A Look Inside Ten Home-Based Laboratories: 'I've Really Got It Made'

By LMT Communications, Inc.

Posted Jun 13, 2012 in Labs & Profiles

For Michael and Bonnie LaRocque, having a home-based business is a way to simplify their lives and allow them to work to live instead of live to work.

Mike LaRocque, LaRocque Dental Lab LLC, Rixeyville, VA


Age: 63


Years in industry: 37 years


Lab opened: 1989


"One of the biggest misconceptions about home-based labs is that we are discount, dirty, dingy operations that are only interested in cutting corners," says Mike LaRocque, Owner of LaRocque Dental Lab LLC in Rixeyville, VA. A technician for over 30 years, LaRocque started his 750-sq-ft lab in the basement of his home in 1989 and it's no dark, dreary cellar--the spacious, well-lit lab is the perfect size for giving his clients local, personalized service.


In a recent article, LaRocque's local newspaper, the Culpeper Star-Exponent, featured the small laboratory and LaRocque's long career, from the military through working with larger laboratories in Northern Virginia. After owning a five-person lab outside his home for several years, he decided a smaller operation would better fit his style of business. "Half of my time...

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About The Author

  • LMT Communications, Inc.

    LMT Communications delivers the business strategies, information, dental laboratory news and education that dental laboratory decision-makers need to succeed. In Print. In Person. Online.

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