Close-Up: Monarch Trophy & Awards

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."