Stephen Schubach is a seasoned executive with over 50 years of experience at the helm of one of the most respected names in the optical industry. As President and CEO of Opticare of Utah and Standard Optical Co., Stephen has played a pivotal role in shaping the retail and managed vision care landscape across the region and beyond. His career has been defined by a consistent commitment to innovation, customer service excellence, and strategic leadership within a complex and evolving healthcare ecosystem.

With a strong foundation in economics from the University of San Francisco, Stephen began his journey in the optical industry in 1974. Over the ensuing decades, he transformed what was once a regional business into a recognized leader in both optical retail and vision insurance services. His ability to marry business acumen with a deep understanding of consumer needs has allowed him to steer his organizations through changing market dynamics while remaining true to their core values.

Stephen’s leadership is marked by an ability to adapt and grow. Under his direction, Opticare has become a pioneer in managed vision care, offering comprehensive insurance services that meet the needs of diverse patient populations. His work in this field has made him a respected voice in discussions around healthcare access, benefits, and the role of insurance providers in enhancing patient outcomes.

Marketing and customer service have been central pillars of Stephen’s strategy for growth. His expertise in these areas has resulted in a company culture that prioritizes the customer experience at every level. Through innovative event planning, community engagement, and employee empowerment, he has cultivated a brand that resonates with consumers and professionals alike. This reputation for excellence is reflected in the many endorsements he has received for skills such as leadership development, insurance, retail operations, and employee benefits.

In addition to his corporate success, Stephen has also demonstrated a commitment to service through board leadership and community involvement. He has served on The Haven Board and The Optical Retail Group Board, where he provided governance insights, mentorship, and advocacy for industry innovation. His international exposure, particularly in the Middle East, further enhances his global perspective and strengthens his ability to contribute to organizations operating in cross-cultural or expanding markets.

Stephen is passionate about mentoring and believes in the power of shared wisdom. He has delivered numerous presentations through Opticare events, where he educates peers and stakeholders on trends in vision care, insurance innovation, and retail leadership. His calm, engaging presentation style and depth of experience make him a sought-after speaker and advisor in the industry.

Beyond his professional achievements, Stephen lives a life grounded in purpose and community. He is an avid fisherman, passionate traveler, and middle school basketball coach, giving back through youth engagement and mentorship. These personal pursuits speak to his values of balance, integrity, and lifelong learning—values that inform his leadership style and inspire those around him.

Throughout his career, Stephen has proven himself not only as a business leader but as a compassionate and strategic thinker. His ability to build successful teams, navigate market complexities, and implement sustainable growth strategies has made a lasting impact on both his companies and the broader industry. As the optical and healthcare landscapes continue to evolve, his insights remain as relevant and necessary as ever.

Stephen’s open-minded approach to industry engagement means he is now seeking board opportunities where he can leverage his five decades of expertise to help other organizations grow, innovate, and lead. With no restrictions on company size or location, and a willingness to travel, he is ideally positioned to contribute value at both the strategic and operational levels.

Character:
Stephen leads with humility and purpose, grounding his professional journey in values such as integrity, service, and compassion. His dedication to coaching and community service reflects a leader committed to making a meaningful impact.

Knowledge:
With deep expertise in optical retail, vision insurance, and healthcare operations, Stephen offers a wealth of insights that few can match. His extensive track record and board experience highlight his depth of industry understanding and commitment to continuous learning.

Strategic:
Stephen is a forward-thinking strategist who blends operational excellence with visionary planning. His leadership has resulted in business transformation, scalable growth, and enduring brand success.

Communication:
Whether speaking at a corporate event or mentoring a young professional, Stephen is a clear, empathetic communicator. His ability to listen, inspire, and educate has made him a respected voice within the industry and beyond.