Fleet Management News & Business Info | Commercial Carrier Journal
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/378850
M ark A. Cleveland is CEO and co-founder of Elicit Brands, LLC, a company that produces Swiftwick brand athletic compression socks. Cleveland is known throughout the trucking industry as an entrepreneur with a successful track record in innovation and the pursuit of cutting edge technology. Cleveland's trucking experience began in 1989 and brought him to work with several transportation businesses such as Jubitz Corporation, Park 'N View, TripPak Services and Sea Bridge Freight. When Cleveland fi rst encountered the Swiftwick brand in 2007, the company focused solely on custom socks. He acquired the brand and led the team toward conquering the competitive performance sock market. Swiftwick has rapidly become the compression sock of choice from everyone from PGA tour professionals, Olympians, NHL hockey players and weekend warriors alike. At the close of 2013, Swiftwick was the leading sock with independent bike dealers and a top selling brand at running specialty retailers. Because of his affi nity for and previous leadership roles in the trucking industry, it's no wonder his current mission is dedicated to bringing the healing properties of compression socks to American truckers. "I'm thrilled to return to my roots in transportation. Using proven technologies that promotes high performance in health and athletics, I wanted to create a product that can contribute and impact drivers' health in the trucking industry. It was a natural progression to make the leap from serving athletes to serving transportation professionals because our socks are meant to provide everyone with comfortable feet," says Cleveland. His concern for the health and well being of truckers is shared by trucking company owners who are aware of the challenges of life behind the wheel of a truck. Because of the sedentary nature of trucking, drivers are at a higher risk than the general populations for serious health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). That's why he's excited about the opportunity to offer a medical Class II compression sock designed for travel comfort at an incredibly affordable price. This sock is medically benefi cial for tired and aching legs, leg discomfort, mild to moderate swelling, poor circulation and mild varicose veins. Benefi ts also include helping prevent edema and DVT for long-haul truckers traveling great distances with few breaks. Q: Why should drivers wear compression socks? A: The fact is that sitting can kill you. Studies strongly suggest that sit- ting for more than three hours at a time contributes to poor health and puts the trucker at a much higher risk for both cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke as well as metabolic syndromes, a cluster of conditions that includes increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist and abnormal cholesterol levels. A sedentary lifestyle along with an unhealthy diet, limited routine freedom of movement or purposeful exercise and limited access to reg- ular health care contributes to the increased health risks drivers face. Q: How can Swiftwick HEALTH+ Compression socks help drivers' health? A: Swiftwick Medical Class II compression socks increase blood fl ow and circulation from the lower limbs, helping prevent complications like deep vein thrombosis and edema. Compression therapy is an important treatment in recovery and general healthcare. It helps with mild to moderate swelling. This compression sock is comfortable, makes you feel better and it's a tool for travel safety. Q: How does the compression sock work? A: The Medical Class II HEALTH+ sock line is the fi rst graduated compression sock specifi cally designed to meet the demands of transportation professionals introduced at an affordable price. It provides compression from the ankle to below the knee, improv- ing blood flow in the lower leg and protecting against discom- fort. The plush foot bed adds to Swiftwick's careful attention to antimicrobial and moisture-wicking capabilities. The sock is a valuable tool in the fight against ailments caused by constant long-distance traveling. Q: How can fl eet owners encourage healthy habits among their drivers? A: Focus on rewarding drivers for improvements in their diet and fi tness levels, not just cost per mile and other long standing metrics. Provide truckers with education about the health risks they face and how to take proactive steps toward wellness. Encourage them to know the warning signs and symptoms of deep vein thrombosis and how to prevent a serious blood clot from forming. Q: Where can truck drivers purchase this product? A: We realize how little free time truckers enjoy, so that's why we're stocking truck and travel centers nationwide with the Swiftwick HEALTH+ Compression socks. About Swiftwick: Founded in January 2008, Swiftwick is headquartered in Brentwood, Tenn. The company is a performance sock manufacturer that proudly employs an American workforce in high-quality textile manufacturing. Swiftwick is an innovator in designing and producing superior socks and has a culture focused on manufacturing through environmentally friendly means, social responsibility and leading customer service. Sponsored information by Swiftwick