Playground King: The Family Business That Knows How to Play Together!
Nicole Zizos Gulledge
Career Overview: I started my career in New Home Sales in the late 1980’s. In 2001, when our son was young, we opened “Woodplay of Tampa” offering residential playsets, trampolines and basketball hoops to families with children. Ten years later, as the business grew, we moved from our original location in North Tampa to our new Indoor Store Location where we now have our Indoor Showroom and Warehouse Distribution Center. Playground King has grown from selling in West Central Florida to now helping families throughout the entire State of Florida.
Where were you born and raised? Born in Hinsdale, IL and raised in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. I moved to Tampa, FL in 1982 to attend USF.
Hobbies: A have a big interest in Greek Genealogy & DNA. My mother’s roots are from Smyrna, Asia Minor. My father’s roots are from Galaxidi, Greece. I enjoy helping others find their family roots by building their family tree and assisting them in understanding their DNA results. They call me a “Greek Search Angel”.
Most fun thing you like to do with your family or children: I enjoy boating, collecting seashells on the beach, reading, family time and relaxing on our porch.
What do you like most about your job / working at Playground King: I love meeting families and helping them select the perfect Rainbow Play System for their family. This involves helping them decide which fun accessories, swings and add-ons they would like to have on their playset, ensuring it fits nicely in their yard, meets the needs of their children at their current age and ensuring that their selection fits perfectly in their budget.
What do you want to be when you grow up? One day, when I grow up and retire, I want to be a “Sea Turtle Lady”, one who walks the beach and flags new turtle nests.
Jason Gulledge
Career Overview: After college I worked in the sports industry in promotions and marketing with a number of NBA, NHL, NFL and MLB teams. While this was fun and energetic for the youthful me, the time had come to settle down and work locally. Living in Tampa, we decided to open a business catering to children. In 2001, we opened Woodplay of Tampa, which became Playground King as we acquired the State of Florida for Rainbow Play Systems.
Where were you born and raised? I was born in Grand Rapids, MI. I was raised in South Carolina and Grand Rapids, Michigan. Sports were a big part of my youth and I believe in outdoor activity.
Hobbies: Boating, fishing, camping and exploring the State of Florida with my wife… especially when on vacation with the family in the Florida Keys!
What do you like most about your job / working at Playground King: Hearing the chidlren get excited when they “test-play” all the cool displays in the showroom, and when we receive an email telling us how much they are enjoying their backyard now that they have a new Playset, Trampoline or Basketball Hoop!
What do you want to be when you grow up? Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional.
Jake Gulledge
Career Overview: I’ve watched my Dad and Mom work endless hours growing their playground business. When I was little, I would come to the store after school and “play” and do my homework. As the years went on, I helped my Dad in the warehouse and graduated to installing trampolines. Now, I am the lead Playground Sales Specialist and on-site network admin for Playground King. Additionally, I am finishing my degree in Information Security at USF.
Where were you born and raised? I was born in Ft Myers and raised Tampa, FL.
Hobbies: Anything related to IT, baseball, fishing, and camping!
Most fun thing you like to do with your family: Boating and our annual family vacation to the Keys.
What do you like most about your job / working at Playground King: My favorite part about my job is that I get to work with happy families, all day, every day. My own family included!
What do you want to be when you grow up? Still figuring that one out 😉
Jacob Hales
Career Overview: After high school I formed a band named AKiVA and began pursuing music. I have experience in various fields including carpentry & event management. I feel blessed to know the Gulledge family and enjoy the products we offer at Playground King. It’s inspiring to be reminded of my childhood treehouse on a day to day basis.
Where were you born and raised? Tampa, I’m a 3rd generation Tampanian!
Hobbies: Music, Hiking, Camping, History
Most fun thing you like to do with your family: Cook & enjoy a meal together.
What do you like most about your job / working at Playground King: Knowing that I’m making an impact on the youth & their perspective of the outdoors. Playgrounds encourage nature, and being brave enough to take risks. Two essentials in life.
What do you want to be when you grow up? Loving and kind, the rest will come.