Today we’d like to introduce you to Yasen Nikolov.
Yasen, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Funtopia as a brand is a part of Walltopia group – the biggest producer of artificial climbing walls in the world. A few years ago we have decided to present a product for climbers which to be closer to the entertainment industry rather than serious climbing one. The first location opened in Bulgaria Europe and now there are 8 across the globe.
Has it been a smooth road?
Well, there is no such thing as a smooth road. If you operate any business, you need to be committed to it. I am not aware of a business, where everything is perfect and stays perfect forever. However, his goal to provide great experience to everyone is what is driving us.
We were a bit lucky to find a great location in Glen Town Centre and from there we have to go through some challenges, which are pretty normal to any new business, however I think that we have succeeded to provide what makes us unique – a new, healthy and fun way to exercise an hour or two. Our clients range from 3-4 years old up to 80 years old. The only restriction, when it comes to climbing, is the safety device requirement – the person should be between 35 and 350 lbs. and for the rope course a min. height if 54″.
Another pretty unique area we have is the artificial caving system. The molds for it have been taken from a real rock. It’s pretty realistic inside. We don’t just provide a caving experience for the kids but also use it to promote caving knowledge. These months the theme is mineral knowledge – kids go inside the cave, get a quick lecture about minerals and then they need to find them in the cave tunnels and recognize them. Although its only 40-50 min. experience, it’s pretty exhausting…
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I believe we are pretty unique and offer different experience, different way to explore height, to fight fears and to have fun at the same way. As part of Walltopia group, we have the advantage to benefit from the knowledge, the best producer in the world has gathered for the last 20 years,
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I believe that Glenview is a great place. I like the people, the smiles on the streets, the surrounding nature. From a business perspective I would recommend it to everyone. City hall people, although pretty punctual, were helpful also.
Pricing:
- 1 h. of climbing – 15$, 1.5h – 18$, 2h. – 22$
- Jungle gym – 10$
- Caving system – 14$ per experience
Contact Info:
- Address: 2050 Tower Dr. Glenview IL 98226
- Website: WWW.FUNTOPIAWORLD.COM/GLENVIEW
- Phone: 224 432 5435
- Email: GLENVIEW@FUNTOPIAWORLD.COM
- Instagram: @FuntopiaGlenview
- Facebook: @FuntopiaGlenview
