In 1989, when ergonomics was a relatively new applied science, and virtually unheard of in the corporate world, Rebecca Congleton Boenigk and her mother, Jaye Congleton, set up shop in Rebecca’s garage and began building chairs based on the concepts developed by her inventor/engineering father, Dr. Jerome Congleton. Through a long and arduous process, Rebecca began educating customers on the health and safety advantages of ergonomic seating.
Initially, Rebecca was Neutral Posture’s sales force, operations manager and marketing director all rolled into one. As the years passed and customers became more aware of their ergonomic needs, Neutral Posture became a driving force in the industry as the only woman owned chair manufacturer in the United States. Neutral Posture’s space-age chairs are known for two key features: a patented, pressure-reducing seat design and more adjustable features than any other chair on the market! The adjustable features work with the contoured seat to disperse the body’s weight over an increased surface area, thereby reducing pounds per square inch (psi).
Neutral Posture’s commitment to manufacture truly ergonomic seating has created phenomenal growth, not only for the company, but for Rebecca as well. As Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, her role may have changed but her focus remains the same. Neutral Posture continues to be the foremost innovator of ergonomic seating solutions in the world.
Rebecca has received numerous awards, including the prestigious Ernst & Young LLP Entrepreneur of the Year in Manufacturing for the Houston Region in 1997 and the 2002 Office Depot Business Woman of the Year. Rebecca also serves on the Board of Directors for the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and is the current chair of the Women’s Enterprise Leadership Forum. She is also featured in the new book, “The Martha Rules: 10 Essentials for Achieving Success as You Start, Grow or Manage a Business” by Martha Stewart. Rebecca was recently appointed to a three-year term on the National Women’s Business Council.
Rebecca and her husband, Bobby, have two children, Rachel and Ryan.
