From Social Gap to Social Club | Meet Blake Gibson
We had the pleasure of connecting with Blake, and we're excited to share our conversation with him below.
What inspired you to start your journey or business?
After moving back to Spokane and talking with some friends, I realized the gap in social connection that post-grad people have in Spokane. The moment that sparked the creation of AGS was having the same conversation for the fifth time about the lack of social opportunity in Spokane for young people.
What challenges have you faced along the way, and how did you overcome them?
Marketing and getting the word out has been a huge challenge. My background is in finance and business broadly but not marketing specific. I have learned a lot since launching in September 2024, Business partnerships have played a huge role in what we're doing and we're excited to bump up our social media presence going into 2025.
What do you love most about what you do?
I love the build-up to the events, planning and coordinating with business partners is always fun. It's also been great to see how much other people enjoy the events we put on as well!
How does your work or passion contribute to the Pacific Northwest community?
Our entire mission is to bring people closer together that otherwise wouldn't even have met. Fostering in-person social connection is something that got lost a few years ago and something I'm very excited to bring back to Spokane.
What inspires or motivates you every day?
Knowing that this is a common problem for a lot of young people. Bridging the gap between social media and social interaction is something that will never go away. In-person events are here to stay!
What advice would you give to someone looking to follow a similar path?
Keep at it, keep trying, tweak as you go. Talk to a lot of people and don't do it alone. Everyone wants to help you!
What are your goals for the next 1-3 years?
Grow to 100k followers across our social platforms, expand our business partners to 100+, and grow to other cities beyond Spokane in need of a similar group for young people (Seattle, Boise, Tri-cities, etc.)
What’s something people might not know about you?
I am not a terribly social person. I used to be very shy as a kid and it still takes a lot for me to get out of my comfort zone and talk to people.
What’s your favorite way to relax or recharge in the Pacific Northwest?
Skiing, biking, taking my dog for walks.
What’s a hidden gem in the Pacific Northwest that everyone should know about?
Emma Rue's is a fantastic old-school New York bar and one of my favorites in the city. Cochinito is a top tier restaurant for any occasion, it gets a lot of love as is but needs more!
How can people find you?
Website: agorasocialclubs.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agorasocialclub_/
