Committing to one company for an entire career is all but unheard of these days. Olds' Linda Stephens is a rare exception.
On Friday night she was justly rewarded for her dedication - an evening with the appreciative partners and staff of the Olds Eyecare Clinic. A trip for two to Hawaii was a nice touch too.
Linda started in the eye care business in Olds, before she was a Stephens, and before it was the Olds Eyecare clinic. Shortly after graduating high school in 1971, she joined Dr. Garth Mann's new optometric practice. The two operated in a small office on the west side of what is now the Olds Laundry on 51st Street.
1971 was a watershed year in Alberta politics: Peter Lougheed and his Conservative party ended the 36-year reign of the Social Credit party and its leader Harry Strom. Bell-bottoms, polyester, long hair, rock, and leisure suits were big. Olds' population was about 3,500, and Linda worked hard to assist Dr. Mann, and his growing list of patients.
Dr. Bob Coles eventually partnered with Dr. Mann; Dr. Coles sold his shares to Dr. Brian Trump, who joined forces with Dr. Allan Jones and Dr. Lori Lukey, who joined with other partners in what has now grown and evolved into the Olds Eyecare clinic and the new clinic that Linda refers to as “heavenly.”
Linda remembers working six days a week. Actually, it was only five days. The staff was rewarded with free Wednesday and Saturday afternoons.
What's changed in 40 years? Styles, methods and procedures obviously, but the business has become more professional and the once male-dominated profession now has more “balance” with many more female doctors according to Linda.
Hawaii was a thoughtful gift after an endless winter and 40 years of service. How will Olds Eyecare honour 50 years of service?
