Benjy Simpson is the Managing Member for Bridge Walk LLC, located in Lansing, West Virginia – in Fayette County. Bridge Walk is a one-of-a-kind bridge walk where you cross the catwalk under the world-famous New River Gorge Bridge on a panoramic three-hour adventure. Bridge Walk was founded in 2009 as a cooperative effort between the National Park Service, the West Virginia Division of Highways and the partners that make up Bridge Walk LLC.
Simpson has also served as the annual Bridge Day Rappel Coordinator for the past 28 years. He has a B.S. in Recreation & Park Administration from N.C. State University. Simpson also has an M.A. in Physical Education & Outdoor Education with a Minor in Education from Appalachian State University.
Simpson talked with Jim Matuga, host of The Positively West Virginia Podcast, about his business, what he is excited for and what he does every day to run this successful business.
What is your 30-second pitch?
“Bridge Walk is a walk on one of the highest and longest bridges in the world. You will walk on a two-foot catwalk and you will be eight hundred fifty-one feet above the river when you get to the middle. You will have a three hundred sixty panoramic view and you will take fifty to one hundred photographs while you are out walking with us,” said Simpson.
How long does it take to do the tour?
“From the time that you arrive on the property until the time that you leave, you will be there for about three hours,” said Simpson.
What is the thing you’re most excited about right now?
“The possibility of growing. We started very slowly testing the market by setting age and height limits so that the guest could fit comfortably on this walk in the harness,” said Simpson.
What’s the long-term vision for your company?
“We are continuing to make the tourist experience advanced. Some have tight restrictions in terms of travel time or some people are scared of heights and need a shorter trip. We want to build the fellowship. We start with a new customer base each year; sometimes, we have repeat visitors. We want to expand it, though and have more people come. I want to be so busy each day that we have to double our guided tours, but we also still want to offer that personal tour for everyone,” said Simpson.
Simpson was a guest on The Positively West Virginia Podcast. Listen to his full podcast here.
PWV QUICK BITS | BRIDGE WALK
- RECOMMENDED BOOK: Success Magazine
- DONE EVERYDAY THAT CONTRIBUTES TO SUCCESS: “I show up,” said Simpson.
- PIECE OF ADVICE: “Keep trying,” advised Simpson.