When you’re a fitness champ and you develop back and knee problems from your intense workouts, avoiding the gym is simply not an option. That’s why Steve Nichols decided to develop a machine that would provide the same outcome without the wear and tear on his body. The result is Jacobs Ladder – a combination treadmill/ladder climbing monster that is so tough, it’s been used and verified by the Navy Seals, Army Rangers, FBI and many more to keep them all in top condition.

As a former construction worker, Steve was used to climbing ladders and knew the kind of workout it gave him every day. But it wasn’t until Bob Palka came along in 2004 that Steve’s idea literally climbed to the next level. As a former Penn State All-American, Palka has always been big on keeping in shape. But then Bob suffered two herniated discs and used the Jacobs Ladder to rehab his back without surgery. His experience convinced him there was a huge market for the product – so he decided to buy the company from Steve. With 19 years of business experience, Bob also knew how to take Steve’s idea and really blow it out.

Bob’s philosophy on business is simple, “Create value for customers and do it better than anyone else.” And that’s exactly what he’s done since taking the company over.