AcroMat Founder and General Manager, Russell Herbert, was featured on the latest episode of the AtomicErgo podcast, hosted Earl‑Ray Neal with Ergonauts Performance Technologies. The discussion centered around Russell's journey with AcroMat, the company's growth into an industry leader, and the future of the anti-fatigue mat industry – from piecing and piling standard mats to being able to custom-fit your mats to any layout.
Below, video playback of the 20-minute episode followed by three key takeaways and highlights from the discussion between Russell and Earl-Ray.
AcroMat Founder & General Manager Russell Herbert sits down with Earl-Ray Neal, host of the AtomicErgo podcast and a senior leader with ergonomics consultancy, Ergonauts.
1. Safety Gains With Anti-Fatigue Mats
Russell and Earl-Ray discussed some key anti-fatigue mat benefits, including reducing pain and discomfort, keeping leg muscles engaged, promoting healthy blood flow, and reducing overexertion by helping your body "share the load." While listing benefits is helpful, says Russell, what matters most is whether the mats are keeping your people safe.
"Our Chief Visionary Office Steve Davis came upon your product, got a sample and fell in love with it," says Early-Ray. "He wrote you guys a really strong review on LinkedIn."
"That was really great to see and appreciated," says Russell. "We constantly bring our focus here at AcroMat back to everyday feedback we receive from our customers, like that. We can talk about the need for mats all day along, about how great our products are, the benefits, but it really comes down to how they help our customers."
"If they aren't solving the very-real problems today's standing workers are facing, it doesn't matter what we say," adds Russell. "So, it's encouraging to know our mats are providing that support and protection."
Woodward, Inc. replaced pieced-together mats with a single custom AcroMat mat that fits the work area to the inch. Designed with AcroSketch, the custom mat has ensured seamless traction and support while eliminating several trip hazards and ergonomic injury risks.
2. The Value of Custom
During the episode, Russell emphasized that even the best anti-fatigue mats in the world are "worthless" if they aren't the correct shape and size for the work area.
"The problem is, most anti-fatigue mats fail at these basic goals because they are the wrong shape and size," says Russell. "If your mat is too small or the wrong shape, you’re constantly stepping on and off the mat, standing half on-half off, and missing out on the protections it's supposed to offer. Worse, this can create unnecessary trip hazards."
In response, AcroMat pioneered a proprietary online design tool called AcroSketch. The only tool of its kind, AcroSketch gives users the ability to design their mats to any shape and size in minutes – ensure users can get exactly the mats they need and making custom matting as easy as buying off the shelf.
The only tool of its kind, AcroSketch gives users the ability to design their mats to any shape and size, add custom features, and even add custom safety messaging and logos.
"AcroSketch is tremendous," says Early-Ray. "And my understanding is that you are the architect behind the tool, is that right?"
"Yes, well, the credit goes to the developers who helped bring my vision to life, but that's exactly what we set out to do with AcroSketch," says Russell. "Putting the power into the hands of the end user has always interested me, always fascinated me. We want our customers to be able to get exactly what they need to fit their work areas perfectly."
"And what really sets your custom mats apart is the one-piece design; no piecing individual mats together," says Earl-Ray. "This eliminates trip hazards and creates a safer workplace. How did you approach designing your mats in this way, or what was the impetus?"
"I've seen so many times where a safety leader will show me, 'This is where somebody tripped, or this is where somebody had an accident,'" says Russell. "All because they were piecing together hand-cut roll mats or overlapping individual mats. In some cases, we've seen these result in pretty significant injuries that are harmful to the individual and the company."
This workspace previously had a mat that was too small, leading the operator to constantly shift on/off the mat. This trip hazard led to a broken wrist. In response, the facility outfitted their workspaces with custom AcroMat mats designed to fit.
"Let's face it, workplaces are complex, especially with all the Lean initiatives going on today," continues Russell. "When designing their workspace, nobody starts with the anti-fatigue mat in mind. The mat is the last consideration, and so it should be."
"Our approach is to make sure you can design whatever workplace is going to give you the maximum efficiency, productivity and safety, then from here you can easily design and seamlessly fit a custom mat within that design without disrupting it," says Russell. "For us, it starts with this promise; that custom is standard."
This complex workspace integrated a 1,200 sq. ft. custom AcroMat anti-fatigue mat after the workplace design was completed, seamlessly fitting the mat into the design rather than trying to force standard shapes and sizes.
3. The Future of the Industry
"AcroMat is on the move, onward and upward," says Earl-Ray. "But I want to look beyond AcroMat's successes. What would you like your personal legacy to be in the anti-fatigue mat space? What do you want people to look back and say, 'That was our contribution'?"
"For me, it's not about personal legacy but rather AcroMat's legacy," says Russell. "It's absolutely true that this business wouldn't be anywhere near where we are today if it wasn't for the excellent men and women I've had the privilege of working alongside. It truly is a team effort, and our team here is striving every day to make a difference to workplace safety."
Russell Herbert on-site consulting with Daikin Applied, a leading manufacturer of HVAC system throughout North America.
"So, my goal is for AcroMat to be a leaders in the anti-fatigue mat space, and also to be a trusted resource that safety leaders from whatever industry can rely on regardless of the challenges they are facing," concludes Russell. "If we're able to continue doing that, that's success in my book."
"It's amazing to see something that was born inside your mind come out into a space that is now truly helping people," says Earl-Ray. "You should really be proud of your accomplishments. Keep up the great work."
About Ergonauts:
Ergonauts helps people and organizations integrate good ergonomics into their everyday lives and cultures through technology, education, and consulting.
Ergonauts’ warp-speed ErgoAlgo™ technology allows users to quickly and accurately evaluate workstations and recommend countermeasures to abate ergonomics risk factors so people can work safely and efficiently.
The company’s Certified Office Ergonautic Evaluators are specially trained to use their proprietary technology to conduct onsite ergonomic evaluations.
The company’s education and consulting work helps people and organizations understand and integrate good ergonomics into their everyday lives and company cultures.
About AcroMat:
In 2005 AcroMat was founded to solve a widespread problem: conventional anti-fatigue mat materials were breaking down quickly and rigid standard sizes weren't fitting complex layouts—leading to trip hazards, discomfort, and drained safety budgets. Today, we make anti-fatigue mats for the world's foremost brands; mats that prevent safety risks, enhance comfort, and last longer—all right here in Minnesota.
With AcroMat, you have the ability to customize your anti-fatigue mats to any shape and size, and access to the world's largest library of readily available standard sizes—putting the power in your hands to get exactly what you need, when and where you need it.
With over 90% of standing workers feeling more valued when premium mats are in place, investing in AcroMat isn’t just about better mats—it’s about building a better workplace.
Media Contact:
Rich Ward
Director of Marketing
651-350-4298
