Marcus is no stranger to the company. He started over 12
years ago in the workshop of Optica Oduber & Kan in the
main street. This is when he found his passion – following
the footsteps of his father and optometrist Bert de Vries.
After finding the world of
optometric at the age of 16, he
finished high school and decided to continue his adventure in
Rotterdam, The Netherlands following the optician study at
Zadkine. He was a stellar student, outperforming many of his
classmates making his teachers (and parents) proud. After only 3
years he obtained his optician diploma and was ready to continue
his education with a specialization in contact lenses. Meanwhile,
working part-time as optician at Pearl.
Working at Pearl, he was again, an example to his colleagues
and quickly climbed the ladder from lead optician to store
supervisor. However, 3 years later it was time for a change
and Marcus packed his bags and moved to the neighboring
city of Amsterdam.
Amsterdam is the melting pot of The Netherlands and home
to the world’s most renowned optical stores.Marcus found his
place at Saton Optiek, a high-end optical store in the middle
of de Pijp neighborhood.
Once again, Marcus hard working ethics showed as he continued to climb becoming lead
optician and contact lens specialists soon after starting. More recently he was promoted to
store manager and he oversaw training multiple students where he also excelled.
De Vries Family
As if it was destiny, Bert’s partner Rose-Marie and their three kids join the family company
as they continue to share the mission for vision. Iris started first in 2014 after completing
her study of consultancy and management at NHTV International School in Breda. LeRoy
made a career change late 2019 and is assisting in internal controls and project
management.
The Specialists – Vision & Hearing
Meanwhile in the Caribbean, when the transition from Optica
Oduber & Kan to The Specialists happened late 2019,
Marcus knew it was time for him to return to his home island.
A new challenge awaiting, bringing his knowledge and years
of work experience back to the community of Aruba.
For years, we felt a need for a change. Oduber & Kan is a
staple name, known by young and (mainly) old. With both families no longer with the
business, we felt it was time to represent a different generation. This is when The Specialists
was born. We have big plans for this year and the years coming so stay tuned for more
from us.
We would like to thank the island of Aruba for all the trust and support over the years. It has been our great honor and pleasure to serve the island of Aruba and its happiest people. We hope to continue this great legacy for many generations to come.
