What's In a Name?
LabHandler.com started as a dream—an idea that stuck with me even before I had a clear vision for it. When I purchased the domain years ago, I didn’t yet know what it would become. What I did know was that the term LabHandler struck me as a fitting analogy to the work of a Quality Manager: not the star of the show, but instrumental in orchestrating success behind the scenes.
Over time, I realized that my philosophy on quality in testing laboratories was different. It emphasized attentiveness, independence, and coaching—qualities that I believed could offer value to others navigating the complex world of laboratory improvement.
LabHandler.com has since evolved into a reflection of that mission: crafting novel solutions to persistent problems in lab settings, driven by purpose and professional insight.
A Disclaimer
I’ve heard some feedback over the years about the site name:
“So you’re saying the people working at the bench are dogs?” —Anonymous Colleague
Absolutely not!
The name LabHandler does not imply I’m training pups or sniffing out nonconformances. It describes the nuanced, collaborative relationship between a quality manager and the lab they support—observant, responsive, and focused on readiness for whatever comes next.
The analogy that started it all
The idea first clicked after a high-profile audit in 2013, during a family Thanksgiving tradition: watching the National Dog Show. That day, they profiled a top contender and introduced the owner and the handler—two separate roles.
It hadn’t occurred to me until then: in competitive dog shows, it’s the handler—not the owner—who guides the dog in the ring. This professional handler is trusted to understand the animal, refine its strengths, and ensure it’s ready for judgment.
Much like in a lab, where quality managers don’t own the work but elevate its excellence.
Parallels in Practice
Handlers build strong bonds with the dogs they present. They know each nuance and commit to honest assessment. They guide training, grooming, and conditioning—always with the goal of presenting the very best.
Quality managers, similarly, cultivate their lab’s strengths, prepare for assessments, and present the organization’s readiness during audits and inspections. We don’t simply show up on “game day.” We work tirelessly in the background, fine-tuning systems, coaching staff, and solving problems long before the judges arrive.
The Big Show
On audit day—our own version of the “Big Show”—we jog alongside our labs. We make intentional moves to highlight what’s working and absorb feedback that helps us evolve.
We’re not the stars of the show, but we’re essential to it. Just as professional handlers shape champions, we shape confidence in systems, documentation, and performance.
Looking Ahead
With that realization, LabHandler.com found its purpose. This platform represents more than a metaphor—it’s my passion project. A place to share insights, stories, and strategies that spotlight the real work behind laboratory quality.
And I’m just getting started.