Management Team

Front Row - Holly Ferber
Middle Row (Left to Right) - Lance Christensen, Shannon Waigand, Deb Larson
Back Row (Left to Right) - Judy Hodge, Matt Somers, Mike Tamerius
(Not Pictured) - Stephanie Brammer & Melanie Crago

Mike Tamerius

Our Vice-President and Co-Owner is Michael Tamerius. Mike has over 18 years experience in the optical industry and has been co-owner of P.O.G. Labs since its beginning in 1992. He is a Certified Optician from Metro Tech Community College and a member of the Opticians Association of Iowa. Mike has experience in all aspects of the day to day operation in the lab which requires an in depth knowledge of all lab procedures and is responsible for upgrading as necessary. He works directly with sales and marketing, oversees the human resources department and manages all personnel. Mike is also responsible for the company's accounting.

When he is not busy working Mike enjoys spending time outside enjoying the physical labor of his small farming operation and the occasional game of golf. He also keeps busy with his wife, Traci and his son, Alex and daughter, Jessica.

Matt Somers

Matthew Somers is our President & Co-Owner. Matt serves in the full-time capacity as our Laboratory Manager. Matt received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Simpson College. He has over 15 years experience in the optical industry and has been co-owner since its beginning. As an owner, he is familiar with all aspects of the operation of the lab. He is very knowledgeable with all lab procedures, and works directly with the Production Supervisor in training lab employees and insuring workflow. He is the company's computer hardware/software technician as well.

Matt enjoys spending time with his wife, Debbie and their children, two sons Kainen and Kyle and daughter, Camryn, all ranging from high school to elementary. Matt enjoys spending much of his free time outside whether that be fishing, hunting or golfing. He also enjoys coaching boy's high school basketball and has done so for 8 years.

Shannon Waigand

Shannon Waigand is Director of Sales & Marketing. Shannon came to P.O.G. Labs in 2002, with over eleven years of prior optical experience and education as an optometric technician. She began her career here in Data Entry. However, Shannon’s lack of keyboarding skills and gift of gab were quickly noted. At the time there was no "Sales Department", but Shannon found her true calling when she was persuaded to transfer to that area anyway. She now oversees our sales team, providing up-to-the-minute information on all new products and pricing and helping maintain customer accounts. She absolutely loves her job and all aspects of it. Shannon admits, as the youngest of eight, she is used to being spoiled. She enjoys spending time with her husband and four children, whether on their farm or at the nearest lake.

Holly Ferber

Holly Ferber is our Customer Service Manager. Holly began her optical career in 1987 as an optometric technician for a local optometrist. She joined us in 2003, bringing with her a decade of continuing education and vast knowledge of the retail optical industry. Problem solving is one of Holly’s strongest assets, seeing problems as opportunities. Holly and husband Dan have three grown children and four grandchildren. Holly has boundless energy and spends her leisure time enjoying her family and tending to her hobbies, which include gardening, landscaping, and enjoying the outdoors. When she actually sits still, she enjoys writing and is in the process of self publishing two books, including a book of poetry.

Stephanie Brammer

Stephanie Brammer is our Accounting Manager. Originally from Dayton, OH, Stephanie started her career at P.O.G. Labs in our shipping department in 2000. After a brief stint at other employment during 2003, she came back to work in our Accounting Department while earning her Associates Degree in Accounting from Southwestern Community College. Stephanie was promoted to Accounting Manager in 2010. She and husband Quincy have two daughters, Jocelyn & MaKenna. Stephanie enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, and being outdoors.

Lance Christensen

Lance Christensen is our Production Manager, with over 20 years of optical production experience. He joined our management team in 2007. Lance directs the day-to-day activities of 40 production employees, with assistance from team leaders in our surfacing lab and finish departments, as well as inspection and quality control. His focus is on reducing breakage and decreasing turn times for our customers. Lance and his wife Julie have two girls. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, fishing, and camping with his family.

Deb Larson

Deb Larson is our Data Entry Manager. She is a sister to co-owner Mike Tamerius, and our longest term employee, having joined the company in 1994, while P.O.G. Labs was in its infancy. Deb oversees all functions of data entry and remote ordering as well as frame tracing. She has a grown son and daughter and is excited about becoming a grandparent. Deb spends her free time watching the family’s sporting events and enjoys dirt track racing. She also enjoys scrapbooking.

Judy Hodge

Judy Hodge joined P.O.G. Labs in 2005 as Human Resource Director. She previously worked as accounting manager for the City of Creston and has experience in sales, retail management and advertising. Judy oversees hiring and orientation, payroll, wage and benefit administration, and performance evaluations. She is responsible for enforcement of employment policies for our growing, skilled workforce and compliance with federal and state employment laws and safety standards. Judy is also our Special Projects Manager. Judy and husband Bruce have three grown children. In her free time, Judy loves sewing, playing with her grandkids, and spending time with her five sisters.