Founded 1988: King Swings Grew From a Small Workshop in Pennsylvania to a Premium Playset Manufacturer

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Founded by Ben King in a small workshop in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, King Swings is a family-owned company that started with a focus on craftsmanship and quality.

Today, under the leadership of King’s son, Elmer King, Owner and CEO, the company has evolved into a premium playhouse and swing set manufacturer based in Parkesburg, Pennsylvania.

But growing the business required more than creating a great product — it required reinventing how the company connected with customers.

For years, King Swings operated through a wholesale model, selling its products through a network of dealers who displayed and sold playsets locally. While that approach helped establish the company, King eventually recognized that the business needed greater control over the customer experience and brand story.

In 2018, the company made the strategic decision to transition to a direct-to-consumer model. The shift entailed taking on new responsibilities, from marketing and sales to customer service and installation, but it also allowed King Swings to build deeper relationships directly with families.

"One of the most significant decisions we made was transitioning from a wholesale model to a direct-to-consumer business," King said. "We weren't just selling swing sets anymore; we were building a brand."

That transformation became especially important during 2020 when the company experienced rapid growth. By communicating directly with customers, learning more about their needs, and managing the entire experience from design to installation, King Swings strengthened its connection with families and created a more personalized buying journey.

For entrepreneurs and small business owners, King believes understanding the customer should be the foundation of every decision.

"My biggest piece of advice is to truly understand your customer," King says. "Before you think about products, marketing, or growth strategies, ask yourself, ‘Who am I serving, and what matters most to them?’"

That customer-first mindset has guided King Swings as it continues to refine its products, improve its services, and adapt to changing expectations. Rather than making decisions based solely on short-term growth, the company focuses on creating experiences that matter to the families it serves.

As the company expanded, King also learned that sustainable growth requires more than strong sales,  it requires trusting the people who help make that growth possible.

During the company's period of rapid expansion, King realized that maintaining control over every decision was no longer sustainable. Building a capable team and empowering employees became essential to continuing the company's commitment to quality and service.

"Learning how to delegate, empower others, and trust a strong team was a major turning point for me as a leader," King says. "Growth isn't just about increasing sales or expanding operations, it's about building an organization that can thrive because of the people within it."

Today, King Swings continues to build on its family business roots while looking to the future. The company's journey demonstrates that successful businesses don't remain stagnant — they evolve, listen to their customers, and invest in the people who help bring their vision to life.

From a small Pennsylvania workshop to a premium playset brand, King Swings' story shows that lasting growth comes from balancing tradition with innovation and craftsmanship with connection.

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