We spoke with some of the incredible creatives and managers to get a behind-the-scenes look at LabX
For
thirty years, LabX has provided a marketplace that brings buyers and sellers of
laboratory equipment together. Since its founding, LabX has grown to be more
than just a marketplace; it is now an invaluable tool that gives researchers
access to informative content as well as equipment manufacturers and sellers.
As we celebrate LabX’s 30th anniversary, we sat down with Jesse Brito
(eCommerce product manager), Ken Piech
(executive vice president), Gillian Morin (sales manager), Melissa
Barr (team lead, sales operations), and Damon Anderson (technology editor) to get a
behind-the-scenes look at how LabX is run and what makes working here
fulfilling.
What was LabX
Like at its inception?
Piech: I
joined Bob a few months after he began work on the original website in 1995.
LabX started as an equipment exchange and classified page for used lab
equipment. Back in those days, it was fun to watch the website grow, we'd get
four, maybe five, classified ads posted per week, and every now and then, it
would jump to 20—success! We were self-taught web, database, and graphics
developers who loved to build online content. The coolest thing we built was
the live auction platform, which would have been cutting-edge technology at the
time. We’ve prided ourselves on making the user experience best in class, and
that sentiment still carries on today.
Over time,
LabX evolved from being a used lab equipment classified and auction portal to a
vibrant marketplace for people to buy all types of new and used instruments and
supplies.
Who manages
LabX’s digital marketplace?
Brito: I’m
responsible for managing the overall strategy & roadmap of the LabX
marketplace, ensuring that we’re constantly delivering value to our audience of
buyers and sellers. Working on a living, breathing marketplace like LabX is
always so exciting, and I’m fortunate to be able to connect with so many
incredible clients and buyers who use our platform every day. We’re also very
lucky to have such a talented team.
What makes
the marketplace unique, and what challenges have you had to overcome?
Brito: LabX
is easily one of the largest marketplaces for buying and selling laboratory
products, and for that reason, we have fostered an excellent roster of
trustworthy sellers spanning the entire market. From individuals to equipment
manufacturers and full-fledged resellers, LabX has it all, and that industry
focus has empowered us to provide the best selling experience possible.
The
COVID-19 pandemic brought with it some major challenges for us, including some
pretty big swings in the dynamics of the marketplace. Since then, LabX has
received some major technical and feature-set upgrades. Those have brought with
them some notable jumps in the activity of buyers and performance for many
sellers, but we’re just getting started.
How has
LabX grown beyond being exclusively a marketplace, and what value does this
bring?
Anderson: It’s
an exciting time for the evolution of LabX. As a team, we are adept at
identifying new technologies and leveraging approaches to enhance the
audience’s experience. Now more than ever, we can deliver product insight to
the right people at the right time.
On the
editorial front, I contribute original articles and editing services to LabX
and the other LabX Media Group brands. As a former laboratory scientist, I was
once at the receiving end of product information and marketing content. I know
how challenging it can be to locate resources that are both trusted and
valuable in the search for the right products and services for my needs. I
enjoy helping our audience in their quest to advance science. I guess that’s
just the scientist in me wanting to contribute to the greater good.
How do
sellers and advertisers benefit from working with LabX?
Morin: We
have the best partnerships with our customers, and I love that our
entire internal village all works so hard to ensure those customers have the utmost
success on LabX. Whether you’re selling or advertising, the LabX marketplace
harnesses a unique and highly valuable audience of budgeted decision-makers
responsible for lab purchases. Listing and promoting your products and
offerings on LabX ensures you are seen by the right audience at the right time,
optimizing conversation rates and sales closure.
Who coordinates
the incoming requests and programs from clients and advertisers for LabX?
Barr: I
manage the Client Services team, ensuring seamless communication and execution
of client programs. I serve as the primary point of contact for real-time
client inquiries, providing prompt and effective solutions. Additionally, I
oversee the fulfillment of our programs from start to finish—this includes
triaging incoming orders, scheduling line items, coordinating content requests,
and delivering performance metrics on completed campaigns. My role is centered
on maintaining efficiency, optimizing workflows, and ensuring our clients
receive the best possible experience with LabX.
At LabX, we have the privilege of working with amazing
customers, from all over the world who are passionate about what they do, and
it’s always rewarding to see how our solutions help them achieve their selling
or buying goals.
What’s in
store for the future?
Piech:
We’re excited to see the LabX marketplace grow, not only with expanded
inventories of new and used laboratory instruments, but also with an increasing
focus on consumables, supplies, and all the essential products that keep labs
running efficiently. As the industry evolves, so does our commitment to
enhancing connections between buyers and the products they rely on.
Don't miss your chance to explore the full LabX 30th Anniversary showcase. Also join our sister brand, Lab Manager, as they celebrate their 20th anniversary.
Piech: I
joined Bob a few months after he began work on the original website in 1995.
LabX started as an equipment exchange and classified page for used lab
equipment. Back in those days, it was fun to watch the website grow, we'd get
four, maybe five, classified ads posted per week, and every now and then, it
would jump to 20—success! We were self-taught web, database, and graphics
developers who loved to build online content. The coolest thing we built was
the live auction platform, which would have been cutting-edge technology at the
time. We’ve prided ourselves on making the user experience best in class, and
that sentiment still carries on today.
Brito: I’m
responsible for managing the overall strategy & roadmap of the LabX
marketplace, ensuring that we’re constantly delivering value to our audience of
buyers and sellers. Working on a living, breathing marketplace like LabX is
always so exciting, and I’m fortunate to be able to connect with so many
incredible clients and buyers who use our platform every day. We’re also very
lucky to have such a talented team.
Anderson: It’s
an exciting time for the evolution of LabX. As a team, we are adept at
identifying new technologies and leveraging approaches to enhance the
audience’s experience. Now more than ever, we can deliver product insight to
the right people at the right time.
Barr: I
manage the Client Services team, ensuring seamless communication and execution
of client programs. I serve as the primary point of contact for real-time
client inquiries, providing prompt and effective solutions. Additionally, I
oversee the fulfillment of our programs from start to finish—this includes
triaging incoming orders, scheduling line items, coordinating content requests,
and delivering performance metrics on completed campaigns. My role is centered
on maintaining efficiency, optimizing workflows, and ensuring our clients
receive the best possible experience with LabX.
