Confessions of an Award Shop

Things We Never Thought We'd Say Out Loud...

Most people imagine working in an awards shop is pretty straightforward.

Someone wins something. We make a trophy. Everybody's happy.

If only it were that simple.

After years of helping schools, businesses, nonprofits, sports teams, and organizations celebrate life's biggest moments, we've learned that this business comes with some pretty entertaining stories. There are conversations we have almost daily that we never imagined would become a normal part of our jobs.

So, for this month's blog, we thought we'd let you in on a few Awardmaster confessions.

We secretly love the crazy ideas.

Of course, we love creating a beautiful corporate award or a classic championship trophy.

But when someone walks through the door and starts a sentence with, "You're probably going to think I'm crazy..." our ears immediately perk up.

Those are usually our favorite projects.

We've built six-foot trophies, created awards shaped like company logos, and brought some pretty wild ideas to life over the years. And while we probably can't share all of our favorites publicly... let's just say there are certain projects that would never make it into our showroom display. Surprisingly, those "slightly inappropriate" requests are far more common than you'd think—and if we're being honest, they're usually the ones that have the entire shop laughing while we're making them.

Creativity doesn't always fit inside the box... and thankfully, neither do we.

Fonts are our greatest love... and our greatest enemy.

People think choosing the award is the hard part.

It's not.

Choosing the font? That's where things get serious.

"Can I see another one?"

"Maybe something a little fancier."

"Actually... less fancy."

"Can we go back to the third one?"

There are literally thousands of fonts, and somehow every customer knows exactly which ones they don't like—but no one remembers the name of the one they do.

Don't worry though. We'll happily scroll through font after font until everyone collectively agrees, "Yep... that's the one."

People really do ask us to engrave almost anything.

After all these years, we've learned there's almost no limit to what someone wants personalized.

We've engraved golf balls, baseballs, guitars, duck calls, shoes, ship's wheels, tools, irreplaceable family heirlooms, and yes... even urns with ashes still inside.

Every now and then someone walks in carrying something that makes us think, "Well... this is a first."

And then about six months later, someone else brings in the exact same thing.

At this point, we've stopped saying, "We've never engraved one of those before."

Because we've learned... never say never.

"I only need one thing..."

This one makes us smile every time.

A customer walks in looking for one plaque.

Then they remember they also need coach's gifts.

And sponsor signs.

And volunteer gifts.

And maybe matching tumblers.

"Oh... and while we're here..."

Before long, one small order has turned into an entire event package.

Honestly? We don't mind one bit. Helping customers pull everything together is one of our favorite parts of the job.

The best part never changes.

For all the funny conversations, unusual requests, and last-minute deadlines, this is why we love what we do.

We get to play a small role in some really meaningful moments.

A student's first award.

A coach's retirement.

An employee celebrating 30 years of service.

A volunteer who's given countless hours.

A championship team.

A business reaching a major milestone.

Behind every project is someone who's worked hard to earn that recognition.

And watching those moments unfold never gets old.

One Last Confession...

We joke about fonts.

We laugh at some of the more creative engraving requests.

And yes, we still get surprised every once in a while.

But every project reminds us why we love this business.

Helping people celebrate accomplishments—big or small—isn't just what we do.

It's what we get to be a part of.

And if you happen to walk through our door with an idea that starts with...

"You're probably going to think I'm crazy..."

Just know...

We've probably heard stranger.

P.S. Bonus confession: If your favorite font is Comic Sans... we promise we won't judge you. Out loud. 😉