Introducing: Jon De Greef

• Digital Surfacing Manager

• Job-Related Certifications: ABO Certified

• Years with Cherry Optical, Inc: 8

What do you do for Cherry Optical, Inc?

I run and maintain highly sensitive digital surfacing equipment, keep jobs moving through the lab, troubleshoot problem jobs and machine errors. Along with doing preventive maintenance, I am constantly checking lens clarity, thickness, and design clarity issues to ensure our customers get exactly what they asked for. A lot of what you see in a lens can be directly related to how certain machines are operating. Since Cherry Optical, Inc is a 24-hour, five-day-a-week production lab; I spend a lot of time checking lens quality, machine calibration, and machine operation. I’m also in charge of working with lens manufacturers to load their technology parameters in the machines as the new designs and upgrades are created. Beyond that, I have regular managing duties: ordering parts, keeping consumables stocked and training the Digital Surfacing Opticians on the ins and outs of digital surfacing and the machines.

What inspires you?

My goal is to be the best in my field and achieving that inspires me. I like teaching others about optics; specifically, what is involved in creating a pair of digitally processed lenses. I take pride in my work. Minimizing spoilages, keeping the lab running smoothly and being an effective part of the company makes me feel good. I also really enjoy furthering my knowledge in digital surfacing to ensure I can be an effective manager at this state-of-the-art optical facility.

What do you like most about working at Cherry Optical, Inc?

The thing I enjoy most about my job is the people. Everyone in this building is a real joy to work alongside. It’s hard to be negative if you’re working with 40 other people who also truly enjoy their jobs.

Cherry Optical, Inc treats their employees very well. It can be said when you join our team, you’re going to gain 15 lbs. Every day there is food that someone made and/or brought in to share. However, my most fond memory is from an optical convention that we attended in Las Vegas. I’m pretty sure racing a Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Porsche isn’t work related, but they treated me to the experience, which was amazing! (Side note: I beat Adam Cherry & Jason Link’s lap times in every car. Hehe!)

What makes Cherry Optical, Inc different from other optical laboratories?

Cherry Optical, Inc goes above and beyond with its process controls. We calibrate our machines every three to four hours and keep them spotless. People touring the lab always think the machines we’ve had for five or six years are brand new. Additionally, we send our managers to seminars and expos to further their knowledge in each of their given fields of the optical process. Cherry Optical, Inc prides itself on employing a well-educated staff. Continuing education is a great benefit for my co-workers and myself.

What are your biggest challenges in your position?

I have a hard time finding the right people to give me the right answers when troubleshooting an issue with our equipment. We’ve found only a handful of people who really know digital processing, and they happen to be here at Cherry Optical, Inc in Green Bay.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I enjoy mountain biking, camping, water sports, boating and live local music. My fiancé and her three kids keep to the outdoors when weather permits, so I’m down for basically anything that’s out in the sun and fun.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I’m an adrenaline junkie, so I always wanted to be a stuntman.

What celebrity or historical figure wears or has worn glasses best?

Roy Orbison & Jack Nicholson