One of the complaints we hear about our America’s Finest Optical Retailers contest is that only large, multi-million-dollar practices win and the little guys don’t stand a chance. We’ve never believed that, and this year sees us vindicated! Fiercely independent and unequivocally original, our 2023 America’s Finest winners are a little bit optometry, a little bit rock n’ roll, and a whole lot of can-do determination. All three are labors of love. Love of independent brands. Love of proving great eyecare doesn’t have to happen in the absence of personality. Love of going their own way. That’s really all you need to be fine like this. And we don’t think a single one of them had a million dollars to spend on their build out. And we’re just fine with that. AMERICA’S FINEST 2023 SPONSORS OUR JUDGES Jenn Denham Head of Business Development, Review Wave, McKinney, TX Jenn Denham has spent the last 15 years building growth marketing strategies ranging from local businesses to Fortune 500 companies and is now the Head of Business Development at Review Wave — recently acquired by PracticePal founded by Dr. Nate McClain, OD — which combines the two best-in-class platforms to provide automated insurance eligibility and benefits lookup for staff with patient engagement. She’s brought her experience and passion for practice growth to the America’s Finest Optical Retailers contest with an eye toward the finalists’ digital footprint and modern patient journey. Email her at jenn@reviewwave.com. David Duralde Chief Creative Officer, OGI Eyewear, Minneapolis, MN Inspired by good design and the pursuit of it, David’s career started in 1985 at l.a.Eyeworks after completing his Bachelor of Arts at UCLA. He went on to design collections as Director of Design at Signature Eyewear, Director of Design at Kenmark, Director of Design for Safilo USA, Chief Creative Officer back at Kenmark, and currently Chief Creative Officer at OGI Eyewear — a division of The Optical Foundry. This breadth of experience gives David unique insights and a point of view that has been expressed in his designs, which have shaped over 65 million faces on more than 50 brands. Email him at david.duralde@ogieyewear.com. Jan Ennis President/CEO, Ennco Display Systems, Redmond, WA Jan Ennis is currently the President/CEO of Ennco Display Systems. He has worked in every facet of the optical industry since 1975 after graduating from the E. Claiborne Robbins School of Business at the University of Richmond. His experience spans sales and product development in the wood, plastics, optics and software industries. During Jan’s career in optics, he founded L&L Optical, Vendesic, Inc., Vision Warehouse LLC, Ennco Display and acquired Magic Design in 2012. Email him at janennis@ennco.com. Paige Kraemer ABOC, Sales Consultant – Minnesota, Cherry Optical Lab, Green Bay, WI Paige Kraemer has been in the optical industry for over 16 years; she has worked for large retail chains, managed an independent optical shop, and been an independent frame rep. In 2023, with three friends and industry colleagues, Paige founded the 10,000 Frames Midwest Eyewear Show, an independent eyewear show in Minneapolis, MN. Paige is proud to be Cherry Optical Lab’s Minnesota Sales Consultant. She loves representing a company that she has had outstanding firsthand experience with and is excited to offer that same exceptional experience and service to other ECPs across Minnesota. Email her at pkraemer@cherryopticallab.com.
