Tom Barracato has his sights set on serving as a national leader to help others in his industry.
Barracato, owner of Adolph Optical Service on West Market Street in Akron, recently began a two-year term as president of the Opticians Association of America.
The group, representing about 10,000 opticians nationwide, focuses on legislative issues impacting the industry.
“I got started about 15 years ago on the state level,” he said. “It just went from there. … It’s a great group.”
Barracato, 54, of Akron, took over Adolph Optical in 2000 from his parents, Al and Donna, after joining the family business in 1984.
His parents, both opticians, started Adolph Optical 44 years ago.
“It has been a wonderful opportunity to work with my parents, side by side with them,” he said.
In addition to his national leadership role, Barracato serves on the Ohio Optical Dispensers Board, which sets laws and regulations governing opticians to protect the public. The state board also regulates and approves educational classes for opticians and administers the state’s exam.
Cheryl Powell can be reached at 330-996-3902 or cpowell@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow Powell on Twitter at twitter.com/abjcherylpowell.