California Lab Committee Announces Norm Kester as 2020 Goodfellow Award Recipient

The California Lab Committee has announced Norm Kester, President of ophthalmic coatings company Quantum Innovations, Inc., as the recipient of the 2020 Goodfellow award. The annual award recognizes a lab executive or business leader who actively contributes to the advancement of the optical industry.

The award will be presented to Kester during a virtual happy hour on Thursday, April 23 at 5 p.m. PT. Hosted by the California Lab Committee, members of the optical industry are invited to attend the celebration, which will be conducted via a ZOOM video call. To register to attend, click here.

“During this time of uncertainty and unprecedented challenges for the industry, we think it is more important than ever to find ways to bring our community together and celebrate successes, exceptional professionalism, and industry trailblazers,” said Steve Sutherlin, The Vision Council’s Lab Division Liaison. “While we are not able to gather in person this year, we are looking forward to bringing the community together virtually to present Norm with this well-deserved award and recognize his contributions.”

“I am humbled to be joining an amazing group of people that have won this award. This is a great honor,” said Norm Kester.

Prior to launching his career in the optical industry, Kester served in the United States Navy in the early 1990s. Upon leaving the Navy in 1995, he began a career at Satis Vacuum in Dallas, Texas, where he held several leadership roles, including President in Dallas and Vice President of Satis Vacuum of America in Columbus, Ohio.

In 2002, Kester moved to Oregon and launched Quantum Innovations, Inc. in his garage. Since then, Kester has grown the start-up into one of the premiere suppliers of state-of-the art vacuum coating and ophthalmic equipment and lens-cleaning products. Today, the company creates value-based, customer-centered products, and is highly regarded as a leader in UV (ultraviolet) and AR (anti-reflective) coating technology.

In 2018, Kester founded RLVNT, an outdoor experience company offering sunglasses made with durable frames and innovative technologies for use on the water or in the field, with business partner Adam Winkelman.

In his free time, Kester enjoys spending time with his wife, Tammy, and three children.