Small business: Playmore Design Corp is putting your recyclables in play
Around Charlotte, most people know Scott Swimmer for leading drum circles and starting DrumStrong, the international non-profit organization that raises awareness and funds for cancer. But Swimmer’s hands aren’t just on drums. He also designs and builds playground equipment out of 100 percent recycled plastic for his company Playmore Design Corp.
When Swimmer started Playmore Design in 1995, he was focused on designing and manufacturing large playgrounds for schools and churches. Although he will still build the full-size components, the business has evolved into smaller items like easels, chimes, drum tables and root view planters. He designs and builds each one in his shop.
Playmore Design products are in more than 12 playground and school equipment catalogs, and he gets orders from around the world.
Swimmer particularly enjoys making the individual accessories because they are not only interactive, but they engage children’s imaginations. He likes that kids have to share, listen and negotiate at the drum table.
“It’s a very interesting interaction that you don’t see on typical apparatus on playgrounds, and it holds their attention. Instruments are magnets,” said Swimmer.
Swimmer answers C5’s questions for the Small Business Series:
How did you get started?
“We started designing and manufacturing playground equipment out of 100 percent recycled plastic in 1995. I had Swimmer Construction in full tilt and we had enough interest in playhouses, tree houses and forts.
“It was the time when Trex was introduced. Although Trex was recycled materials, it was not 100 percent recycled plastic. It wore and faded. We use more stable, sustainable, domestic 100 percent recycled plastic from the jugs and water bottles that people recycle.”
What has kept the business going?
“It’s unique, no one is creating professional quality, reasonably priced musical equipment for public use that stimulates such imagination. And, it’s green. We were green before green was a thing.”
What advice do you offer to others who may want to start their own business?
“Be creative. Don’t be shy. There’s always a need for something different. Your idea can certainly fit into the format of an existing environment, like a playground, classroom, hospital or public space.
“Or don’t hesitate to alter an existing environment. Ask, what’s going to make it better or more fun? More efficient? More attractive?”
How important is it for businesses to partner with others for overall success?
“I’m kind of a one-man band, almost have been for 40-plus years doing business. Having said that, I know how important it is to incorporate quality resources, work with competent, creative, trustworthy people that, intrinsically, strive for the same outcome. Both of my sons, Mason and Toby, are conscientious and creative, and love to play!”
What’s your next big thing?
“Marketing our drums and chimes to every child care, senior center and public institution that wants stimulating, unsupervised, no-maintenance fun. Build some fully sustainable tiny houses, drum around the world with DRUMSTRONG.org and hike the Appalachian Trail before I die. Top to bottom or bottom to top.”
Playmore Design Corp: 635 L. Pressley Road
Photos: Playmore Design Corp
Family history and my own fascination with people and their motivations prompted me to begin this series about Charlotte’s small business owners. Industry, situation and questions will vary. Have a suggestion for a small business owner or entrepreneur to interview? Email it to vanessainfanzon@gmail.com with the subject line “Small Business Series.”
Photos: Playmore Design Corp
This story was originally published April 18, 2017 at 10:00 PM with the headline "Small business: Playmore Design Corp is putting your recyclables in play."