[bc]Gerber Coburn Loses Veteran Sales Representative[/bc]
SOUTH WINDSOR, Conn. – Gerber Coburn deeply regrets to announce the passing of Lloyd Cates on March 7, 2004 after a brief hospitalization. Lloyd is survived by his wife, Susan Cates and his son from a former marriage, Charles Cates.
Cates, a veteran sales representative, dedicated his entire professional career to the ophthalmic industry. In 1972 he began working at Vigor Optical, an AIT distributor, as a sales representative, then transitioned to a direct AIT regional sales manager until his departure in the early 80’s. Lloyd remained working in the ophthalmic industry and made a final career move to Coburn Optical in 1996. During his eight years with Gerber Coburn, Cates covered the southeast portion of the United States calling exclusively on retail accounts.

According to Jay Cohen, director professional sales, “Lloyd had a unique way with his customers, he was quick to develop relationships, and many followed him as he moved through the different stages of his career.” Cohen went on to note, “Lloyd was always very customer-focused, if he didn’t have a solution, he’d find one. He will be greatly missed by not only his customers but by his Gerber Coburn co-workers.”

John Hancock president Gerber Coburn added, “Lloyd was one of the first people I hired after I joined to Coburn. He made an immediate impact on our sales and during his entire time with us was a steady and significant contributor. He was a real professional.”
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