Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Rank.
Hi Kim, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I moved to Nashville nearly 20 years ago from Wisconsin! I started my Nashville journey in staffing where I was able to employ thousands of people for hundreds of clients. My first role was an Administrative Assistant and I worked my way up to Branch Manager. All of those roles prepared me to successfully run a business. In 2017, the former owner of The Crag reached out via a mutual friend when it was time to expand, and I quickly said YES! In 2018, we opened our flagship location in Nashville. Learning an entirely new business in real-time was both stressful and energizing. Since then, I’ve navigated through a pandemic, a partner exiting, the closing of our original location and the re-opening of our newest space in Franklin. Seeing a project through from the ground-up was thrilling and grey hair inducing! Years of working with a diverse group of people gave me the knowledge and confidence needed to surround myself with the right team! Without a doubt, I would not be where I am today without them!!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Climbing is a niche sport that continues to grow in popularity, but growing a community was challenging. Introducing a community and neighborhood to a sport takes time. Owning and operating a business of this size can be challenging. You have to learn to do a little bit of everything in the beginning and then be able to train a team you trust that supports your business daily. Completely changing industries meant I would have a large learning curve. Absorbing my business partner’s roll provided a new set of challenges. I learned (and am still learning) about building maintenance, IT, and websites. There was definitely no manual for small businesses to navigate a global shutdown, but we came out stronger on the other side. Through all that, I am about to celebrate 9 years as a business owner, and I am thankful every day!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The Crag?
Founded in 2008, The Crag is a locally owned indoor rock-climbing gym focusing on community. In addition to climbing, we offer traditional gym equipment, strength classes and yoga. Climbing is historically a male-dominated industry. Being able to have a female-owned and led space has been special! I am most proud of the community we built! We are a community for EVERYONE! We meet people where they are at in their lives! The Crag is a safe space that is filled with encouragement and kindness. We’ve had people get healthy, find love, build lasting friendships, and try something they never thought they could do. I’m smiling just thinking about all of the people I’ve been able to meet on their journey.
What does success mean to you?
I define success by the number of lives I can positively impact. Being able to create a safe, encouraging, and fun environment that meets people where they are, makes them smile, and has them coming back again is the ultimate definition of success for me, whether that is a guest, member or employee.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.iloverockclimbing.com
- Instagram: @thecragtn
- Facebook: @thecragtn
