Happy Holidays! Another year in the books!

First, an administrative thing: we’re replacing our customer emailing software. If you’d like to continue to get this holiday nugget in your inbox along with any other news we might send out, please fill out the form at the bottom of this page to keep yourself on the list. Thanks.

Welcome to the 6th annual Jejune Family Holiday Letter from Chadwick Optical. This tradition was inspired by my grandma, who would so graciously send us an annual letter outlining the mundane activities of obscure relatives I’ve never met. And since you’re part of Chadwick’s extended family, we think it’s important to continue my grandma’s tradition and share the mundane goings on of the team members here.

A few big things happened at Chadwick this year:

First, we took over the operations of Aire O Lite Optical from Alma, Georgia, and moved their lens casting operations up to Pennsylvania. If you’ve ever needed a +20.00 add or a 34.00 base curve lens, Aire O Lite was the company. We are proud to be continuing their illustrious history of casting the weirdest lenses possible.

Second, we welcomed a number of new members to the team, and we now have an engineering team with a few folks who spend their days thinking up how to make weird stuff happen. It’s magical.

Third, we took major steps towards our transition to an employee-owned company (ESOP). When we look at the industry and the rampant consolidation, it seems like the only way to build a company that will last the next 50 years and beyond. The goal is to begin that transition in 2026-27.

But you don’t want to hear about the exciting stuff, do you? You’re here for the mundane. Well…here it is:

 

Ralf lost a small human (equivalent in weight loss).

Mike had a friend visit from Seattle and was excited to give him a tour of Chadwick.

Michelle and Savannia are currently growing the next generation of Chadwick employees in their bellies.

Rather than riding the baby train, Li decided to take on a 5.10a rock climbing challenge.

Eric joined the Aire O Lite team after two decades making various types of glass windshields.

Jenn had her transmission AND engine replaced in her 2020 vehicle.

Alex went to Texas to see the eclipse. But you’re not supposed to look directly at it. So he kinda went to Texas to NOT look at the eclipse.

The constant overachiever Esmerlin renovated his house, coaches his son’s baseball team, and met his gym goals. 

Amanda’s engine blew out on the way back from Virginia and got to spend 2 days at the Budget Inn in Pulaski. She would not recommend Pulaski for your next destination vacation.

Ed's highlight from 2024 was successfully driving on the wrong side of the road in the wrong side of the car, going clockwise through roundabouts, all without incident while touring Scotland's many distilleries!

Erik completed his first internship with Chadwick this summer and loved it so much he came back to join us part-time (what a nerd)! Once he graduates in May, everyone better watch out!

Isaiah discovered a new passion for painting and went to his first ever WWE event.

Jaime took her 2 year old and 5 year old to Florida and caught one of the last flights back before Hurricane Milton hit.

Brian, who used to do music for a living (and it sucked his soul dry) began doing it again for fun, and remembered why he liked it.

Jordan and Matt bought a house.

Charlie took flying lessons and passed his FAA private pilot written test. If you’ve ever been in a car with Charlie, this should terrify you.

Lexi bought a motorcycle without knowing how to ride one. She’s figured it out though.

Renee’s husband is kind of a famous rapper now, but we knew him before he was famous. We hope she doesn’t forget about us.

Sam crossed into the part of adulthood where he gets excited about new appliances. Welcome Sam!

Sue’s auditioning to host an HGTV show for bad-ass women rehabbing their own kitchens. By doing her own kitchen.

Steve rehabbed most of his house…and it’s still standing. Can your accountant do that?

Tom C took on a deer with his CRV, and lost.

John G did a Tough Mudder with Esmerlin, Li and Pat.

Andy’s 8-year old started violin lessons. It sounds like a cat trapped in a wind chime.

Tom MF Rollins spent a week in the jungles of Mexico. 

Tyler got a Great Dane. His daughter named the dog “Shark.” This caused problems when the dog got away at the beach and they had to scream at him.

Pat spent a week in Milwaukee learning about our new equipment.

Bryan successfully conquered his addiction to soda… on 8 different occasions. He’s currently working on number 9. He was also able to achieve a new personal speed record, shaving 9 seconds off the time it takes him to order a Meatball Classic hoagie on a Wawa touchscreen.

Dave’s son started at quarterback for his high school football team as a freshman. It’s a big deal.

Ken bought a used car…that may or may not have been stolen.

Dan went to Reno, hiked around Lake Tahoe and through the Yosemite Valley, and climbed to the peak of Mt. Davidson in Virginia City.

Rina tried sandboarding and saw her favorite artist three times this year!

 

A merry holiday season to you and your family. And please fill out the form below to keep yourself on our holiday mailing list! 

 

Love,

Grandpa Charlie and the Chadwick Family