Pole-Wrap Story

Pole-Wrap, Inc. was founded in 1994 after Laurie and Dan Coleman remodeled their own basement at their home in Troy, Michigan.   They had been faced with the same problem most homeowners or remodelers encounter when they finish a basement -- what to do with those unsightly basement poles in the middle of the room.  

Basement poles, sometimes called lally columns, are necessary for structural support.  Usually they can be hidden in walls for smaller rooms.  But the larger rooms present a problem.  The common solution before Pole-Wrap was to create a box enclosure around the pole with wood or drywall.  Laurie and Dan wanted something less bulky and obtrusive. They also had small children and wanted to avoid injuries from sharp square corners.   

So, they went shopping at home improvement stores to look for a better solution, one that was also more decorative and attractive.  It soon became obvious that no such product existed in the marketplace.   It was then that Laurie came up with her own solution that mimicked a classic fluted column.  Dan was an experienced carpenter and created the first prototype Wrap.  He cut long thin strips of wood from oak and bonded them along side each other onto a flexible backing.  This was then wrapped around the pole and held in place using construction adhesive.  The first pole wrap was then finished with two coats of polyurethane.  

Soon after, Laurie hosted a baby shower in her newly finished basement.  Her basement pole treatment instantly drew plenty of attention and compliments.  Laurie had always wanted to start her own business and was convinced then that this was her "Big Idea".   She immediately called her dad who owned a tool & die shop and was a recognized innovator himself with patents on several auto assembly line products.  “My dad always told me to be patient and that when the right idea comes along you will know it.” Laurie’s dad was very helpful in showing her how to go about having the product manufactured. 

Dan was employed in the magazine publishing industry with expertise in sales and marketing.  He devised a plan to launch the product.  The couple decided on Pole-Wrap as a brand name.   Press kits went out to the editors of Popular Mechanics, The Family Handyman, and Home Mechanics.  All of them were very receptive to Pole-Wrap and their product reviews included an 800 number that readers could call to learn more and order the product.  The response was incredible and helped Laurie jump start a mail order business in her basement.  

Over time, and through Laurie’s persistence, the company grew steadily.  Pole-Wrap attracted the attention of the big box home improvement chains and Builder’s Square was the first to pick up the line.  But the big break was when a buyer at The Home Depot decided to test Pole-Wrap in Michigan.  Sales were good and they expanded gradually into stores across the Midwest and into the northeastern states.  An optional Cap & Base trim set was added to compliment the Wrap and complete the look of a classic fluted column.  Lowe’s saw the potential sales opportunity with this addition to the product line and started to stock Pole-Wrap in stores regionally.  

Today, Pole-Wrap has been in business for over 18 years and is the most recognized brand for finishing basement poles with national distribution.  Pole-Wrap has recently added a Paintable MDF, Maple and Cherry wood to its product line.  Also, a Drink Shelf and 4 Ft Wrap Extension are now available for high ceiling basements.