Cherry Optical Lab
Led by: Adam Cherry, President
Headquarters: Green Bay
Founded: 1999
cherryopticallab.com
Cherry Optical Lab’s dedication to its employees is noted front and center on the homepage of its website: The independent optical lab says it’s “obsessed with making two things: the world’s best lenses, and the world’s happiest humans.” While the “humans” part also includes Cherry’s customers — and its customers’ customers — the “employee” part is listed first.
“We are ‘seekers of better’ at Cherry and strongly believe that happy people make the best optics and are at the core of every successful organization,” says President Adam Cherry.
The company marks anniversary milestones every five years, with team members receiving personalized coffee mugs stuffed with cash corresponding to their years of service: $500 for five, $1,000 for 10, and so on. Employees also enjoy complimentary onsite food trucks, event ticket giveaways and departmental team bonding activities.
Cherry team members are encouraged to volunteer, with paid time for community service and two paid days off each year to volunteer, Adam Cherry says. The company also hosts drives for food, clothing and toys, as well as offers a charitable giving benefit. “We match two days of a team member’s wages and donate the money to a cause of their choice,” he says.
The family-owned company also offers significant financial benefits such as higher wages and bonus potential, profit‑sharing and lower medical premium costs. Full-time employees receive comprehensive health benefits starting almost right away. Cherry focuses on employee wellness, offering two EAPs, occupational therapy, a nurse hotline and focus groups for improving culture and mental health.
And, of course, Cherry team members and their family members are eligible for free lenses.
