Optical Prism August 2019 | Page 16

EYE FOCUS | COVER STORY to Maui Jim By Denis Langlois Nearly four decades after Maui Jim first launched, the world’s fastest-growing premium eyewear company continues to design and test its products in its name- sake location. Jeff Speiran, managing director of Maui Jim Canada, says the Hawaiian island, best known for its sunshine, beaches and breathtaking vistas, still serves as an inspiration for the brand culture and its eyewear designs. Ah Dang! “Maui is our birthplace and we are com- mitted to staying true to our roots,” he tells Optical Prism magazine. “The sun still shines nearly 300 days a year and those demanding conditions are the perfect test environment for our products.” Maui Jim started off in 1980 as a small company selling shades on Ka’anapali Beach on Maui’s western shore. Mongoose 16 EYE FOCUS June Digital 2019 Today, Maui Jim, which remains indepen- dently owned, offers more than 200 pairs of