River Dell Alum Named Small Business Person of the Year

Growing up, Tim Walsh spent a lot of time outdoors -- whether he was at his grandparents' house in Ringwood or at home in River Edge. 

"My grandparents were always taking us out hiking when we were with them and my mother's motto was 'if the sun's out, you're out,'" Walsh recalled. 

So it came as no surprise to those who know him that this River Dell High School alumni would bring his love for the outdoors inside and build a successful business around it. Gravity Vault, founded by Walsh and his childhood friend, Paramus Catholic alum Lucas Kovalcik, offers state-of-the-art indoor rock climbing.

First opening in Upper Saddle River in 2005, Gravity Vault expanded to Chatham in 2009 and is in the process of opening another flagship facility in Hoboken.

With all of the outdoor sports that Walsh participated in, why did he choose to open an indoor rock climbing gym?

"From the first time I rock climbed, I instantly fell in love with it," Walsh said. 

"I loved the excitement of climbing outdoors so much, that I started to do it indoors as well," he said.

At the same time, Kovalcik was living on the west coast and was also an avid rock climber. Together they talked about opening up New Jersey's largest indoor rock climbing facility and when Kovalcik moved back east, they formed a partnership and incorporated. 

Walsh said that from the moment they first opened their doors they had an immediate draw. 

"Since the moment we first opened in Upper Saddle River we've been busy," Walsh said. "And our business has steadily increased since 2005, allowing us to expand."

Walsh credits his company's success to its focus on customer service. 

"Our concept is based on customer service," Walsh said. "From the interior design to the staff that we hire, everything we do is customer-centered."

Offering both memberships and day passes, Gravity Vault also hosts summer camp and parties. They also offer Scout programs ranging from introduction to rock climbing events to merit badge programs. They also offer programs for all ages--from 'Little Rockers' to adults. 

In addition to the Upper Saddle River, Chatham and Hoboken flagship sites, Walsh and Kovalcik have franchised the concept of Gravity Vault.

"We just sold our first franchise in Middletown this April," Walsh said.  "And we're looking at other markets in New York and New Jersey to franchise in as well," he added. 

Walsh said that he and Kovalcik intend to have three to five company-owned flagship locations, and sell three to five franchises within the next two years.

"We make rock climbing available to everybody," Walsh said. "It's not only healthy, but it's a great way to get a full body workout and have fun doing it."

If you would like to have your local business profiled in Patch, please email editor Ann Piccirillo at ann.piccirillo@patch.com.