Both Jim and Bernie come from South Boston. Jim lived directly across West Broadway from Two Opticians, and Bernie was born on Gates Street. They went to South Boston High School and hung out together as teenagers. Later, Bernie would be the drummer and Jim the sound engineer for the popular local band “Cat Tunes.”

Jim began working at Gopen Optical in 1976; later on, Bernie joined him as an apprentice. Both licensed opticians, they developed a loyal clientele over the years, which led them to consider opening their own shop. They self-financed Two Opticians, and with the blessings of the Shwom family, went into business for themselves—Jim and Bernie’s chapter of the American dream.