Open to opportunities

Blake Cheney

@blakecheney

Community & Operations Manager and climbing instructor who delivers exceptional customer experiences and runs events, programs, and CRM operations.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I’m looking for a role where I can own operations and community programming end-to-end—run events, drive retention with CRM and marketing flows, and lead a team with strong training and customer-first service.

I’m a Community & Operations Manager and climbing instructor who blends hospitality, program strategy, and day-to-day operations to create a smooth, welcoming member experience. At Ascent Climbing Gym, I plan, budget, and host events, generate social media content and a weekly newsletter, and build programming based on membership trends and customer needs—while also designing branded apparel (screen printing up to 2 colors), posters, and promotional materials.

I lead teams and training for handling difficult customer issues and complaints, and I keep operations efficient by solving software operational issues and organizing CRM workflows. I also oversee studio space scheduling and front desk staff, and I translate customer feedback into continuous improvements; as an outdoor climbing guide, I provide technical instruction, set secure anchors/rope systems, manage equipment, and coordinate trips and events. I bring AMGA instructor certifications and a detail-oriented, safety-first mindset to every program.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Community & Operations Manager

Ascent Climbing Gym, LLC

Aug 2024 - Jun 2026 (1 year 10 months)

Planned and hosted membership events, managed studio space scheduling, and built weekly newsletters and monthly program dashboards using CRM data. Provided expert customer service and trained staff to handle escalated customer issues and complaints.

Customer Service Event Planning Project Management CRM Reporting Staff Training Social Media Content Email Marketing Screen Printing Apparel Website Maintenance Budgeting

Outdoor Climbing Guide

Ascent Climbing LLC

May 2021 - Jun 2026 (5 years 1 month)

Led and instructed climbers outdoors by setting up secure anchors and rope systems and selecting proper terrain for each client. Managed client communication, equipment, and bookings/calendar in the CRM while providing technical climbing guidance.

Outdoor Climbing Instruction ROPEs Anchor Belaying & Safety Lead Climbing Coaching Client Communication Equipment Management Risk Management

Front Desk Staff

Ascent Climbing Gym, LLC

Oct 2023 - Aug 2024 (10 months)

Provided expert customer service and hospitality while keeping the gym clean and organized. Supported CRM operations and assisted with social media content and screen-printing designs.

Customer Service Hospitality Retail Merchandising CRM Operations Social Media Content Screen Printing Support Team Support Organization Front Desk Operations

Retail Manager / Instructor

Rock Climb Fairfield

Apr 2022 - Oct 2023 (1 year 6 months)

Managed membership event planning and retail operations while operating the shop CRM using RGP and training customers on service workflows. Designed product displays, ordered inventory using data and customer feedback, coordinated events and vendor exchanges, and continued providing climbing instruction.

Retail Operations RGP CRM Customer Service Training Product Merchandising Staff Management Event Planning Promotional Marketing Vendor coordination Data Driven Inventory

Climbing Instructor

Rock Climb Fairfield

Apr 2017 - Apr 2022 (5 years)

Taught customers top-rope/lead climbing and belaying, ensuring sessions were comfortable, secure, and enjoyable. Maintained gym cleanliness, supported ad hoc operational projects (including PPE inspection prep), and helped coordinate merchandising and advertising with logistics and purchasing.

Belaying Instruction Lead Climbing Coaching Top Rope Instruction safety management CRM Operations Communication

Associate (REI)

REI

Jun 2021 - Feb 2022 (8 months)

Assisted customers in selecting the correct gear for their needs and stocked/merchandised store areas. Ran cash registers/CRM and supported shipping and receiving operations.

Customer Gear Guidance Stocking Retail Merchandising CRM Operations Store Operations