Who Are We

Our Vision

"To fundamentally improve the lives of people by creating a compassionate, employee-first business model, while building reliable open-source appliances that help eliminate e-waste" - TLC Labs

Core Identity: T.L.C.

  • Transparency - To build trust you must have full transparency, we will be fully transparent with our employees and people.
  • Longevity - We are building an ever-lasting institution that produces devices and relationships designed to stand the test of time.
  • Community - We prioritize our people and foster a community where our employees are loved.

Operational Hierarchy

  • First - Our Employees: We believe that happy employees will naturally keep our people happy, which in turn creates a prosperous company.
  • Second - People: We are dedicated to providing unbelievable hospitality alongside high-quality products.
  • Third - Income & Longevity: We must generate income to stay afloat, operating with a mindset of surviving for "5 more years, every year".

What We Do & How We Earn

  • Product Focus: We develop competitive mid-range to high-range open-source appliances.
  • Manufacturing Method: Our devices are built using a combination of 3D-printed parts and standard off-the-shelf hardware and electronics.
  • Revenue Streams: We generate income strictly by selling pre-assembled devices, self-assembly kits, and standalone hardware components.
  • Business Structure: We operate as a registered Sole Proprietor in Saskatchewan but are built upon a Social Enterprise (B-Corp) model.

Structural Empathy (How We Work)

  • 10:1 Pay Ratio: Company leaders and the CEO will never earn more than ten times the salary of our lowest-paid employee.
  • 32-Hour Work Week: We mandate a 4-day work week, so employees receive 40-hour pay for 32 hours of work, allowing them more time with their families.
  • Mandatory Rest: We provide competitive benefits, including 6 weeks of vacation, 4 of which are mandatory to ensure a rested and sturdy mind.

Our Promise to People

  • Vocabulary Shift: We do not use the word "Customers"; we only serve, build for, and help "People".
  • Absolute Ownership: We embrace true transparency, open-source principles, and the absolute right-to-repair, so people truly own what they buy.
  • No Subscriptions: We refuse to drain the wallets of our people and guarantee absolutely no subscriptions.
  • Environmental Impact: We are committed to reducing e-waste and will explore circular-economy initiatives like plastic recycling discounts.