Business Grows After Contacting SCORE “Mentors to America’s Small Business”

The Villages, Florida — Ron Catterson, of Clear View Optix sells upscale eyewear to people who want to look good and see well. Working as an optician in Central Florida for more than 30 years, Catterson saw a need for dramatic, distinctive eyewear for customers with a one-of-a-kind fashion sense. With the help of his wife, Donna, he opened Clear View Optix in 2017. Now he sells unique frames made by small, independent boutique manufacturers.

Catterson wrote a business plan, secured a small business loan and opened his doors in 2017.

Ron, and his wife Donna, found out about SCORE through an article in AARP magazine about small business owners who got their start after turning 50. SCORE mentor Dan Laemont reviewed the Cattersons’ business plan and put them in touch with HomeBanc, the institution that funded their loan.

Laemont’s sage advice has been a valuable resource for the Cattersons as they help their customers see and be seen. Catterson advises other prospective small business owners to “go full steam ahead” and contact SCORE. “This was the best decision we made,” he says.

SCORE assists area entrepreneurs and small business owners with advice on managing their business challenges. SCORE volunteer mentors provide confidential, free face-to-face and email mentoring.

Since 1964, SCORE has helped more than 10 million aspiring entrepreneurs.  Each year, SCORE’s 10,000+ volunteer business experts provide free and low-cost small business mentoring, workshops and education to 350,000+ clients in more than 300 chapters.  In 2016 alone, SCORE helped to create 54,072 new businesses and add 78,691 new, non-owner jobs to the American economy.

For more information about starting a small business, call 1-800-634-0245 for the SCORE chapter nearest you.  Visit SCORE at www.score.org.