Today we’d like to introduce you to Paul Short.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was introduced to rock climbing back in 1990 while in college, and was immediately hooked. I enjoyed the challenge of overcoming fears, the heights and the difficulties each climbing route presented. In addition to climbing, I found that teaching and introducing this sport to others became an equal passion. I began guiding climbing trips in northern Alabama and then later in Colorado and Texas. In 1999, I sought out to build an indoor climbing gym in north Houston. Little did I know that this would be a 14 year commitment before that dream would ever become a reality. There were lots of highs and lows during this arduous process but opening inSPIRE Rock in December 2013 was a wonderful event. inSPIRE Rock has nearly 18,000 square feet of climbing reaching heights of 43 feet high. We specialize in teaching those brand-new to this sport the things they need to know so that they can enjoy the fun and exciting mental and physical challenges. In addition to indoor climbing, we also have party rooms, a pro shop, yoga classes, a fitness room, a team-building ropes/challenge course and the award-winning 5.ATE Café. Climbing is a social activity and we pride ourselves on having the most “inspiring climbing community” around. It is wonderful byproduct seeing friendships formed as folks come together and enjoy these activities.
Has it been a smooth road?
It certainly was not a smooth road but the challenges seemed like they were designed to make us stronger and we wouldn’t change that for the world. Over the 14 years that it took to build inSPIRE Rock there were many challenges. Financial challenges – Early on we had a financial commitment from Lehman Brothers only to have them resend their offer as they went bankrupt. Every bank we approached ultimately said NO on financing our deal. You name the bank and I met with them. The majority of potential investors had their doubts there was even a demand for indoor rock climbing. Finding a suitable location to build… the economy crash of 2007 that lasted for me until 2011. I barely scraped by to pay our loan for the land facing the real possibility of going bankrupt myself. Needless to say it was a tough time. Personally this time was also a tremendous faith builder and became a time of incredible spiritual growth for me as I had to work harder and reach higher than I ever though I could. In the end, not only were we able to build inSPIRE Rock but also expand the original concept to include a full-service café/restaurant called The 5.ATE Café. In 2016, our café was picked to have one of the top 10 burgers in the entire US. In January 2018 we have broken ground on our 2nd location in Cypress, TX. We also have property under contract in San Antonio, TX with plans to continue “inspiring other to climb higher”!
We’d love to hear more about your business.
inSPIRE Rock Indoor Climbing & Team Building Center is a full-service rock climbing center. We specialize in teaching beginners how to rock climb from how to tie the knots/hold the ropes to the technique and equipment required to climb more difficult climbs. Our staff are excellent at explaining how to enjoy this sport. As I mentioned before we teach yoga classes & fitness classes. We offer kid’s climbing camps during the summer and Spring Break. We have competitive youth climbing teams that compete all around the country. In 2020, rock climbing will become an Olympic sport for the first time. inSPIRE’s parent company Team Synergy (www.teamsynergyinc.com) uses the inSPIRE facility to lead team development experiences on our challenge course outside and climbing inside to challenge Fortune 500 companies to get a true grip on teamwork.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
We love the greater Houston area and feel like it is a tremendous privilege to have our business here. The Houston area is such a diverse group of people from all over the world. They all meet here and form a true community here at inSPIRE Rock.
Pricing:
- Day pass – $16.95 (10 and under $12.95) + Rental gear $4 to $10 extra
- Memberships – prepaid to monthly EFT & Punch passes
- Youth recreational and competitive teams
Contact Info:
- Address: 403 E. Louetta Rd.
Spring, TX 77373 - Website: www.inspirerock.com www.5atecafe.com www.teamsynergyinc.com
- Phone: 281-288-7625
- Email: paul@inspirerock.com
- Instagram: inspirerocktx inspirerockcypress inspirerocksatx 5atecafe
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inspirerocktx/ www.facebook.com/5atecafe
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/inspire-rock-indoor-climbing-and-team-building-center-spring-3
- Other: https://www.yelp.com/biz/5-ate-cafe-spring?sort_by=date_desc
Image Credit:
Javier Fernandez
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