“With a down turn in the economy, we were expecting the worst, as it turns out, our company grew”, says Dick Hagelberg, Co-owner of Kidstuff Playsystems.
Kidstuff Playsystems Playgrounds opened their doors for business in 1982. “We had an idea; to build the best, toughest play system money can buy. Twenty Seven years later, we are developing new products that are flying out the door”.
But it hasn’t always been easy for Kidstuff Playground Systems. On September 12, 2001, just one day after 9/11, the phones were ringing off the hook. Every single order on the books was canceled. “We had every indication that our business was not going to survive”, says Hagelberg. They felt they had no choice but to close their doors.
That is until they sought financial advice from avid optimist, Greg Reising.
Reising, now Kidstuff financial advisor talks about that meeting where thoughts of shutting down turned into a plan to build up the brand. “After hearing their story, I felt that a new strategy could turn this promising company around. They have a good product and a lot of passion for what they do”, says Reising. We rolled up our sleeves and got to work.
Now, 9 years later, they have doubled their workforce and are showing record sales in 3 of the last 5 years. “2009 has been our best year yet. Our latest most popular systems include: “KidsVision, themed playgrounds for ages 2-5, and HealthTrek, a workout station for seniors”.
KidsVision is an extremely popular system featuring a Locomotive, Caboose, Train with Locomotive complete with Tank Car and Caboose, Pirate Ship, Castle, and Fire Truck.
HealthTrek features toning, rehabilitation and arthritis exercise equipment designed for seniors. A workout diagram comes displayed on the system. Government stimulus dollars have boosted the Health Trek sales. “We are getting calls where customers are receiving stimulus dollars for equipment such as HealthTrek”, says Hagelberg.
What does it look like for the future? “We don’t want to give away any secrets, but we are introducing a rising star. His name is Blaine”, says Hagelberg.
www.kidstuffplaysystems.com
http://kidstuffplaygrounds.blogspot.com/
1-800-255-0153
CD Hullinger
Market Analyst
Rocket Design Studios
765.479.2302
www.rocketdesignstudios.com
cd@rocketdesignstudios.com
