Our Story
ABOUT US
Our Story
Proudly made by parents, for parents.
Proudly made by parents, for parents.
Proudly made by parents,
for parents.
How It All Started
When Jack was born with cerebral palsy, his family quickly realized the importance of proper support for his posture and core strength. Everyday tasks like sitting up required extra effort, and finding a floor seat that provided the right upright positioning proved challenging—most options caused slouching and discomfort.
Determined to find a better solution, they researched, tested, and explored every option available. But nothing met Jack’s needs. Every seat they tried lacked the proper support, making it difficult for him to sit comfortably and engage with his surroundings.
Recognizing a gap in the market, they set out to design a seat that would promote healthy posture, comfort, and stability—not just for Jack, but for other children as well. What started as a solution for one child quickly became an opportunity to help many, leading to the creation of a seat designed to support better sitting for all.
How It All Started
When Jack was born with cerebral palsy, his family quickly realized the importance of proper support for his posture and core strength. Everyday tasks like sitting up required extra effort, and finding a floor seat that provided the right upright positioning proved challenging—most options caused slouching and discomfort.
Determined to find a better solution, they researched, tested, and explored every option available. But nothing met Jack’s needs. Every seat they tried lacked the proper support, making it difficult for him to sit comfortably and engage with his surroundings.
Recognizing a gap in the market, they set out to design a seat that would promote healthy posture, comfort, and stability—not just for Jack, but for other children as well. What started as a solution for one child quickly became an opportunity to help many, leading to the creation of a seat designed to support better sitting for all.
The Prototypes
Determined to find better support for Jack, the Pankratz family sought guidance from leading physical therapists. They introduced the concept of anterior pelvic tilt—a forward rotation of the pelvis that engages core muscles and promotes healthy posture. Seeing its potential, Jack’s dad, Steve, leveraged his background in medical device development to start prototyping. Working with a close friend, he crafted early designs using simple materials like window insulation foam, allowing them to quickly test angles and refine the seat with expert feedback.
As the design evolved, therapists praised the progress but highlighted another key concern—many baby seats restricted hip movement, potentially affecting natural development. According to the International Hip Dysplasia Institute, "The healthiest position for hips is for them to spread apart to the side. Free movement of the hips promotes natural hip development." We were determined to address this vital issue, not only for the well-being of our beloved Jack but also for the benefit of other children. Taking their advice, Steve incorporated a forward tilt, a large pommel, and wide-leg grooves to encourage proper posture and healthy hip positioning.
With growing confidence in their design, the Pankratz family brought Upseat to life. Small batches rolled off the production line in Canada, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. Parents, therapists, and retailers embraced the product, recognizing its benefits. Upseat’s success even led to a feature on CBC’s Dragon’s Den, turning a personal need into a solution that helps children everywhere sit comfortably while supporting their development.
AS SEEN ON TV
Dragon's Den Experience
Looking Ahead
The Upseat quickly gained popularity among families across Canada, leading to rapid growth and placement in over 500 Canadian Tire stores. This success was made possible by dedicated therapists, supportive retailers, and parents who embraced its mission.
But Upseat’s impact extends beyond seating solutions. Committed to giving back, the company donates 1% of its revenue to support families in need through trusted partner organizations.
With every Upseat purchase, customers become part of a larger mission to support child development and families in need—one seat at a time.
Looking Ahead
The Upseat quickly captured the hearts of families across Canada, and its journey of success had only just begun. The overwhelming response led to its rapid expansion, with over 500 Canadian Tire stores embracing the Upseat, spreading joy and comfort to children and parents alike. We stand in awe of the incredible individuals and organizations who have championed our cause, from the dedicated therapists who have shared their expertise to the retailers who have welcomed our product with open arms.
But our story does not end there. Our journey of hope and transformation extends beyond providing exceptional seating solutions. We believe in the power of giving back, of supporting families in need. That's why we are proud to say that we donate 1% of our revenue to support families facing challenges through our trusted partner organizations. Together, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of families who require a helping hand.
With every purchase of an Upseat, you become a part of this incredible journey of giving. Together, we can transform lives and build a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive. Join us as we make a difference, one seat at a time.
