Most people go to the beach to catch a few waves, throw the football, get a tan or clear their heads. But when Keith Scheinberg went down the ocean to get a few rays of sun, he got the inspiration to create a multi-million dollar pole company that brought in $2.5 million in sales in 2008.

            Platinum Stages distributes its poles all over the world including Russia, Brazil and even conservative Saudi Arabia. In fact, Platinum Stages has grown so big, that most people that have been to any strip club in the past few years have come in contact with the Platinum experience without even realizing it.

            It all started in 2002 when the then 26 year-old San Diego State University graduate was attending Chapman Univesity pursuing a law degree. Unsure of exactly what path to take, Scheinberg only knew that he didn’t want to join the “rat race,” but instead, take control over his own destiny.

            “I was just sitting there with some friends and I was thinking of what product young guys wanted,” says Scheinberg. “It occurred to me that all guys need a gimmick to party with girls back at their place. Some guys have a pool table, other guys have a Jacuzzi, others play an instrument but some don’t have any of those things so a dancing pole made perfect sense.”

            Soon after that, Scheinberg crafted a stage and a pole for an idea that would revolutionize home entertainment. Scheinberg showed the product to his friends which ridiculed the idea at first and thought it was too far fetched. But after introducing the product to FHM magazine, they picked up on the story and wrote a half a page article on the innovative product.

            “After the FHM spread came out, we had over 100 orders nationwide and I knew then I was sitting on a golden goose,” added Scheinberg.

            Realizing the potential of a detachable pole that could be used for parties and home entertainment, Scheinberg decided to max out his credit cards and produce more poles. His friends also invested in the business and Scheinberg was ready to take it to the next step.

“My family thought I was way over my head,” recalls Scheinberg. “They couldn’t fathom the idea of me working towards a law degree and selling dancing poles.”

However, it didn’t take long for them to change their mind and soon the business had exploded and sales were booming. His risk paid off and after the first year Platinum Stages had sold $400,000 in revenue.   Despite his vision, Scheinberg could never foresee the impact pole dancing would have around regular housewives, college girls and professional women, which now have become Platinum Stages biggest clients.   Scheinberg believes that a big reason why women want to pole dance is because deep down every woman has the fantasy of being a stripper and creating this alter-ego built around sexuality and sensuality.

            “The most amusing thing to me is that the girls that seem the most conservative and critical of strippers, actually are the wildest when they get on the pole. It’s an empowering feeling when a woman has 100 percent control over a man’s attention.”           

            Six years later, Platinum Stages has established itself as the innovative force of the pole dancing industry and they boaster not just poles and stages, but other products such as lights, fogger machines, bubble machines and instructional DVD’s.  Platinum Stages has also been featured in countless TV shows including: The Jimmy Kimmel Show, BIZ Show with David Spade, Hope and Faith, The Regis and Kelly Show, The Sopranos, Heroes, The Montell Williams Show, All My Children and Entourage among others.   Scheinberg believes the key to his success is based on taking calculated risks and seizing the moment.

            “My parents taught me early on to work for everything. I was never handed anything. Most people only have one shot, it is important to take advantage of it.”

     Removable means capable of being taken away. Platinum Stages removable poles can be assembled & disassembled in a matter of minutes, leaving behind absolutely NO evidence that the pole was ever there. There are NO springs, hooks, screws or holes needed. We use pressure to keep the pole in a fixed position.

2. What holds the pole in place?

     The pole is held in place by pressure. Very similar to how a car jack lifts and holds up a car. There is an adjustment rod that is inserted into the top of the pole which pushes the top and bottom plates snug to the ceiling and floor. It provides the strength and durability of a permanent pole but allows you to take it down with no marks left behind.

3. I rent an apartment/home, will there be any damage to my ceiling or floor?