Facility: TUFA’s Boulder Lounge, Philadelphia, PA
Futurist Services: Wall & Facility Design, Custom Flooring System
Website: tufasboulderlounge.com
Q: What were your motives for launching a commercial climbing gym business?
A: There was no one reason, but rather a combination of reasons. I love to climb, and by a stroke of luck, timing, and hard work, my partners and I saw an opportunity, and seized it.
Q:How would you describe your market, customer base and business model?
A: The Philadelphia market has a slightly lesser propensity for healthy living per capita than most large cities, but the climbing community has been growing for sometime. Yet, the climbing gyms serving the market, were inadequate; PRG was on the far other side, and lacked many of the modern amenities, Go Vertical was dated and poorly cared for. I believe Philly climbers, especially closer to GV, are more likely to be lead climbers than in most other cities. GV is famous for its steep and tall walls. Many Philly climbers have grown up with that style, and have come to expect it. We are also, a heavily black city, and that is reflected, though still the minority in our climbing gyms, it is changing. This is something we are hoping to help facilitate. On an economic level, I think Philly climbers are generally more frugal than other markets as well. Our business model is built on the above mentioned points. We aim to be as diverse and inclusive as possible, and we are one of the less expensive gyms for being a modern facility.
Q: Describe your ownership team and the complimentary strengths each of you guys brings to the business.
A: Collectively, we have about 40 years of indoor and outdoor climbing experience. Each of us have worked at one of, if not multiple of the largest universities, UPenn, Temple, and Drexel, at a managerial level. We are not only owners, but managers at Tufas. We are there almost every day to ensure the place is being run well. As a start up, I believe it’s the early years where this matters the most. We all where many hats. Reiver and Rory are Co Head Setters, while Rory is also the GM, and Reiver also focuses on big picture items, as well as day to day needs. Andrew also runs our youth programs, while focusing on facility needs, day to day, and back of house finances, retail, etc. It is a team effort through and through. We are not passive owners.
Q: Why did you choose to engage Futurist Climbing Consultants independent climbing gym design services for your project?
A: Futurist came highly recommended. I met Timy at a CWA event in 2016, and remembered feeling confidant because of his knowledge and attitude.
Q: Why did you choose Futurist Climbing Flooring & Mats for your commercial climbing facility climbing flooring needs?
A: SAA
Q: How have your experiences gained through your world travels influenced your climbing gym design aesthetic preferences/tastes?
A: We are products of our environments. On a subconscious level, having spent so much time out west, I chose colors, furniture, plants, and wall design, that is slightly south western and Coloradan. Having visited and studied gyms in Europe and Canada, we tried to apply the best parts of what we have seen and experienced. The green mountain scape shades on our climbing walls, the leather southwestern type couches with the saddle blanket, the wide open pathways and view lines. From The clean infrequently breaking wall angles, to the plants and reception area, Tufas represents a little of everything from all over the world that we like the most. Of course, Futurist’s style and vast experience also gently fed into the finished product.
Q: What were your design references inspirations (other facilities)?
A: Just a few of the many were Blok Shop, Focus, and The Wall.
Q: What did you learn about the climbing gym design process during the design phase of your project?
A: To be open to change, and prepared for a lot of it. No well thought out design is completed without some diversions, reversions, or even total rebuilds. It is important to remember that its worth whatever it takes.
Q: What were the cruxes of developing your project and launching your climbing gym?
A: Code, size constraints, and compromise.
Q: How has your climbing gym design been received by local members, traveling members, employees, etc.?
A: Everyone absolutely raves about it. “The best gym in Philly” “one of the best gyms I have ever been to”
Q: What are your favorite aspects of owning/operating a commercial climbing gym?
A: Routesetting on a wall that I designed and seeing people love it as much as we do.
Q: Do you have facility expansion plans in the future?
A: Yes.
Q: If you weren’t a climbing gym owner, what would be your fantasy career?
A: To get paid to climb and snowboard.
