Debbie, tell us about your career in the ophthalmic industry, where did you start, and what do you love most?
After the birth of my first child, I left a buying position at a large retailer and started working for Tura in the Midwest. I loved the job and became a district manager. I relocated to Texas and continued work with Tura. Upon leaving Tura, I went to work for a small chain as Marketing Director. It was a great experience to learn about lenses, contact lens, frames and all other aspects of the business. Unfortunately the company did not succeed and after a short break, I went to work for Marchon in sales. I loved the sales aspect of the job and the people. Every day was a new adventure. I came to Pacific Northern, Inc. 10 years ago to start a new division of sales in the optical display business. I love working in another part of the industry and really enjoy the talented people I have the pleasure of working with. The job involves so much creativity and understanding a vision from the customer. I enjoy seeing the manufacturing side of a project which I did not have the experience of doing before.
How do you feel your career and life experiences help lend themselves to your voice as part of the OWA board?
I bring to the board experience in areas related to our industry, having been a retail buyer, store manager, trainer, planner, sales manager and marketing director. I have touched almost all areas of the forever-changing landscape of this business. I really feel I can look at things from many perspectives. I also come from a large family of six children where I was taught teamwork and compromising at a very early age. The board has such an interesting group of women in very diverse jobs all related to the optical industry.
Tell us about a time that "grace under fire" helped you in a tough or embarrassing situation.
There are those tense moments with projects that involve so many things — proper design, timing, deadlines, materials and budgets. I take my job responsibilities very seriously and manufacturing involves so many different steps with so many people that affect the outcome of a project. I have found it best to be honest, stay positive and keep a sense of humor.
One of my favorite quotes is:
"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." — Maya Angelou
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