Ryan Bowling.
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OKLAHOMA CITY—Black Optical, an Oklahoma-based sun and eyewear retailer with three locations announced this week that Ryan Bowling will take on the role of vice president of sales in addition to his ongoing role as a managing partner. Bowling became a partner and co-owner of Black Optical in 2011, according to the announcement. In this new role, Bowling will direct the day-to-day operations of Black Optical’s sales and buying and will be responsible for overall strategic planning, budgeting, forecasting and marketing. From his current location at Black Optical’s Classen Curve location in Oklahoma City, Bowling will work closely with the Tulsa and Dallas stores.

Founded in Tulsa in 2007, Black Optical now has three stores—in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Okla., and Dallas—and a team of seven employees, including five American Board of Opticianry (ABO) certified opticians. Black Optical also was a finalist for the Vision Expo East 2019 OPTImum Retail Award, which celebrates independent boutique eyewear retailers.

“Black Optical has experienced significant growth since we opened the first store in Tulsa more than 12 years ago,” Gary Black, founder and president, said in the announcement. “We have a team of extremely talented individuals, including Ryan, who are passionate about eyewear and service to our customers. Ryan’s been a partner and co-owner since we opened the Oklahoma City store in Classen Curve in 2011 and has been an integral part of our company’s success.”

“I am honored for the opportunity to work with the entire Black Optical family to drive sales and continue pushing the business forward,” Bowling said. “I look forward to building upon the success we have experienced for the past 12 years, and also to the opportunities ahead to grow and continue doing what we are most passionate about—building relationships and serving our amazing customers.”

Bowling graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 2007 and subsequently served as press secretary for former Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor. He then became director of development in the College of International Studies at the University of Oklahoma in 2008.