We recently connected with Stephen Fredericks and have shared our conversation below.

Stephen, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard.

Yes! I am proud to say that I am striving to do just that! While other companies in the industry typically offer rock climbing, rappelling, hiking and cave tours as separate activities, I have taken a different approach. I am currently working on developing specifically designed routes throughout Joshua Tree National Park that incorporate everything the park has to offer. These routes combine hiking and boulder scrambling, exploring caves and corridors, rock climbing, summating large rocky domes, and rappelling, all in one exciting adventure.

My goal is to have 20 specially designed routes that can be tailored to individuals’ abilities, including shorter versions of the full route. Some of these routes do not require rock climbing or rappelling, while others may involve these activities. I am incredibly energized and excited about putting these routes together, as it feels like the culmination of my intimate knowledge of the park and my creative side. It truly is a fun and fulfilling endeavor for me.

I believe that this difference in approach is significant because it offers a unique and comprehensive experience for visitors to Joshua Tree National Park. By combining various activities into one adventure, I am able to provide a more immersive and diverse experience that showcases the park’s natural beauty and challenges visitors to push their boundaries.

Overall, I am proud to be diverging from the industry standard by creating these specially designed routes and offering an innovative and exciting way to explore Joshua Tree National Park.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I have been involved in rock climbing for a significant period of time, and my journey into the industry began through a close friend who allowed me to assist him as a guide on occasion. Prior to that, I was working as a sound engineer in the entertainment industry, but I found myself increasingly unhappy and longing for a change. After my then-wife stumbled upon an apprenticeship opportunity in Joshua Tree in 2019, we took a leap of faith, packed up our belongings, and moved to this beautiful location.

During those early years in Joshua Tree, I dedicated myself to learning and growing in the field. I worked tirelessly, seizing every opportunity to gain experience and knowledge by collaborating with and working for various individuals and organizations. The support and sense of community in Joshua Tree were truly incredible, and I felt fortunate to be living in a place that brought me so much joy.

However, the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic brought unforeseen challenges. My ex-wife, who is a nurse, found herself on the frontlines, witnessing and enduring traumatic experiences. This period was incredibly difficult for us as newlyweds. We faced the stress of adapting to a new environment, with me leaving my previous career and struggling to make ends meet, while she was overwhelmed and forced into unimaginable situations. Sadly, these circumstances took a toll on our marriage, and we decided to part ways in 2022. Fortunately, we remain good friends, and she has been a tremendous support for Summit Climbing Guides.

Once Joshua Tree National Park reopened in 2020, I really began to thrive. The following two years were filled with non-stop activity, as I worked tirelessly and assumed the role of head guide for multiple companies. It was an incredible experience, as I had the opportunity to share my passion for rock climbing and the wonders of Joshua Tree with guests from all walks of life.

Having spent 15 years exploring the magnificent offerings of Joshua Tree National Park, I felt compelled to provide visitors with a unique and unforgettable experience. This led me to establish Summit Climbing Guides. While rock climbing is a focal point, I wanted to showcase the adventurous and distinctive aspects of Joshua Tree. Thus, I designed routes that incorporate various activities into one truly exceptional adventure.

The process of creating these routes has been nothing short of therapeutic for me. It allows me to utilize my knowledge and creativity to introduce something fresh and innovative to a place that has seen similar activities for decades.

What sets me apart from others is my unwavering respect, enthusiasm, and creative approach to crafting a Joshua Tree National Park experience. I genuinely believe that this magnificent location offers endless possibilities, and I am driven to share my passion and perspective with guests. I want potential guests and followers to know that I am deeply committed to providing a one-of-a-kind adventure that combines skill, excitement, and a sense of wonder in the breathtaking landscapes of Joshua Tree.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been to be myself. I genuinely love being in Joshua Tree National Park, and my quirky and fun-loving nature shines through when I take visitors out on adventures. This authenticity has resonated with clients and has made the experience enjoyable for both of us.

In addition to being myself, social media has played a significant role in expanding my client base. Although I didn’t have a presence on platforms like Instagram or Facebook before starting Summit Climbing Guides, I quickly recognized their potential and immersed myself in learning how to utilize them effectively. It was a steep learning curve, but I approached it with my characteristic determination and gave it my all. I now appreciate the immense effort and time required to manage social media, and I have gained a deep respect for those who make a career out of it.

Another successful strategy has been maintaining connections with my guests. One of the incredible aspects of this work is the opportunity to meet people from all around the world. The individuals I have encountered have been amazing, and the power of word-of-mouth recommendations cannot be underestimated. The positive experiences shared by my guests have greatly contributed to the growth of my business.

Overall, being true to myself, leveraging social media effectively, and nurturing relationships with my guests have been the key strategies that have helped me expand my clientele and establish Summit Climbing Guides as a trusted and sought-after brand.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Certainly!

Growing up in a small town in northern Idaho, the first few years of my childhood were relatively normal. However, everything changed when my mother ended her relationship with my father and met a charming con man who introduced her to the world of drugs. From that point on, our lives became tumultuous and unstable.

We were constantly on the move, never staying in one place for more than a year. As a result, I had to adapt to new schools and make new friends on a regular basis. I experienced what it was like to be the popular kid, the unpopular kid, and even faced bullying, which led me down a troubled path.

As the years went by, my mother’s choices led us deeper into the dark world of drug addiction, and we found ourselves homeless on and off for many years. There were times when my sister and I were left with friends, thinking it would only be for a night, but it turned into months without any contact from our mother. Each time she returned, our lives spiraled back into the nightmare we were trying to escape. This cycle continued until I reached the age of 21. I know this story is unfortunately familiar to many, and my heart goes out to all who have experienced similar hardships.

I was forced into unimaginable situations and exposed to places I wouldn’t wish upon anyone. However, I had to find the strength to hold myself together in the hopes of one day escaping that life and protecting my younger sister. Thankfully, that day did come. While I won’t go into the details, I can say that as a result of what happened, my mother is alive and sober.

Following those challenging years, I made the decision to leave northern Idaho and start fresh in Arizona before eventually settling in Southern California. It was during one of my first trips outside of the San Diego and Los Angeles area that I discovered Joshua Tree National Park. This place had a transformative effect on me, and I will forever be grateful for that experience.

The hardships I endured during those difficult decades as a child have shaped me into the motivated and dedicated person I am today. If it weren’t for those challenging times, I might not have developed the resilience and determination that has driven me to overcome obstacles and pursue my passions.

Contact Info:

• Website: summitclimbingguides.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/summitclimbingguides
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/summit-climbing-guides-yucca-valley