Q&A with Managing Director of Eyes Right Optical, Mark Wymond
Q: What was it about the optical industry that drew you into the profession?
Mark: Our family has been in optics for close to 80 years when my Grandfather, John Hill was a lens grinder in the 40s. From there he worked as a Sales Manager for “Melbrx”, a Melbourne Based Optical Manufacturer, which eventually transformed into what is Modstyle today. My parents, Gaye and David Wymond started ‘Eyes Right Optical’ in 1992 as we celebrate 30 years of business we have never been stronger.
So what brought me into Optics, was really the discussion around the dinner table every night. I also think in a family business, there is an inherent want or need to help support your parents. Also, you can talk directly, call a spade a spade which makes navigating complex issues slightly easier.
Q: What do you think is unique about your business?
Mark: There isn’t anything too unique about our business except the people. I like to think we have a very strong and happy team that drives our success.
Q: What inspires you?
Mark: Making people look good, whether it is the end consumer or the practice in between. I want to provide a positive experience through a product or service that makes everyone want to come back or tell their friend about us.
Q: Who was someone that you have admired during your career?
Mark: We set up an advisory board that is chaired by John Smith. He has been a great sounding board through the pandemic, which was an incredibly tough time to manage.
I also always seek guidance from my close colleagues. My team is world-class and excellent in their roles, this allows me to focus on the strategic aspects of the business.
Q: What is an aspect of your business that you are most proud of?
Mark: It is the people always love seeing people grow and take on more responsibility and having wins. I have enjoyed working with the team and drawing on their knowledge and expertise.
Working beside Peter Bienvenu as we create the Avanti and Eclipse Collections for Modstyle is just pure fun because we have fun and enjoy designing together, I feel it shows in the product we create.
Q: What personal qualities do you think have helped you the most?
Mark: I wondered this myself! I have done a number of different surveys and profiling and what has been revealed is almost 10 out of 10 for will/determination. This is particularly evident when entering the US market, so many told me “it is such a tough market to crack”, and “there is so much competition” I pushed forward and backed our product and quality. Less than one year later, we have about 100 accounts in the US and growing.
Q: How do you like to switch off from work pressures?
Mark: Family and kids are great levellers! I love getting out fishing as well; not very good at it however, but I enjoy it!
Q: What is exciting for you now and into the future for your business?
Mark: We are starting to expand globally this is a very exciting time for the company. We have a team of three in the US, and soon we will have a UK arm of the business as well.
Q: How important is your team to you?
Mark: I am lucky to have a team with a positive and a can-do attitude! These are the sort of people I love having work with me, and I’m very fortunate that we have more than our fair share at our organisations. We cut through the red tape and get the work done. A decision that can take large multi-nationals 4 meetings and 2 sub-committees, and a board decision, we can do in a 10-minute chat.