In December 1948, Monte Greenawalt, DC, opened his chiropractic practice in the basement of a bank building. From that modest beginning, Dr. Greenawalt has forged his mark on the profession as the founder/chairman of Foot Levelers, Inc., and as an inventor, philanthropist, speaker and author.
A native of Dubuque, Iowa, Dr. Greenawalt attended the University of Dubuque and Loras College before his induction into the military during World War II. The young man's life then nearly took a tragicturn. He had an adverse reaction to a series of inoculations. He was left paralyzed. With the assistance of a chiropractor, Monte regained control of his body and the ability to walk again.
That traumatic and healing experience led Monte Greenawalt to study chiropractic. He enroll at Lincoln Chiropractic College in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Early on in Dr. Greenawalt's practice, he was perplexed how the adjustment did not always "hold" for some patients. He began to investigate the phenomenon. His research convinced him that a major factor was the distortion of the biokinetic chain caused by leg-length discrepancies. To alleviate the problem, Dr. Greenawalt developed custom-made, flexible foot supports. He called them "spinal/pelvic stabilizers." Interest in Dr. Greenawalt's orthotics quickly rose. In 1952, Foot Levelers, Inc. was born.
The company's success is a testimony to the hard work and innovation of Dr. Greenawalt and his son, Kent, who now manages the day-to-day operations of the company.
The Greenawalts and Foot Levelers have always been committed to the success of the profession. They have a philosophy of giving back to the profession. The company has donated more than $3.5 million. The recipients of their philanthropy have been chiropractic colleges, state and national associations, chiropractic research and the Alliance for Chiropractic Progress.
