The Studio (Boulder) Competitors

Lucas Kovalcik and Tim Walsh – avid climbers and entrepreneurial minded – decided to open their first indoor rock gym, called The Gravity Vault, in 2004. Natives of Bergen County, NJ, they knew there was a need for a state-of-the-art climbing gym in the county and wanted to share their passion for the sport. Opening the first Gravity Vault was only the first step in creating a franchise. They knew how fast the sport was growing and wanted to have a solid foundation with at least two operating gyms before they franchised. Their gyms have been featured in Fitness Magazine, the New York Times, Entrepreneur Magazine, The Bergen Record, 201 Magazine, Rockland Today Magazine and Urban Climber Magazine to name just a few publications. Gravity Vault also has been featured on Fox News, CNBC, MSNBC and many more. In addition to many rock-climbing awards, Kovalcik and Walsh were named co-2013 New Jersey State Small Business Person of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration. For more information on The Gravity Vault, visit http://www.gravityvault.com/franchise/.

The Spot opened in 2002 as one of the first two bouldering gyms in the country, with our flagship gym in the heart of Boulder, Colorado. We've hosted some of the biggest and most influential climbing competitions in the country, including nationals-level competitions for the Professional Climbers Association and American Bouldering Series (which would eventually become USA Climbing), as well as Psychedelia (the first official blacklight climbing event). To this day, The Spot has hosted more nationals-level bouldering competitions than any other gym in the country. In recent years, we've opened locations in Denver, Golden, and Louisville, Colorado and have taken steps to make climbing a more inclusive sport by launching the first pay-what-you-can membership model in our region. Having served over 230,000 climbers, The Spot is on a mission to build strong bodies, healthy minds, and friendships for life.

Rock climbing is one of the fastest growing sports in America and Vertical Endeavors (VE) indoor rock climbing facilities are one of the recognized leaders in the industry. Founded in 1992, Vertical Endeavors operates a few of the largest facilities in the nation with multiple locations throughout the Midwest. Participants of all ages and abilities can climb throughout the year in a climate-controlled environment. Routes are available for all skill levels and offer a great workout, both physically and mentally. Rock climbing has been proven to increase an individual’s strength, balance, flexibility and coordination. The VE facilities offers top-rope climbs, numerous Auto Belays, bouldering areas, cracks, arches and sport lead climbing. In addition, they offer indoor and outdoor lessons, youth programs, group events and experiential programs. A complete pro shop offering a large selection of climbing gear for all levels adds to the convenience of the one stop shop.