What ProKnee does

ProKnee Corp is a privately held US manufacturer, founded in 1989 and headquartered in Whitefield, Maine, that designs and produces professional-grade ergonomic kneepads and specialty installation tools for the floor covering, industrial roofing, and general construction trades. Its product platform centers on four kneepad generations — the Original (1989-2007, now discontinued), Model 07 (2007-2014), Model 0714 Standard and 0714E Wide (2014-present), and the AP16 All Purpose (2016-present) — built around a patented shin-support weight-redistribution system that shifts load from the knee joint to the midpoint of the shins, replaceable cellular urethane cushion inserts (5/8" and 1" thicknesses), and the patented SmartLock Plus quick-release buckle. The technical moat is reinforced by seven US patents, two Canadian patents, and one European patent covering the buckle, weight-distribution architecture, and design features.

The company monetizes through one-time kneepad hardware sales, a recurring replacement-parts and model-specific rebuild-kit aftermarket (cushion inserts, TPU boots, tucked-in liners, silicone straps, Strap Grippers, buckles), factory rebuild services with 3-6 business-day turnaround, and complementary tools such as the Treadman stair-tread measuring device and GoofProof templates, plus accessories like the ProPouch and OSCC. Go-to-market is multi-channel: direct via proknee.com and the ProKnee Loyalty Program, through featured online stores (Master Wholesale, Shag Tools, Tools4Flooring shipping internationally to 75+ countries, Tile This), a US regional distributor network accessed via an interactive map, Grab N Go pickup locations, and RX/prescription distributors (Eaze Medical Solutions in Utah, Allied OP Inc in New Jersey) that target medical-insurance-covered buyers. Marketing relies on the Mr.ProKnee YouTube channel, Instagram user-generated content (#KneelingWithProKnee), customer reviews, and trade-association sponsorships (FITA apprentice competition, NTCA membership). The firm is family-run, led by Lee E. Richards as President, Product Development Head, and Senior Design Engineer, with a headcount band of 11-50 employees and no disclosed external funding, parent company, or subsidiary structure.

Name

ProKnee

Legal name

ProKnee Corp

Website

https://proknee.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1989

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

ProKnee Corp is a privately held, US-based (Whitefield, Maine) manufacturer founded in 1989 that designs and sells patented, rebuildable professional-grade kneepads and specialty tools for floor-covering installers, roofers, and construction tradespeople. Revenue comes from kneepad hardware, a recurring replacement-parts and factory-rebuild aftermarket, and installation tools, distributed via direct, online, distributor, and RX/medical channels to 75+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Occupational Safety Equipment

NAICS

Power-Driven Handtool Manufacturing (333991)

SIC

Cutlery, Handtools & General Hardware (3420)

akta.pro primary industry

Tools & Tool Accessories Retail (Hand, Power, Pneumatic) (CRAIADAB)

Keywords

• Professional kneepads
• Ergonomic knee protection
• Floor covering tools
• Construction safety equipment
• Kneepad replacement parts

Headquarters

HQ city

Whitefield

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Kneepad Hardware Sales: One-time sale of professional knee pad products including Original, Model 07, 0714/0714E, and AP16 models. Products sold through distributors and online stores with varying completeness (full kneepads vs replacement parts).
2. Replacement Parts & Rebuild Kits: Recurring revenue from consumable replacement parts including cushion inserts (5/8 and 1 inch), rubber boots/TPU boots, liners, straps, buckles, and complete rebuild kits. Designed for rebuildability to maximize product lifespan.
3. Factory Rebuild Services: Professional services where customers send worn kneepads to factory for complete rebuild. Offered for all models including legacy Original model (converted to Model 07 specs).
4. Tools & Accessories: Specialty tools including Treadman (stair tread measurement tool) and GoofProof product line. Accessories include ProPouch and OSCC (On Scene Cord Cover).

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels9 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

ProKnee designs, manufactures, and sells professional-grade ergonomic kneepads and installation tools for the floor covering, industrial roofing, and construction trades. Its core offering includes custom-fit and one-size kneepads with patented shin-support weight redistribution and SmartLock Plus quick-release buckles, supported by a full ecosystem of model-specific replacement parts and complete rebuild kits. The company also sells complementary tools (Treadman stair tread tool, GoofProof templates), accessories (ProPouch, OSCC), and a factory rebuild service.

Product overview

ProKnee is a professional-grade ergonomic kneepad and tools company serving the floor covering, construction, and industrial roofing industries. The product portfolio centers on custom-fit and one-size kneepads (Original, Model 07, Model 0714 Standard, Model 0714E Wide, AP16 All Purpose) with patented SmartLock Plus buckle technology and shin support systems. The offering extends to professional installation tools (Treadman, GoofProof), accessories (ProPouch, OSCC), and a comprehensive replacement parts ecosystem including model-specific rebuild kits, cushion inserts (5/8" and 1" thicknesses), rubber/TPU boots, liners, straps, and buckles. ProKnee also provides distribution services including a Grab N Go program and a customer loyalty program.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Treadman: Stair tread measurement and installation tool for flooring professionals.
• GoofProof
• SmartLock Plus
• ProPouch
• OSCC

Products and services

• ProKnee Kneepads (Core Product Line) Professional-grade ergonomic kneepads designed for floor covering, construction, and industrial roofing trades. Line spans Original (1989-2007), Model 07 (2007-2014), Model 0714 Standard (2014-present), Model 0714E Wide (2014-present), and AP16 All Purpose (2016-present) with custom fit sizing and patented shin support technology.
• AP16 All Purpose Kneepads Compact one-size-fits-all kneepad using Model 0714 features with radius frame perimeter ribbing, adjustable strap placement, TPU boots, and SmartLock Plus buckles.
• Model 0714 Standard Custom Fit Kneepads Current-generation custom fit kneepad with ribbed frame design, SmartLock Plus quick release buckles, tucked-in liners, and multiple sizes.
• Model 0714E Wide Custom Fit Kneepads Wide-frame variant of Model 0714 with 7-inch knee seat width featuring SmartLock Plus buckles and tucked-in liners for users requiring a broader fit.
• ProKnee Factory Rebuild Service Professional factory rebuild service where customers ship worn kneepads to the Whitefield, Maine production facility at 116 Augusta Rd for complete rebuild with new consumable parts. Available for all models, including legacy Original model converted to Model 07 specifications.
• Treadman Stair Tread Measurement Tool Measuring tool for stair tread installation marketed to flooring professionals.
• GoofProof Template System Template tool for floor covering installation.
• ProKnee Replacement Parts and Rebuild Kits Comprehensive replacement parts and complete rebuild kits for all ProKnee kneepad models, including SmartLock Plus buckles, universal silicone straps, strap grippers, cellular urethane cushion inserts (5/8 and 1 inch), TPU and rubber boots, tucked-in liners, and model-specific complete rebuild kits.
• ProPouch and OSCC Accessories ProPouch accessory pouch for storing and organizing ProKnee parts and tools, plus OSCC (On Scene Cord Cover) accessory product.

Quantifiable outcome

• Weight redistribution moves center of balance from knee joints to midpoint of shins
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNTCA membership affiliation displayed on website footer. Trade association for tile contractors providing industry networking and credibility association for ProKnee in the tile/flooring trades.
• FITA (Flooring Industry Training Apprenticeship)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProud Sponsor of FITA Flooring Training Apprentice of the Year Competition. Supports training and professional development in flooring trades.
• Tools4FlooringcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFeatured online store partner that carries ProKnee's complete product line and provides international shipping to 75+ countries from USA. Primary e-commerce channel partner for global reach.
• Master WholesalecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFeatured online store partner carrying complete ProKnee product line.
• Shag ToolscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFeatured online store partner carrying complete ProKnee product line.
• Tile ThisminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOnline tile specialty retailer featuring ProKnee products.
• Panel Town, Contractors Direct, Floor Tool Store, IFS Supply, Skip's Custom Flooring, Huey's EpoxyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional distributor network carrying ProKnee products. Available through company's interactive distribution map.
• Eaze Medical SolutionsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRX/Takes Prescriptions distributor partner in Utah for customers who may have medical insurance coverage for ergonomic equipment. Address: 4548 South Atherton Dr, Suite 240, Taylorsville, UT 84123.
• Allied OP IncminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRX/Takes Prescriptions distributor partner in New Jersey for customers who may have medical insurance coverage for ergonomic equipment. Address: 9 Hospital Drive, Toms River, NJ 08755. Phone: 732-341-9191.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Ergodyne (Tenacious Holdings): Ergodyne manufactures professional knee pads and a wide range of PPE/work gear for tradespeople, including the ProFlex kneepad line. Directly comparable to ProKnee in target customer (trades and construction) and product category (professional knee protection), but with a broader PPE portfolio across gloves, supports, and ergonomics.
• ToughBuilt Industries: ToughBuilt designs and sells knee pads, tool pouches, and jobsite accessories aimed at professional trades. Comparable to ProKnee on the kneepad and accessories side, targeting similar flooring/construction professionals but with a heavier tilt toward tool storage and soft goods.
• Custom LeatherCraft (CLC): CLC produces professional knee pads, tool belts, and work gear for tradespeople. Comparable in selling specialized kneepads and accessories to flooring, framing, and construction professionals, overlapping with ProKnee's core customer segments.
• NoCry: NoCry sells professional and DIY kneepads targeted at construction, flooring, and gardening users. Comparable to ProKnee as a kneepad specialist but skewed toward mass-market e-commerce channels and lower price points rather than the professional-rebuild model.

Broad incumbents

• Recoil Knee Pads / JSP Ltd: JSP is a global PPE manufacturer whose Recoil and other kneepad lines serve construction and industrial trades. Comparable to ProKnee in knee-protection category, but operating at much larger scale across broader PPE categories (head, eye, respiratory protection).
• Honeywell Safety Products: Honeywell offers a broad portfolio of occupational safety equipment including knee and joint protection for industrial workers. Comparable to ProKnee as a knee-protection supplier to industrial/trade customers, but within a much larger diversified PPE portfolio.
• 3M Safety: 3M's Personal Safety Division sells a wide range of occupational PPE including protective knee pads and joint supports. Comparable to ProKnee as a competitor in professional knee protection, but operating at vastly larger scale with much broader product lines.
• Stanley Black & Decker: Stanley Black & Decker sells kneepads, knee protection, and jobsite accessories under brands like Stanley, DeWalt, and Craftsman. Comparable to ProKnee in distributing professional kneepads through hardware and flooring channels, but as part of an enormous global tools/PPE portfolio.

Others

• Klein Tools: Klein Tools is a leading manufacturer of professional hand tools and accessories for electricians and trades. Comparable to ProKnee via its trade-professional distribution footprint and complementary product portfolio (kneepads, tool belts, jobsite accessories), though Klein's core focus is hand tools rather than knee protection.

Emerging players

• OccuNomix: OccuNomix makes knee pads, ergonomic supports, and work apparel for industrial and construction workers. Comparable to ProKnee in targeting trade professionals with knee/joint protection, but with a broader safety-apparel focus and less specialization in professional flooring kneepads.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/MrProKnee
• Facebookfacebook.com/Proknee.Treadman
• Instagraminstagram.com/proknee
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/prokneecorp

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about ProKnee