Climbing was Susan’s love, but the growth of her other business venture, Granite Sports outdoor store, demanded more and more of her time. By 2002 running two businesses finally became too much to manage.
Sue sold Sylvan Rocks to Michael and Nicole Keegan, who had long dreamed of owning and operating a climbing school. They ran the school for three great seasons with the help of Matt Mieczkowski, as head climbing guide.
In January 2006, Daryl Stisser and Cheryl Mayer Stisser, who met in the Needles on a college rock climbing trip, purchased the climbing school and began pouring their passion for Black Hills climbing into growing the business. They successfully operated Sylvan Rocks for 14 seasons, transforming it into the premier rock climbing guide service in the Black Hills region.
In the spring of 2020 during the global COVID-19 pandemic, Daryl and Cheryl decided against opening for the season; and then concluded that it was time to pass on the Sylvan Rocks’ legacy to someone else that shared their love for climbing and guiding in the Black Hills. By mid-August they had found their successors.
Black Hills native, Brandon Emery, and Indiana native turned Black Hills transplant, Jeff Llewellyn, who had each spent multiple seasons guiding for Sylvan Rocks, chose to follow their shared dream and purchase the company. They were able to open the business for a limited late summer and fall season in 2020, followed by a record season in 2021! In March 2022, Brandon purchased Jeff’s interest and is now the sole owner.
I am very excited to continue building upon Sylvan Rocks’ well-established reputation as the premier climbing guide service in the Black Hills.
The Sylvan Rocks team and I look forward to sharing a summit with you as part of your Black Hills vacation adventure!
Brandon Emery
Owner / AMGA Certified Guide
