Over the years CBJ has interviewed dozens of climbing gym founders, managers, routesetters, and other professionals of indoor climbing. We are fortunate to have great writers help with these: the majority of the interviews below were conducted by John Burgman 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 |
| 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 |
| Now Is the Time to Come Together | Andy Nelson | Method Grips | President | shaping | https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/behind-the-closures-with-andy-nelson/ | 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
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