Bob Hillman has over 60 years experience in Eye Care. He opened his first optical shop in 1967. In 1971, Pearle purchased a 17-store optical chain owned by Robert “Bob” Hillman and Larry Kohan; together, Hillman and Kohan stayed on and helped to expand Pearle Vision nationwide. Hillman revolutionized retail vision care that gave birth to one hour eyewear in the 1980's. As Fabulous Fanny’s enters its fourth decade, optical industry legend and fellow vintage lover, Bob Hillman (Pearle Vision & Eyelab Founder) continue Stan and Ken's vision for a new generation looking to express their originality in ways both old and new.

In this episode, Bob shares his extensive experience in the eye care industry, from working in eyeglass factories to opening his own optical stores and laboratories. He discusses the craftsmanship and skills he learned from experienced opticians and the importance of apprenticeships in becoming a successful optician. Bob also talks about his collaborations with industry leaders like Bill Benedict and Stanley Pearl, and the expansion of his businesses, including the launch of iLab and the growth of his retail chain.

Key Takeaways:

1. Build a strong team and provide excellence.
2. Collaborate with industry leaders.
3. The growth of online sales has led to a shift in the eyewear industry

Connect with Bob Hillman
Website: https://fabulousfannysnyc.com/

Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:30 Craftsmanship and Apprenticeships
08:04 Collaborating with Industry Leaders
13:35 Building a Full-Service Department Store
18:42 High-Volume Operations and Success
21:53 Expansion and Growth
26:51 The Impact of One-Hour Service
33:20 Managing Full-Service Laboratories
34:17 The Impact of Digital Lens Technology
35:26 Craftsmanship and Skill in Eyewear Production
37:35 The Shift in the Eyewear Industry
40:33 The Profitability of Brick and Mortar Stores
44:45 Growth Potential for Independent Opticians
48:52 Introducing Fabulous Fanny 2.0

Talk with Peter Precht: www.eyecclearly.com

Joe Sabel is now the president and owner of Western Optical Supply, a supplier and manufacturer of optical dispensing tools. Over the past 20 years, Joe Sabel has held various leadership roles for Essilor, Walman, Lombart and most recently, Bausch + Lomb.

Specializing in optician care, Joe earned his ABL certification and has since focused on empowering opticians through education and practical training. He offers online courses that cover essential skills like solder repairs and tool usage, aiming to enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Joe shares his journey, highlighting the value of proper training and the transformative power of education within eye care. The duo discusses the evolving landscape driven by online education, social media branding, and innovative tools, offering a peek into the promising future of the industry.

Key Takeaways:

1. Continuous education is crucial.
2. Leverage technology.
3. Foster community.

Connect with Joe Sabel
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/joe-sabel-8712558/

Timestamps
00:00 Outstanding training led to valuable best practices.
05:37 Wollman and Sherry are strong in education.
06:49 Brief discussion about roles and equity management.
12:32 Expanding target market, adjusting internal operations, opportunities.
13:43 Opticians need more support to broaden knowledge.
17:13 Positive, impactful dialogue on navigating independence.
21:34 Collaboration and anticipation are crucial for success.
24:56 Violinist connects with new business opportunities.
28:52 Adapting to new methods is essential.
31:09 Gathering membership and exposure for local labs.
35:25 Helping others succeed; delivering products preemptively.
37:37 Expressing gratitude for shared experiences and growth.

Talk with Peter Precht: www.eyecclearly.com

Dr. Michael Neal joined his wife’s optometry practice in 2008 and has since revolutionized the business by focusing on high-performance culture and strategic team placements. His innovative hiring process, centered on psychometrics and inspired by industry leaders like 4 Seasons and Disney, has dramatically increased both gross and net income. Dr. Neal founded Build My Team to help other medical practices streamline hiring and improve team performance.

Today, Dr. Michael Neal shares his expert insights on building a high-performance culture, the significance of placing the right people in the right roles, and the emotional rewards of enriching lives through quality vision care. Learn about the importance of efficient team members, profit-sharing strategies, and innovative hiring processes that drive remarkable financial performances.

Key Takeaways:

1. Adopt high-performance cultures.
2. Align practice goals through implementing profit-sharing for team members.
3. Leverage psychometric assessments in hiring

Connect with Dr. Michael Neal
Website: www.buildmyteam.com

Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to understanding metrics and culture in optometry.
04:15 Importance of building a high-performance culture.
07:45 Emotional impact of work satisfaction on productivity.
12:30 Rewarding aspects of impacting lives through vision care.
17:25 Aligning team goals with profit-sharing strategies.
22:50 Dr. Mike Neal's practice success story with A and B players.
27:35 Efficient team members' role in achieving financial success.
32:00 Impact of placing employees in roles where they thrive.
36:10 Hiring innovations: psychometrics and automated processes.
40:45 Importance of time management and team quality for ODs.
45:30 Next steps for enhancing practice efficiency and profitability.

Talk with Peter Precht: www.eyecclearly.com