News Flash

Cyndi Bragg has been operating InFocus EyeWear in Barron, Wisconsin since December 12, 2012. Bragg is a certified optician by the American Board of Optometry who offers high quality eyewear at very affordable prices, and is the only specialized and dedicated optics shop in Barron County.

Bragg has been involved with all phases of lens making, surfacing, grinding, design and mounting for customers of all ages. Her industry experience has also allowed her to develop and maintain her vendor network. This has given her the ability to negotiate deals, keep expenses low and offer competitively priced products and fabrication.

Bragg is able to offer lenses starting at $45 and has an internal lab so she can do much of the fabrication herself.

“The ability to purchase uncut lenses and use my own equipment to make, sell, adjust and repair eye glasses for anybody with a need is how we are able to achieve solid results and quick turnaround for clients,” Bragg said. Additionally, she can fill any prescription brought to her and offer eyeglasses at discounted prices since she fabricates the lenses onsite.

Having gained notoriety in the public has led to lucrative commercial deals to supply annual safety glasses for construction companies. However, this success also led to a need for increased operational capital, and that is where NWRPC SBA Micro Loan program was able to step in.

“Being able to get financing to cover my future orders really helped launch my business to new heights. I’m very grateful for this SBA loan,” Bragg explained.

NWRPC SBA Micro Loan Program provided the financing for Bragg to increase her inventory supply for the future order requests and open up her cash flow to cover other expenses. This funding has led to retaining two FTE positions and the potential to create one more full time position. To see if your business would qualify for a startup, transition or expansion loan product at NWRPC, contact loan fund manager Ken Pearson at (715) 635-2197.