Kevin was immediately attracted to Optic Nerve’s new line of products. “They’re stylish and on trend, and they look far more expensive than they actually are. I’m excited to sell sunglasses that are this high of quality at such an affordable price point,” said Kevin.
Kevin’s determined to help customers and consumers see what Optic Nerve’s brand can offer. “People who get to know and love Optic Nerve will recognize what great value the products deliver and feel good about supporting an independent company who cares about the environment.” He plans to do this by bolstering the national sales team to gain better distribution and doubling down on consumer marketing efforts that tell an authentic brand story and garner genuine connection.
“I’m lucky to lead an amazing team who supports this vision. The blend of seasoned veterans and fresh perspective creates the perfect balance as we move our brand forward and bring our products into new doors,” said Kevin.
Meet the team:
Kevin Karch VP of Sales & Marketing
Kevin is focused on leading Optic Nerve into its next stage of growth. In his 22 years of experience, at both large and small outdoor brands like Kelty, Sierra Designs, and Native Eyewear, he’s built effective sales teams that have delivered proven results. This experience will be key to Optic Nerve’s future success. He’s excited to get Optic Nerve’s high-quality, sustainable styles into the hands of more people and build a brand that consumers love.
Mae Welker – Director of Sales
Mae has extensive experience in sales and retail marketing. She joined the Optic Nerve team in 2013 making her the longest tenured team member with a wealth of knowledge and relationships. During her time as Business Development Manager and Director of Sales, she doubled sales numbers and significantly increased distribution. As the team moves forward, Mae will continue to focus on growing key accounts as well as new channels of trade for Optic Nerve outside the typical outdoor industry players. She’s most excited about upcoming collaborations and private label opportunities with some of her favorite brands.
Lindsey Seil – Ecommerce Brand Manager
With almost a decade of Amazon / ecommerce experience, Lindsey joined the Optic Nerve team as the Ecommerce Brand Manager in August of 2023. She’s focused on understanding Optic Nerve's customers (current and future); ensuring marketing creative and goals are aligned with their mutual values. She also helps with the development of Optic Nerve's ecommerce strategy including the website, Amazon, and future marketplaces. She's passionate about storytelling through leveraging data and creative elements to help foster the brand and reach their goals. Lindsey is excited to work within this awesome team and utilize her core skills in marketing, ecommerce strategy, and data analytics.
Ethan Cotton – Marketing Manager
After growing up around the company as the son of co-owner Bill Cotton, Ethan officially joined the company in 2021. He graduated from Portland State in 2018 with a double Major in Marketing + Supply / Logistics Management. Then, he spent time at a consulting company in Portland that helped eCommerce clients optimize their online experiences. Since joining Optic Nerve, he has been responsible for overhauling the brands online presence. He helped oversee an internal brand refresh, drove a major website redesign, and now works closely with external partners to help spread the Optic Nerve message. Ethan feels most excited about growing Optic Nerve’s direct to consumer business - from establishing new social partnerships with other brands, clubs, athletes, and influencers, to being on the front line of consumer conversation and driving meaningful online growth.
David Rumptz – Business Development Manager
David has been with Optic Nerve since January 2022. He joined the team as the Marketing Coordinator out of Butler University and began by running Optic Nerve’s social media channels, working tradeshows, and running events. He has since transitioned into the Sales Department, where he works with our wholesale customers. He is excited for the future of Optic Nerve because of the product line and continued attention towards eco-friendly, inexpensive products.
The team is stacked and ready to amplify the newly refreshed Optic Nerve brand (launched in March of 2023) and help people experience high-quality sunglass styles that get them outdoors, doing what they love.
About Optic Nerve
Independently owned and proudly headquartered in Colorado since 1981, Optic Nerve Eyewear exists to create a clearer view of what matters, producing purposeful eyewear for the outdoor inspired. Headquartered in one of the most physically active states in the U.S., Optic Nerve knows what it’s like to go the extra mile and dedicates excruciating thoughtfulness around features and innovation to make sure nothing stands in the way of creating products with a little extra flare and more value, all with a steadfast commitment to sustainability and quality backed by a lifetime warranty. To learn more, visit www.opticnerve.com.
]]>We're all about celebrating the spirit of giving with style and sustainability in mind. Optic Nerve Eyewear stands out for its commitment to planet-friendly materials and exceptional quality, backed by a product lifetime warranty. In this comprehensive guide, we've curated the perfect gifts for him, her, kids, runners, cyclists, hikers, and so much more. Get ready to explore a world of eyewear that not only elevates your fashion game but also supports your outdoor adventures!
Looking for the perfect gift for a fella? We’ve got you covered with sunglasses that will make anyone smile. From polarized protection with 100% UVA/UVB protection, to anti-glare coatings on our lenses, we do the hard work designing and testing our products in Colorado so they stand up to the test. Check out our Men’s gift picks!
In need of an easy gift for one of the women in your life? Sunglasses are an accent piece that everyone needs regardless of their interests or personal style. With a variety of fits and colors that can complement a wide breadth of wardrobes, we’re confident any woman in your life will love her new pair of Optic Nerves!
Every parent wants to look out for their children’s health and safety. Doing it in a cool and stylish way has never been easier! Optic Nerve’s kid’s sunglasses meet ANSI Z80.1 standards for protection from the harmful UV rays from the sun - the lenses block 100% of all UVA/UVB radiation. Shop for style with confidence!
As a runner, shoes are the most important piece of apparel you buy. Fit, feel, and injury prevention all come into play - but did you know your eyes are susceptible to injury while running as well? By accessorizing your runs with Optic Nerves, you can feel confident your eyes have the most coverage possible from the sun’s UV rays. These wraparound picks feature tons of visual coverage from the lens shapes with rubberized contact pieces to minimize slip and bounce while on the move.
Need a new frame to match your 2024 kit? Or looking for something easy to wear both on + off the bike? With our cycling gift picks, you have your pick at the lot. The FixieSERIES offers unparalleled performance and visual clarity while riding - check out a photochromic lens if you know you’ll be riding in variable light.
Being outside in the fresh air is one of our favorite feelings! Why not accessorize with sunglasses designed and tested all over Colorado? Our frames are made with planet friendly materials like Forest Stewardship Council Certified Natural Wood and Global Recycled Standard Plastics. Get ready to get outside with Optic Nerve!
Sunglasses are one of - if not the most important accessories on the water. From protection from harsh glare to giving yourself a cheat code with color-tuned lenses, we proudly support anglers all over the country. Pro bass fisher Chris Zaldain trusts us with his signature Zaldaingerous FixieMAX model - designed to eliminate glare, amplify color contrast, and deliver unreal HD visual clarity.
Need more inspiration?! Check out all of our gift guides here.
]]>WHEAT RIDGE, Colo. – Optic Nerve sunglasses were founded in athletic performance, and this Colorado based company knows what it takes to produce sustainable sunglasses for both leisure and competitive sport. No matter what gets you out the door and onto the road or trail, they have plenty of styles to keep you moving while reducing environmental impact. Features such as wrap-around shield protection, adjustable nose pieces, photochromic light adjusting lenses, and polarization provide optionality depending on your running objective. If you happen to be attending The Running Event in Austin, Texas November 28-30, stop by booth #1721 to see for yourself.
Optic Nerve is constantly innovating to bring forward new planet-friendly styles to meet the evolving needs of the running community. In 2024, they highlight a few styles that are perfect for any distance.
There are also several styles that runners adore that they’ll keep in their line-up as best-sellers. In addition to the perfect features and functionalities, these sunglasses also have a limited lifetime warranty, so nothing holds runners back from getting outside – because it’s always worth it.
These new and best-selling running sunglasses, and all products moving forward, will reflect Optic Nerve’s commitment to sustainability as they are made from plant-based and Global Recycled Standard (GRS) materials and come in new biodegradable packaging. Optic Nerve will be one of the only players in the sunglass industry to provide this commitment to sustainability for prices as low as $29. As an additional commitment to sustainability, Optic Nerve’s warehouse distribution center and office, just outside of Denver, is powered by solar and wind energy so customers can feel inspired by not only the products themselves but what they represent.
For more information about Optic Nerve and to see more of their new brand, visit www.opticnerve.com.
About Optic Nerve
Independently owned and proudly headquartered in Colorado since 1981, Optic Nerve Eyewear exists to create a clearer view of what matters, producing purposeful eyewear for the outdoor inspired. Headquartered in one of the most physically active states in the U.S., Optic Nerve knows what it’s like to go the extra mile and dedicates excruciating thoughtfulness around features and innovation to make sure nothing stands in the way of creating products with a little extra flare and more value, all with a steadfast commitment to sustainability and quality backed by a lifetime warranty. To learn more, visit www.opticnerve.com.]]>National Sunglasses Day is a commemorative day celebrating the importance of wearing ultraviolet (UV)-protective sun wear and eyewear and brought to life each year by The Vision Council on June 27. Optic Nerve is proud to support National Sunglasses Day by producing purposeful eyewear for the outdoor inspired.
We believe that when people are active, they are happier, healthier and more productive. That’s why we make protective eyewear to support a wide variety of outdoor activities – so more people can get out and do more things and add more happiness to the world.
We also believe that everyone’s eyes are deserving of protection. That’s why we are committed to working with various charities throughout our community to ensure that those who are less fortunate than ourselves have access to quality eye protection for enjoying the great outdoors.
To protect your eyes in style, Optic Nerve eyewear offers 100% UVA/UVB protection so you can stay out a little longer, soak up the sun and pursue your passions.
Here’s a few reasons why you should wear Optic Nerve sunglasses everyday:
Here at Optic Nerve, we understand your healthy addition to the outdoors and your love for our playground planet earth. That’s why we exist to produce purposeful eyewear for the outdoor inspired. We do our part in protecting the environment through earth-friendly manufacturing and energy saving practices. By choosing us, you’re choosing what matters – supporting a company who puts people and planet over profit.
We currently feature two innovative and sustainable product lines that help you get outside in style while reducing our collective impact.
Made with upcycled plastic bottles, our recycled PET sunglasses are one of the most innovative products in the industry--especially at this price point. The recycled PET material is made from five single-use plastic water bottles that have been collected, cleaned, and ground up into flakes. These flakes are molded into sunglass frames and paired with our lightweight triacetate polarized lens. PET plastic has been found to be more durable than typical plastic, a true win-win! This recycled plastic conserves raw material use and allows us to deliver sustainable shades at a fraction of the carbon footprint with the same top-notch polarized lenses you know and love. View our PET Collection
Our new natural wood sunglass line is Forest Stewardship Council certified for sustainability. Subbing natural wood temples for the standard polycarbonate temples found in most sunglasses, Optic Nerve replaces single-use plastic to reduce environmental impact. The frames feel incredibly light but don’t sacrifice an ounce of durability or UVA/UVB protection. Six unique frames offer style options for anyone looking to keep their eyes and our planet better protected. View our Natural Wood Collection.
Our emphasis on the environment does not stop with recycled PET and natural wood sunglasses. What started with solar panels powering their Colorado-based warehouse evolved into using plant-based castor beans for many of their sunglass frames as well as biodegradable or recycled packaging to ship all of our products.
By opting for purposeful designs that are consciously created to produce less waste, you’ll not only look good, but feel good too.
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