According to the Vision Council of America (2014):
- Approximately 75% of adults use some sort of vision correction
- Approximately 64% of adults wear eyeglasses (About 50% of women, 42% of men)
- Approximately 20% of children wear eyeglasses
- Approximately 75% of adults use some sort of vision correction
- Approximately 64% of adults wear eyeglasses (About 50% of women, 42% of men)
- Approximately 20% of children wear eyeglasses
So why is it that more than 90% of frames sold within the US are manufactured in China or Europe? Despite being located across the country from one another, this question was simultaneously on the minds of two separate groups. Now, five years after they came together, we’re able to see how they’ve effectively revolutionized the American with State Optical Co., the first luxury eyewear brand to be manufactured in the US.
Scott Shapiro and Jerry Wolowicz gained their industry expertise as executives at Europa, which started as a family owned, independent eyewear distributor in Chicago. It seems that Shapiro, (whose family actually founded and owns Europa), had actually been contemplating the possibility of manufacturing eyewear in the US for a while. And in 2012, along with his wife and business partners, he self-funded and launched a second company - State Optical Co. Yet there were still obstacles to contend with. At this time, American-made eyewear was so scarce that finding skilled workers and the right machines presented a challenge. In an initial attempt to overcome this hurdle, Shapiro made efforts to locate potential partners in foreign companies with manufacturing expertise. Unfortunately, that effort was ineffective; those he approached declined because they thought the venture would be unsuccessful. However, he persisted, traveling the country in search of local expertise - and was rewarded when he met cousins Marc Franchi and Jason Stanley.
Scott Shapiro and Jerry Wolowicz gained their industry expertise as executives at Europa, which started as a family owned, independent eyewear distributor in Chicago. It seems that Shapiro, (whose family actually founded and owns Europa), had actually been contemplating the possibility of manufacturing eyewear in the US for a while. And in 2012, along with his wife and business partners, he self-funded and launched a second company - State Optical Co. Yet there were still obstacles to contend with. At this time, American-made eyewear was so scarce that finding skilled workers and the right machines presented a challenge. In an initial attempt to overcome this hurdle, Shapiro made efforts to locate potential partners in foreign companies with manufacturing expertise. Unfortunately, that effort was ineffective; those he approached declined because they thought the venture would be unsuccessful. However, he persisted, traveling the country in search of local expertise - and was rewarded when he met cousins Marc Franchi and Jason Stanley.
Franchi and Stanley had the same goal in mind as Shapiro and Wolowicz - finding a way to manufacture high quality eyewear in the United States. Although they may not have possessed the industry background of their Europa counterparts, there was a parallel in the actions they took to to realize their mission. Their research of machinery and techniques took them across the world, and they were eventually able to build their own factory in an area many of our patients might be familiar with - Ventura, California. The ultimate result of Franchi and Stanley’s efforts was Frieze Frames, which their website describes as “the premier retro-chic eyewear company focused on reinventing vintage style into a hip contemporary look.
After forming a partnership, Franchi and Stanley relocated to Chicago to join Shapiro and Wolowicz. Despite both parties encountering skepticism, encountering obstacles and subsequent delays (individually and together), they continued to work toward their communal goal. About a year ago, it was realized when in February 2016, State Optical Co.’s products first hit the market.
After forming a partnership, Franchi and Stanley relocated to Chicago to join Shapiro and Wolowicz. Despite both parties encountering skepticism, encountering obstacles and subsequent delays (individually and together), they continued to work toward their communal goal. About a year ago, it was realized when in February 2016, State Optical Co.’s products first hit the market.
Located in Vernon Hills, Chicago, State Optical Co. produces an American-made collection that can truly be characterized as luxury eyewear. And the high-end frames, priced between $300-$500, are well worth the price. To craft the line’s aesthetic, the brand recruited Blake Kuwahara, who is not only a licensed optometrist, but the industry’s preeminent American eyewear designer as well. The quality of their products are obviously held to the highest standards as well. Each frame is made from a single sheet of acetate, requires 75 steps from start to finish, and approximately half of this process is done by hand - by employees who underwent extensive training. This training was provided by State Optical Co. as a solution to the severely limited pool of laborers skilled in making eyewear, which had the added bonus of providing new employment opportunities. (About half of their workers previously worked in the jewelry and auto industries). In addition to training for a new skill, employees here also receive an average salary of up to $15 an hour as well as full benefits.
Throughout their journey, State Optical Co. has actually accomplished even more what they originally set out to do: not only have they accomplished their goal of manufacturing eyewear in the US, they’ve also created more job opportunities and the training necessary for people to take advantage of them. Now that’s what we call fulfilling the American Dream!
Throughout their journey, State Optical Co. has actually accomplished even more what they originally set out to do: not only have they accomplished their goal of manufacturing eyewear in the US, they’ve also created more job opportunities and the training necessary for people to take advantage of them. Now that’s what we call fulfilling the American Dream!
