One of the most common questions I get asked is, "What is the difference between Randolph Aviators and AO Eyewear Original Pilot sunglasses?"
For a long time, I believed that both of the founders of Randolph Engineering had worked for the American Optical Company and that they had decided they could do what American Optical did, but better.
My information was incorrect!
Fifty Years
Anniversaries are very special, and the Fiftieth is one of the most celebrated. It signifies a landmark in the life of a person, a marriage, and even of a business.
Today I want to talk about one of my favorite companies, Randolph Engineering, Inc.
I have had the privilege of working with Randolph for many years now. Our close working relationship has allowed me to meet and enjoy working with pilots and fashion aficionados who love aviator-style sunglasses.
The American Dream
People from all over the world have immigrated to the United States to follow the American Dream.
In the early years, many immigrants thought our streets were paved with gold, but once they arrived here, they found out that hard work was the only way to realize the American Dream.
The truth is that the American Dream is really only the American Opportunity.
Hard work, determination, and discipline are the keys to success and the only road to the American Dream.
World War II
The rise to power of Adolph Hitler brought the Second World War starting on September 1st, 1939.
Many Poles began fleeing Poland when Germany invaded their country in 1939. Among them was a master machinist by the name of Jan Waskiewicz.
His journey from Poland eventually landed in Great Britain, where he became a navigator in Lancaster Bombers with the British Royal Air Force.
After the war, Jan W., his wife, and his son immigrated to the United States, Arriving with only $ 50 and some kitchen utensils.
They ended up in Boston, MA, where Jan, an expert machinist, moved through the ranks in the optical industry, becoming a head toolmaker at Star Tool & Dye and Marine Optical.
The Cold War
The Cold War ran from March 12, 1947, until December 26, 1991.
Once again, many Poles left their homeland and immigrated to the United States.
Stanley Zeleski was also a master machinist, and he immigrated to the United States and was reunited with the family he had been separated from for ten years.
One fateful morning he walked into Star Tool & Dye looking for a job and met his future business partner, Jan Waszkiewicz. Jan hired Stanley on the spot.
Later on, Stanley served a short stint in the United States Military, and when he returned from his time in service, he teamed up with his old friend from Star Tool & Die at Marine Optical.
A photo of Jan Waszkiewicz and Stanley Zaleski, the founders of Randolph Engineering, Inc. in Randolph, MA
The Entrepreneurial Spirit
Over the years, Stan and Jan hand-built optical tools and machinery in the basements of their homes, welding smoke curling to the upstairs late into the evening.
After many nights, Stan and Jan pooled together their life's savings and, in 1973 formed Randolph Engineering, Inc. in Randolph, MA.
They immediately started making tools and machines for the optical manufacturing industry.
Stan and Jan examine an optical frame hammering out the technical details of how to manufacture quality products that were the forebearers of the Randolph frames, which last so long.
A decade later, in 1984, Randolph Engineering won a contract with the U.S. Department of Defense to supply the US Military with HGU-4/P sunglasses.
These sunglasses had to meet the qualifications outlined in Military Specification MIL-S-25948J standards.
This changed Randolph Engineering forever, and Randolph became the iconic aviator-style sunglass manufacturer with their quality-driven sunglasses and Made in the USA craftsmanship.
Since the beginning, Jan and Stanley strived to maintain the quality of their sunglasses.
Their motto was "Never sacrifice quality over margin."
A Side Note: A number of years ago, I met Stanley while touring the Randolph factory. He was sitting at a workbench, still working to guarantee Randolph's quality.
A photo taken at the factory by my wife, Betty A. Muscott, of Stanley Zaleski, still working to ensure Randolph's sunglass quality continues to this day.
Experience the Randolph history with this special video:
The 50th Anniversary Aviator
Of course, a celebration is required for such a special occasion, and once again, Randolph Engineering rises to meet the challenge!
Meet the 50th Anniversary Aviator:
The 50th Anniversary Aviator - A Beautiful Tribute To 50 Years Of Exceptional Craftsmanship!
These 23K Gold E.P. frames are complemented by the Sky Ivory, Black Mazzuccheli Temple Tips with a metallic gold 50th logo.
Note the stunning Sky Ivory, Black Mazzucchelli Temple Tips with a metallic gold 50th Anniversary Logo.
Each pair comes in a Cognac Case with a Gold 50th Anniversary Logo, enclosed in a Bamboo Logo Box with a Cognac faux-leather bound travel journal, a 50th Cleaning Cloth with military specification designs, and 5 Collector's Pins to complete your ensemble!
The Randolph 50th Anniversary 23K Gold Sunglasses with American Gray glass lenses in a 50th Anniversary Bambo box filled with goodies.
I hope you enjoyed this trip through some of the history of aviation. If you enjoyed this trip, and are new to this newsletter, sign up to receive your own weekly newsletter here: Subscribe here!
Until next time, keep your eyes safe and focused on what's ahead of you, Hersch!
