Exploring Life & Business with Mark Messner of Rendezvous Climbing Gym

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Messner.

Hi Mark, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Rendezvous opened 6/27/24 and we are celebrating our one-year anniversary at the end of this week. I decided to pursue the plan to open a bouldering gym after spending 15 years teaching elementary school. I love the way that climbing provides so many positive ways for people to connect with each other, improve their physical health as well as their mental health. We designed our space to be ideal for new climbers to learn to climb as well as provide a great climbing experience for advanced climbers. We Incorporate social spaces and games to make sure every trip to the gym is a great workout as well as a fun social outing.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Our biggest challenge has proven to be making more and more people aware of us. There is some education that goes into teaching people about what climbing and specially bouldering is and all the benefits of it. When people come in for their first few visits, we are able to educate and welcome them to the climbing community. I am aspiring to host many school based programs, especially for our middle and high school aged students and connecting with school groups has proven to be a challenge. I am still trying very hard to create climbing clubs at as many schools as possible but it has proven to be a challenge.

We’ve been impressed with Rendezvous Climbing Gym, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We are an indoor climbing gym. We focus specifically on bouldering and provide a world class climbing experience. We focus on being beginner friendly as well as youth friendly. We want to introduce as many people to climbing as we can. We also provide social space, a coffee shop and beer for people to enjoy after a climbing session.
We have youth programs and aim to host as many schools climbing clubs as possible. We want to use climbing to help develop young people. Climbing as a non traditional sport provides a great outlet for many people to improve their health, fitness and mental health as well meet new people with a shared interest.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Launching a business is extremely difficult but also rewarding. Being prepared to fully focus on developing and growing a business is a lot to take on but providing a great experience for others is also a great feeling.

Pricing:

• Day Passes $18
• Monthly Memberships: $75
• Coaching Programs Available
• Group Events Available

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rendezvouskc.com
• Instagram: @rendezvousclimbing
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554848327185