Our Comprehensive Portfolio of Equipment, Software, Systems, and Services Makes It Easy to Meet – or Exceed – Any Requirements: Gary Owens, CEO of Mesa Labs, Inc.

Mesa Labs, Inc. is a leading provider of critical quality control solutions designed to ensure safety and compliance in highly regulated industries, including life sciences, healthcare, and biopharmaceuticals. The company specializes in sterilization monitoring, clinical genomics, and bioprocessing technologies, delivering precision tools that support laboratories, medical facilities, and pharmaceutical manufacturers in maintaining rigorous standards. With a strong emphasis on innovation, operational efficiency, and customer-driven advancements, Mesa continuously refines its offerings to meet industry demands.

In Conversation with Gary Owens, President & CEO of Mesa Labs, Inc.

You have been with Mesa since 2017, starting as COO and then becoming CEO. What attracted you to Mesa Laboratories?

I was drawn to Mesa because of its strong commitment to quality and innovation in the life sciences sector. The company has built a solid reputation for delivering high-precision solutions that play a critical role in protecting public health and ensuring compliance with industry standards. What stood out to me was the dedication to not just maintaining but improving the reliability of sterilization control, clinical genomics, and biopharmaceutical development tools. The opportunity to work with a team that values continuous improvement and operational excellence was incredibly compelling. Additionally, Mesa's culture of accountability and problem-solving aligns well with my professional background and leadership approach.

Before joining Mesa, you held various positions at Danaher Corporation. How did your experience there prepare you for your role at Mesa?

My time at Danaher was instrumental in shaping my approach to business strategy, operational efficiency, and leadership. Danaher’s focus on continuous improvement through lean principles provided me with a deep understanding of how to optimize processes, eliminate inefficiencies, and drive innovation across multiple business segments. I had the privilege of leading teams in different capacities, from strategic development to general management, which gave me a well-rounded perspective on scaling businesses while maintaining quality and customer satisfaction. Those experiences have been invaluable at Mesa, where we focus on precision, regulatory compliance, and technological advancement. The ability to integrate operational rigor with a customer-centric mindset has been essential in shaping Mesa’s growth strategy and long-term vision.

Under your leadership, Mesa has embraced lean thinking. How has this approach impacted the company's operations and culture?

Implementing lean thinking has fundamentally changed how Mesa operates and how we approach problem-solving. It is not just about improving efficiency; it is about fostering a mindset where every team member takes ownership of making things better every day. We have streamlined processes, reduced waste, and improved product quality by empowering employees at all levels to identify areas for improvement. This approach has led to increased operational agility, which is crucial in an industry where precision and compliance are non-negotiable. Beyond the operational benefits, lean thinking has created a culture of collaboration and continuous learning. Employees feel more engaged because they see their contributions making a tangible impact on the company’s success. The ability to adapt, refine, and improve has become a core part of Mesa’s DNA, ensuring that we remain a strong and innovative player in the markets we serve.

Mesa operates in various sectors, including sterilization control, clinical genomics, and biopharmaceutical development. How do you ensure the company remains innovative across these diverse fields?

Staying ahead in multiple specialized fields requires a combination of strategic investment, cross-functional collaboration, and an unwavering focus on customer needs. We invest significantly in research and development to ensure that we are not only keeping pace with industry advancements but also setting new standards in precision and reliability. Our teams work closely with customers to understand their evolving challenges, allowing us to develop solutions that address real-world problems. Collaboration between our divisions is another critical factor. Insights gained in one area often inspire innovations in another, creating a synergy that enhances our overall capabilities. We also keep a close eye on emerging technologies and trends, ensuring that we integrate the latest advancements into our product development process. The goal is to be more than just a supplier of tools—we strive to be a trusted partner that contributes to the progress of life sciences, healthcare, and quality assurance.

Sustainability and corporate responsibility are integral to Mesa's operations. Can you share some initiatives the company has undertaken in this regard?

Sustainability is something we take very seriously at Mesa, and it influences the way we design our products, manage our operations, and interact with the communities we serve. We are continuously working on reducing our environmental footprint by optimizing manufacturing processes to minimize waste and energy consumption. Many of our facilities have adopted more energy-efficient practices, and we are exploring ways to use more sustainable materials in our products and packaging. Another important aspect is supply chain responsibility. We work closely with our suppliers to ensure ethical sourcing and responsible manufacturing practices, prioritizing transparency and accountability throughout the process. Beyond environmental sustainability, we are also focused on corporate responsibility from a broader perspective, including community engagement and employee development. Supporting educational initiatives and industry advancements is part of our commitment to not just operating responsibly but also contributing positively to society.

What are your strategic priorities for Mesa Laboratories as you look ahead?

Our strategic focus is centered on expanding our global presence, enhancing our technological capabilities, and continuously improving the value we provide to customers. Growth through innovation remains a top priority. We are committed to investing in advanced solutions that meet the highest standards of precision, reliability, and compliance. Expanding into new markets is another key objective. As regulations evolve and demand for quality control solutions increases worldwide, we see significant opportunities to bring Mesa’s expertise to more industries and geographies. At the same time, we are strengthening our operational efficiency by leveraging lean methodologies to drive productivity and agility. We also recognize the importance of talent development, ensuring that we attract and retain top-tier professionals who share our commitment to excellence. Every strategic decision we make is aimed at reinforcing our role as a leader in the life sciences and quality control sectors.

On a personal note, what drives you as a leader, and how do you inspire your team?

My leadership philosophy is rooted in integrity, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. I believe that great leadership is about creating an environment where people are empowered to do their best work. My approach is hands-on and centered on open communication, ensuring that employees at every level feel heard, valued, and motivated. I strive to set clear goals, provide the necessary resources, and encourage innovation. Leading by example is important to me. If I expect a culture of continuous improvement and accountability, I must embody those principles in my own decision-making and actions. Seeing the impact of our work—whether it is ensuring sterility in a medical setting or enabling breakthroughs in biopharmaceuticals—is incredibly fulfilling. Knowing that Mesa contributes to making the world safer and more precise is what drives me every day.

How do you balance the demands of your professional role with personal interests and well-being?

Maintaining balance is something I actively work on, especially given the fast-paced nature of the industry. Time with family is a priority, and I make it a point to be fully present during those moments. Engaging in activities that allow me to recharge, such as hiking, reading, or even simply unplugging for a while, helps me stay focused and energized. I also believe in setting clear boundaries and fostering a company culture that values work-life balance. A leader’s energy and mindset have a direct impact on the organization, so taking care of oneself is not just a personal matter—it is a responsibility. I encourage my team to do the same because when people feel supported and balanced, they perform at their best. The ability to sustain long-term success comes from maintaining both professional passion and personal well-being.

Gary Owens, President & CEO, Mesa Labs, Inc.

“At Mesa Labs, we apply technical expertise and technological innovation to improve quality of life for patients, workers, and consumers worldwide. Our products and services directly impact the critical environments that advance medical breakthroughs, keep industry moving, and ensure the safety of products we use every day.”