Page 11 - HC B2B Spring 2020
P. 11
Business Person of the Year: Bill Simons continued from page 9 regarding my lack of “business experience or business
education” to run the office. He replied with a smile, “Billy, you take care of the patients and the money will take care of itself.” For nearly 40 years I have dedicated myself to that advise. The experiences of my childhood working on the farm learning a strong work ethic and observing my parents run a small business (bulk oil business-Simons Petroleum) in a small community were all valuable in helping me to develop a service-guided life.
Just as important is our dedicated employees who help us deliver that most important eyecare. We could not deliver this kind of service without the efforts, smiles, and relationships our valuable employees have with our patients. I share our success with them for going the extra mile to deliver exemplary service to every patient in our care.
Both Montana Eyecare and Summit optical have a strong business model, partnerships that encourage participation for the good of all. I have been blessed with great partners over the years that share our dedication to the patients and our business model. A big Thank You to Dr. Bill Hasquet, Dr. Marcus Kelley and Dr. Rob Simons for their dedication to that mission!
How would you describe your business to a potential client?
Montana Eyecare delivers full service eyecare that includes all levels of care including optometry, ophthalmology and opticianry. The doctors and staff are dedicated health care providers delivering the best in quality and service to each of the patients we serve. Our state-of-the-art facility includes the most innovative eyecare equipment to help us with the highest degree of diagnosis and treatment of
the eye. We carry the best brands of contact lenses, eyewear and spectacle lenses to enhance your visual experience. Our full-service lab called Summit Optical is a high-tech optical laboratory right in Helena, providing the finest spectacle lenses, progressives, anti-reflective lenses and transition lenses in a short turnaround time and all “Made in Montana.”
Tell us about a tough time for you/your company and what you did to overcome it.
Well, I used to think the recession of 2008 was our most difficult period for the practice/lab, but the Coronavirus has introduced a wide array of challenges for Montana Eyecare and Summit. Our employees
are the life blood of the practice, with special skills developed over time to deliver the many needs of our patients. First and foremost, we did not want to lose any of our highly trained staff and being able to retain all 75 employees at both facilities has been paramount. Delivering eyecare in a safe and clean environment
for both the patients we serve, and our employees has been difficult to navigate. Like all crisis, we have approached every problem as an “eyecare family”, through open dialogue, dedication and extra effort we are coming out of this as stronger as ever. Horizontal management style has helped every employee
feel part of the solution in returning to providing excellent eyecare.
Tell us the ideal qualities/traits of people you hire to work for your company.
The most important trait when looking for employees is finding that “people person.” Our whole existence
is fulfilling patients needs and only possible if the employee delivering that care is friendly, warm, and dedicated to serving others. I’m less concerned about
a certain skill set as our business is a specialty area that requires on the job training and we like to develop those “skills” through mentoring and constructive learning. The second quality is the concept of teamwork, working with others in a synergistic manner to provide that special care each patient deserves. Lastly, the importance of a strong work ethic and perseverance, those traits are necessary for an employee to push on even if having “one of those days”, which makes the difference in delivering great eyecare to every patient! •
Bob The Electrician
Bob Lowry 406-461-7468
Bob The Electrician
Veteran Owned and Operated
Serving all of Montana’s Residential or Commercial Construction and Electrical Needs
Bob Lowry406-461-7468
bobtheelectrician.org
B2B | A Publication of the Helena Area Chamber of Commerce 11
Serving all of Montana’s Residential or Commercial
Veteran Owned and Operated
C
