The students of the European University of the Atlantic (UNEATLANTICO) participated in a talk given by Raúl Martín Santiago, manager of Quality Climbing Center, who shared his entrepreneurial experience and explained the management model of his located in Torrelavega and recently in Peña Castillo.
During the session, students reflected on the concept of entrepreneurship, highlighting words such as motivation, initiative, strategy and innovation. For Martin, to undertake “is to get out of the comfort zone and maintain a proactive attitude towards life”. He stressed that determination, assertiveness, resilience and creditworthiness are fundamental pillars to carry a project forward, as well as the ability to learn from mistakes and maintain honesty with clients and collaborators.
Martín shared his professional career, which began as a painter, went through the banking sector and culminated in a master’s degree in Corporate Social Responsibility. His experience in mountain and sport led him to work in Barrabés and found Picos Arista, a company of guides in the Picos de Europa. After an injury, he decided to create a climbing wall in Cantabria, for which he previously carried out a market study with the aim of defining the most suitable location and drawing up a solid business plan. The first room was inaugurated in Torrelavega and, recently, Quality Climbing Center opened its second facility in Peña Castillo.
In the second part of the talk, Martin explained the work areas of the center: children’s and adults’ courses, setting, maintenance, administration, marketing and events. He also highlighted the functions of a sports manager: activity planning, facilities care, financial management and customer service, as well as the importance of delegating responsibilities to avoid common mistakes in SMEs.
With this, UNEATLANTICO reaffirms its commitment to bring students real stories of entrepreneurship and innovation, inspiring them to discover their own path, take on challenges and build projects with vision.