Check out our latest featured in AEDP’s holiday series celebrating local entrepreneurs
The countdown to the holidays is officially on. Next up on our 12 Days of Small Business Series we have Sportrock, a climbing gym located in Eisenhower. Headed by Sportrock President and Principal Owner Lillian Chao-Quinlan, the climbing center features 40-foot walls and a list of memberships to choose from to awaken the rock-climber in you. Read on to learn more about Chao-Quinlan’s business and what she’s looking forward to for the holidays.
Business Name: Sportrock
Tell me a little about your business(es): Sportrock opened its first gym in 1994 and was one of the first indoor rock climbing gyms in the country. Today we have three locations, Alexandria and Sterling, VA and Gaithersburg, MD. We have hosted world class climbing competitions, numerous birthday parties, and even the President of the United States. Our motto is that we are a climbing gym for climbers by climbers. We believe that anyone who is willing to get off the ground can be a climber. https://www.sportrock.com/about-sportrock
What is the biggest challenge your business has faced? Through our almost 30 years in operation, we have had numerous challenges and triumphs. COVID was a big challenge, closing the gyms for three months, but even with this adversity we were able to support all our staff with no furloughs or layoffs and even expanded one of our facilities.
Favorite thing about the holiday season in Alexandria: The holidays in Alexandria are a magical time. Many of our members started as kids in the gyms and have moved away for school and work. It is great when they return home and we get to see them again. We also see many new faces from those visiting out of town looking for an adventure.
Highlight of the year (personal or business related): Sportrock opened a new gym in Maryland this year at the RIO Shopping Center in Gaithersburg. This 50,000 sq.ft. state of the art facility is so exciting and is giving us a chance to bring our passion to an expanded community.
How people can find you (website, social media – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn):
Facebook: Sportrock Climbing Center
Instagram: @sportrock