DeskActive Pty. Ltd. was founded in 2006 in Melbourne, Australia by software engineer and entrepreneur Josh Swinnerton. As a deskbound professional who struggled with chronic back pain for nearly 10 years, Swinnerton sought out solutions to help him stretch and stay active throughout his workday. Despite frequent visits to expert physicians, therapists and specialists, Swinnerton continued to suffer from debilitating pain and came to the conclusion that his problems were related to the static nature of his working day. Based on this insight, he began to investigate ways to increase his physical activity and move his body—while working.
Like many of us, Swinnerton found that reminding and motivating himself to keep active during long hours at his desk was easier said than done. The assistance of his physiotherapist was simply too infrequent and too disconnected from his day-to-day life to help him make the changes required to overcome his back pain problems. As a result of this physical distance between patient and healthcare provider, the concept of using technology to connect himself with physical activity, ongoing advice and encouragement was born. In conjunction with experienced technology entrepreneur Michael Terry, chairman of Advatel (call center technology company), Swinnerton developed the concept and business model for an installed client application that would serve as an engagement agent, and launched the DeskActive ergonomic software product in 2006 to Australian markets.
After beta testing practical trials, targeted corporate installations, and product refinement and enhancement, Swinnerton sought to expand sales and marketing operations beyond Australia—recognizing the emphasis of worksite wellness initiatives among U.S. employers. In October 2009, DeskActive, Inc., was incorporated in Des Moines, Iowa, establishing the international headquarters for the company in the U.S.
Today, DeskActive is sold to corporations and individuals in Australia and the United States. Software engineering, information technology and animation services continue to be centralized in the company’s Melbourne office, while sales, marketing, client services, finance, legal and other administrative functions are housed in the Des Moines office.