Letter: Farewell Ronnie Brown

There will be many in the world of optics saddened to learn of the passing of optometrist Ronnie Brown (Optician 19.08.16); he was a unique and fun-filled character.

My first encounter with Ronnie was in 1985 when, as the newly appointed CEO of Rodenstock, I had the task of meeting with him at his Lea Bridge Road headquarters to inform him that, while executing a review of the company’s customer base, I had noticed that his group was enjoying maximum terms for a minimum of spend; a situation that I had to terminate. It was to be the start of a relationship which, based on one hand shake during that same conversation, lasted more than two decades and saw the Ronald Brown Group become Rodenstock’ s principal customer. I never did have the need for a written contract with Ronnie, his word was his bond and that was just as unique in business then as it is now.