Today we’d like to introduce you to Cole Wadsten.
Hi Cole, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Lowcountry Swingbeds started in a garage almost 15 years ago. The company’s journey took a spotlight moment in 2015 when our handcrafted swing beds landed on the cover of HGTV Magazine. In the years that followed, we were fortunate enough to be recognized in publications like LIFE, Elle Decor, Architectural Digest, BRAVO, and, most recently, in 2024, when we were featured once again on HGTV’s hit show Rock the Block, solidifying our reputation as the leader in luxury porch living. In 2023, founders Claire and Bobby Huff sold their company to Wadsten family. Today, with Cole Wadsten leading the way, Lowcountry Swing Beds remains a family-owned business with deep Southern roots and a vision for growth. What hasn’t changed—and never will—is the dedication to quality, service, and the joy of porch living that made us the poster child for the highest quality bed swings in the South.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Growing a small business is rarely a smooth journey, and this one is no exception. In a universe of cheap imported furniture, largely made of subpar material by low wage labor, we pride on ourselves on being a true American made company. However, that is not without its challenges. Battling global supply chain issues during covid and the years thereafter, only to stumble into several year of inflation, there has definitely been a level of necessary creativity to “keep the wheels on”. On top of that, our craftsmen are second to none, and we spare no expense by way of the components and materials that are implemented into every order that we push out the door. While there are certainly cheaper acts in town, this is a rare but real world example of “you get what you pay for”, and that is what we hang our hat on.
As you know, we’re big fans of Lowcountry Swingbeds. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Our company is the “city on the hill” of handmade outdoor furniture; specifically hanging daybeds. Not only because of the tremendous amount of work and care that goes into our pieces, but also in terms of bringing our culture into the work itself. Each swing bed we sell is truly a one of kind, and no two will ever be the same. That is in part due to the superior quality of our materials, but also because when you walk outside and look at this swing, you can know that it was toiled over for weeks to get it perfect. And in the rare occasions something *isn’t* perfect, there is a level of peace knowing that we will correct that to ensure it ultimately is (perfect). God, Country, Family, Quality. That is what ‘we’re about and it’s what our identity is tethered to.
What matters most to you?
The customer experience. Too often do we find ourselves buying this thing or that thing, and 90% of the time it’s a soulless transaction; an exchange of hard earned currency for goods that we generally don’t *need* or occasionally even want after we’ve had it for awhile, and that’s how it feels after the transaction is complete. In observance of that, our tolerance for such things is nonexistent with our customers. Someone wants to talk to us for a month before deciding on their wood species or finish selections? No problem. A client wants to maintain a line of communication throughout the process and weeks after a swing is delivered? Totally fine. Each and every single one of those hundreds of conversations happens right here with our very small in-house team, not somebody on the other side of the world who has no idea what you’re dealing with, nor could they care less about your experience. For better or worse, I take that feeling home with me because if you don’t have skin in the game, how can you expect people to trust you with a purchase of this caliber? Luxury goods demand luxury service, and that’s what our clients deserve. Period, full stop.
Pricing:
- Subject to customization
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.LCswingbeds.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lcswingbeds
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LowcountrySwingBeds/
