Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Community Service
Timeline
Generic

THOMAS KYTE

Lakeland,FL

Summary

Accomplished manager and licensed optician with a strong history of exceeding sales targets by 20% at BJ's Optical. Expertise in customer service and personnel management, utilizing strategic planning and conflict resolution to foster business growth. Proficient in developing training programs and enhancing operational efficiencies to improve service delivery.

Overview

35
35
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Manager / Licensed Optician

BJ’s Optical
Clearwater, FL
04.2019 - Current
  • Consistently exceeded annual sales targets by 5-20%.
  • Managed operations across multiple locations, supporting regional manager during 15 new club openings to ensure smooth transitions.
  • Planned and directed staffing, training, and performance evaluations to enhance sales and service programs.
  • Developed training programs to enhance product sales tactics and effectively address customer and personnel challenges.
  • Trained new associates on company procedures and strategies for success in a competitive environment.
  • Troubleshot diverse issues across multiple clubs, including sales and insurance inquiries.
  • Enforced customer service standards and resolved customer problems to uphold quality service.
  • Provided leadership during times of organizational change or crisis situations.
  • Assessed team member's skillsets and assigned tasks accordingly for optimal efficiency.
  • Created monthly reports for senior management that highlighted operational performance metrics and informed strategic decisions.

Owner/Consultant

JAFO Consulting
Tampa, FL
07.2017 - Current
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to deliver comprehensive consulting solutions.
  • Provided experienced advice on operational efficiencies and process improvements.
  • Developed strategic plans to increase profitability and efficiency.
  • Identified new opportunities for growth, expansion, and diversification.
  • Supervised performance of workers with goals of improving productivity, efficiency and cost savings.
  • Managed daily operations of business, including hiring and training staff.
  • Conducted workshops and training sessions to improve client skills and knowledge
  • Product education of lenses, coatings, and specialty treatments
  • Recruited temporary opticians to ensure adequate staffing during peak hours.
  • Evaluation of pricing structure and revamping of that structure to accommodate pricing trends
  • Identified and addressed workplace deficiencies to enhance strategies

Licensed Optician

Bloomingdale Eye Care
Brandon, FL
02.2018 - 03.2019
  • Guided clients in selecting frames, ensuring alignment with measurements and prescriptions.
  • Sold optical goods, including contact lenses, spectacles, sunglasses, and related items.
  • Conducted training on contact lens insertion and removal.
  • Facilitated training sessions with lab reps and MDs, enhancing staff knowledge on products and services.
  • Negotiated product procurement with frame buyers and lab reps, ensuring timely updates and availability.
  • Processed insurance claims for optical goods and exams, ensuring accurate and timely submissions.

Manager / Licensed Optician

Sam's Club Optical
Tampa, FL
07.2017 - 02.2018
  • Directed staffing, training, and performance evaluations to enhance associate skills and career growth.
  • Managed insurance filings for spectacles and contact lenses.
  • Resolved customer complaints to improve satisfaction and loyalty.
  • Collaborated with store managers to formulate strategies for optical product placement.
  • Analyzed P&L statements to identify and report on key successes and areas for improvement.
  • Exited position due to corporate closure, prioritizing retention of managerial role.

Licensed Optician

Gaffney Eye Clinic
Plant City, FL
07.2014 - 07.2017
  • Guided clients in selecting frames tailored to their style preferences, color choices, and optical measurements.
  • Utilized measuring devices to accurately assess clients' eye sizes and distances.
  • Sold eyewear products including contact lenses, spectacles, and sunglasses.
  • Oversaw insurance filing processes for spectacles, contacts, and eye exams to streamline client transactions.
  • Coordinated with frame buyers and lab representatives to source products and ensure timely updates.

Manager / Licensed Optician

For Eyes Optical
St Petersburg, FL
11.2013 - 07.2014
  • Sold contact lenses, spectacles, sunglasses, and other eye-related products, contributing to customer satisfaction and revenue.
  • Supervised clerical staff to maintain quality standards and enhance service delivery.
  • Conducted training and orientation for new staff to ensure smooth onboarding and operational readiness.
  • Answered telephones and provided information to callers promptly.
  • Took messages and transferred calls to appropriate individuals efficiently.

Manager / Licensed Optician

Sam's Club Optical
Tampa, FL
08.2008 - 10.2013
  • Managed multiple stores and trained successors during club transfers to ensure smooth operational continuity.
  • Directed staffing, training, and performance evaluations to foster associate development and improve team capabilities.
  • Analyzed P&L statements to identify successes and opportunities, providing strategic insights for business growth.
  • Collaborated with store managers to develop effective optical product placement plans.
  • Resolved customer complaints regarding sales and service efficiently.
  • Demonstrated contact lens insertion, removal, and care to customers.

Licensed Optician

Kaufman Eye Institute
Sun City Center, FL
11.2006 - 10.2007
  • Provided expert guidance on eye-related products, including contact lenses, spectacles, and sunglasses, enhancing customer satisfaction.
  • Cut lenses and fitted them into frames, delivering high-quality, customized eyeglasses for clients.
  • Collaborated with frame buyers and lab representatives to source products and ensure timely updates.

Owner / Manager / Pizza Maker

Fox's Pizza Den
Riverview, FL
07.2005 - 11.2006
  • Managed daily restaurant operations, optimizing staff scheduling for efficient service.
  • Supervised and trained over 10 employees in personnel activities.
  • Prepared daily food items and cooked simple dishes while adhering to safety and sanitation standards.
  • Cultivated strong client relationships through exceptional customer service, enhancing customer loyalty.
  • Executed payroll functions, managing timekeeping and processing payroll to ensure accurate employee compensation.
  • Managed funds collection and deposits, disbursing cash to settle bills and invoices promptly.
  • Maintained accurate records of collections and disbursements, ensuring account balance.
  • Oversaw inventory management and supply orders to ensure timely stock availability.

Manager / Licensed Optician

Ruskin Eye Clinic
Ruskin, FL
08.2005 - 10.2006
  • Guided clients in selecting frames that complemented their style, color preferences, and optical prescriptions.
  • Sold eyewear products, including contact lenses, spectacles, and sunglasses.
  • Cut and edged lenses for eyeglasses to meet customer specifications.
  • Managed processing of insurance claims for spectacles and contact lenses, ensuring prompt reimbursement.
  • Collaborated with frame buyers and lab representatives to source products and ensure timely updates.
  • Provided information to callers, taking messages and transferring calls as needed.

Adjunct Instructor

Hillsborough Community College
Tampa, FL
01.2005 - 06.2005
  • Facilitated interactive classroom discussions, promoting critical thinking and deeper engagement in course material.
  • Instructed students in skills and knowledge for specific occupations through engaging lectures, discussions, and presentations, fostering practical understanding.
  • Assigned and graded classwork and homework to evaluate student progress.
  • Provided academic support and guidance during office hours, assisting students in overcoming challenges and achieving coursework objectives.

Manager / Licensed Optician

Sam's Club
Tampa, FL
03.2004 - 06.2005
  • Managed daily retail operations, ensuring efficient staff performance and high levels of customer satisfaction.
  • Assisted clients in selecting appropriate frames based on style, color, and optical prescriptions.
  • Sold eyewear products, including various styles of contact lenses and sunglasses, in a retail environment.
  • Addressed customer complaints related to sales and service inquiries, improving overall customer satisfaction.
  • Coordinated sales activities for manufactured products and services, enhancing market presence across sectors.

Owner / Licensed Optician

Designing Eyes Optical Too
Tampa, FL
09.2001 - 09.2003
  • Sold contact lenses, spectacles, sunglasses, and related products to clients.
  • Assembled eyeglasses by cutting lenses and fitting them into frames.
  • Managed inventory control and procurement of eyewear products, maintaining optimal stock levels to meet customer demand.
  • Led budgeting and financial management to achieve fiscal responsibility.
  • Facilitated meetings with frame buyers and lab representatives to ensure timely product updates and align purchasing strategies.
  • Mentored staff on customer service and product knowledge, improving overall team effectiveness.
  • Organized filing systems to maintain comprehensive records.
  • Greeted visitors and callers, directing them to appropriate personnel.

Owner / Licensed Optician

Designing Eyes Optical
Tampa, FL
07.1991 - 09.2003
  • Managed daily operations of optical retail store and service center to enhance customer service and operational flow.
  • Sold optical products, including contact lenses, spectacles, and sunglasses.
  • Assembled eyeglasses by cutting lenses and fitting them into frames.
  • Facilitated meetings with frame buyers and lab representatives to optimize product selection and procurement.
  • Evaluated store layout regularly to enhance customer experience.
  • Formulated strategic plans to drive growth, profitability, and operational efficiency.
  • Established and maintained paper and electronic filing systems for attendance records and correspondence.

Education

Associate of Science - Ophthalmic Dispensing

Hillsborough Community College
Tampa, FL
01-1994

Skills

  • Customer service and support
  • Sales and marketing strategies
  • Administrative management
  • Personnel management
  • Program development
  • Training and education resources
  • Business administration
  • Service standards
  • Critical thinking skills
  • Conflict resolution

Certification

  • ABO and NCLE certified
  • State of Florida Licensed Dispensing Optician

Community Service

  • Special Olympics, I have a son who has played or is still playing in 6 different sports with Special Olympics. Starting 2017 through present, he as the athlete and I as a player partner and coach, have won many gold or silver medals during this time. In 2024, I secured a sizable corporate donation for Special Olympics Florida.
  • Youth Football, From 1988 until 2000, I was a Board member of the Tampa Bay Youth Football League and was a coach for a varsity team in 1988.

Timeline

Manager / Licensed Optician

BJ’s Optical
04.2019 - Current

Licensed Optician

Bloomingdale Eye Care
02.2018 - 03.2019

Owner/Consultant

JAFO Consulting
07.2017 - Current

Manager / Licensed Optician

Sam's Club Optical
07.2017 - 02.2018

Licensed Optician

Gaffney Eye Clinic
07.2014 - 07.2017

Manager / Licensed Optician

For Eyes Optical
11.2013 - 07.2014

Manager / Licensed Optician

Sam's Club Optical
08.2008 - 10.2013

Licensed Optician

Kaufman Eye Institute
11.2006 - 10.2007

Manager / Licensed Optician

Ruskin Eye Clinic
08.2005 - 10.2006

Owner / Manager / Pizza Maker

Fox's Pizza Den
07.2005 - 11.2006

Adjunct Instructor

Hillsborough Community College
01.2005 - 06.2005

Manager / Licensed Optician

Sam's Club
03.2004 - 06.2005

Owner / Licensed Optician

Designing Eyes Optical Too
09.2001 - 09.2003

Owner / Licensed Optician

Designing Eyes Optical
07.1991 - 09.2003

Associate of Science - Ophthalmic Dispensing

Hillsborough Community College
THOMAS KYTE