4200 County Road 42 W  • Savage

952.895.5434

19645 Pilot Knob Road #106 • Farmington

Our Creation Story

Iconic businesses always have a great creation story.  The first Apple computer production occurred in the living room of Steve Job's parents house.  Phil Knight of Nike fame started out selling shoes out of his van at track meets.  We're not quite iconic; nor did we start examining eyes in our garage.  But, in our own not-quite-a-multi-billion-dollar company sort of way we'd like to think our short history is fun just the same.  We hope you agree.

2001:  Dr. Hurst is practicing in a multi-clinic private practice.  Husband John is an engineer at Toro.  Yearning to run their own business they hatch a plan to open an eye clinic.  Neither went to business school but both grew up with parents that ran their own businesses.  Dr. Hurst's private practice experience combined with John's nerdy engineering analysis melded together to develop a business plan based upon some assumptions and a desire to succeed.  A handful of savings and a lien on their house secured the loan. 

2002: Without a single patient Family Vision Clinic opens for business.  Dr. and John Hurst revert back to the college days when Ramon soup and a baked potato was "living it up".

2003:  Optician Carol Risdal joins the fun.

2004:  Optician Christina Marble longs for the MN cold and moves back from Florida to become our office manager.

2005:  Rachael Allen comes aboard.

2006:  Dr. Rupnow fills in as Dr. Hurst goes on maternity leave and continues to stay on part time.

2007:  Patient Coordinator Julie Mangine and Optometric Assistant Trisha Vastag start.  Rachael Allen becomes a certified Optician.  Dr. and John Hurst's entrepreneurial spirit washes away the memories of starting cold.  Partnering with Dr. Rupnow Family Vision Clinic of Farmington opens in November.  Optician/Office Manager Dena Olson and Patient Coordinator Kris Olmscheid lead the charge in Farmington.

2008:  The Savage location has outgrown it's space.  In June it took over the adjoining space to double it's size.  Dr. Hurst's family also grew in size with the delivery of twin boys in May (see the new family).  Looks like the Hurst family might be back eating Ramon soup again!

Looking back it's been a short but amazing journey.  Along the way we've been fortunate to be surrounded with great staff and a strong support network in the Savage and Farmington communities.  And, of course at the root of all success is great patients without which none of this would be possible.

Questions?  Send mail to info@fvc2020.com or use our Feedback form. 

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