Ted Shearer, CDT, TRS Dental Technologies
Pleasant Hill, CA
Age: 56
Years in industry: 35
Lab opened: 1991; moved into home in 2010
Two years ago, when his long-time landlord retired, the building that housed Ted Shearer, CDT's lab came under the management of her son and negotiations on his lease quickly turned sour. "Since we are 'empty nesters,' my wife suggested I move the lab to the house," says Shearer, Owner of TRS Dental Technologies, Pleasant Hill, CA.
Using a spare bedroom for waxing, metal finishing and porcelain work -- and keeping the "dirty" tasks like sandblasting and plaster in the garage -- he saves more than $1,000 a month in rent. "The downside is that I miss all of my friends and neighbors who I would see when the lab was downtown. But I'm very happy I made the move."
Be sure to check out the profiles below of 9 other home-based laboratories whose owners are proud of their businesses and eager to show off their facilities.
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Rural Location, High-Tech Operation
Home-Based Owner Has Built-In 'Staff'
Second Career Offers New Lease On Life
Capture Dental Arts: Combining the Challenges of Motherhood and Entrepreneurship
