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Profile in Business Excellence
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Written by Barb Hawley
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Tuesday, 11 November 2008 14:33 |
 If you make an appointment for an examination at Elegant Eyewear, you’ll be seeing Dr. Evans. Or you might see Dr. Evans. Either way, you’ll be in the capable, professional care of an optometrist who’s been practicing for more than 20 years.
The husband and wife team of Drs. Dave and Gail Evans graduated from Wilkes University and the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. In addition to offering optical products and professional eye care from their Kingston practice, Dave also maintains Evans Eyecare, a practice in Nanticoke.
In business since 1991, Elegant Eyewear is the area’s first specialty eyewear boutique, carrying unique designs and high-fashion collections described as “New York style at Wyoming Valley prices.”
Also available are low-vision aids for the partially-sighted, as well as optical and non-optical aids for those with macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, and other maladies. All of these products help patients utilize their remaining vision so they can live life to the fullest.
Both doctors perform eye examinations that can include contact lens fitting specialties for astigmatism and bifocal correction as well as routine fittings. They treat patients for eye emergency, glaucoma, or diabetic complications all in a small, personalized office rather than a large clinic setting.
“It’s been a challenge to stay independent in a world of multi-specialty practices,” said Dave. “But the advantage here is that extra time can be given to pay attention to patients’ visual needs, like needing safety glasses or prescription sun wear. It’s a distinction you don’t always have.”
“The business has grown due to our dedication to personalized attention and affordable pricing,” said Gail. “We advertise theold-fashioned way—by patient satisfaction and word of mouth.”
The personalized attention she provides is especially appreciated by one patient who remarked, “I am so happy that I’m a patient there. Dr. Evans continues to work with me to get my vision improved, even when it takes longer. I think their office is courteous, friendly and fun—and they are so knowledgeable.”
Such a response is gratifying to Dave, who spoke of the reward he feels in his line of work.
“People just appreciate the instant improvement you make in their lives,” he said. |
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Written by Jenna Hawley
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Tuesday, 11 November 2008 14:31 |
 Sometimes a hobby grows into a passion. Unexpectedly, that passion might lead to a fulfilling career. That’s what happened when Evelyn Foley joined a beading class years ago. As her skills developed, she began selling her jewelry at craft shows and to friends. Her experience in retail at two local jewelry stores prepared her to open her own shop in Wilkes-Barre more than 11 years ago, witha base inventory of gift items, collectibles,and her jewelry.
In 2006, Evelyn opened a location on Wyoming Ave., in Kingston. Both stores carry the Jim Shore line, Precious Moments, Cherished Teddies, the Precious Jewels line,and handmade bridal accessories.
A unique addition in Evelyn’s jewelry selection is a collection of bracelets, each handmade and featuring attributes such as “Faith,” “Hope,” and “Love.” These colorful bracelets are a team effort, with Evelyn enlisting the help of two talented young women. Beth helps with the design and Holly makes small cards containing inspirational messages.
The shops’ Christmas collections are stocked with decorations, ornaments, and gifts. Gift-givers should visit Evelyn’s stores for the holidays; they are full of unique, eye-catching items.
“I want my store to be the kind of gift shop where you could get lost shopping, just poking around and browsing,” Evelyn said.
She recalled, as she smiled, a little boy from her early days in Wilkes-Barre who poked his head inside the doorway. “Hey, lady. Whatchya got for two bucks?,” he asked.
Evelyn has since watched him grow to be a teenager, as she has with many neighborhood children who stop by after school to be greeted with a friendly smile, to eat a snack, and to peruse Evelyn’s assortment of Beanie Babies, and more recently, Webkinz. For those actually on a $2 budget, she has many inexpensive items. There’s something for everyone at E. M. Foley Gift Shoppe.
“Family is everything,” Evelyn said. She speaks highly of her cousin Debbie, who works at the Kingston location and designs the window displays for both stores. Of her customers, Evelyn tries to give them the one-on-one attention they deserve.”
I hope my customers would say they know they’re treated fairly and get quality merchandise at a good price, while enjoying the experience,” Evelyn said.
For the community, Evelyn donates stuffed animals to the children’s wards at hospitals and helps out churches and various fundraisers. She attributes her success directly to God.
“With God,” she said, “anything’s possible. You never know what’s around the corner for you.” |
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Written by Nick Podolak
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Tuesday, 11 November 2008 14:29 |
 While strolling past the prescription pick-up desk to interview Cook’s Pharmacy owner Jim Gaudino in his office, I was greeted by an employee who happened to be an old friend of mine from high school.
“Oh, she knows you, too?,” Jim asked. “She knows everybody.”
This service-oriented philosophy is perhaps just one of the reasons why Cook’s Pharmacy has avoided being crushed by a mortar and pestle to big-box chains such as CVS, Walgreen, Rite-Aid, and The Medicine Shoppe, all of which are located within a short driving distance from the 100-and-some-year-old pharmacy.
“People are loyal to small business in this area,” Jim said. “It’s the little things. We know most of our customers by their first names, and as the owner, I can do things CVS can’t… If the customer has a problem, he can come to me.”
Originally from Connecticut, Jim married Dawn Lombardo, a Kingston native whose father was a first-generation American who emigrated from Sicily and purchased Cook’s in 1967. Jim acquired it in 2002 and has continued the legacy of unmatched and personalizedcustomer attention.
“It’s all about the patient,” Jim said.
Cook’s is also about convenience and going the extra mile. With a large population of older citizens in Kingston and its surrounding towns, Cook’s takes their needs into account. There is ample parking out front, the aisles are wider, and the shelves aren’t outrageously high.
Plus, and probably its most desirable perk, Cook’s delivers prescriptions on the west side via its trademark silver Chevrolet Cobalt. Who said no one makes house calls anymore? Cook’s also provides special packaging to nursing and group homes.
With Thanksgiving just around the corner and the December holidays not too far off, Cook’s offers 50% off all of its greeting cards- quality, designer greetings that, according to Jim, “continue to improve.”
Cook’s Pharmacy is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week. A Medicare-approved provider and with more than 100 different insurance plans accepted, Cook’s upholds its slogan that its owner and employees have “always cared.” |
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