Climbing Gym Growth Podcast

Chris Lopez
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

The Climbing Gym Growth Podcast shares real stories from climbing gym owners and operators. Each week, host Chris Lopez tracks down gym owners to learn how they attract new climbers, keep members engaged, and grow strong communities. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, you’ll find actionable insights to help you grow your gym.

Episodes

  1. Oct 10

    The Hidden Complexity of Building a Climbing Gym

    Building a climbing gym is a lot more complicated than putting climbing walls inside a building. In this episode, I'm joined by Tim Derrington of Derrington Building Studio, an architect who has worked on six climbing gym designs, including projects for Crux Climbing Center. We discuss the hidden challenges of designing and building climbing gyms, from unexpected construction costs and complicated mechanical systems to creating spaces that people actually want to spend time in. Tim shares practical advice on avoiding expensive construction mistakes, deciding where to save money, and designing gyms that reflect their brand and improve the member experience. We also explore how climbing gym design has evolved and what the next generation of climbing gyms might look like. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction01:06 – Tim's background in climbing gym architecture03:24 – Unexpected construction challenges06:55 – How climbing gym design has evolved08:50 – How architecture shapes a gym's brand12:00 – Designing a gym that stands out from competitors15:38 – Lessons from other industries16:30 – Creating spaces where people want to spend time20:23 – The biggest mistakes when opening a climbing gym22:19 – Where to cut 20% from your construction budget24:49 – The hidden complexity of building climbing gyms26:52 – HVAC, chalk filtration, and facility maintenance32:35 – What an architect notices when entering a climbing gym35:19 – Designing better flow and member experiences40:23 – The future of climbing gym design44:22 – Three design decisions every gym owner should get right Connect with Tim: Website: https://derrington.co Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/derrington.building.studio/ Follow Climbing Gym Growth: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@climbinggymgrowth Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/climbinggymgrowth

    The Hidden Complexity of Building a Climbing Gym

  2. Aug 6

    Why Owning a Climbing Gym Is Harder Than Ever

    Andrew Coffey returns to the podcast to talk about where The Hive is today, nearly 15 years after opening his first gym. We dive into The Hive's current renovation, how competition has changed over the past decade, why market research has become essential, and what Andrew believes the next five years look like for climbing gyms. Whether you're opening your first gym or operating multiple locations, this episode is packed with practical lessons on design, marketing, retention, and long-term sustainability. _ Chapters: 01:26 - Renovating The Hive's North Shore location 12:57 - Gathering community feedback before a renovation 16:35 - Training areas, boards & fitness space decisions 18:31 - The cost of closing a gym for renovations 22:16 - Lessons from designing climbing gyms for 15 years 29:55 - How competition has changed over the past decade 34:32 - Building new climbers instead of competing for existing ones 35:18 - Simplifying vs. expanding as a business 38:05 - Market research that changed The Hive's marketing strategy 41:53 - Measuring marketing ROI 44:32 - What happens after someone's first visit? 49:07 - Inflation, rising costs & pricing challenges 53:44 - Predictions for the next five years of climbing gyms 59:22 - Why profitability matters more than ever 01:02:17 - Hiring, leadership & building a great team 01:06:18 - Finding the "one thing" that moves the business forward _ Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@climbinggymgrowth Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/climbinggymgrowth

    Why Owning a Climbing Gym Is Harder Than Ever

  3. Jan 31

    If You Pick the Wrong Market, It Won’t Work

    In this episode of the Climbing Gym Growth Podcast, Chris Lopez chats with Ivan Vargas and Steve Bittner, co-owners of Mustangs Bouldering, for a conversation about market selection, risk, and how to break even. Mustangs opened without SBA loans, without heavy marketing, and in a smaller market by making disciplined decisions around location, rent, and other expenses. _ Show Notes: 00:00 – Intro 04:00 – Backgrounds in climbing and the industry 07:30 – Searching for the right space 10:30 – Why Mustangs chose bouldering only 14:30 – Competition myths in smaller markets 18:30 – Organic growth vs paid marketing 23:30 – Route setting philosophy and surprise 27:30 – Churn, seasonality, and outdoorsy markets 35:30 – Designing for early break-even 41:30 – Building the gym themselves to survive 48:30 – The mental weight of ownership 56:30 – Hard advice: markets matter _ Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@climbinggymgrowth Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/climbinggymgrowth Check us out at: https://climbinggymgrowth.com/

    If You Pick the Wrong Market, It Won’t Work

  4. Jan 8

    The Long Game: Wisdom From 10+ Years of Climbing Gym Growth

    In this episode of the Climbing Gym Growth Podcast, I sit down with Aaron Parlier, owner of Center 45 in Boone, North Carolina. Aaron shares a grounded, long-term perspective on what actually makes a climbing gym successful. Not rapid expansion, flashy amenities, or forcing your gym into a predefined box, but focusing on community, routesetting, and creating a space people genuinely want to spend time in. We talk about slow, sustainable growth, why your climbs are the product, and how first impressions at the front desk shape everything that follows. This episode is especially valuable for new gym owners and operators in small or college towns. _ Show Notes:00:00 – Aaron’s climbing background & early influences 03:00 – Discovering indoor climbing & falling all the way in 06:00 – Opening Center 45 with limited resources 08:30 – Crowdfunding holds & growing within constraints 11:00 – Capacity issues, weather, and space limitations 14:30 – Partnering with the university climbing wall 16:00 – Making the gym feel welcoming to new climbers 18:30 – Why intimidation kills the first-time experience 21:00 – Front desk energy & first impressions 22:10 – Final advice: slow growth & “it's about the bread” _ Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@climbinggymgrowth Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/climbinggymgrowth Check us out at: https://climbinggymgrowth.com/

    The Long Game: Wisdom From 10+ Years of Climbing Gym Growth

  5. 12/18/2025

    From One Small Bouldering Gym to Six Locations

    In this episode of the Climbing Gym Growth Podcast, I sit down with Andrew Coffey, founder of The Hive Climbing in British Columbia. From opening one of Canada’s first bouldering only gyms in 2012 to now running six locations, Andrew breaks down the lessons, systems, and philosophy behind The Hive’s growth. We talk about: Expanding before systems were readyThe realities of scaling past 150 employeesThe cost of building gyms todayHow COVID reshaped their entire businessWhy “Make Life Better” became their company mission_ Show Notes: 00:00 – Andrew’s backstory & discovering climbing 07:00 – Opening The Hive’s first gym & early lessons 15:00 – Expanding to multiple locations & unexpected challenges 23:00 – COVID, booking systems & changing member habits 30:00 – Profitability, pricing, and rising operational costs 38:00 – Managing 150+ employees & scaling culture 48:00 – Systems, structure & Wildly Important Goals 56:00 – Advice for new gym owners & sustainable growth _ Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@climbinggymgrowth Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/climbinggymgrowth Check us out at: https://climbinggymgrowth.com/

    From One Small Bouldering Gym to Six Locations

  6. 12/04/2025

    Inside Uplift Climbing: Community, Conversion & Retention Strategies

    In this episode of the Climbing Gym Growth Podcast, I chat with Andrew Hou from Uplift Climbing in Shoreline, Washington. We dive into what it really takes to build a community first climbing gym in a competitive market. Andrew shares how he spent years preparing for ownership, why Uplift doubled down on overhanging terrain, how they differentiate themselves from other Seattle gyms, and why focusing on health over growth is core to their mission. _ Show Notes: 00:00 – Introduction 00:10 – Intro class & free week membership experiment 00:20 – Referral strategy that drives long-term growth 00:30 – Working on vs. working in the business 00:37 – Newsletters & building relational marketing 00:43 – Differentiation in a saturated market 00:54 – Andrew’s advice for new gym owners _ Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@climbinggymgrowth Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/climbinggymgrowth Check us out at: https://climbinggymgrowth.com/

    Inside Uplift Climbing: Community, Conversion & Retention Strategies

  7. 11/20/2025

    A Plan Is a Place to Deviate From

    What does it really take to open a climbing gym from scratch? In this episode, I talk with Parker Sims, founder of Gravity Bear Climbing in Tulsa, Oklahoma. We dive into how Parker identified a market gap, managed construction while holding a full-time job, and why he thinks climbing gyms are undervalued. _ Show Notes: 00:00 – Parker’s story & Tulsa’s climbing scene 05:00 – Opening Gravity Bear & early surprises 09:00 – The meaning behind “Gravity Bear” 12:00 – Learning flexibility through setbacks 30:00 – Membership goals & community building 45:00 – Why climbing gyms are undervalued 53:00 – “A plan is a place to deviate from.” _Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@climbinggymgrowth Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/climbinggymgrowth Check us out at: https://climbinggymgrowth.com/

    A Plan Is a Place to Deviate From

  8. 11/13/2025

    Building a Modern Climbing Gym in Portland, OR

    In this episode of the Climbing Gym Growth Podcast, I sit down with Chris Marsaglia, co-founder of Tomo Bouldering Club in Portland, Oregon. We dive into what it takes to open a new gym in a saturated market, how Tomo’s founders built a brand that balances playfulness and professionalism, and the philosophy behind their unique “T” circuit grading system. Chris also shares how they built a loyal community through thoughtful design, creative events, and an authentic approach to marketing. Show Notes:00:00 – Welcome to Tomo Bouldering Club 02:15 – From kitchen table planning to opening day 05:00 – Permitting delays and opening surprises 07:30 – Marketing in a crowded Portland market 09:30 – Authentic branding 12:25 – Hitting 300 members 15:00 – Competing with nearby gyms 23:00 – Tomo’s “T” circuit system 31:00 – Retention and member engagement 33:00 – Future goals Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@climbinggymgrowth Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/climbinggymgrowth Check us out at: https://climbinggymgrowth.com/

    Building a Modern Climbing Gym in Portland, OR

  9. 10/23/2025

    Climbing Gym Management Lessons from Alaska Rock Gym

    In this episode of the Climbing Gym Growth Podcast, I talk with Nicole Jolyn, General Manager of Alaska Rock Gym, about her first year leading one of the most established climbing gyms in the U.S. Nicole shares what she’s learned - from refining staff roles and marketing systems to strengthening programming and community connection in Anchorage’s unique climbing scene. _ Show Notes:00:00 – Nicole’s path from Colorado to Alaska Rock Gym 02:00 – Overview of Alaska Rock Gym’s size, growth, and unique market 05:00 – Building a management team and defining clear roles 10:00 – Creating new positions to support staff growth and culture 15:00 – Marketing strategy: old school mailers and tracking ROI 22:00 – How to measuring social media impact 32:00 – Programming changes and rebuilding weekend engagement 39:00 – Reducing churn through connection, accountability, and culture 53:00 – Final advice: build real relationships with your members _ Listen to the full podcast: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0T41CYU1Eo1zJewskFklsB Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/climbing-gym-growth-podcast/id1835576139 Follow on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/climbinggymgrowth

    Climbing Gym Management Lessons from Alaska Rock Gym

  10. 10/09/2025

    Building A Growth-Oriented Climbing Gym Culture

    In this episode of the Climbing Gym Growth Podcast, I talk with Jonathan Brandt of Shift Climbing about how they’ve built a growth-oriented gym culture and how their competitive advantage is based on the concept of Enlightened Hospitality. _ Show Notes: 00:00 – Jonathan’s path from climber to gym founder 02:00 – Launching Shift Climbing & early challenges 05:00 – Using content to build brand & buzz 10:00 – Lessons from opening week 17:00 – Hiring through culture-first systems 23:00 – Enlightened hospitality in action 28:00 – Building a growth-oriented team 33:00 – Authentic sales & member connection 39:00 – Circuits, education, and community 47:00 – Redefining success at Shift Climbing _ Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@climbinggymgrowth Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/climbinggymgrowth Check us out at: https://climbinggymgrowth.com/

    Building A Growth-Oriented Climbing Gym Culture

  11. 08/26/2025

    From 30 Local Climbers to 300 Members in 2 Years

    In this episode of the Climbing Gym Growth Podcast, I sit down with Jesse Cheers and Brad Mathisen from Appalachian Bouldering Center in Bristol, TN. We talk about how they went from just 30 local climbers in their community to building a climbing gym with over 300 members in just 2 years. From overcoming construction hurdles to building a welcoming culture, this is a must-watch for anyone interested in learning how climbing gyms grow and succeed. _ Show Notes: 00:00 – ABC’s origin story 04:20 – Why bouldering + connecting to outdoor climbing 07:30 – Build-out challenges & contractor lessons 15:00 – Opening day: 200+ visitors & early growth 23:20 – Community, culture & no gatekeeping 31:20 – Key advice for new gym owners _ Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/3IZPwBFV6-8 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/climbinggymgrowth Or check us out at: https://climbinggymgrowth.com/

    From 30 Local Climbers to 300 Members in 2 Years
  • 11 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The Climbing Gym Growth Podcast shares real stories from climbing gym owners and operators. Each week, host Chris Lopez tracks down gym owners to learn how they attract new climbers, keep members engaged, and grow strong communities. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, you’ll find actionable insights to help you grow your gym.

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