Who we are
We’re John and Charlie, and we believe climbing should feel real. That’s why we’ve spent years creating stone climbing holds and training equipment that capture the nuance of natural rock. Whether you’re running a large gym or training at home, our mission is to give every climber access to authentic, long-lasting tools that elevate their experience.
John Gabriel-Wears
I’m John, the founder of Friction Factory. I was born in Lerwick, in the Shetland Islands, to a father who was an artist. I later grew up in the Peak District, where I spent time repairing fallen dry-stone walls on our family farm. It was also there that a family friend introduced me to gritstone trad climbing. That combination, both working with stone and climbing on it, sparked a deep passion that eventually became Friction Factory. I’m a qualified banker stonemason, specialising in stone carving, renovation, and conservation. Over the years, I’ve worked on many of the UK’s most prestigious heritage buildings, helping to restore them to their original state.
Charlie de Beaux
My path into engineering and climbing has always been shaped by curiosity and a love for the outdoors. Climbing on real rock is where I feel most inspired, and it’s what pushed me to explore how natural materials can be used in climbing products.
I take the lead on customer communication, operations, and engineering development. My vision is to blend thoughtful engineering with my passion for outdoor climbing: creating durable, sustainable stone holds that connect more people to the feeling of the real thing.
Contact us
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!