EVERETT — Electric Mirror continues to rack up the awards.
This time, the Everett-based company that makes high-tech mirrors for hotels, stadiums and expensive homes received the President’s “E” Award, recognizing the business for its contributions in expanding U.S. exports.
“Electric Mirror’s achievements have undoubtedly contributed to national export expansion efforts that support the U.S. economy and create American jobs,” Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker said in a congratulatory letter to the company. “Electric Mirror has demonstrated a sustained commitment to export expansion.”
Electric Mirror was one of only two Washington companies to win an ‘E’ award this year. The other was Defense Export &Logistics in Tukwila.
Of this year’s 123 honorees, 105 are small- to medium-sized businesses, and 64 firms are manufacturers.
The Mischel family began Electric Mirror in 1997 in their Lynnwood garage. Earlier this month, Electric Mirror opened a 125,000-square-foot headquarters and manufacturing plant in Everett. The business employs 400 along with 25 engineers and expects $60 million in sales this year.
“Our lighted mirrors are in over 1 million hotel rooms now around the world and that number is growing at a faster and faster pace,” said Jim Mischel, Electric Mirror president and CEO, in a statement. “Every day, guests are enjoying using and seeing our products. We are proud to be American made and to serve clients around the globe.”
In addition to Jim Mischel, other family members involved in the business include: father, Jim “Doc” Mischel Sr., chairman and vice president of research and development; brother, Aaron Mischel, executive vice president, mother, Susan “Faith” Mischel, vice president; and sister, Mia Freymiller, vice president of community relations.
The company has projects in more than 90 countries and regional offices in London, serving Europe and the Middle East; Dubai, serving the Middle East; Hong Kong, serving Asia; and Miami, serving Central and Latin America.
“Exports are key to our business. In fact, without exports we may not even exist as a company,” Aaron Mischel said in the statement. “Exports sustained us when domestic clients felt the pinch of the economic downturn. Seeking international markets, particularly in the Middle East where the economy was booming, gave us the opportunity to place our products in luxury hotels worldwide, ranging from the Four Seasons to the Ritz-Carlton, and Hyatt to the Waldorf Astoria.”
Electric Mirror started with a high-end defogging mirror, but moved onto a product line that features mirrors with lights, televisions, Bluetooth technology and other innovations. Electric Mirror now holds 42 patents.
“Our lighted mirrors are masterpieces and works of art,” Jim “Doc” Mischel Sr. said. “I’m so proud of the innovation that our engineering team has demonstrated to develop these top-tier products and was proud as well to receive the award with my wife Faith from Commerce Secretary Pritzker.”
The company’s products have won numerous awards, including the aptly named I Need That in My Hotel award by Hotel Interactive Connect. Jim Mischel Jr. also was named The Herald Business Journal Entrepreneur of the Year this spring.
The President’s “E” Award is the highest recognition any U.S. company can receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports.
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