Management Team
Mike Tamerius
President, Co-Founder
Owner, Mike Tamerius, has almost 30 years experience in the optical industry and co-founded P.O.G. Labs in 1992 with Matt Somers. In 2015, Mike became the sole owner. He is a Certified Optician from Metro Tech Community College and a member of the Opticians Association of Iowa. Mike has experience in all aspects of the daily operation in the lab, which requires an in-depth knowledge of all lab procedures. He is responsible for upgrading as necessary. He works directly with sales and marketing, oversees the human resources department, and manages all personnel. Mike is also responsible for the company’s accounting.
When he is not busy working, Mike enjoys spending time outdoors, especially the physical labor of his small farming operation, and the occasional game of golf. He also keeps busy with his wife, Traci, Daughter Jessica with husband Garrison, and Son, Alex with new wife Ericka.
Alex
Sales and Marketing Specialist
Alex began his optical experience in his very early years running through the lab and occasionally helping his aunt Deb (Purchasing Manager) with the taper. Alex started his work at Precision Optical in high school by helping in the lab. His first tasks consisted of controlling work flow and running reports to aid lab managers. Since, he has worked in mostly all of the departments at Precision Optical including: An administrative assistant role supporting his dad and office managers; time spent in inventory as an inventory control technician; AR coating technician; finish lab work with inserting, dotting, blocking, and edging; quality assessment and final inspection; surfacing department; filling in as purchasing manager; data entering and tracing; and, of course, working as a lens taper. While completing these tasks at Precision Optical Alex attended Central College in Pella Iowa and spent four years playing football for the Dutch. He graduated in December 2018 and received his degree in business management with an emphasis in administration. Alex now continues his career at Precision Optical and works directly with the sales and marketing teams while helping with operations in the lab. Alex enjoys to continually educate himself on the game of football with aspirations of becoming a high school coach. He also likes to spend time with his dad golfing in the summers and keeping busy with his new wife Ericka, mom Traci, and sister Jessica.
Judy Hodge
VP and Controller
Judy Hodge is VP and Controller, responsible for all accounting processes, banking and financials. She joined P.O.G. Labs in 2005 as our Human Resource Director, a position she held for twelve years. She previously worked as accounting manager for the City of Creston, and also has experience in sales, retail management and advertising. Judy grew up on a farm with ten siblings and has three grown children. In her free time, she loves spending time with her large family, especially the grandkids.
Carlene Titus
National Sales Manager
Carlene Titus has been with POG Labs since January of 2000. As National Sales Manager she enjoys the daily challenges her position allows and is driven to build enduring relationships with those we serve. She began her career in Customer Service and wholehearted believes that sales and service go hand in hand. Carlene enjoys introducing new products and technology both in conversation and the creative avenue of marketing. She has developed a special rapport with our customers and emphasizes partnership as the key to mutual success.
Carlene is married and is a full time minister’s wife as her husband Rick is the Pastor for St John’s Church in her hometown of Creston, Iowa. She has three grown children and four grandchildren. Carlene and her husband both sing for church events, funerals, and weddings. She is dedicated to the success of her family and to POG Labs.