About ACON
1992
It all starts with a dream.
Our story begins in the early 90s when Tarmo Sallinen, a Finnish exchange student studying in the United States, sees a trampoline for the first time. It's love at first sight.
1996
Founding of Acon:
When Acon was founded in 1996, the company was still small. It was a one-man operation operating out of a rattling camper van full of trampolines. Tarmo sourced the trampolines through a major retailer in the Netherlands and had to drive them across Europe to Finland. The first trampoline was bought by the most famous Finnish magician to be part of his show. The trampolines had finally reached Finland.
The work begins:
The following year, Tarmo buys and sells more trampolines by knocking on people's doors at campsites all over Finland. The business is still small: Tarmo spends the nights in the van, often waking up to condensation dripping from the ceiling, knowing it's time to get up and move on. In 1998, the first container full of trampolines arrived directly from the United States. The business is growing, but it's not yet enough for a full-time job.
2002
First location:
Six years later, the company had grown and was already supporting one full-time employee and several seasonal workers. In 2002, the first brick-and-mortar Acon shop was opened in the back of a warehouse. The shop only had space for a few customers at a time, so they had to queue outside to take a look at the products. This was where the impetus came from to focus on the springs to provide the best bounce. Shortly after, the first tests of our spring theory took place, which would later lead to our Synergy Design.
2003
ACON Air:
With the launch of the first own trampoline model, ACON Air, in 2003, the Acon brand was solidified and the company stopped selling other brands. After receiving approval from the Finnish Gymnastics Federation, it was time to look worldwide for the right manufacturers and business partners. We are proud of these partnerships, as they continue to this day.
2007
Getting started in online business:
Important steps are taken when the first Acon online store is opened and the first purchase is made at 6:32 pm on a Sunday in Pietarsaari, western Finland. The first sale is celebrated in the Acon office in a very Finnish way – with a cup of coffee.
2011
Hockey fever:
After winning the 2011 Ice Hockey World Championship in Finland, hockey fever is stronger than ever. Due to the lack of quality hockey and street hockey equipment, Acon decides to develop its own Acon Wave series of hockey goals and shooting surfaces for street and individual training. Mikael Granlund, the NHL star and hero of the recent World Championship, endorses the products, and the popularity of the Wave products skyrockets.
2014
Start of global business:
Acon's quest to conquer the world begins with the opening of the first international online store in Sweden, followed by variants for Europe, the United States, Canada and Russia. Acon's equipment moves people all over the world. The joy of adventure spreads worldwide, one leap at a time.
2016
Adventure seekers unite:
Something incredible happens: Some YouTubers and Instagrammers discover that the best tricks are done on Acon's trampolines. Soon, the first quad backflip (don't try it at home!) is successfully performed. The videos reach millions of viewers worldwide and the g-tramp community flourishes on social media. Shortly after, the Acon team is founded to support the growing g-tramp community and promote young, talented athletes worldwide. Adventure seekers from all over the world unite.
2020
New Beginnings:
The world is on hold with a terrible global pandemic forcing people to work and live from home. Despite all the challenges, families are finding solace in spending time together outdoors. A sudden increase in the need for home entertainment is turning people's attention to trampolines and to Acon. As the tricks become more spectacular and the trampers become more skillful, ACON is focused on developing a better, stronger and safer trampoline that is suitable for all ages and enables even the most challenging tricks. A trampoline that will last a lifetime.