About

Digital Labrador is the Midwest’s one-stop center for digital photography, fine art reproduction, Canon & Hasselblad cameras and Apple computer products.

Digital Labrador is a digital lab providing workshops, camera equipment for rent or sale, high-quality inkjet printing and friendly, helpful digital & photographic expertise. We display digital photographs each month in our art gallery, so be sure to stop in on First Friday to see our latest exhibition.

Why the name ‘Digital Labrador’? Our founders started the company as a digital lab, but since they both own labrador retriever dogs, they decided to make a play on the word ‘lab’ — a place to process & print digital images, as well as a place to meet our official mascot,  Beau the chocolate labrador. Beau, and now our newest dogs, Mollie & Ping represent the qualities we hope to exude here at Digital Labrador: happy to see you, loyal, trusting, playful, energetic, and with a leg up on the competition!

THE COMPANY

Digital Labrador was conceptualized in 2004, when owners and long-time friends Brud Jones and Peter Obetz re-evaluated their careers and priorities. “Peter was diagnosed with esophageal cancer that year,” said Brud. “That was a wake-up call for both of us.”

Brud and Peter had been photographers together for their high school yearbook in the early 80s. When digital photography emerged, they independently renewed their interest in photography. Peter was a partner in a law firm and used photography as an escape from the stresses of litigation. Brud was an entrepreneur who sold an Internet communications business to a larger concern.

“The time was right to do something exciting,” said Brud. “We saw an opportunity to create workflow, technology and creative resource for the visual arts community – one part Apple Store, one part Starbucks, and one part Kinkos self-service, but with a fine-art twist. Peter and I wanted to create a fun, friendly digital lab for processing images.” This was the genesis of the company name, Digital Labrador.

THE PEOPLE

Beau – Beau is Peter Obetz’s chocolate Labrador Retriever. He’s our official mascot. His image adorns our marketing and advertising materials, and appears in most of our newsletters. Beau represents the qualities that we hope to exude here at Digital Labrador: Happy to see you, Loyal, Trusting, Playful, Energetic, and with a leg up on the competition.

Brud Jones – Brud is fascinated with technology and its applications to business and the creative process. He’s a gadget guy and a voracious seeker of all things new and cool. He also has a great head for business. Brud and the other Digital Labrador founder, Peter Obetz, had been photographers together for their high school year book. In 2001, Brud’s entrepreneurial mind began to think about how digital photography would evolve. Digital Labrador is the result of that thought process. Brud is a fast-forward thinker. He sees challenges and their solutions very quickly.

Peter Obetz – Peter and Brud first did business together after college, when they co-founded Tailgunner; a company that manufactured a tail-hitch mounted clay pigeon throwing machine for target shooters. Then Peter went to law school and became a successful litigator. In 2004, Peter was diagnosed with esophageal cancer and felt that a career change would be healthy. Once again, he had the opportunity to work with Brud Jones to bring something new to shooters….this time photographers.

Steve Gibson – Steve has worked in photography since earning his BA in photography in 1994. He brings a unique perspective to Digital Labrador, finding new and interesting ways to interpret things. Inside jokes aside, Steve is a terrific resource. He has studio and graphics experience that helps Digital Labrador operate smoothly.

Shari Hartbauer – Shari has been a professional photographer since high school when she got her first check for shooting all the champion steers at the county fair for the local newspaper. She helps Digital Labrador with new ventures and special projects, like our photo expeditions to locations near and far. She has traveled to many parts of the world as a photographer and volunteer on medical missions.

Ping – Our ‘mini’ mascot, is Shari’s dog, and the one most likely to greet you at the door these days. A 45-pound lab-mix, Ping loves our customers, and is always happy to shake your hand for a treat.

Mollie – Brud’s young puppy makes occasional appearances at the lab, but until she loses those sharp puppy teeth, she’s staying home with her chew toys.