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

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Climbing Gym Growth Podcast

Episodes

Climbing Gym Management Lessons from Alaska Rock Gym