Dr. Emily Coles
The life and career of Dr. Emily Coles, a 2008 Ferris State University Michigan College of Optometry alumna, prove professional success and exemplary community service can be accomplished within miles, even blocks from where a person was raised.
“All the skills I have acquired, both professionally and those that help me in roles outside the office, came because of my education, she said. “I graduated from Big Rapids High School in 2000 and continued a family tradition by heading to Michigan Tech, where I graduated in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology.”
Coles’ father is Dr. Fred Guenther, a retired obstetrician and the mayor of Big Rapids.
“I applied to another optometry school beyond MCO, but I very much wanted to come back home for this learning. I was so pleased to be accepted.”
Coles began her practice with Optometric Associates and, in 2016, became the business owner of what is now Big Rapids Family Eyecare. If the idea of practicing her profession anyplace else but home crossed her mind, the thought did not persist.
“It took maturation on my part to understand Big Rapids is a great place to raise a family, which my husband Jon and I have been so thankful for,” Coles said. “Being a small business owner allows me to support the community by caring for individuals and contributing my time and effort to make this a better place to live and work. I know just about everyone who walks in the door of my business. It has been so fun to have those kinds of relationships. ‘Fun’ may sound a bit simplistic, but I do not have a better word to describe the feeling and attitude of my practice. It makes giving extra on the job and as a volunteer easy.”
Coles added, “At Big Rapids Family Eyecare, the last sentence in our mission statement is ‘We are here to help.’ Again, it is as straightforward as it sounds. Helping is what we do, and it is a great feeling to apply my skill set for the good of my clients and as a volunteer and community contributor.”
Coles’ commitment to volunteerism benefits Ferris State University and its Michigan College of Optometry. She is president of the Ferris State Alumni Association Board of Directors and a member of the MCO Alumni Board.
“Being on the alumni board has allowed me to give back by helping others become more engaged and making new connections,” Coles said. “Developing initial ‘touch points’ can be a great benefit. Still, when I give my time to a group or cause, I learn much more from that service than what it might require of myself and my time. Seeing peers, I have studied with, whether through MCO Alumni Board meetings or professional conferences, is always a joy. We can catch up on each other’s practices and discuss where the profession has taken us. That’s very valuable and enjoyable.”
She is involved outside of her alma mater, as Coles is president of the Big Rapids Middle School Parent-Teacher Organization and heads up the BRPS Sports Boosters.
“I would be giving back even if I were not a business owner,” she said. “I do this because I want my three sons to see what volunteerism can do. It is said to be a dying art, to give of your time for a cause, and I have studied this when time allows. Regardless of the theory about why people are not as giving, I believe if everyone found something that stirs their passion, offering support doesn’t even feel like you have paid some cost, and the fun you find is just one of the rewards for that effort.”
Coles has received recognition and reward for her positive approach to work and service. Her honors include:
- 2015 Ferris State University Pacesetter Award.
- 2017 Entrepreneur of the Year from the Big Rapids Downtown Business Association.
- 2018 Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year.
- 2018 Pride of the Neighborhood Award.
“Being active in a place that has given me everything is, again, ‘fun,’” Coles said. “I have learned so much from being connected to many different organizations and to having worked with a diverse group of wonderful people. I want to have a positive impact with each of my efforts and believe what I learn from this has greater rewards than my efforts require.”
Coles uses Big Rapids Family Eyecare to offer her knowledge to current Ferris students, as Chelsea Jepsen of Three Rivers and Big Rapids native Alissa Ruggles work as technicians.
“They are amazing employees. I love showing them what my world is about,” Coles said. “I hope, in some way, this will be a real help to them in their future.”
A personal focus on physical fitness is also an opportunity to contribute, as Emily is co-owner of the Big Rapids CrossFit gym in Big Rapids Township, leading that operation with Jeff and Jenny Mossel. This business is another opportunity to provide work experience to Ferris students.
“Logan Workman and Josie Prince are among our coaches. The motivation they offer is wonderful for all of us who train with them,” Coles said. “It is clear to us who are not as young as these two that everyone benefits from the energy they bring to every workout and the operation as a whole.”
The Coles, whose homestead is the former Ferris President’s residence, also have shown their commitment to the community and the university by establishing the Coles Family Endowed Scholarship. It is structured to benefit a full-time undergraduate student taking Pre-Optometry, Pre-Medicine or Sports Management classes, with a preference given to students from Big Rapids.
“I am so thankful to be living in this small town, which is doing so many big things,” Coles said. “We are fortunate to have Ferris State University as a partner, and Jon and I felt this is just one way we can give back to our community.”