Artisan Lab Network
Artisan Lab Network

Built for independent practices that want control back.

Artisan Lab Network was built to give independent eye care more control, more choice, and a better lab relationship. Not more corporate noise. Not more restrictions. A better way to work.

Why it matters

When the lab relationship works, the practice gets more than product. It gets confidence, speed, clarity, and room to make better decisions for patients.

Built for Independence

A doctor-owned platform for practices that want a stronger future.

Artisan Lab Network is a doctor-owned network of optical laboratories designed to give independent practices control, choice, and a stronger financial future.

Through Pacific Artisan Labs, Peak Artisan Labs, and Pike Artisan Labs, we have built a national platform that aligns laboratories and practices around shared ownership, performance, and long-term success.

Our model exists to challenge consolidation in the industry. We believe independent practices should not be forced into limited choices or competing relationships. They deserve partners who are aligned with their success.

Leadership

People behind the network.

ALN is led by people who understand labs, practices, operations, service, and the pressure independent eye care teams feel every day.

Brandon Butler

Brandon Butler

President & CEO

Brandon brings deep experience across optics, manufacturing, coatings, lens design software, and lab systems. He built Artisan Lab Network around a simple idea: independent practices deserve better alignment, better choices, and a lab partner that understands private practice. His work also extends into second-chance employment and reentry support.

Jim Day

Jim Day

Executive VP, Sales & Marketing

Jim leads growth, positioning, and commercial strategy for the network. He helps practices see where control, margin, or service quality may be slipping, then has clear conversations about what a better model could look like.

Rachel Ahlson

Rachel Ahlson

VP & COO

Rachel brings strong operational leadership and hands-on lab experience. Her focus is consistency, efficiency, and making sure the network delivers on the promises it makes to practices.

Shelley Witmer

Shelley Witmer

Director of Customer Service

Shelley has spent more than 30 years in the optical industry and is known for responsiveness, follow-through, and real support. She helps make sure practices can reach people who care and get answers that help.

2018

Timeline

Built With Intention. Proven Through Growth.

Pacific Artisan Labs

2018

Pacific Artisan Labs

The independent lab movement begins.

Foundation of the Artisan model and independent lab vision.

A stronger model starts where craft, ownership, and service meet.

Pacific Artisan Labs optical production equipment
Artisan Lab Network2018
2019

02 / 04

IOT

2019

IOT Launch

Technology alignment begins.

Artisan begins partnership with IOT and launches Artisan lens technologies.

Independent practices need technology that helps them compete without giving up control.

Lens design technology and eyewear
Artisan Lab Network2019
2023

03 / 04

Peak Artisan Labs

2023

Peak Artisan Labs

Expansion into Colorado.

Expansion into Colorado strengthens the Artisan model across another regional lab relationship.

Regional labs can grow together without losing the local relationships that make them matter.

Peak Artisan Labs team
Artisan Lab Network2023
2025

04 / 04

Pike Artisan Labs

2025

Pike Artisan Labs

National growth continues.

Expansion into Indianapolis adds another Artisan lab serving independent practices.

Every new lab relationship expands what independent eye care can own, build, and lead.

Pike Artisan Labs and practice partners
Artisan Lab Network2025

Credibility

Leadership with a visible role in the industry.

Brandon Butler with Mike Vitale

Industry Recognition

Recognized leadership for independent optical.

Artisan Lab Network's leadership is active in the broader optical conversation, building relationships with organizations and leaders who shape the future of independent eye care. Recognition from respected industry voices reflects a model built around service, ownership, and practical support for practices.

That involvement keeps Artisan close to the issues that matter most: lab performance, independent practice choice, and the long-term health of the optical channel.

Brandon Butler with Hideyuki Hayashi

Exclusive Tokai Partnership

A stronger U.S. relationship with Tokai.

Artisan's relationship with Hideyuki Hayashi and Tokai gives independent practices access to a differentiated lens technology partner with a deep commitment to optical performance. It is a credibility point, but also a practical advantage for practices looking for better product stories.

The partnership supports premium lens conversations, advanced progressive technology, and a more intentional path for practices that want something beyond commodity choices.

Brandon Butler at the White House

Brandon Butler at the White House advocating for independent optical laboratories and independent ECPs.

Advocacy & Leadership

Advocating for independent ECPs where policy is shaped.

Artisan's leadership extends beyond lab operations into advocacy for independent eye care professionals. The goal is to make sure independent practices, labs, and the patients they serve are represented in conversations that influence policy and access.

That perspective matters in an industry where consolidation can narrow choices. Artisan shows up to keep independence visible, credible, and part of the larger policy conversation.

Brandon Butler leading an optical industry panel

Industry Leadership

Thought leadership from the lab side of independent care.

Panels, forums, and industry events give Artisan a platform to speak plainly about the realities facing labs and practices. That visibility helps move the conversation from generic growth language toward the operating decisions that actually protect independence.

The result is a leadership posture rooted in real production, customer service, ownership alignment, and the daily work of helping practices compete.

Community Involvement

Showing up beyond the lab floor.

Artisan's community work is rooted in practical opportunity, workforce development, and local relationships. These commitments are distinct from production, but connected to the same belief: people and independent businesses deserve a stronger path forward.

Jails to Jobs

Second Chance Employment

Jails to Jobs

Pacific Artisan Labs has been recognized as a second-chance employer, creating hiring opportunities that help people rebuild through meaningful work.

Read the Profile
Coffee Creek program training and workforce development

Workforce Development

Training Pathways

Artisan supports practical training, respectful mentorship, and skill-building pathways that create stronger teams and more resilient communities.

Pike Artisan Labs sponsored race car

Community Engagement

Local Visibility

Our labs show up locally through community relationships, regional events, and visibility that keeps independent optical connected to the people it serves.