Welcome to the Venture Asheville Founder Series where we profile local founders and their venture’s. In this post, we meet Dr. Amy Climer of Climer Cards
What is your name?
Amy Climer, PhD
What’s your value proposition?
Climer Cards helps educators facilitate a deeper connection between group members, whether it’s with content or with each other.
When did you start this company?
3/1/2012
Do you have any cofounders?
No
Who are your customers?
Educators, trainers, coaches who are interested in leading conversations to help people connect with content or with each other.
Why did you start this business?
I first created the product for myself. Then, other facilitators/educators started asking about it. I decided to see if there was enough interest and turns out there is!
What’s the next big thing for your business?
Scaling virtually! This will involve recreating the Virtual Climer Cards app to address some technical issues and make it easier to use.
What’s your favorite thing to do in Asheville?
I love how we are nestled in the mountains and it’s so easy to go whitewater canoeing and hiking. I also love meeting friends at one of the many breweries in town.
What’s the best thing about building a business in Asheville?
I love building a business in Asheville because there are so many other creative, positive-thinking, open-minded entrepreneurs here. There’s a strong community with an ethos of lifting up and supporting each other.
How has Venture Asheville helped you?
Gaining guidance from the mentors has been so helpful. As a founder, it’s easy to get tunnel-visioned and not see clearly what you need to do next. The mentors help me look further and provide guidance and direction when I’m feeling a bit lost.
Share one fun fact about yourself
I love making things. I’m equally comfortable using a sewing machine or a table saw. I few years ago I built my office and just learned how to make button-up shirts.
How many ventures did you start before this one?
1
What’s your favorite thing a customer has said about you or your company?
Customers often tell me how Climer Cards has transformed the trainings they lead. When they start the morning with a Climer Cards activity the participants start sharing and making connections right away and that energy continues throughout the day.
What’s your favorite local-to-Asheville product or business?
North Carolina Outward Bound School – their headquarters are in Asheville. I’ve worked with them and I’m now on their board. They do amazing work transforming lives through challenge and discovery.
