Today we’d like to introduce you to Derek Hinckley.
Derek, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
One day in the spring of ’08 I decided to build my two boys something awesome in the backyard. As I thought of what to do for the boys, 2 & 4 years old, I came across a little plastic toy pirate ship in their bedroom that had been one of their favorites and knew then that was my goal. Putting to good use a pile of lumber salvaged from a construction job, the ship began to take shape and within a few days started to rise up within a cluster of back yard trees. With my background in construction and carpentry, I added a creative eye as I cut, shaved, measured, and created until, after almost two months, the finished product was ready for the kids … and I called it a Pirate Play Ship. At that point it was a no-brainer that I needed to develop this and turn it into something that I could offer for others.
That’s how Pirate Play Ships was born and since July of ’08 we’ve built custom play structures in most U.S. states and have even traveled to Monterrey, Mexico, Canada, and the West Indies island of Antigua. The focus for Pirate Play Ships is on the kids and we love to be personally involved in the process with each family or organization. We have worked with the Make-A-Wish Foundation many times and felt honored to have built something that a little boy or girl will now enjoy throughout the battles that lie ahead. We’re proud of our loyal following and strive on each project to offer a well-built, handcrafted product that is as stylish as it is rigid. We look forward to being a part of the Pirate Dream for many more kids and families all over the country and beyond!
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?
For sure there have been struggles. Especially at first. Started a new business right as there was a recession in 2008 was a little scary but I had to do something. I had move dot Nashville with no job and just a dreams of music success. But I had a family and there was nothing I wouldn’t do for them. This idea to build this structure, better than I’d seen anywhere around town, has become a blessing I never imagined. Early on, it was really tough to leave home for many days at a time while my wife took care of everything back home. We have 5 boys and that was a burden on her and hard on me. I wanted to be home with my boys and wife. That was tough, but after a while we got in a rhythm. It was also tough to really have the confidence I needed to close the deal with new potential customers. I just didn’t have the reps yet to feel like I could talk about what I offered from a position of authority. But there is not substitute for time and reps. And after 18 years of customs pirate ships and treehouse builds all over the map, there’s not much I have not seen and tackled. I treat people with dignity and I take on their project as if it was my own project. I’m putting my name on it and there’s no way I’m walking away doing it halfway.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I grew up playing and writing music. My parents and siblings all play and sing. That was our thing for a long time. I moved to Nashville from Knoxville in 2007 chasing a record deal and publishing deal for my brothers band. I have always been driven and a creator and not afraid to go after what I’m inspired to do. When I arrived in Nashville ii knew I’d have to use my abilities in construction and design to make a living. I thought that would be remodeling and flipping houses. Turns out, after I built a Pirate Ship for my body on a random whim, it was evident that there was a market for what I’d created. That one chance or using a few thousand dollars (that we didn’t have) on that experienmtny has provided an amazing life for my family for all these years. In the mean time, I have continued to pursue other passions. I have worked with some of the top producers in Nashville as my brothers band made several records and played out. Did that for many years. After several near record deals and after having been heard by the who’s who of Nashville, it began to be apparent that wasn’t our route. I posited and put more energy into my business and developed a reality show called “The Pirate King”. We’d have cameras follow me across the country telling impactful stories and building amazing structures for deserving families and kids who could not afford them. I asked my brothers (filmmakers) to help. We have pitched our shows to many networks but have not quite found the right fit yet. II also followed up on another idea, a unites way to share my music with the world. I wrote a Christmas musical about my life called “The Best Thing About Christmas”. We debuted this Broadway style musical in Utah in 2021 and just recently held a premiere for the feature film based on that musical, which I executive produced and starred in. It features 13 of my original songs and we are now going to be seen on a tv network this Christmas. I still am putting lots of effort into my business and am looking to expand this coming year. But I have more opportunities to make musical inspirational films and I’m going to be tackling the next one in ’26 as well. I am a nutrition enthusiast and coach and am working on a book and eventual side business helping people regain their health by eating the right things and avoiding harmful ones.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
integrity, tenacity, personability, dignity, trust, excellence
Pricing:
- Ultimate Pirate Ship – Starts at $12k
- Big Pirate Ship – Starts at $10k
- Medium Pirate Ship – Starts at $8k
- Noahs Ark – Starts st $12k
- Many other Custom Options
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pirateplayships.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theplayshippirate/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pirateplayships
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu7NFy4nYhLjL-GVF3mTTeA
