Pierre Thabet.

In 1990, Mirage began producing pre-finished flooring, today's standard; and in 1992, the company expanded south and introduced its first products to the U.S.

Mirage now operates a manufacturing area of 565,000 square feet, and has invested more than $75 million in infrastructure improvements. The company produces enough hardwood flooring to cover more than 64,000 homes every year.

Thabet says he has tried to make his business as sustainable and environmentally responsible as possible, including using only non-genetically modified wood and timber harvested legally from sustainably managed forests. His employees have a profit-sharing plan, and are encouraged to involve themselves in community activities and causes. Mirage has also achieved Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain of Custody certification.

"We started gearing our corporate values and strategies toward sustainable development long before green issues acquired the urgency and attention they have today," Thabet said. "Our sustainable development efforts are at the root of how we do business, and also position us well to maintain the strength and stability to operate successfully in the years to come."

The company maintains a web site at www.miragefloors.com.