“Right after our son was born, we decided we wanted to come down here for a fresh start,” Ginger Platt said.

They bought an industrial building in 1985 and started a cable and wire business, which they turned over to their son, John Jr., in 1995. (They also started a trucking business in 2003, but it faltered by 2008 because of high fuel prices.)

The Platts were drag-racing enthusiasts, and friends and competitors at the drag strip noticed John’s welding ability and began to order items from him. Plattinum Products was formed to build and sell racing supplies, but a market for fishing
accessories emerged as Platt built rod holders, beach carts and custom-made products.

“We started out building the race-car stuff, and actually the fishing stuff outdoes the race-car stuff 10 to one,” said John Platt, who does all the delicate aluminum welding. “Most of our stuff is all sold on eBay,” he said. “Ace Hardware in Titusville carries some of it.”

The small company, six family members and a close friend, ships 15 to 20 orders each day, ranging in price from $20 for a fishing rod holder to several hundred dollars for a beach caddy. Platt’s designs are not patented, but the family has never had trouble with the ideas being stolen. Keeping up with orders is the only problem.

“We’re growing,” he said. “I’m getting tired of being here seven days a week.”
The company employs all six family members. Three grandchildren will have a job with the family business, if they want it.

Meanwhile, marketers have approached the family with plans to expand the business, but the Platts are cautious about rapid growth.

“We’re a very tight-knit, close family,” Ginger Platt said. “I think if we got too big, we could lose that.”