Mark Collman is now the sole owner of Phoenix Eyewear after purchasing the shares of long-standing optical industry participants and Phoenix’s co-founders Peter Nicholls and Deb Lake.
“It’s very exciting, but it’s also just a natural progression for us all,” says Mark.
Phoenix Eyewear commenced operation just over eight years ago with two ranges, Jono Hennessy and Mayhem. Since then the business has grown significantly and now represents more than twenty ranges and employs seven people.
Though the sale is a step towards retirement for Lake and Nicholls - both have worked in New Zealand’s optical industry for nearly 40 years, formerly with Optical Holdings Limited (OHL) - neither is stepping down just yet. “Naturally there will be a transition in some responsibilities and roles as a result of this transaction, but Peter will continue in a financial advisory role as long as I need him and will be invaluable to me during the next few months while the new structure takes shape,” explains Collman.
Meanwhile, Lake will be helping new appointee, Maree Herman, take over as office manager. Herman joins the Phoenix team from Pristina Holdings (Dermalogica skincare products) where she was a senior PA and customer service manager for eight years. “Maree comes to us with a very strong and successful background in administration and office management. She has a great sense of humour and can-do attitude and real empathy with clients, and will be a fabulous addition to our team,” says Collman.
