Today we’d like to introduce you to Joannie Lee.
Hi Joannie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
The Ergo Expert was born from my years providing corporate chair massage throughout San Diego.
As I walked through office after office on my way to the designated massage room, I couldn’t help but notice a pattern. Employees were spending hours hunched over their desks with poor posture, awkward workstation setups, and obvious signs of physical strain. Then, as they sat down for their massage, they would tell me about the neck pain, shoulder tension, headaches, and lower back discomfort they were experiencing.
It became clear that the massage was treating the symptoms—but their workstations were often the source of the problem.
I started offering simple posture tips and ergonomic adjustments that employees could make at their desks. One day, a manager asked me, “Are you an ergonomist?” I smiled and said, “Not yet.”
That conversation inspired me to earn my OSHA Ergonomic Assessment Certification and create a bigger vision: helping people prevent pain before it starts by improving the way they work.
Today, The Ergo Expert combines over 20 years of hands-on bodywork experience with ergonomic education to help individuals and organizations create healthier, more comfortable workspaces. There is nothing more rewarding than returning to a workplace a few weeks later and hearing employees say they’re experiencing less pain, fewer headaches, and greater comfort throughout the workday.
For me, that’s what The Ergo Expert is all about—making small changes that create a lasting impact on people’s health, productivity, and quality of life.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Building The Ergo Expert hasn’t always been a smooth road. I knew I wanted to help people prevent pain through better ergonomics, but figuring out exactly how to reach them took time.
One of the biggest turning points was creating my Ergo 101 program. I realized that not everyone needed a full ergonomic assessment—they simply needed practical, easy-to-understand guidance they could implement right away. That idea eventually evolved into my Ergo Essentials Kit, a virtual program that teaches people how to improve their workstation and posture in less than 20 minutes.
As I continued to grow the business, I also discovered who my ideal clients were. The truth is, almost everyone uses a computer today, whether they’re working in an office, from home, or in a hybrid environment. That means almost everyone can benefit from learning how to create a healthier workspace.
I intentionally designed the Ergo Essentials Kit to be affordable and accessible so more people could take control of their health without a significant investment. At the same time, I continued working with corporations by providing ergonomic education and group workshops that help employees improve their workstations, whether they’re in the office or working remotely.
The Ergo Essentials Kit really came to life during the COVID pandemic, when so many people suddenly found themselves working from makeshift home offices. It allowed me to continue educating and supporting people during a challenging time, and the feedback has been incredibly rewarding. Seeing people experience less pain, better posture, and more comfort throughout their workday reminds me why I started The Ergo Expert in the first place.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Ergo Expert?
What inspired me to create The Ergo Expert was realizing that most people don’t think about their workstation until they’re already in pain. They don’t necessarily know that the way they’re sitting, the position of their monitor, or even where they place their keyboard can have a huge impact on how their body feels at the end of the day.
That’s where I come in. My specialty is teaching people how to properly set up and use their own workspace to help prevent pain—or significantly reduce the aches and discomfort they’re already experiencing. I make ergonomics simple, practical, and easy to understand. I don’t believe it has to be complicated or filled with technical jargon.
I think what sets me apart is my background as a massage therapist. After more than 20 years of working with the body, I understand how poor posture and repetitive movements affect muscles, joints, and overall function. I can explain not only *what* needs to change, but *why* those changes make such a difference. I also love recommending simple, affordable products that can make someone’s workspace more comfortable and supportive.
I’m especially proud of creating the **Ergo Essentials Kit**. It’s a self-paced program that people can complete in less than 20 minutes, giving them practical tools to improve their workspace whenever it’s convenient for them. For those who need more individualized support—especially people dealing with chronic pain—I also offer one-on-one ergonomic assessments tailored to their specific needs.
At the end of the day, what brings me the most joy is seeing someone realize they don’t have to live with daily pain. Helping people feel better in their bodies, become more productive, and enjoy their workday again is exactly why I created The Ergo Expert.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I met a woman at a networking event. It first started as a “help me with my Linkedin profile” to having her sit with me as I created Ergo 101. Having her ask me the questions and sit with me was very helpful and motivating. As this business grows, I’ve surrounded myself with other business owners who are my main cheerleaders in business and in life. The support from my firends and family are monumental to help reach my goals.
Pricing:
- The Ergo Essentials Kit $27
- Personal Ergo Assessments
- Basic: $125
- Standard $195
- Premium $350
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theergoexpert.com
- Instagram: @theergoexpert
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theergoexpert
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannie-lee/
