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Clyde and Jamie Leach took inspiration from a near-tragedy and turned it into a profitable business venture. On a dinner outing in 1988 with their then six-month-old son Alex, the Leaches found out how quickly an active baby can climb out of an ill-equipped and unrestrained highchair. A tragic fall was averted by quick reflexes, but Jamie decided that a proactive approach to the safety of their son was in order. With no sewing experience, Jamie quoted a favorite bible scripture, James 1:5, and asked God for inspiration. Having no sewing articles on hand, she improvised by using an old kitchen dish cloth and dental floss for thread and created what is now known as the Original Wiggle Wrap. She took her prototype to a seamstress friend for a finished version of her creation and the rest, as they say, is history. Inundated with requests from curious moms for Wiggle Wraps while on outings with infant Alex, Clyde recognized the potential value of their new invention. The Leaches decided to patent their idea and formed Leachco in May of 1988. The utility patent for the Wiggle Wrap was granted one year later. Since then, Leachco has grown to include a product line of nearly one hundred infant and toddler products, as well as comfort items for expectant moms. The majority of products are original designs, with many being patented. The products emphasize safety and comfort for infants and children, while focusing on practicality and convenience for parents. Jamie is quoted as saying: "Our goal is to provide parents with innovative products that focus on the safety and well-being of their children, while adding convenience to parents' busy lifestyles." Jamie has presented select Leachco products twice on 'QVC.' Many national publications, such as American Baby, Parents, Fit Pregnancy, Pregnancy, Redbook, Good Housekeeping, Woman's World, and other specialty magazines have featured many of their unique products as well. The company has expanded over the years and now includes feeding and bedding items for pets, as well as products that provide comfort and support to people with long and short-term medical conditions, placing a special emphasis on items for the aging population. The most recent expansion includes two rapidly growing niche brands, OrganicSmart™ comfort items utilizing 100% organic cotton fabric, and PreemieSmart™ with specialty items designed to meet the unique needs of premature infants. The strongest area of the business, however, continues to be Leachco's line of comfort and support products for moms-to-be. Many off-shore manufacturers have tried to lure Leachco to allow them to produce their products. Nevertheless, Leachco brand products remain "Proudly made in the U.S.A.," as Clyde would say. Keeping a close eye on their innovative creations and maintaining a hands-on managing style have been key factors in pleasing customers from all sectors with strict quality assurance demands. With a fresh perspective and dedication to keeping their products "Made in the U.S.A" and the company a close-knit family business, Leachco expects 2008 to be their best year yet. |