Ask the Expert 2025
Dennis Peterson
“That Guy” Eyewear
After a stint in the Air Force as an electronic technician, Dennis began his optical career in 1985. In the years since, he’s worked in many facets of the optical industry, including as a wholesale laboratory technician and manager of retail labs such as Site for Sore Eyes, Walmart and LensCrafters.
What made you want to begin your own operation?
With all my varied experience regarding the entire visual system, I realized I’ve made lots of money for others over the years and it was time for me. I opened my own wholesale operation called Dionysus Optical Laboratory in 2010, and in 2014, I left the practice I was at to pursue my dream full-time and set up shop in my garage.
How has your business evolved over the years?
In 2015, I found space on Del Paso Blvd., far more than I needed, and decided to build out a retail front. Thus began “That Guy” Eyewear. We’ve since moved to a space in Oak Park, and in 2024, after years of flying solo, I brought on Andrea Albertario. She began her optical career in 1994, and as an eyewear frame sales rep, she has experience in frame manufacturing the same way I understand lens facilities. What she brings to “That Guy” is a vast knowledge of frame styling and construction, with the ability to recognize a quality product versus a knockoff.
What makes “That Guy” Eyewear stand out in the Sacramento optical industry?
We understand that one is never too experienced to learn more about one’s craft. In 2023, I was offered a position as adjunct professor at Sacramento City College. That was a great experience as my extremely bright students challenged my knowledge base and put me back into research mode. So we feel that if you bring your visual needs to “That Guy” Eyewear, you will be in the best hands in the greater Sacramento region. We will make sure you see well, but we will also ensure you look good.
2648 33rd St. Sacramento. 916-226-0257. thatguyeyewear.com
