THEY CAME WITH SKILL.
THEY BUILT A LEGACY.
SINCE 1973
Randolph Eyewear was founded in 1973 by master machinists Jan Waszkiewicz and Stanley Zaleski, Polish immigrants who came to the United States in pursuit of the American Dream. After honing their engineering skills in the optical trade, they set up shop just south of Boston to build eyewear with integrity, precision, and purpose. Their exceptional standards soon caught the attention of the U.S. Department of Defense, earning a military contract in 1982 and cementing Randolph as a trusted American brand through the Cold War, the Gulf War, and beyond.
More than 50 years later, Randolph remains proudly independent, handcrafting every frame in the USA with domestic and imported components and with the same commitment to quality that defined its founders. Each pair is made to be worn, repaired, and passed down — an investment built to outlast trends. From military pilots to modern-day makers, explorers, and visionaries, Randolph stands for more than eyewear. It stands for the American way of making things — made like they used to be, built to last for generations.
OUR HISTORY
A Foundation in Military Spec
Since 1978, Randolph has served as a subcontractor to the U.S. Military, producing eyewear built to official military specifications. This role established the technical and quality benchmarks that define our manufacturing process and remains a foundational part of our history and identity as a company.
Establishing a Direct Military Partnership
From optical tools and machinery to building their own eyewear brand, Randolph’s early years were defined by steady growth and technical ambition. The company’s trajectory shifted in 1982, when Randolph secured its first direct contract with the U.S. Military after years of working as a subcontractor. Facing significant technical requirements and strict quality standards, the team expanded production, refined its processes, and met the demands of a highly regulated environment. That contract marked a turning point—establishing Randolph as a primary military supplier and setting the foundation for everything that followed.
Service During the Gulf War
In the late 1980s, the United States Department of Defense awarded Randolph the contract for the M40 Gas Mask insert. In 1991, with the start of the Gulf War, Randolph shifted its full focus to supporting the U.S. Military, increasing production from 10,000 to 40,000 units per month. Meeting that demand required continuous, round-the-clock operations. For the team, the motivation was simple. As Jan often said, “It’s our obligation to this country.”
A New Chapter in Performance Eyewear
In 1992, Randolph introduced the Ranger clay shooting glasses, marking the beginning of what would become the RE Ranger line. The first Ranger products were conceived by Richard Waszkiewicz, then president of Randolph Engineering and son of co-founder Jan Waszkiewicz. Working in close partnership with leading optical experts in the shooting industry, Richard helped establish the core designs and technical standards that continue to define the collection today.
A Partnership Takes Flight
In 1993, Randolph began sponsoring aerobatics pilot Sean Tucker, at a time when air shows had become major national events drawing millions of spectators. Recognizing the opportunity early, Richard Waszkiewicz aligned the brand with one of the most visible and respected pilots in the country. Soon, Sean Tucker’s custom Randolph–sponsored aircraft was performing across the United States, introducing the brand to a broad public audience. That partnership marked a turning point, helping establish Randolph as a recognized name in the eyewear market beyond military and industrial origins.
Expanding Authorized Military Supply
Randolph was awarded its first contract for the Frame of Choice (FOC) program, becoming a supplier of authorized eyewear for U.S. service members. The program provides the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and NASA with approved alternatives to standard-issue military spectacles, expanding Randolph’s role across multiple branches of service.
A Half Century of Craft
In 2023, Randolph marked its 50th year of continuous manufacturing. What began in a small Massachusetts workshop has grown into a company known worldwide for its discipline, consistency, and independence. The anniversary was not a celebration of the past, but a reaffirmation of the standards, values, and long-term thinking that have guided Randolph since 1973.
“Respect where you come from.
Reinvent where you’re going.”
STANDARD ISSUE
SINCE 1978
We wanted to make a difference. Leave a mark. Be proud of something. So in 1978, we joined forces with the U.S. military to produce the HGU-4/P Aviator for fighter pilots. Each Aviator is still built to the strict guidelines of MIL-S-25948J standards, a 20-page document detailing the most demanding, complex manufacturing specs around
