management | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/what-american-gyms-can-learn-from-europes-gym-industry-cbj-podcast-with-dean-privett/ | John Burgman |
| Always Be Open to New Ideas | Charlie Schreiber | PA - Reach Climbing | Director of Programming | coaching, management | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/always-be-open-to-new-ideas-behind-the-desk-with-charlie-schreiber/ | John Burgman |
| It's a New World | Michael Feinberg | PA - Reach Climbing | Owner | management | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/its-a-new-world-behind-the-desk-with-michael-feinberg/ | John Burgman |
| Legal Challenges Come With Growth (podcast) | Jason Pill | Phelps Dunbar | Attorney | management | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/jason-pill-legal-challenges-come-with-growth-cbj-podcast/ | John Burgman |
| Gym Development in Canada and “Making Friends Through Climbing” (podcast) | Jean-Marc de la Plante | QC - Uplify | Founder | management | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/gym-development-in-canada-and-making-friends-through-climbing-cbj-podcast-with-jean-marc-de-la-plante/ | John Burgman |
| Stay True to Your Core | Pete Sancianco | RI - Rock Spot | Director of Marketing | marketing | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/stay-true-to-your-core-behind-the-desk-with-pete-sancianco-at-rock-spot/ | Naomi Stevens |
| Letting Go of an Idea | Aaron Davis | SC - BlocHaven | Head Routesetter | routesetting | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/letting-go-of-an-idea-behind-the-wrench-with-aaron-davis/ | John Burgman |
| What It's Like to Open a New Gym During a Pandemic | Travis Klinghagen | SD - Climberz | Owner | management | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/what-its-like-to-open-a-new-gym-during-a-pandemic/ | John Burgman |
| Adding What Should Always Have Been There (podcast) | Hannah Barker, Jiarra Chiang, Hayley Moran | Siege Climbing | Founders | routesetting, events | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/siege-climbing-adding-what-should-always-have-been-there-cbj-podcast/ | Holly Yu Tung Chen |
| A Custodian of the Community | Jordan Mackay | SK - Regina Climbing Centre | Founder | management | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/a-custodian-of-the-community-behind-the-closures-with-jordan-mackay/ | John Burgman |
| All About the Indoor Climbing Expo (podcast) | Travis Williams | TN - Chattanooga | Founder | news | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/all-about-the-indoor-climbing-expo-cbj-podcast-with-travis-williams/ | John Burgman |
| Comp Combines Spicy Chicken with Epic Sends | Jonathan Brandt | TN - Climb Nashville | Routesetting Director | events, routesetting | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/comp-combines-spicy-chicken-with-epic-sends/ | John Burgman |
| Making Route Design a Team Effort | Cody Grodzki | TN - High Point Chattanooga | Director of Routesetting | routesetting | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/behind-the-wrench-with-cody-grodzki/ | John Burgman |
| Getting a Gym Ready for National Team Trials During a Pandemic | John Wiygul | TN - High Point Memphis | President | events | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/getting-a-gym-ready-for-national-team-trials-during-a-pandemic/ | John Burgman |
| The Meaning of Community | Jon Hawk & Daniel Arnold | TN - Memphis Rox | Director of Operations & Training / Volunteer Coordinator | management, community | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/the-meaning-of-community-behind-the-desk-with-memphis-rox/ | John Burgman |
| Community Happens Fast | Andrew Andress | TX - Armadillo Boulders | Operations Manager | management, community | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/community-happens-fast-behind-the-desk-with-andrew-andress/ | John Burgman |
| Work Hard and Enjoy the Process | Ben Waggoner | TX - Cave Climbing | Owner | management | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/behind-the-desk-with-ben-waggoner/ | John Burgman |
| Gym Events that Benefit the Community | Lydia Huelskamp | TX - Crux Climbing Center | Marketing & Events Manager | events | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/behind-the-desk-with-lydia-huelskamp-events-that-benefit-the-community/ | John Burgman |
| Our Staff Matter Most | Jacquelyn Horton | UT - Contact Climbing | Gym Manager & Co-Founder | management | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/our-staff-matter-most-behind-the-desk-with-jacquelyn-horton/ | John Burgman |
| Fine-Tuning Gym Programming | Justin Wyse | UT - The Front | Program Director | programming, management | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/fine-tuning-gym-programming-behind-the-desk-with-justin-wyse-at-the-front/ | John Burgman |
| Routesetting in a New Era | Eddie Morillas | UT - The Front | Director of Routesetting | routesetting | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/routesetting-in-a-new-era-behind-the-wrench-with-eddie-morillas/ | John Burgman |
| Routesetting Consultations, Education Bottlenecks, and Data (podcast) | Foxman McCarthy-James & Justin Wright | Vortex Routesetting | Head Routesetters | routesetting | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/routesetting-consultations-education-bottlenecks-and-data-cbj-podcast-with-foxman-mccarthy-james-and-justin-wright/ | Holly Yu Tung Chen |
| From Volunteer Routesetter To Gym Manager | Matthew Butler-Bugher | VT - MetroRock Essex | General Manager | management, routesetting | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/from-volunteer-routesetter-to-gym-manager/ | John Burgman |
| Community Will Help Sustain Us | Andrea Charest | VT - Petra Cliffs | Owner & Guide | management | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/behind-the-closures-with-andrea-charest/ | John Burgman |
| All Ships Will Rise | Nathan Hadley | WA - Bouldering Project | Setting Manager | routesetting | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/all-ships-will-rise-behind-the-wrench-with-nathan-hadley/ | Holly Yu Tung Chen |
| Routesetting in the Age of Social Media (podcast) | Stefanie Myr | WA - Climb Tacoma | GM, Head Routesetter | routesetting | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/routesetting-in-the-age-of-social-media-cbj-podcast-with-stefanie-myr/ | Holly Yu Tung Chen |
| Proving Try-Hard Gyms Work | Andrew Hou | WA - Uplift | Founder | management | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/proving-try-hard-gyms-work-behind-the-desk-with-uplifts-andrew-hou/ | John Burgman |
| Revitalizing Routesetting for the Next Generation (podcast) | Louie Anderson | WY - Ten Sleep | Freelance Routesetter | routesetting | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/louie-anderson-revitalizing-routesetting-for-the-next-generation-cbj-podcast/ | Holly Yu Tung Chen |
