Community Engagement

OPTIMAX LEADS THE WAY ―

Community Engagement

Innovation and business leadership are two key pillars of the Optimax approach. The third pillar is community. We strive to model the way for our workforce by encouraging employees to take leadership roles in the workplace and the community. Due to our continuous advancements and outreach efforts, Optimax has consistently been recognized as a company that cares for its people.

What does this mean to our customers?

Bright, engaged people who enjoy excelling at difficult challenges, like your complex optics.

Notable Past Leadership Awards:

OSA Fellow: Rick Plympton (2022)
Millennial in Manufacturing Award: Patrick Maisel (2019)
Millennial in Manufacturing Award: Corey Manahan (2019)
FAME STAR Award: Jim VanKouwenberg (2019)
Herbert W. Vanden Brul Entrepreneurial Award: Mike Mandina & Rick Plympton (2019)
RIT's Kate Gleason College of Engineering Emerging Leader Award:
Joshua Dennie (2019)
OSA Fellow: Mike Mandina (2018)
RRPC Education Award: Mike Pomerantz (2018)
SBC Business Person of the Year Finalists: Rick Plympton & Mike Mandina (2018)

Aspen Institute Job Quality Fellowship:
Rick Plympton (2018)
Rochester Business Hall of Fame: Rick Plympton & Mike Mandina (2018)
RBJ Financial Exec of the Year: Tom Kelly (2018)
FAME 10 Year Award: Mike Mandina (2016)
MCC Service Award for Career Technical Education: Jim VanKouwenberg (2015)
SBA – New York State Small Business Person of the Year Award: Mike Mandina & Rick Plympton (2012)
RRPC Entrepreneur Award: Mike Mandina (2009)
New York Business Hall of Fame: Mike Mandina (2008)

Optimax Awards

Optimax’s dedication to excellence, innovation, and employee well-being has been recognized through numerous prestigious awards. From being named a Rochester Chamber Top 100 company to achieving spots on the Inc. 5000 List and receiving the RBJ Wealth of Health Award, these accolades reflect our commitment to fostering a thriving, healthy, and growth-oriented workplace. Each award highlights the values that drive us forward, inspiring us to keep raising the bar in technology, manufacturing, and beyond.

Community Outreach Programs & Tours

Interested in exploring the Optimax facility? We welcome groups of all ages—from elementary school classes to college students and business organizations—to tour our dynamic workplace and see innovation in action. For those looking to bring Optimax's educational spirit directly into the community, we also offer outreach programs designed to inspire young minds and foster a love of learning. Our team actively engages with organizations like the Rochester Museum and Science Center, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, LEGO Teams, high schools, and daycares.

Contact a team member today to schedule a tour or to learn more about our outreach programs!

National & International Optics Industry Associations

American Precision Optics Manufacturers Association (APOMA)
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Optics and Electro-Optics Standards Council (OEOSC)
Optica (Formerly OSA)
DPOC (Defense Precision Optics Consortium)
via AmeriCOM Website / LinkedIn

American Society for Precision Engineering (ASPE)
Society of Photographic Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE)
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL)
National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM)

Want to learn more?

Explore how Optimax's industry-leading custom optics can meet your needs. Discover our expertise, solutions, and vibrant company culture, along with exciting career opportunities. Contact us today to learn more!

Our Capabilities

Work for Optimax

Community