Movement Gyms has announced the appointment of Anne-Worley Moelter as its new chief executive, effective from 2022. With over 25 years of climbing experience, she and her husband established North America’s largest climbing gym chain in 2009.
Based in Englewood, the company has experienced remarkable growth, adding five Northeast locations from The Cliffs Climbing + Fitness Gyms and four Summit locations in Texas. Movement now operates 30 gyms nationwide, with three more currently under construction. “We started with just three gyms, so we’re ten times larger now,” Moelter remarked, reflecting on the company’s rapid growth.
As Moelter steps into her new role, she plans to maintain a hands-on approach reminiscent of the company’s early years. She stated, “We were very hands-on founders,” emphasizing the importance of being a thoughtful leader. She aims to visit all 30 locations to foster working relationships and gather diverse feedback from employees. “My goal is to better understand our team so that I can make informed decisions moving forward,” she added.
Moelter envisions a strategic focus on the company’s existing locations as part of a hub-and-spoke expansion model. “Once you have one or two gyms in an area, it’s best to continue expanding from there,” she noted, highlighting the success of such an approach.
Initially captivated by climbing at a young age, Moelter entered the technology sector after college but soon realized her true passion was working with people. She took on various roles at a local Boulder climbing gym, which paved the way for her co-founding the American Bouldering Series—now merged with the U.S. Competitive Climbing Association.
Serving as a team manager for the U.S. youth climbing team, Moelter gained valuable insights that shaped her vision for Movement Gyms. “We recognized that climbing facilities should function as platforms for fitness,” she said, which led to the establishment of their first gyms.
The avid climber oversees more than 2,000 staff members and anticipates further expansion. Moelter acknowledges the significant responsibility this entails, expressing that the community within the climbing industry is a great source of motivation for her.
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