The management team of Superior Optical is made up of highly experienced industry professionals that are dedicated to delivering their very best to our employees and customers. We are here to serve you and welcome your inquiries and comments.
Derek is a Veteran of the United States Navy where he served for a total 8 years and was recognized with a Southwest Asia Medal and National Defense Medal for serving in a wartime theatre. He is a graduate of the University of Illinois and the University of South Florida where he earned a BS in Finance and MBA, respectively. Derek went on to achieve a successful career in the banking industry and as the Director and Vice President of a pharmaceutical wholesale/private label distributorship. As a Service-Disable Veteran, Derek’s primary focus at Superior is ensuring that his fellow Veteran’s receive quality eyeglasses in a timely manner.
Tony has enjoyed a career spanning nearly 25 years in the biotech, pharmaceutical, medical supply, and molecular diagnostics industries having held numerous sales and sales management positions. He is a graduate of Florida State University with a BS in Marketing Communications and went on to earn an MBA from the University of South Florida. Tony has led sales teams in complex therapeutic categories such as solid organ transplantation, immunology, tissue engineering, and vaccines. At Superior he is focused on providing the VA and its patients with eyewear that utilizes the most advanced products made with the latest technologies available in the optical industry.
With over 30 years in the eyewear fabrication industry Rodney brings his vast knowledge and proven leadership to the Superior team. Serving the commercial manufacturing labs for managed vision care and retail chain locations Rodney has the experience, the skill set and the ECP perspective in addition to the lab perspective. Originally from Indiana, Rodney & wife Channon have settled into Mississippi life and Rodney enjoys cheering on his favorite Basketball team from their new home.
An ABO Certified Optician with nearly 20 years in the optical industry, Frances has the expertise to offer appropriate product solutions for customers. Her history of managing the customer experience from ordering through fulfillment and dispensing allows her to answer questions about options, timing, lens technology, and costs. Frances believes strong partnerships are essential to the success of any organization and especially as it relates to serving the optical world. Frances loves traveling and visiting accounts in order to be a connected and reliable resource for them as they serve their deserving patients. Frances strongly believes in Superior Optical and is always eager to talk to people about opportunities to partner with such an awesome lab!
With over 30 years of optical industry experience, Braxton is an asset to all his clients. With 15 years as an Optician, In-House Lab Manager, and Optical Practice Manager, it is not unusual for Braxton to be assisting a practice in the dispensary with patients, in their lab edging lenses or consulting the office manager and Doctor on goals and how to achieve them. As an ABO certified optician and an ABO Speaker, Braxton is often conducting product seminars and on-site trainings to keep you and your staff up-to-date on the latest technology the optical industry has to offer.
Originally from Fairhope, AL Chris has been immersed in every aspect of the optical industry since 2001. Owning his own family business in the wholesale optical lane allowed Chris to gain experience in Optical Sales, being a General Manager and ultimately the VP of production. Chris has also used his ABO technical speaking skills as the Customer Service trainer for Hoya Corporate. Now in Mississippi for the last 2.5 years, Chris brings his wide array of skills to the Superior team where he’s most passionate about training and bringing his depth of knowledge to fruition. Chris enjoys his time away from the lab fishing and spending time with family.
A native of South Africa, Righardt moved to the USA in 2016 to fill our Assistant Lab Manager position. His 20+ years’ experience in the optical industry in South Africa made him a valuable asset to Superior and in 2017 Righardt became the lab manager and now keeps our two shifts operating efficiently. He and his wife and two children enjoy going to the beach and learning about their new country.
A native of South Mississippi, Rodney joined Superior in 2021 as Lab Supervisor and was instrumental in launching a second shift. Promoted to Lab Manager in 2022, Rodney brings 20+ years of industry experience including Lab Production, Lab Management, Retail Optical Management and Machine Maintenance. Rodney received his certification from the American Board of Opticianry in 2013. He enjoys continuing education and is a drilled-rimless perfectionist. Rodney’s cheerful personality, experience and broad skillset made him a perfect fit. We’re happy he found his home at Superior Optical.
A native of Mississippi, Morgan has worked for Superior Optical since 2007, becoming the General Manager in 2015. An avid fan of technology, Morgan appreciates the continual changes that evolving technologies bring to the optical industry. He feels that his appreciation for the electronic ordering, automation, digital processing and advanced edging systems helps him to keep Superior on the forefront of lab innovation. Morgan also likes the friendly, family feel, that is present among the employees of Superior and feels that contributes greatly to their pride in a quality product.
Hailing from Van Cleave, MS, Melinda moved to Philadelphia, MS to pursue an education and career. After a successful career in accounting and human resources, for both small and large companies, Melinda returned to Van Cleave to be closer to her family. Melinda joined the family at Superior in 2018 to use her 25+ years of human resources expertise to help with the explosive growth Superior has undergone.
Robert is a U.S. Navy veteran who served during the first Gulf War. He has an Associate’s degree in Electronics Engineering Technology from ITT Technical Institute Memphis TN. Campus. He is also Lean Manufacturing 5S Yellow Belt certified and completed the OSHA 30 class. Robert has been in the Optical Industry for 16 years and in the maintenance field for 22 years. Robert takes great pride in helping our veterans see better.
