Today we’d like to introduce you to Philip Grimm.
Philip, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Climb Kalamazoo was built and first opened in 1997. In 2008, I had just started a family and was looking to build or buy a local business. As a contactor and climber for several years before hand, Climb Kalamazoo had been such a great opportunity for me to learn the sport of climbing locally, in order to travel to outdoor climbing areas around the country. I wanted to continue to offer this opportunity to the community at large. Fast forward 17 years and I am thrilled to have been able to do so for almost two decades! I am more than grateful for the friends and climbing family that climbing and being the owner/operator of Climb Kalamazoo has brought to my life through the years, and for the opportunities I have been able to afford my own family and many others through the climbing gym.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Although not necessarily a smooth road, I am proud to have overcome many challenges and create opportunities from these challenges along the way. Purchasing any business in 2008, personally putting in the sweat equity to get the business established and move it forward, surviving COVID and so many more that I’ve probably forgotten (intentionally lol) I am now at the point where I’ve done and redone so many aspects of the climbing gym, always making improvements along the way. This year my big project was replacing the climbing flooring. I must have planned and re-planned this project half a dozen times in order to meet a changing budget, and improving the quality and longevity of the finished project. On my way to recovering from a broken knee, I was able to install new flooring throughout the climbing area with the help of my oldest son and another employee. I am proud to say the new flooring is not only a replacement, but a quality upgrade across the board.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
One of the ways that I am able to engage with employees and community is through routesetting. Each week, we take down several walls and reset them with new challenges. It’s always exciting to put up new routes, emulating outdoor challenges or planning specific technical movements in an ergonomic way. This exercise keeps me engaged both in climbing and with the community, as members and others are excited to see what’s new and apply their craft. Some routes serve as warm ups, others as endurance training, and others may be projects requiring several visits and specific training to master the climbing moves presented. I am thrilled to continue to be a force in routesetting each week, honing my own craft of climbing and having fun with so many friends along the way!
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I am always interested to hear feedback, whether good or bad, because it helps me to understand the needs of the community and also gives me an opportunity to plan and build the business in whatever aspect is needed. I also enjoy climbing and meeting new people, and am happy to provide instruction or encouragement to anyone who shares enthusiasm for our sport.
Pricing:
- First Visit Package – Includes instruction and Gear $42
- Trial Membership – Two weeks of membership with rental gear included $79
- EFT Monthly Membership Individual – $65 monthly/$75 initiation
- October Specials – Bring a friend and enjoy a Trial Membership for the price of a First Visit Package* both persons must purchase the October Special to be eligible
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.climbkalamazoo.com
- Instagram: @Climb_Kalamazoo
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/climbkalamazoo
