eMacomb - Spotlight on Business, Fall 2012

FAVI launches new SmartStick

Looking to upgrade your old TV into a Smart TV without the hefty price tag? For only $49, Sterling Heights-based FAVI Entertainment’s Smart Stick allows you to do just that. Plug the SmartStick into any TV’s HDMI input, power it with the included USB-direct connect cable and the guided setup will take care of the rest.

Running on the Android operating system, the SmartStick offers access to all of the top streaming services, with some even pre-installed. Download music, movies, apps and games from the Google play store. Check emails and access cloud docs directly on the TV. Available in 4GB and 8GB versions, SmartStick is more than a typical streaming video box; it’s a smart TV and computer rolled into one.

“We developed SmartStick because we believed people would much rather upgrade their flat screen TV than buy a new one. Although internet TV boxes have been around for years they usually cost around $100 with less features. SmartStick trumps the boxes as a true upgrade for half the price,” said company founder and Macomb County native Jeremy Yakel.

If preorders are any indication Yakel is spot on with his assertion. To catch up with demand, FAVI has stopped taking pre-orders on the 4GB; pre-order is still available for the 8GB on their website. Within the next few months the product will be rolling out to RadioShack, Best Buy, Amazon, New Egg, Costco, Walmart and several other major retailers. With the domestic side covered, FAVI plans to add major distribution in Europe and throughout Latin America.

For the second year in a row, FAVI has been recognized by INC Magazine in their annual list of America’s 5,000 fastest growing companies, growing 461 percent in the past three years. FAVI’s revenue grew from nearly $663,493 in 2008 to more than $3.7 million in 2011, making FAVI the 16th fastest growing company in Michigan and the fastest growing in Macomb County.

Working with the Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development and the Small Business & Technology Development Center housed within, FAVI was recently able to land a business loan and line of credit to pursue its plans for the future. These plans include continuing to build the best possible user experience for its customers while growing its user base globally.

To preorder the SmartStick visit www.favientertainment.com.

Inc. Magazine ranks FAVI

FAVI Entertainment is ranked 756th fastest growing company in the country out of thousands! They were ranked #58 in Consumer products and services. FAVI Entertainment manufactures and distributes home theater equipment, LED and LCD TV's, projection screens and projectors. This is FAVI Entertainment's second year ranked as an Inc 5000 fastest growing company. -INC 500 | 5000