About Christopher
Christopher Deal is the co-founder of Fargo Climbing. Christopher is a Fargo native and started climbing 10.5 years ago. Christopher has dreamt of starting a climbing gym in Fargo since 2015 and in 2021 his dream came true. In his free time, Christopher enjoys spending time at the lakes with his family, climbing outside, playing with his dog, and spending time with his nephew.
“When I got into climbing, I was instantly addicted “
About Fargo Climbing
Fargo Climbing is an indoor rock climbing gym with 4,000+ square feet of climbable surface, catering to the first-time climber or the most experienced! This bouldering gym is packed with amenities perfect for kids and adults for a day of fun! Fargo Climbing has a fully functional and decked-out party room for birthday parties and rentals.
Tell us about Fargo Climbing and your mission.
“Growing up in Fargo, I always felt like there was a lack of recreational activities! When I got into climbing, I was instantly addicted. We feel like it offers so much, not only is it a great physical activity for people of all ages, but it also offers a sense of community. People gather and work on the climbs together, sharing information on how to climb to the top. It also offers a clear and defined progression, that is almost game-like, and equally addicting, which is what I think differentiates it from activities like sky zone or the ninja gyms. It’s way more mentally engaging than lifting weights, but if lifting weights is also your thing, we offer a selection of free weights as well!”
What are some wins you are celebrating?
“We are the only commercial climbing facility in North Dakota, and by definition the first climbing facility in the state, (we’ve had walls in malls, and gyms, but no dedicated climbing facility before!)”
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned throughout your entrepreneurial journey?
“Don’t give up, I started and paused this journey multiple times since 2015. I was always working on it in the background. But a key aspect was persistence and patience, also luck played a key role. Fall of 2021 everything aligned. And now here we are a year later, already profitable!”
Fargo Climbing is officially a part of the Fargo-Moorhead founder family. How can our community support you in your next stage of growth?
“I think check out the gym if you are interested! Share what you can and want! For those people who love climbing, it really takes over your whole life. It’s such an amazing activity, with an even more amazing community!”
What are you grateful for today?
“I am grateful for everyone who comes through our doors. It is awesome to watch as people go from first-time visitors to regular users, and to watch as they slowly purchase their own equipment, and start to identify as climbers!”
Check out Fargo Climbing!
Readers can learn more about Christopher and Nome Schoolhouse by visiting their Instagram page, Facebook page, and website!
