Mirek Jaromir Strizka

Mirek Jaromir Strizka opened a musical wholesale business in the early 1960s and named it European Craft. The company began as the young Czech immigrant established a business in Los Angeles, California, selling one instrument, the harmonica. He wore out his car traveling the country and establishing dealers. He found the business very difficult and considered switching to another industry many times. Then, just like that, the Beatles came to America in 1964. Mirek’s business was established and ready to meet the high demands of product requests. Over the years he also established several instrument brands and product lines such as the Estrella classical guitar. Upon his passing, Mirek, who was an ardent animal lover bequeathed 5 million dollars to the Pasadena Humane Society. Also a benefactor of his generosity is the Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, California, which named their Emergency Department in his honor.