Season 1 · Episode 55
Building (and Rebuilding) GP-81 with Cliff Simanski
A look inside the climbing purist’s playground in NYC
The Directors · Trials of Miles Racing LLC
March 4, 202629m 49s
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Show Notes
In this episode, we sit down with Cliff Simanski, the founder of GP-81, to go behind the scenes of one of the country’s most respected climbing gyms. While the broader industry pivots toward "fitness-center" models and mass-market appeal, Cliff has doubled down on a business built specifically for the dedicated climber. We dive into the history of the gym, the risky but rewarding business model of prioritizing "true" climbers over beginners, and the unique challenges of staying profitable while maintaining a no-frills, high-intensity brand. It’s a candid look at the business of climbing and what it takes to build a community that values the craft of the sport above all else.
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