The largest environmental testing lab network in Chicago

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Who we are

Our story began nearly 40 years ago with a vision to provide exceptional environmental testing services and uphold environmental responsibility. Our beginnings are rooted in a passion for accuracy, reliability, and customer satisfaction, values that have guided our growth and development over the years.

As a result of the rebrand of the two finest labs in the Chicago area, EMT and STAT Analysis, Sterling Labs seeks to consistently expand its capabilities and expertise, embracing new technologies and methodologies. This has earned us a reputation for excellence, not only for our state-of-the-art testing services, but also for our unwavering commitment to our clients.

As we look back at our beginnings, we take pride in our achievements and the positive impact we have made. Our journey serves as a testament to our unwavering commitment to quality, sustainability, data defensibility, and customer satisfaction, which will continue to guide us as we move forward and shape the future of environmental testing.

Where we are

Our testing facilities are strategically located in the Chicagoland area, with a facility in the downtown loop and another in the suburbs, just minutes away from O’Hare International Airport. This means that not only are we conveniently located for sample pick up/drop off, but we can effectively address shipping concerns and accept samples seven days a week from UPS, FedEx, and Air Cargo firms. This ensures smooth operations for remote projects all over the country.

 

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Everything we’re doing here is trying to increase our capacity, reduce the margin for error, and improve the quality of the lab.

Timothy O’Donnell, CEO

Meet the team

Timothy O’Donnell

CEO

Justin Brown

General Manager

Craig Chawla

Customer Service Manager

Timothy O'Donnell

Timothy O'Donnell

CEO

Tim is thrilled to play a part in Sterling’s mission-driven purpose to make our world and environment a better and more sustainable place to live. Having experienced mold poisoning earlier in life, Tim is highly attuned to the need for timely and accurate results, because in his case, the results fundamentally changed his life. Tim is from the Chicagoland area and lives with his wife and two dogs (huskies) in La Grange, IL.
Justin Brown

Justin Brown

General Manager

Justin has been with the organization since 2000 serving our valued clients in a variety of roles throughout his career. As General Manager, he oversees the daily operations and ensures that our core values and mission are followed and carried out throughout the organization. An advocate nationally for ensuring quality environmental data, Justin volunteers time serving on the NELAC Institute Board of Directors and several other national and regional organizations presenting frequently throughout the country as an industry expert. He brings that passion for data quality and operational performance to Sterling Labs to ensure we are providing our clientele exceptional service. Justin lives in the Chicago area with his wife and dog.
Amanda Blank

Amanda Blank

Chief of Staff

Amanda works with our labs to improve operational efficiencies while managing strategic growth initiatives. She is focused on using metrics that matter to drive better day-to-day decision-making and outcomes, as well as streamlining reporting and processes across the portfolio. Prior to joining the team, she was a Vice President at Woodlawn Partners, involved in all aspects of the firm’s investment process, supporting deal sourcing, diligence, and the monitoring of portfolio companies. Outside of work, Amanda sits on the board of March Fourth and volunteers at Montessori School Lake Forest where her three children attend. Amanda received her BS in Finance and Marketing from Babson College and an MBA from Chicago Booth.
Nathan manages laboratory operations to meet our clients' objectives, including laboratory production, method development, and strategic growth plans to meet our clients' needs.  Prior responsibilities include Federal Program management through proposal development, capture planning, marketing, and project management. He has a BA and MA from DePaul University. 
Tim has been managing federal projects since 2014.  During that time he has been involved in projects directly through the Deprtment of Defense, Department of Agriculture, Department of Interior, and Veteran's Affairs as well as with prime contractors to those entities.  He is involved in all processes of the project from the proposal stage to the final report.  He is integral in ensuring the data produced is of the quality expected from each unique project.  He holds a BS in Environmental Science from Iowa State University.
Adam directs the daily operations of the sample-receiving department to ensure we provide the deliverables our laboratory and clients need to succeed. He oversees purchasing and supply chain management, shipping and receiving, client sample login into LIMS, and client bottle order preparation. Prior responsibilities include employee development, workload, process, and logistics management. He holds a BS in Geology from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater.
Craig Chawla

Craig Chawla

Customer Service Manager

Craig is an industry veteran. Having been in the business for 20+ years, he has built multiple longstanding relationships with both local and DoD labs.

Environmental testing experts on your doorstep

Enjoy the convenience of our two strategically located facilities in the Chicagoland area, making it easier for us to serve clients throughout the Midwest and nationwide. Both facilities located immediately off of multiple major expressways allows for quick and easy access to both locations. Our proximity to O'Hare airport means we’re just one flight away to over 150 US cities.

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Our vision

As we continue to grow and evolve, Sterling Labs is dedicated to staying at the forefront of environmental testing services. Our vision for the future is centered around expanding our horizons, driving innovation, and fostering long-lasting relationships with our clients.

As we forge ahead, we are focused on expanding geographically to better serve our clients and make our services even more accessible. We are also committed to investing in cutting-edge technologies, equipment, and workforce development to enhance our testing capabilities and maintain our position as industry leaders. 

In line with our commitment to innovation and industry leadership, we have also dedicated significant resources to expand our capabilities in PFAS testing. By prioritizing sustainability and environmental responsibility, we will continue to contribute to a greener future.

 

Your partner for
trusted testing

Keep your projects running smoothly and maintain your commitment to environmental responsibility with Sterling Labs. Partner with us today to receive and deliver exceptional service.

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