Our History
1986
Joe Sugarman founded BluBlocker sunglasses after a chance car ride with a NASA executive, who mentioned special lenses designed to protect astronauts’ eyes. Seeing an opportunity, Sugarman brought the technology to consumers, turning BluBlockers into a huge success with his marketing prowess.
1986
Joe Sugarman begins advertising BluBlockers in full page inflight shopping magazines (before you could watch a movie on a plane, you shopped in a magazine). BluBlocker was an instant success.
1988
Jim McMahon of the Chicago Bears shows off his BluBlockers in one of BluBlocker's catalogs 
1989
BluBlocker sells 10,000,000 pairs of special edition sunglasses to Pizza Hut in celebration of their intended appearance in Back to the Future 2! See our BluBlocker in film page for the whole story
1990
Having a strong connection to the military after his active duty service, Joe Sugarman silently donates 20,000 pairs of BluBlocker to soldiers in the United States military during the Gulf War
1990
BluBlocker goes direct to consumer through TV and catalog, leveraging Joe Sugarman’s expertise in direct marketing. His engaging infomercials and compelling storytelling showcase the sunglasses’ NASA-inspired lens technology, emphasizing their ability to block blue light and enhance vision. The campaign quickly gains traction, turning BluBlocker into a household name and driving massive sales.
1990
BluBlocker launches Viper Sunglasses
1992
BluBlocker aired a 30 minute infomercial that changed the world of advertising forever. Not only was the use of an infomercial innovative, but using people walking the street to praise the product was truly ahead of its time in marketing.
1993
BluBlocker sponsors Three Ford Mustangs in endurance race. These pictures were provided to us by one of the crew members for the Baer racing world challenge road race team.
2001
Once again Joe Sugarman donates 20,000 pairs of BluBlocker to the U.S. military when the War in Afghanistan begins.
2003
Following the trend, Joe Sugarman graciously donated 20,000 more BluBlocker during the Iraq war.
2009
"Hangover" the move producers purchased six pair of BluBlocker's from our Las Vegas office. BluBlocker didn't know what the glasses were for. We later discovered this Todd Phillips classic staring Zach Galifianakis (as Alan) would turn our tortoise classic BluBlockers into a pop culture icon in the 21st century.
2012
BluBlocker founder Joe Sugarman at the Latin Grammy Awards with Steven Tyler
2013
Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue Teams up with BluBlocker Sunglasses For Limited Edition Signature Shades
"I was blown away with these BluBlocker sunglasses and asked my manager to find the head of the company that makes them. I wanted to share my discovery with my fans,"
- Nikki Sixx.
2021
Ryan Miller Purchases BluBlocker
Ryan Miller fondly remembers his father wearing BluBlockers throughout his childhood. Ryan developed a relationship with Joe Sugarman in 2009 when Ryan reached out, eager about buying the company. At the time, Joe was not looking to sell. Over the years, Ryan kept in touch with Joe. Then, about a decade later, Joe was ready to look for the person to take over the company - someone who was excited about the brand and believed in the technology behind the iconic lenses, just like Joe.
2022
Joe Sugarman passes away at the age of 83, surrounded by family in Las Vegas.
2023
BluBlocker Launches the Gold Coast Aviator in Solid 18 Karat Gold
Maxim writes an article about us.
2024
In 2024, Mike Farrall takes the helm as President, bringing extensive brand-building expertise honed during his time at NYC based menswear brand, Rowing Blazers.