Josh Raggio: Randolph Eyewear has become synonymous with American craftsmanship and heritage eyewear. Take us back to the beginning. What inspired the brand?
Peter Waszkiewicz: Randolph was founded in 1973 by my father, Jan Waszkiewicz, and his partner, Stanley Zaleski, two Polish immigrants who came to America in pursuit of the American dream. Both were master toolmakers, and they built their business around manufacturing tools and machinery for the optical industry.
The vision for the brand itself came from my late brother, Richard Waszkiewicz, the second generation of what remains a family-owned and operated company. Richard believed the exceptional quality we had been delivering to the U.S. military since 1982 deserved a place in the consumer market as well. His dream was to create a globally recognized eyewear brand built on the same standards of craftsmanship, performance and authenticity that made our Aviator sunglasses trusted by military pilots.
JR: At a time when so much manufacturing moved overseas, Randolph stayed put. Why has being American-made remained so important?
PW: Simply put, it's who we are. Manufacturing is in our blood. We're an authentic American heritage brand, and staying true to our roots has always mattered more than taking the easy path.
During the 1980s, when much of the industry moved overseas in pursuit of lower costs and higher margins, we made the conscious decision to stay. We continued manufacturing in Massachusetts, supplying our military and serving customers who value products made with pride and integrity.
It wasn't always easy. There were times when the challenges were significant. But our founders taught us an important lesson: Where there's a will, there's a way. Never give up on your dreams, and never compromise what you believe in. That philosophy has defined Randolph for more than five decades.
JR: In an era of mass production and disposable fashion, what are consumers looking for when they gravitate toward heritage and craftsmanship?
PW: We're living in the information era. People want to know where and how the things they consume and wear are made, and they want to know what they're buying will last.
The quality of many brands has declined over the past few decades because of cost-cutting measures. Randolph has done the opposite. Customers know it as soon as they get our product in their hands: Randolphs are built for life.
JR: The brand has long been associated with military precision and timeless style. How do those roots influence Randolph today?
PW: The military will always be a core part of Randolph's DNA. Being able to say that our eyewear is worn by the military is a seal of credibility—not only for military customers, but for anyone who wants something made to last.
Randolph stands for much more than the military, but we're incredibly proud of our 40-plus-year relationship with them and the fact that our product continues to perform in critical moments.
JR: Your collaboration with Cole Hauser feels like a natural meeting of rugged sophistication and authenticity. How did the partnership come together?
PW: Cole has been a fan of Randolph and worn our sunglasses for almost 30 years. A friend of his was touring our factory and mentioned how much Cole liked Randolph. Next thing you know, we were on the phone designing the collection that just came out.
Cole is a great fit because he already had a personal connection to the product, but he also embodies toughness and American grit, which align perfectly with Randolph. We're excited to continue building on the partnership.
JR: What has the Cole Hauser collection revealed about the evolving Randolph customer, particularly those drawn to Western culture, adventure and understated luxury?
PW: Randolph built its brand through our relationship with the military, and the Cole Hauser collection has allowed us to show people who live the Western lifestyle—or are simply inspired by it—that our product is timeless.
Randolph can be styled by all kinds of people, and its quality can be relied upon in all walks of life. That's one of the great things about what we make.
JR: This volume of Palomino County is centered on the idea of “Living Well.” What does living well mean from the Randolph perspective?
PW: Living well is about taking your time so you can do something the right way. Each pair of our sunglasses takes more than 200 individual steps to produce, and we make sure we perform every one of those steps to the best of our ability.
We don't rush the process. The world moves quickly, but sometimes you need to slow down and take the time necessary to get the best result—whatever it is you're doing.
JR: Randolph eyewear feels equally at home on a ranch, in a vintage sports car, on a golf course or in the city. Was that versatility intentional?
PW: Our product is timeless, especially the Aviator. That shape has been adopted by culture and worn by so many different types of people.
Our original intent was simply to make a great product and connect with people who share our excitement for making things the right way. I think that's a big part of why Randolph continues to transcend trends.
JR: Craftsmanship requires patience and discipline. How do those qualities extend beyond the product and into Randolph's company culture?
PW: Everyone who works at Randolph values the art of craftsmanship. Beyond the product itself, we take time to work with our staff so they can learn and grow the right way.
You even see it in little things. We have company events like our annual potluck, and the attention to detail our employees put into each dish reflects the same patience and discipline they bring to their work. Those values extend beyond making eyewear.
JR: What role can heritage brands like Randolph play in preserving American manufacturing traditions for the next generation?
PW: Back in the 1970s, more than 90 percent of the eyewear sold in the United States was made here. Much of that disappeared during the following decades.
As President and CEO, I believe in leading by example. Randolph is living proof that manufacturing in America is not only possible; it remains a viable and competitive path for those willing to pursue it.
We're proud to be an authentic heritage brand with more than 50 years of history. You can't manufacture that kind of legacy. It's earned through decades of dedication, perseverance and grit. If our story inspires future entrepreneurs and manufacturers to believe they can build something meaningful in America, then we've done our part in preserving that tradition for generations to come.
JR: As interest in quality, authenticity and sustainability continues to grow, where do you see Randolph heading over the next five to 10 years?
PW: The same spirit that built this company more than 50 years ago continues to drive us today, and I believe our future is incredibly bright.
At the end of the day, people are what make a business. We have an extraordinary team of talented employees who genuinely care about this company, take pride in what they create and believe in what Randolph stands for.
As long as we remain true to ourselves and continue delivering exceptional products without compromising our values, I believe Randolph has the opportunity to become a household name. Much like Ray-Ban once represented American-made excellence, we believe Randolph can grow into a globally recognized brand while remaining firmly rooted in the principles that have defined us from the beginning.
JR: Finally, when someone puts on a pair of Randolphs for the first time, what do you hope they feel?
PW: Without question, I hope they immediately recognize the quality. There's a certain “wow” factor that comes from holding a pair of Randolphs in your hand. You can feel the craftsmanship, the attention to detail and the pride that goes into every frame we make.
These aren't just sunglasses. They're handcrafted products built to last and designed to be worn for decades.
Most importantly, we stand behind every pair we sell. Some of our greatest compliments come from customers who have worn Randolphs for 20, 30, even 40 years and tell us they're the best sunglasses they've ever owned. That kind of loyalty isn't something you can buy. It's earned.
And perhaps what makes us most proud is that every pair is still made right here in America.
