Without a doubt, the greatest attribute of Williams Group™ is its people. Optometrists. MBAs. CPAs. Human resources specialists. Public relations and marketing experts. All under one roof. All working for eyecare practice owners. Nowhere else on the planet will you find a more diversified group of specialists.

Brad Williams, O.D., F.A.A.O. - Founder, President & C.E.O.
Brad earned his degree from Illinois College of Optometry in 1965. In addition to nearly three decades in private practice and 16 years as a renowned practice management consultant, Brad is former Marketing Director for the American Optical Contact Lens Division, past President of the Nebraska Optometric Association, former Optometrist of the Year, Consultant of the Year and 1995-96 Benedict Professor of Practice Management and Administration by the University of Houston College of Optometry. He has consulted with hundreds of practitioners in all areas of organizational management, staff management, financial management, internal marketing and external marketing. Brad is a renowned worldwide lecturer on all issues of practice management and marketing.

Tom Bowen - Vice President
Earning his B.S. in Marketing and Advertising from the University of Nebraska, Tom is former Marketing Director for Williams Group and has been involved with strategic business and marketing programming at many levels of the healthcare industry. He has spent fifteen years consulting with private practitioners and the industry at large in all areas of organizational management, strategic planning, internal marketing, and external marketing. Tom has published numerous management/marketing texts and articles, and is Editor of “Operations Management Review,” a newsletter for private practice owners. Having served as Creative Director for WG clients, Tom created, wrote and produced hundreds of successful internal and external promotional campaigns. He is a member of the Academy for Health Care Marketing and a renowned lecturer worldwide on organizational management, team building and communication, internal and external marketing, consumer behavior, and greater personal achievement.

Bill Nolan - Vice President
Bill is a graduate of Creighton University and studied accounting and finance at St. Louis University and Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He joined Williams Group in 1989. Bill has lectured at most all major optometric venues in the United States, Canada and Australia on such subjects as staff management, optometric business finance and organizational management. He has published several articles on each of these subjects in several national optometric journals.

Kirk R. Kastens - Senior Consultant
Kirk graduated from the University of Nebraska-Kearney, were he earned his B.S. in Business Administration. As an office administrator, for 7 years in private practice, he focused most of his time on practice development, practice management, staff training and the dispensary. He assisted in implementing the Williams Group FastTrack program in a successful Nebraska practice. Kirk is also a board certified optician and remains active in the NOA. He is responsible for the implementation of consulting programs for Williams Group clients worldwide.

Sheila Hayes - Senior Consultant
Sheila has been a part of the Client Services Division of Williams Group since May 2001. Her career has included experiences in operations, budgeting, marketing, human resources, and staff training. Prior to joining the company, Sheila acquired an in-depth knowledge of patient care and operations management by spending nearly two decades in private optometric practices. She is passionate about optometry, and knows first-hand the challenges and rewards associated with running a practice. Sheila is responsible for assisting clients with implementation of consulting programs, as well as marketing and customer service presentations for Williams Group.

Bess Ogden - Senior Consultant
Bess Ogden graduated from Dartmouth College, NH with a BA in Psychology and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. After five years as a public school teacher, her interest in business and finance led her to become a financial advisor for a private investment firm. Bess truly found her passion, though, when she began a career in private optometry. She enjoyed eight years as Office Manager of a thriving five-doctor practice in Arcata, CA, before joining Williams Group as a Senior Consultant. Having successfully implemented the Williams Way in the Arcata practice, Bess has experienced the challenges and rewards associated with this process, both for the Doctors and the Staff. She is responsible for assisting Williams Clients to achieve their own successes.

Rick Guinotte - Senior Consultant
Rick brings with him over 20 years experience in the optical industry. He managed 18 offices and was a member of the Operations Team. The Operation Teams’ responsibilities included developing and implementing new operational procedures as well as tracking and managing statistics. Rick’s responsibilities included human resource issues, hiring, training, developing, and motivating team members to exceed the companies as well as their own expectations. He managed offices in North Carolina, Texas, and Minnesota, just to name a few. As a Territory Director, Rick was recognized with awards for Staff Development, Employee Retention, Budgeting, and Controlling Cost of Goods. Rick is an excellent communicator and strives to assist clients to excel. Rick is responsible for assisting practices as they execute the Williams Group FastTrack Program.

Shelli Rine - Senior Project Consultant
and Director of Partnership Programs
Shelli has been a part of Williams Group since 2000. As a Senior Project Consultant, she coordinates projects, reports and other information for our FastTrack clients. Additionally, she is involved in the coordination of all appraisal, partnership and exit programs to ensure our clients’ needs are met. Shelli has a variety of responsibilities that enhance the education and development of our clients. Her skills in time management, extra organizational awareness and process operations keep Williams Group clients focused and motivated. Shelli’s interpersonal and leadership skills make her a tremendous asset to our team and a valuable resource for our clients.

Michele Korth - Senior Project Consultant
Michele joined the Consulting Team in January 2005 as a Consultant Assistant.  She has helped numerous clients through her exceptional organizational and communication skills.  Since then, she works as a Senior Project Consultant, taking care of numerous aspects of the FastTrack and FastStart programs.  Her attention to detail and love of working with our clients makes her an asset to our team.  She has a degree in Business with an emphasis on Marketing and a Bachelor’s Degree in Management of Human Resources.

Chuck Brownlow, O.D. - Consultant
Chuck has served as Executive Vice President of the Wisconsin Optometric Association (WOA) since January, 1990. He practiced optometry in Weyauwega (WI) from 1971 through 1989. Dr. Brownlow has volunteered in his profession, serving as president of the Wisconsin Optometric Association in 1981-82, of the North Central States Optometric Council in 1984 and acting as chair of public relations for the American Optometric Association from 1986-1989. For several years, Dr. Brownlow was a member of the AOA Eye Care Benefits Center. In his present position, Dr. Brownlow is very active in legislation, regulation and public relations, especially with respect to health care reform. He is a frequent author and speaker on the future of health care and often helps citizen groups understand the complicated health care issues by referring to the development of the current health system.

Megan Johnson - Marketing Consultant
Megan joined Williams Group in October 2009 and serves as Marketing Consultant in the Consulting Department. With a degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in Consumer Science and Advertising, she assists clients Williams Group clients in coordinating and implementing marketing plans. Megan has several years experience in marketing and print production and develops ideas and concepts to promote optometric practices of all types and sizes.