The changing nature of the "optics shop" — and, more broadly, its role in the optics and photonics industry today — is an effective gauge for tracking how optics workforce development is aligned to the ever-evolving needs of the industry. Recounting his own 40-plus-year professional journey, Paul Melone, global optics manufacturing director at Thorlabs, discusses his company’s ties to AmeriCOM (American Center for Optics Manufacturing) and how Thorlabs aims to identify and cultivate optics industry talent. Melone also discusses the company’s 2023 acquisition of Rochester, N.Y.-based JML Optical.