We Stand on the Shoulder’s of Giants Continues…
In March 2010, I attended my first ophthalmic conference, Vision Expo East (VEE), in New York City at the Good-Lite booth with Joe Villari. VEE consisted of three 9:00 am - 6:00 pm days along with breakfasts, lunches, dinners, drinks, and everything else that comes with attending conferences. These shows are intense and usually 14+ hour days! However, imagine having hundreds of ophthalmic items for sale at the booth knowing what every single one of them does with zero education in optometry and how to best utilize them in optometrists’ practices. That is Joe Villari and it is truly a sight to be seen.
Joe is educated on every device and how it best fit the doctors’ needs. The man NEVER took a break during those nine hour stretches each day and would pick you up if he saw you sitting. I was young and active but Joe put me to shame at these shows. His work ethic is one of the best I’ve ever seen. It’s a work ethic I strive for to this day. His ability to sell is something I’m envious of.
One of the things I respect most about Joe is his directness. I can’t deny that it’s made for some uncomfortable situations but I think it’s a really great trait, especially, when I’m on the receiving end of it. I’m not sure about you but I knew everything when I was younger. I had my fancy degrees and was a partner in a medical device company. Joe sat me down, told me some things I needed to hear, and it was a difficult but needed conversation for me. It made me a better person. Joe’s not a “Yes, Man.†He’s a “I’m going to tell you what you need to hear, Man.†I’m beyond grateful to consider Joe a friend today and he makes me a better person.
I’m proud to stand on the shoulders' of my friend, Joe Villari.
Waggoner Diagnostics