Distributacon Inc.
6035 Queens Ave NE Ste. 200
Otsego, MN 55330, USA
30 Years of Chasing the Perfect Bounce
6 Mins Read
Last updated on July 28, 2026
What does it take to spend three decades building better trampolines? It starts with one simple belief: movement should bring people together. Here's the story of how that belief grew into one of the world's leading trampoline brands.
Movement has a way of bringing people together. It turns backyards into gathering places, transforms ordinary afternoons into unforgettable memories, and gives children the freedom to explore, play, and build confidence one jump at a time. While trampolines have become a familiar sight in backyards around the world today, there was a time when they were something entirely new.
Thirty years ago, ACON set out with a simple goal: to share that joy of movement with more families. What began as a small family business has since grown into one of the world's leading trampoline brands, trusted by families and athletes in more than 60 countries. Looking back over three decades, it's not just a story about building trampolines. It's a story about continually asking one question: how can we make the bounce even better?
A Spark of Inspiration
Like many great ideas, ACON's story began with a moment of curiosity. While studying as an exchange student in the United States during the early 1990s, founder Tarmo Sallinen encountered something that was still largely unknown in Finland: the backyard trampoline. What caught his attention wasn't simply the product itself, but the atmosphere surrounding it. Families were spending time together outdoors, children were inventing games, and neighbors gathered around to watch and join in.
That experience planted a seed. It revealed how a simple product could create lasting memories and encourage people of all ages to move, laugh, and connect. When Tarmo returned to Finland, he saw an opportunity to bring that same experience to families back home.
Building a Business One Trampoline at a Time
When ACON officially launched in 1996, there were no warehouses, large teams, or established distribution networks. Instead, there was determination, a camper van, and a willingness to do whatever it took to introduce a completely new product to the Finnish market. Trampolines were loaded into the van in the Netherlands and driven across Europe, with campsites often serving as overnight accommodation between deliveries.
Those early years demanded persistence, but they also created something invaluable. Selling trampolines directly to customers meant hearing their questions, understanding their concerns, and learning exactly what people wanted from their backyard equipment. Those conversations laid the foundation for a philosophy that still guides the company today: listen carefully, keep improving, and never settle for "good enough."
The Pursuit of a Better Bounce
As trampolines became more popular around the world, expectations evolved alongside them. Families expected products that could withstand years of active use. Athletes wanted equipment that supported higher performance. Parents looked for thoughtful safety features that allowed children to play with confidence.
Rather than standing still, ACON embraced those expectations as opportunities to innovate. Every new generation of trampolines has built upon decades of engineering, customer feedback, and continuous product development. From frame construction and spring technology to safety enclosures and materials, every detail has been carefully refined with one objective in mind: creating the best bounce possible.
That commitment to continuous improvement remains one of the defining characteristics of ACON today. Great design is never considered finished. It evolves with every lesson learned and every new idea explored.
More Than Just a Product
A trampoline is, at its core, a piece of equipment. But anyone who has owned one knows that it quickly becomes much more than that. It becomes the place where siblings create imaginary worlds, where parents rediscover their playful side, and where children build confidence by landing a trick they once thought impossible.
Over the past thirty years, ACON has been fortunate to play a small role in millions of moments like these. While product innovation has always been important, the company's true purpose has remained unchanged: helping people experience the joy that comes from movement and time spent together.
Growing Without Losing Our Roots
Today, ACON products can be found in backyards, training facilities, schools, and gyms across more than 60 countries. Families trust them for everyday fun, while gymnasts, freestyle athletes, and professionals rely on them to develop their skills and push their limits.
Despite that growth, ACON has remained true to its origins. It is still a family endeavor built on the same values that shaped its earliest days: quality, curiosity, and a genuine passion for creating products that stand the test of time. Those values continue to guide every decision, whether developing the next generation of trampolines or exploring entirely new ways to inspire active lifestyles.
Looking Ahead
Celebrating thirty years is an opportunity to reflect on everything that has been accomplished, but it is also a reminder that the journey is far from over. Every conversation with a customer, every product improvement, and every new innovation is another step toward an even better experience.
The world has changed dramatically since ACON sold its very first trampoline, but one thing has remained constant. The belief that movement has the power to bring people together continues to shape everything we do. As we look toward the future, we're excited to keep building on that foundation and to spend the next thirty years helping even more families discover the joy of the best bounce.
