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 DiegoStateUniversity 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.
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