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Achieve New Heights Together

With experience bridging the creative and technical sides of climbing facilities, I help universities and organizations bring their walls to life in a way that inspires climbers of all levels.

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My Background

I’m a competitive climber, route setter, and mechanical engineer who has spent over a decade immersed in the sport. Most recently, I led the buildout of the largest modern collegiate climbing wall in the country, overseeing everything from hold selection and supplier coordination to design collaboration, routesetting, and writing standard operating procedures.

Sam working with a University route setter
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Services

I offer comprehensive consultancy aimed at creating the best experience for climbers while ensuring sustainable business practices.

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With personalized strategies, I help clients achieve sustainable growth and maximize their potential.

Wall Design Consulting

I work with architects, wall designers, and stakeholders to ensure climbing facilities are both inspiring and functional. From wall angles and layout to traffic flow and safety considerations, I help create spaces that meet the needs of beginners, competitive teams, and community users alike.

Hold Selection & Ordering

With deep knowledge of hold brands, shapes, and styles, I curate hold sets that balance training value, fun, and long-term variety. I tailor recommendations to your budget, facility size, and community goals, and handle communication with suppliers to simplify the process.

Operations & SOP Development

I provide customized standard operating procedures (SOPs) covering everything from routesetting rotations to safety checks and staff workflows. These documents establish consistency, reduce risk, and make it easier to train new staff while maintaining high standards.

Custom Projects & Advisory

Every wall and community is unique. I take on custom projects—from helping with grand opening events to advising on competition logistics or long-term strategy—to ensure your facility reaches its full potential.

Latest Insights

As featured in

"Given the vertical nature of Oakland topography, one could easily assume that only a select few of Pitt’s halest and hardiest students would clamor to climb a towering, obstacle-laden wall on the sixth floor of a glass-encased building straddling upper and lower campus.

Numbers from the past few days, however, render that assumption moot."

Excitement abounds during opening week for Recreation and Wellness Center

"Sam Gotthelf, a sophomore in mechanical engineering, is a member of the Club Climbing Team at Pitt, which ranked No. 3 nationally. He is quoted in the article discussing the sport and the team's goals, and also attended nationals."

Climbing to the top: Club Climbing Team at Pitt ranked No. 3 in the nation

"As the Recreation & Wellness Center construction nears an end, we talked to two students about their stories and how their involvement in Campus Recreation programs will translate into the new building."

A Student Wellness Testimonial: Sam Gotthelf

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