NJ's 'Small Business Persons of the Year' Bringing Rock Wall to Mahwah Day

Saturday’s Mahwah Day promises to be an exciting one – the National Weather Service is predicting sunny skies and warm temperatures, new and returning vendors are set to line Commodore Perry Field, and shows, rides, entertainment, and fireworks are all on tap.

One Mahwah Day favorite is in the midst of celebrating a landmark accomplishment it made over the summer.

The owners of Gravity Vault, the Upper Saddle River rock climbing gym that has brought a rock-climbing wall to Mahwah Day for the past six years, were recently named the Small Business Administration’s 2013 New Jersey Small Business Persons of the Year.

Bergen County natives and longtime friends Tim Walsh and Lucas Kovalcik opened their first Gravity Vault location on Route 17 in 2005. Since then, the two have opened a second location in Chatham and are planning a third. But, they say a commitment to be involved with the communities they serve remains one of the most important aspects of their business.

“I actually think things like going to Mahwah Day are what set us apart to the [SBA],” Walsh told Patch.

“Since the beginning, we’ve been paired with the [Mahwah] Fire Department, and it’s worked out so well. After every Mahwah Day, we donate our profits of the day to the Fire Department.”

Walsh said the company is happy to be returning to Mahwah Day, especially in light of its new recognition.

“We were completely flattered when we were told we were selected,” to receive the Persons of the Year recognition. Walsh called the award a “great thing.”

Gravity Vault’s rock wall will be one of the many attractions at the 19th annual Mahwah Day this Saturday. See a full run down of the day’s events here.