Augen Optics has launched the Trivex material e-training guide for eyecare professionals on its web site at www.augenoptics.com. Developed by PPG Industries, the Trivex material E-Learning Program provides comprehensive product education including the science behind Trivex material, performance benefits, dispensing suggestions and business advantages of offering lenses made with Trivex material. The online module also includes a short, interactive quiz to reinforce learning.
“We are delighted to be able to feature this unique training tool on the Augen web site,” says Patricia Machado, director of business development, Augen Optics. “We’re always looking for ways to support our customers and this new e-learning program provides a valuable tool for understanding and communicating the many benefits of Augen lenses in Trivex material.”
Augen laboratory partners can use the e-learning module to train their own staff, or offer it to ECP customers for new hire training and for gaining insights on growing their businesses with premium product designs in Trivex material.
Signet Gears Up 2010 Co-op Promo with Labs
Signet Armorlite is launching a sales promotion which kicks off April 1 and ends June 30. The grand prize drawing is a trip for two to Hollywood, Calif., with Kodak Theater event tickets. Second and third place winners get a one-year subscription to Netflix. Gift prizes include $50 gift cards for Blockbuster, Visa or Fandango.com, or a kettle popcorn machine.
For every pair of Kodak progressives dispensed, ECPs earn one entry ticket into the grand prize drawing. For every pair of Kodak sun lenses dispensed, ECPs earn two entry tickets into the drawing. There are no limits to the number of entries. When an ECP collects 25 or more entry tickets, they may also redeem them for gift cards or other prizes.
Industry Vets Launch Virtual Telesales and Marketing Company
A team of optical industry veterans has launched 6 Calls, a virtual telesales and marketing company. The Indianapolis-based company is marketing its services to manufacturers, distributors, wholesale labs, optical practices and dispensaries.
“Our company’s goal is to become the sales and marketing presence for small to mid-size clients, and an extension of the sales and marketing teams in larger organizations,” says CEO Mike Karlsrud. “6 Calls was born out the need for companies to have an affordable option to deliver personalized sales and marketing messages directly to the decision maker.”
Karlsrud, who is a co-owner of 6 Calls, has 11 years of optical industry experience. He previously served as regional sales manager and director of customer services for Vision-Ease Lens. Prior to that, he was the vice president of sales and marketing at Fantom Optics. Karlsrud also owns EyeWerx, a company that provides business development consulting services for eyecare professionals.
According to Karlsrud, 6 Calls services can be utilized as a total sales organization or for individual campaigns such as prospecting and customer qualifying, database verification, product marketing and launches, surveys and sales calls.
Another industry veteran, John Halstead, who heads Optical Resources, a buying group for optical labs, is also part owner of 6 Calls and assists in operations. All of the additional staff are experienced opticians.
—Andrew Karp
