Business helps honor others for decades

For more than 40 years, Monarch Trophy & Awards has provided items for corporations, national groups, the business community and adult/youth sports leagues to recognize individual and team efforts. The business started after owner Randy Brummel's mother, Virginia, got fed up with not being awarded trophies after she won tournaments as a professional bowler. She opened Monarch with her husband to fill the need. Growing up in the business, Randy eventually took over with his wife Michael.

Monarch has grown from its humble beginnings to now being housed in a 17,500-square-foot facility with 24 employees; some have been with the business for 20-plus years.

Monarch Trophy & Awards has grown because of the loyalty of repeat customers and word of mouth, Michael Brummel said.

"The main reason we are still in business after all of these years is because we really care," she said. "It makes us feel good to be a part of something that makes others feel special. It's a happy business. Our customers come to us because they want to recognize the efforts of someone else."

Monarch's showroom has more than 3,500 awards and trophies on display. It has one of the largest selections of plaques and awards in the area made of crystal, acrylic, marble and onyx as well as tournament quality sports awards, Michael said.

Whether it is a purchase by a little league team mom or a large corporation, Monarch aims to exceed customers' expectations, Michael said. Made up of designers, engravers, sandblasters and assembly workers, all of the work is done in-house in an effort to offer a quick turnaround time.

"We are here to serve our customers," Michael said. "If you need an award we will do it for you in-house. From sandblasting to crystal to engraving, we have a fast turnaround – that's our niche. There are lots of trophy shops, but you only stand out if you can produce that big item fast."

Monarch Trophy & Awards, 8840 N. Beltway 8 W., Houston, 713-464-1122, www.onlineawardstore.com