Stephanie Smith believes in embracing change and leading with purpose.
“With dedication and hard work, you can achieve anything,” explains the practice manager and board certified optician at Engle Eyewear, Wilkes-Barre.
In the practice, the young woman has the responsibility of all daily operations of the practice to help ensure the business runs efficiently, profitability and with exceptional patient care.
Smith attended East Stroudsburg University for four years before making the difficult decision to leave early and pursue a career full-time. “Over the next seven years, I worked tirelessly to climb the corporate ladder, gaining valuable experience in multiple management and leadership roles,” she notes.
Her career took an exciting turn when she joined Engle Eyewear and she discovered her passion for the optical field. Eager to grow in this new industry, she enrolled in the Penn Foster Opticianry program, and with the support of her incredible team and a strong work ethic, she earned her certificate in nine months.
Within her first year, she successfully passed her state board exam and achieved her ABOC. Soon after, she continued her education by completing additional coursework and earning her NCLE certification as well.
Throughout her career, she has remained dedicated to personal and professional growth, attending Vision Expo, the Ritz-Carlton Leadership Program, and Dale Carnegie training to strengthen her skills and become the best leader she could be.
Thomas and Renee Engle are not only the practice manager’s mentors but also her dear friends, she notes. “Thomas’s business model and extensive knowledge of the industry are truly inspiring, he motivates everyone around him to strive for their best and Renee’s natural ability to connect with people is infectious, and the joy she brings into every room is remarkable,” she said.
Smith attributes her success to date to her drive, adaptability, and determination that she heeds to every day of her life.
Incredibly fortunate to have an amazing support system, she is grateful to her friends and family who have always encouraged her to give her best. Her fiancé, Chris, has been her rock through it all, from the late nights of studying to the travel for training and all the schedule changes in between. “I truly would not be where I am today without his support and the love of our children. They are the reason I work as hard as I do every day,” she acknowledged.
Active in her children’s activities and sports, she is a member of the PTA at their school and recently took on the role of fundraising manager for her daughter’s softball league. “As a family, we do our best to stay involved, whether it’s volunteering our time or simply showing up to support. It is important to me that my children see the value of teamwork and commitment,” she noted.
“The greatest reward for me is seeing the positive impact of my work and the success of my team and the business,” she said.
Her career has always been extremely important to her and she finds it incredibly rewarding. “I take great pride in being a reliable, dedicated professional, but I also believe strongly in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Spending time with family and friends, doing what you love, and loving what you do, all of it creates a happier, more meaningful life,” she concluded
Stephanie Smith
Age: 35
Home: Taylor
Company: Engle Eyewear, 1114 Highway 315, Wilkes Barre
Title: Practice Manager/Board Certified Optician