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.

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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

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Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@climbinggymgrowth

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/climbinggymgrowth

Check us out at: https://climbinggymgrowth.com/

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.

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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

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Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/3IZPwBFV6-8

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/climbinggymgrowth

Or check us out at: https://climbinggymgrowth.com/