As we bid farewell to 2023, we are both thrilled and saddened to announce the retirement of Scott Payne and Skip Payne from our organization. It is with a mix of excitement and nostalgia that we reflect on their leadership journey at IcareLabs, which began in the early 2000s following the passing of their father, our beloved founder, John Payne.
Thanks to the exceptional leadership of Scott and Skip, IcareLabs has transformed from a small traditional surfacing lab into the cutting-edge digital surfacing with in-house Crizal coatings lab that we are today. Scott and Skip made sure that all who worked at IcareLabs felt like family, a tradition that is still carried on today.
Throughout their illustrious 50+ year careers, Scott and Skip have left an indelible mark on the optical industry. As certified opticians, they possess a unique perspective on the challenges faced by both labs and ECPs. Their unwavering commitment to the betterment of our industry is evident through their active involvement with esteemed organizations like The Vision Council and charitable organization such as Southeastern Guide Dogs and many more. With a willingness to share their extensive knowledge, Scott and Skip have played a pivotal role in uplifting our entire field. They firmly believe that when we all work together, we can achieve remarkable progress.
Scott Payne joined his father in the family business in 1972 and has been here since. Scott is an alumnus of the University of South Florida with a degree in Biology. You will now find Scott spending time with his family,
traveling, and participating in events that support the Parkinson's Foundation.
In 1977, Skip Payne joined his father, John W. Payne, and brother Scott in the family business. Skip graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in Engineering Technology. In retirement you will find Skip, when not working on some sort of project, spending time with his family and visiting different ports of call on his boat, as he is a licensed Captain.
We send our heartfelt wishes to both Scott and Skip for a future filled with happiness, good health, and exciting new adventures. Their valuable wisdom, exceptional leadership, and most importantly, their cherished friendship will be greatly missed. However, we are confident that they will remain an integral part of our organization, as their sons—the 3rd generation of the Payne family—will continue to oversee our day-to-day operations.