Folly Beach Chair Company

What Folly Beach Chair Company does

Folly Beach Chair Company, LLC is a privately held beach equipment rental service founded in 2008 by Mike and Wendy Ezelle and headquartered in Folly Beach, South Carolina. The company provides resort-quality beach chairs, 8-foot umbrellas, and ancillary beach gear (backpack chairs, umbrella kits, bikes, coolers, surfboards, bodyboards, skim boards) to visitors and hotel guests on Folly Beach, along with curated local experiences (yoga, surf lessons, fishing charters, dolphin tours) and white wedding chair rentals for beach ceremonies. Its core technology is a basic online booking platform (follybeachchairrentals.com) supplemented by phone/SMS reservations, with the differentiator being physical operational assets including a UTV (Sweep Dragon) used for beach sweeps and turtle nest monitoring, and adoption of beachBUB® weighted umbrella bases making it the first commercial operator in the US to deploy the safety device.

The business operates on a direct-to-consumer rental model with unit pricing, complemented by exclusive enterprise partnerships with Tides Hotel and the Charleston Oceanfront Villas zone (Pier to 3rd Street West). Service is seasonal (May through October), with morning equipment setup by an on-beach crew and evening takedown; same-day bookings are accepted until 12:00 PM. The company holds an exclusive license from the City of Folly Beach as the only authorized rental operator permitted to set up rental chairs on the beach, creating a regulatory moat against local competitors.

Revenue streams include Premium Beach Chair & Umbrella Rentals, DIY Beach Item delivery to vacation rentals, Bachelorette & Group Packages, Wedding & Event Chair Rentals (coordinated with sister company LUV on the Coast), and Local Experiences booked through the platform. Customer segments span individual beachgoers, hotel guests, bachelorette parties, vacation rental occupants, and wedding couples. The company is also distinguished by community and environmental stewardship programs including the WhaleTales Living Classrooms educational initiative (6 years operating) and partnerships with the Surfrider Foundation, Lowcountry Orphan Relief, and Folly Beach Turtle Watch.

Name

Folly Beach Chair Company

Legal name

Folly Beach Chair Company, LLC

Website

https://follybeachchairrentals.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Folly Beach Chair Company is a privately held, seasonal beach equipment rental service in Folly Beach, SC, offering premium chairs, umbrellas, DIY gear, weddings, and local experiences to tourists, hotel guests, and groups, with exclusive city-licensed beach setup rights.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Folly Beach

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Premium Beach Chair & Umbrella Rentals: Daily rental of resort-quality beach chairs and umbrellas at Folly Beach. Equipment is set up each morning at the pier location (west/right side of pier in front of Tides Hotel) and picked up in the evening. Includes free setup at or above high tide line. Hours 9:30 AM to 5 PM, with optional Early Bird (8:30 AM) or Twilight services for additional fees.
2. DIY Beach Item Rentals: Budget-friendly portable beach items (backpack chairs, umbrella kits, bikes, coolers, surfboards, bodyboards, skim boards) delivered to vacation rentals on Folly Island for the duration of stay. Items are portable and allow customers flexibility. 2-day minimum required. Items delivered by 10:00 AM on first full day and picked up by 5:00 PM on last day.
3. Bachelorette & Group Packages: Beach setup packages tailored for bachelorette parties and group outings. Includes chairs, umbrellas, and group accommodations at the pier location or 3 West/210 West area.
4. Wedding & Event Chair Rentals: White wedding chairs with slatted seats set up on the beach for ceremonies. Includes Natural Wood Arbor rental (must be rented with chairs). Sister company LUV on the Coast handles wedding planning coordination. As the only equipment rental company licensed by the city of Folly Beach to set up rental chairs.
5. Local Experiences: Add-on experiences including private beach yoga, surf lessons (at 3 West Beach access), fishing charters (4-hour inshore trips), sunset dolphin tours, sharks teeth & fossil adventures, and boat charters. Experiences booked through the company and coordinated with local providers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Folly Beach Chair Company rents resort-quality beach chairs and 8 ft umbrellas at Folly Beach, SC, with complimentary morning setup and evening takedown by an on-beach crew at the pier location. It also delivers portable DIY beach gear (backpack chairs, umbrella kits, bikes, coolers, surfboards, bodyboards, skim boards) to vacation rentals, and offers wedding chair rentals, bachelorette/group packages, and add-on local experiences such as beach yoga, surf lessons, fishing charters, and sunset dolphin tours.

Product overview

Folly Beach Chair Company operates as a beach equipment rental service rather than a unified software platform. Its portfolio consists of six interconnected service lines: (1) Premium Beach Chairs & Umbrellas serves as the core offering with resort-quality equipment and complimentary setup/takedown; (2) DIY Beach Items provides budget-friendly portable equipment for self-service vacation rental delivery; (3) Bachelorette & Group Packages and (4) Local Experiences (surf lessons, fishing charters, yoga, dolphin tours) are add-on experience offerings layered on top of core rentals; (5) Wedding & Event Chairs serves as a dedicated event vertical; and (6) Same Day Rentals extends the core service with last-minute availability. The company also operates community-focused sub-brands (Sweep Dragon conservation program, WhaleTales Living Classrooms educational initiative) and a sister company (LUV on the Coast) for wedding planning. Services are available at multiple Folly Beach locations including the Tides Hotel, Charleston Oceanfront Villas, and beach areas from the pier to 3rd Street West.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Premium Beach Chairs & Umbrellas Daily rental of resort-quality beach chairs and 8 ft umbrellas at the Folly Beach pier location, with free setup at or above the high tide line and optional Early Bird (8:30 AM) and Twilight (up to 7 PM) add-on services for individual beachgoers and day-trippers.
• DIY Beach Items Budget-friendly portable beach gear delivered to any rental house or condo on Folly Island for self-service use, including DIY Backpack Chairs, 7 ft Umbrella Kits with sand weights and carrying bag, plus bikes, coolers, surfboards, bodyboards, and skim boards. Designed for vacation rental guests who want flexibility to use the equipment on their own schedule throughout their stay.
• Bachelorette & Group Packages Coordinated beach setup packages tailored for bachelorette parties and group outings, providing multiple chairs and shade umbrellas set up together at the pier location or 3 West/210 West area, near restaurants, shops, and bars. Aimed at lead organizers arranging turnkey beach experiences for friend groups and celebrations.
• Local Experiences Add-on beach and water activities booked through Folly Beach Chair Company and coordinated with local providers, including private beach yoga sessions, surf lessons at 3 West Beach access, 4-hour inshore fishing charters with a captain, sunset dolphin tours, sharks teeth and fossil boat adventures, and sunset sails. Targeted at experience-seeking visitors and families looking for activities beyond sunbathing.
• Wedding & Event Chairs White slatted wedding chairs and Natural Wood Arbor rentals for beach ceremonies on Folly Beach, including delivery, setup, and takedown by a dedicated crew. The company is the only equipment rental company licensed by the city of Folly Beach to set up rental chairs, and wedding coordination is handled jointly with sister company LUV on the Coast.
• Same Day Rentals Last-minute beach equipment rental service allowing customers to book online until 12:00 PM for same-day setup near the Folly Beach Pier, enabling spontaneous beach visits. Same-day rentals not available online can be arranged via phone or SMS to (843) 588-2278.
• Hotel Guest Beach Service Exclusive beach setup service for guests staying at partner hotels and villa properties including Tides Hotel and Charleston Oceanfront Villas, with premium beach chairs, umbrellas, and loungers professionally arranged on the sand each morning. Reached through dedicated hotel-guest landing pages and concierge referrals.
• Group Transportation & Setup Coordination Transportation and on-beach setup coordination service for beach days and group events, including delivery of beach gear and professional setup for bachelorette parties, group gatherings, and larger celebrations. Designed to give group organizers a single point of coordination for moving people and equipment to the beach.

Quantifiable outcome

• Eliminates need for customers to lift or transport 50+ lbs of beach equipment
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Tides HotelcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExclusive beach setup partnership providing Folly Beach Chair Company services directly in front of the Tides Hotel property. Hotel guests receive priority beach setup service with chairs and umbrellas waiting when they arrive. Location described as 'just steps from the hotel' with setup ready on the sand.
• Charleston Oceanfront VillascoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExclusive beach setup service for condo and vacation rental guests from Folly Beach Pier to 3rd Street West. Covers all buildings in this zone including Charleston Oceanfront Villas, Pier Pointe Villas, Seacoast Villas, Ocean Pointe Villas, Pavilion Watch, and Folliday Inn.
• The Ryder HotelminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBoutique hotel partnership with The Ryder Hotel in Charleston. Listed as recommended place to stay for Folly Beach Chair Company customers. Named in Conde Nast Traveler's 'Hot List 2022' and voted 'Top 5 Hotels in Charleston' on Readers' Choice Awards.
• Emeline HotelminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHotel partnership with Emeline Hotel in Charleston. Listed as recommended place to stay. Hotel described as 'for the soulful sojourner' with custom linens and Southern hospitality.
• LUV on the CoastcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSister company and wedding planning partner. LUV on the Coast handles wedding coordination from rehearsal to ceremony to reception, while Folly Beach Chair Company provides chair rentals and setup. 'You book. We deliver. Y'all get hitched!'
• Wiki Wiki SandbarminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRecommended partner restaurant and wedding venue near beach setup area. Known for great photo opportunities with sunset views. Located within walking distance of beach setup locations.
• Charleston Surfrider FoundationminorOthersOfficial Stewards of the Beach designation. Partnership focused on beach conservation and environmental protection initiatives. Company participates in Surfrider Foundation programs and campaigns.
• Lowcountry Orphan ReliefminorOthersNonprofit partner receiving beach day sponsorship and volunteer support. FBCC provides beach gear and setup for annual Beach Day for kids in foster care. Multi-year partnership with ongoing support.
• Isla Surf SchoolminorOthersSurf school partner. Both Isla Surf School and Folly Beach Chair Company support Lowcountry Orphan Relief initiatives. Connected through community charity work.
• Green Heart ProjectminorOthersFounding members and volunteers. Wendy and Mike Ezelle were founding members who helped develop the program and build the pilot garden site at Mitchell Elementary School. Program builds garden-based experiential learning projects.
• Charleston County Lifesaving AssociationminorOthersSupported 2021 US Lifesaving Association Tournament through donations and fundraising. Many FBCC crew members were lifeguards. Donations support education, advocacy, and competition costs.
• Folly Beach Turtle WatchminorOthersTurtle conservation partner. Company participates in turtle nest monitoring during morning deliveries, reports findings to turtle watch teams, and educates beachgoers. Partnered on campaigns for banning single-use plastics and styrofoam coolers.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/follybeachchair
• Facebookfacebook.com/follybeachchairrentals
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/folly-beach-chair-company

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Folly Beach Chair Company