Louisiana State Optical Lab, has more than a few good strategies for generating sales. In fact, laboratory manager Rick Hawkes and his wife Daphne believe the best approach is one that combines personalized customer service with state-of-the-art craftsmanship.

“We rely primarily on word-of-mouth when it comes to sales and building the business. “It’s an old school philosophy, but it works,” says Daphne Hawkes. “We know our customers. We know their names and their prescriptions and who their kids are.”

With a primary focus on glass lenses, Louisiana State Optical is a specialist in a specialized world. “Rick is one of the only glass men in Louisiana right now,” she notes. “And he’s been doing this since he was 18.”

A strong work ethic and an attention to detail help set Louisiana State Optical apart from the competition. “Rick always says, ‘Do you want it right or do you want it now?’” says Hawkes. Dedication and commitment work in tandem with those “old school” principles to promote sales and increase the bottom line. Both Daphne and Rick stress how much they love their work, the people they come in contact with and the sense of community they share.

And while keeping on top of new technology and replacing outdated equipment can be challenging concerns, the Hawkes see a bright future ahead. “We are making an effort to control the growth so we can continue to do what we do correctly and do it well,” adds Hawkes. “Because glass is an art form.”   
—Kristen Spina