Martin (Marty) Bassett has been involved in the optical industry for 31 years, working in the areas of finance, accounting, and operations. The first six years of his optical career were spent in the equipment and manufacturing sector. For the past 25 years he has served in a variety of positions with the Walman Optical Company, including Corporate Controller, Chief Operating Officer and his current role as President and CEO. Since 1995, Walman has grown from a regional optical laboratory business into the largest independent wholesale optical company in the United States. As a diversified wholesale optical firm Walman provides products and services to independent optometric practices, insurance plans, retail eye care centers and ophthalmic manufacturers. Walman has 1,100 employees and serves 9,500 customers through 41 offices located throughout the United States. Walman is recognized as one of America’s 100 largest employee owned companies.Click "Read More" for the details of Mr. Bassett's service.
Marty also serves as the Chairman of the Governance Board of Children’s Hospital and Clinics of Minnesota, one of the nation’s largest freestanding pediatric healthcare systems. Marty is a past Chairman of the Vision Council, where he served as the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Chair of the Government Relation and Advocacy Committee as well as service as the Secretary and Treasurer. From 2015 to 2018 Marty served as a member of the Board of Directors of Lifetouch.
Marty also works as a volunteer with the Courage/Kinney Institute as a ski instructor and enjoys biking, boating and golf. Marty has a BS degree in accounting from the University of Minnesota and holds an inactive CPA certificate. He lives in Minneapolis with his wife of 36 years and has two grown sons.
Marty also works as a volunteer with the Courage/Kinney Institute as a ski instructor and enjoys biking, boating and golf. Marty has a BS degree in accounting from the University of Minnesota and holds an inactive CPA certificate. He lives in Minneapolis with his wife of 36 years and has two grown sons.