TONY ERKER
Owner
JASON LITTLE
Manager/Optician
Eye Roc Eyewear
Eye Roc Eyewear’s cool vibes and fashion-forward designs have attracted people like sports broadcaster Joe Buck, rapper Nelly, actors John Goodman and Will Smith, athletes like Mark McGwire and Shaquille O’Neal, and rocker Alice Cooper.
Manager and optician Jason Little, who started his optical career in California, styling eyewear for celebrities like Harrison Ford and Jeremy Irons, has become the “face of Eye Roc,” and is intent on keeping it the “coolest eyewear shop in St. Louis.” He particularly likes working with the independent eyewear company that is able to offer customers such a personal touch. In addition to his certification as an optician, he holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Azusa Pacific University in California.
With multiple locations, including Eye Roc, Erker’s Optical Co. was started in 1879 by A.P. Erker, and is the oldest optical company in the United States still owned by the founding family. The company has a long and storied history that fifth-generation owner Tony Erker, who holds a bachelor’s degree in business and finance from Saint Louis University, can’t help but be proud of. Like the fact that Erker’s supplied Charles Lindbergh with the goggles that he used in his 1927 transatlantic flight in The Spirit of St. Louis.
The business has continued to grow for more than a century, tapping into the idea that eyewear can be more than just a medical device. The vision is to provide customers with trend-setting products that take glasses beyond just a prescription.
Tony:
Career Path
I was about 25 years old. At first, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do, and even though I had some interest in optical and my family was already in the business, I never thought I would go into it. Besides normal life events, such as moving into a home, having children, life never really got in the way of my career.
Biggest Mentor
Ron Sitrick. He worked for our company and during that time, he taught me the right and wrong way to do things in optical. Two important things Ron taught me was to pay attention to detail and to take care of the customer.
Biggest Impact
Teaching people in the profession the same things I have been taught in the business.
Future Goals
Help build more awareness around great local St. Louis companies, and connect with and support individuals who care about what they do and who are behind the face of the business.
Favorite Pastime
Helping businesses grow and succeed.
Memorable Life Moment
Having my three children.
Jason:
Career Path
I decided my career path after I became an optician, which was only six months after entering the optical field as a salesperson in Brentwood, California. I was 32 years old. First, I chose it because I am a certified optician with a great work track record, and there are always doors of opportunity open for me within the optical field. Secondly, I chose it because I enjoy working within the independent eyewear world instead of the commercial and corporate type of optical stores. Life gets in the way sometimes. In 2008, my wife and I were victims of the real estate market crash. We were paying over $4,000 a month in mortgage for a small apartment in Santa Monica. Thankfully, we were able to short-sale it.
Biggest Mentor
Two of the biggest mentors I have had during my time in optical is James Leer, my first optical co-worker and master optician. He trained and taught me in the beginning. My second mentor was my first manager, Adam Hoffberg. He was very good at his job and I picked up many tips from him.
Biggest Impact
Optically speaking, helping thousands of customers – even the likes of Harrison Ford – find awesome eyewear (making thousands of people feel good and look good) and troubleshooting all kinds of optical issues. Also, making a lot of money for the store owners over the years. Family speaking, being married for 14 years, and I have two wonderful sons.
Future Goals
I just achieved a huge milestone last December, when I graduated with a bachelor’s of applied psychology from Azusa Pacific University. My current goals are to continue to manage Eye Roc Eyewear and help it continue to be an awesome success in St. Louis. Also, I would like to become a better money manager at home, and to know God better and know his will for me each day.
Favorite Pastime
Coming home after work and spending time with my family.
Memorable Life Moment
The birth of my sons, and growing up in Canada.
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