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.”

Platinum Stages FAQs
Updated 12/09

1. What does removable mean?

Removable means the pole is not permanent (installation doesn’t require holes/bolts in your floor and ceiling); it is detachable and portable. Platinum Stages removable poles can be easily assembled & disassembled in a matter of minutes, leaving behind absolutely NO damage to either floor or ceiling. There are NO springs, hooks, screws or holes needed for our removable poles.

2. What holds the pole in place?

This depends on which Platinum Stages pole you’re using. Our pressure-mounted poles use the same kind of mounting as a car-jack. Our one-piece Super Poles ™ have 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. This kind of mounting in addition to the 10’ ceiling plate and 6’ floor plate provide the unmatched stability of a permanent pole, but leaves no damage to your floor or ceiling. We also offer semi-removable and permanent poles that bolt into a ceiling joist or stud.

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

 With our removable poles there is absolutely no damage done to floor or ceiling.  Both the top and bottom plates have a patented polycarbonate base plate. These plates have a rubber compression-beaded surface that provides a non-slip grip to your floor and ceiling.

4. What if my ceiling height is less than 8 feet?

  Our Extreme Super Pole ™ can accommodate any ceiling height up to 12’. Right out of the box, this pole fits ceilings from 7’9” to 9’9”. An optional extension piece is available for any other ceiling height under 7’9” or up to 12’. All of our one-piece poles are custom cut to fit your exact ceiling height.  If you have questions about your ceiling measurements, call or email us (orders@platinumstages.com) before placing your order.

5. Can I use the Pole on hardwood or tile floors? 
Yes, you can use the Platinum Stages removable poles on any surface, even carpet. Each floor plate has a special rubber compression-beaded surface that grips and protects your floor surface.

6. Do I really need to consult a certified housing repairman for installation help?

No, that is not necessary. Using the easy-to-follow instructions, installing your pole should only take a few minutes.  If you have a vaulted/angled ceiling you will need to purchase and install the vaulted ceiling adapter with 2 to 4 screws. Any permanent mounting hardware needs to be mounted into a stud or ceiling joist which requires a stud-detector.

7. My Platinum Stages Pole is too long/short. What do I do?

 If you have the Extreme Super Pole you can purchase a 24” extension to allow your pole to range anywhere up to 12 feet. If you currently have a one-piece pole, you may contact Platinum Stages toll free 1-866-85-POLES with an exact ceiling height to have your pole cut down. The modification is free; you only pay for shipping.

PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO MODIFY THE POLE YOURSELF.

8. What if I want to use my pole in multiple rooms?
 Our NEW Extreme Super Poles are designed to move from room to room with ease.  If you have different ceiling heights this multi-piece pole will span from 7’9” to 9’9” right out of the box. You can also purchase the 24inch extension piece which will allow the pole to reach heights under 7’9” and heights up to 12’.

9. How much room should I allow for around my pole?

You should clear all obstacles within a 4 foot radius from your pole, depending on your height.

Tip: Hold the pole with one hand and extend out with your other hand. Do a complete rotation around the pole to make sure all obstacles are out of reach.

10. My pole is starting to look dirty. How do I clean it?
For Platinum Stages stainless steel poles, you can use any household cleaner such as Windex or glass cleaner. Alcohol is best for disinfecting your stainless steel pole. Brass poles should only be cleaned using a brass-specific metal polish.

We recommend ‘Nevr-Dull Magic Wadding Polish’ for your stainless steel poles and ‘Brasso’ for your brass poles. Both products are available at any grocery store or hardware store.

11. What is the best way to store my Pole?
The multi-piece poles should be stored in their case in between uses. One-piece poles should be stored lying down in a closet or under a bed. You can also mount hanging brackets on a wall in your bedroom or studio to hold the pole horizontally.

12. How is my order shipped?

Shipments are sent out in the sequence the order was placed, unless expedited shipping is requested. Upon placing your order, you will receive an invoice in your email that includes your order number. Once your order ships, a tracking number will be sent to your email, as well. When calling or emailing with order status inquiries, please have your order number ready.

13. Where are my locking pins?

Locking pins come in a 1”x2” plastic zip lock bag. Upon receipt of your shipment, make sure to look through all the Styrofoam packing peanuts before discarding.

14. How do I clean the threads on my pole?

Use a “dry lubricant” (silicone based) on the threading before assembling your pole; do not use an oil-based lubricant. A tooth brush or metal brush works best for cleaning pole threads. Do not wipe the threading with anything that could leave fuzz or debris behind.

15. What do I do if I have questions or need help?

Our US based customer service is available to take orders, answer questions or walk you through anything you should need assistance with. You can contact us toll-free, 24 hours a day at 866.85.POLES or email us at orders@platinumstages.com.

When calling or emailing with order inquiries, please have your order number ready.