Woltman Trophies & Awards

The History of Golf Awards

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 19:02:28 GMT

Golf awards have always stood for more than winning a competition. From the earliest club tournaments to today's charity outings and corporate golf events, golf awards represent tradition, skill, sportsmanship, and lasting achievement.

Few sports place as much meaning on awards as golf, making them an important part of the game's history and culture.

Understanding the origins of golf awards helps explain why thoughtful design and craftsmanship still matter today.

The Origins of Golf Awards

Modern golf is widely traced back to 15th-century Scotland, where early competitions were often informal, and prizes were modest.

As organized golf clubs began forming in the 18th and 19th centuries, awards became more formal. Early golf trophies were often silver cups, medals, or engraved objects funded by club members and patrons.

These awards were not created for spectacle. They were created to honor respect for the game, fair play, and personal excellence. Craftsmanship and permanence were important from the very beginning.

How Iconic Golf Awards Shaped Tradition

Some of the most recognizable awards in all of sports come from golf. These historic trophies helped define what a golf award should represent.

The Claret Jug , first awarded in the late 1800s, symbolizes longevity and connection to past champions. Each winner becomes part of an ongoing story literally engraved into the trophy.

The Green Jacket presented at The Masters is not a traditional trophy, but it is one of golf's most powerful symbols. It represents membership, legacy, and respect more than material value.

The Wanamaker Trophy , awarded at the PGA Championship, reflects stature and achievement through scale and design. Its size alone communicates the magnitude of the accomplishment.

These awards share common traits. They are intentional, carefully designed, and deeply tied to the event's meaning.

Craftsmanship Has Always Mattered In Golf Awards

From early silver cups to modern crystal and glass trophies, golf awards have always emphasized quality. Unlike some sports where awards are secondary, golf places value on detail, engraving, and presentation.

Historically, trophies were handcrafted by skilled artisans. Today, that same attention to design continues through custom materials, modern engraving techniques, and thoughtful layouts.

A well-made golf award is meant to be displayed, remembered, and passed down. That expectation has not changed.

The Evolution of Golf Awards Beyond the Professionals

While historic trophies are often associated with professional majors, golf awards have long played an important role outside professional competition.

Club championships, member guest events, instructional leagues, and junior competitions all rely on awards to celebrate participation and improvement.

As golf grew in popularity in the United States and beyond, awards became central to building community around the sport.

In more recent decades, charity golf outings and corporate tournaments introduced a new layer of meaning. Awards began honoring fundraising success, sponsorship achievements, and team participation, not just low scores.

What Golf Awards Represent Today

Modern golf awards still pull from tradition, but they also reflect the purpose of today’s events.

Golf awards now represent:

Achievement and skill
Sportsmanship and integrity
Appreciation for participation
Success in fundraising and community impact
Corporate and organizational milestones

Whether presented at a formal banquet or a casual closing ceremony, golf awards remain symbols of recognition and respect.

Why Custom Golf Awards Carry the Tradition Forward

Custom golf awards allow modern tournaments and organizations to honor the game’s history while recognizing what makes each event unique.

Personalized engravings, event branding, sponsor recognition, and tailored materials help create awards that feel intentional rather than generic. Custom golf awards connect recipients to both the tradition of the sport and the specific moment being celebrated.

In many ways, today’s custom golf awards continue the same values established centuries ago. They preserve memory, honor achievement, and reflect pride in the game.

Golf Awards as Lasting Symbols

Unlike temporary prizes, golf awards are designed to last. They sit in offices, clubhouses, homes, and display cases long after the final scorecard is signed. Years later, they continue to tell the story of an event and the people involved.

That sense of permanence is what has kept golf awards meaningful for generations.

Carrying Tradition Into Modern Golf Events

Golf has always balanced respect for its past with adaptation to the present.

Awards play a key role in maintaining that balance. From historic trophies to custom awards for today's tournaments, the purpose remains the same.

Golf awards honor effort, excellence, and the shared experience of the game. When designed with care, they become part of golf's long and respected tradition.

Contact our team today and create an award that honors both your league and the colorful history of the game's awards.

Work With Woltman Trophies & Awards

At Woltman Trophies & Awards, we help organizations design and produce high-quality, customized awards that match the moment.

With the proper planning and attention to detail, your corporate recognition program can be something employees look forward to year after year.

Check out our design options , and contact us today to get started!

Top Ten Corporate Awards Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 22:16:14 GMT

Corporate awards are a tangible way to recognize achievements, reinforce company values, and motivate employees. When done well, awards programs leave a lasting impression. When rushed or poorly planned, however, they can feel generic, awkward, or even disappointing.

To help you plan a successful and meaningful recognition program, here are the top 10 corporate awards mistakes and how to avoid them.

Waiting Too Long to Start Planning

One of the most common mistakes is underestimating how long award planning takes. Between design, personalization, proofing, and production, awards require lead time, especially during busy seasons like year-end celebrations or annual meetings.

How to avoid it: Start planning early and confirm timelines with your awards provider to ensure everything arrives on schedule.

Not Defining the Purpose of the Award

Awards without a clear goal often feel disconnected or confusing. Is the award recognizing performance, years of service, leadership, or innovation?

How to avoid it: Define what each award represents and ensure it aligns with your company's values and the behavior you want to encourage.

Choosing Generic or Forgettable Awards

Generic awards can diminish the impact of recognition. If the award feels like an afterthought, recipients may feel the same way.

How to avoid it: Choose awards that reflect the significance of the achievement. Custom engraving, unique designs, and thoughtful materials add meaning and memorability.

Ignoring the Recipient Audience

Not all teams or roles value the same type of recognition. A sales award may look different from a leadership or service milestone award.

How to avoid it: Consider who the recipients are and what type of award best reflects their accomplishments. Tailoring the style or material makes recognition more personal.

Prioritizing Cost Over Quality

While budgets matter, low-quality awards can unintentionally send the wrong message. Flimsy materials or poor craftsmanship can undermine the achievement being honored.

How to avoid it: Balance budget considerations with quality. Well-crafted awards made from durable materials like acrylic, metal, or wood create lasting keepsakes that recipients are proud to display.

Mismatching the Award to the Achievement

A significant milestone deserves more than a simple plaque, while smaller recognitions may not need elaborate designs.

How to avoid it: Match the award's size, style, and materials to the accomplishment's importance. Tiered award programs clearly distinguish levels of achievement.

Overcomplicating the Design

Awards overloaded with text, logos, and design elements can look cluttered and difficult to read.

How to avoid it: Keep designs clean and focused. Highlight the recipient's name, achievement, and date with simple, elegant typography and thoughtful spacing.

Overlooking Presentation and Packaging

How an award is presented matters just as much as the award itself. Poor presentation can lessen the moment.

How to avoid it: Invest in proper presentation: quality boxes, stands, or formal award moments during meetings or ceremonies help elevate the experience.

Not Double-Checking Names and Details

Misspelled names or incorrect dates can turn a proud moment into an embarrassing one.

How to avoid it: Always proofread engraving details carefully. Build time into your schedule for review and approval before final production.

Ordering Too Late for Customization

Custom awards take time to design and produce. Waiting too long limits options and increases stress.

How to avoid it: Place orders early to allow for customization, revisions, and shipping, especially during peak award seasons.

Work With Woltman Trophies & Awards

Corporate awards should celebrate success, strengthen culture, and make recipients feel truly valued. By avoiding these common mistakes and planning with intention, you can create awards that leave a lasting impression and reflect the excellence they're meant to honor.

At Woltman Trophies & Awards, we help organizations design and produce high-quality, customized awards that match the moment.

With the proper planning and attention to detail, your corporate recognition program can be something employees look forward to year after year.

Check out our design options , and contact us today to get started!

Celebrating Every Kind of Employee with Corporate Awards

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 20:10:01 GMT

Recognition is one of the most powerful motivators in the workplace. Yet, too often, awards and celebrations only focus on the highest sales numbers or the longest years of service.

While those milestones matter, every team comprises unique individuals who contribute in different but equally valuable ways. From the rising star to the steady performer, each type of employee plays a critical role in your company's success.

Managers and business owners can build stronger, more loyal teams by tailoring recognition to highlight these diverse contributions.

Here are some of the most common employee "types" you'll find on any team, and ideas on celebrating them with meaningful corporate awards.

The Rising Star

Every workplace has those new employees who hit the ground running. They quickly adapt, learn, and start making a difference almost immediately.

Recognizing a rising star celebrates their early success and encourages them to keep growing with your company.

Award idea: A custom Rising Star Award or Newcomer of the Year Plaque shows them that their energy and ambition are noticed.

The Experienced Veteran

Loyalty and experience are priceless. Long-time employees carry the institutional knowledge that keeps your business grounded.

They know the history, understand the culture, and often serve as informal guides for others on the team.

Award idea: Honor their dedication with a Lifetime Achievement Award or a Years of Service Plaque that acknowledges their invaluable contribution to the company's journey.

The Mentor

Not every leader has "manager" in their title. Mentors take the time to guide, teach, and develop their peers.

They are often the reason new employees thrive, and they quietly build up the skills and confidence of those around them.

Award idea: A Mentorship Excellence Award or Coach of the Year Trophy highlights these employees' impact on the entire team.

The Cheerleader

Every team needs someone who keeps spirits high. The cheerleader is the person who spreads positivity, celebrates others' achievements, and motivates the team during stressful times.

They may not always be the loudest voice in the boardroom, but their influence on morale is invaluable.

Award idea: Recognize their spirit with a Team Energizer Trophy or Spirit Award that reflects their ability to uplift everyone around them.

The Steady Performer

Some employees aren't chasing promotions or considerable recognition—they do their jobs well, day after day. These steady performers are the foundation of your business.

Their reliability and consistent quality often go unnoticed, but the team wouldn't function as smoothly without them.

Award idea: A Rock Solid Award or Reliability Recognition Plaque reminds them that their steady contributions are valued just as much as big wins.

The Most Improved

Growth is worth celebrating just as much as achievement. The most improved employee is the one who shows dedication to learning, improving, and becoming a more substantial contributor over time.

Recognizing this kind of progress motivates them to keep pushing forward and inspires others to do the same.

Award idea: A Most Improved Award or Breakthrough Achievement Trophy honors their hard work and commitment to personal growth.

The Innovator

Every company has those team members who are brimming with fresh ideas. The innovator is the problem solver, the creative thinker, and often the spark that leads to new opportunities.

Celebrating innovation conveys that creativity and forward thinking are just as important as productivity.

Award idea: A sleek Innovation Excellence Award or Creative Thinker Plaque can showcase their role as a growth driver.

The Unsung Hero

Not everyone seeks the spotlight. Some employees quietly keep projects moving, handle the behind-the-scenes details, and ensure deadlines are met without much fanfare.

These unsung heroes often don't ask for recognition, which makes it all the more powerful when they receive it.

Award idea: A Behind-the-Scenes Hero Award shines a well-deserved light on their contributions.

Why Recognition Matters

When recognition is personalized, it speaks volumes. Instead of a one-size-fits-all program, celebrating employees for how they strengthen your business makes the appreciation genuine.

A rising star will be motivated to grow even faster. A steady performer will feel seen for their reliability. A mentor will know their investment in others is valued.

Custom trophies and plaques make this recognition even more meaningful. Unlike a quick email or a handshake, a physical award becomes a lasting reminder that their work made an impact.

Done well, a custom award sits on a desk or hangs on a wall, reinforcing pride and motivation for years to come.

Connect with Woltman Trophies

Every team is a blend of different personalities, skills, and contributions. By taking the time to celebrate each type of employee—from the cheerleader to the innovator—you build a culture where everyone feels valued.

Corporate awards are more than just tokens of appreciation. They're powerful symbols that say, "You matter. What you do makes a difference."

As a manager or business owner, the best gift you can give your team is recognition that reflects who they are and what they bring to the table.

At Woltman Trophies and Awards, we understand the importance of employee recognition for your entire team. We value employers who create a welcoming environment celebrate their team's achievements.

That's where we can help: by creating employee achievement awards that are designed and delivered to the highest standards of excellence.

Check out design options, and contact us today to get started!

The Hidden Origins of Awards: From Ancient Greece to Modern Times

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 16:14:39 GMT

Ever wondered about the origin of trophies and awards?

In all honesty, it remains a mystery. Historical evidence suggests ancient Greece was the birthplace of sports prizes and recognition. The Greek connection runs deep—the word "athlete" comes from their word "Athlon," which means "prize." Today's golden cups might come to mind when we think of trophies, but Olympic champions of the past received quite different rewards—valuable items like horses and bronze tripods.

Trophies have changed significantly through the ages. Ancient Greeks gave olive branches to their champions. The metal cup trophies we know today didn't appear until the 17th century. The Carlisle Bells from the 16th century hold the title of the world's oldest sports trophy. The Stanley Cup stands as North America's oldest professional sports trophy.

This piece will get into the early trophy-making process, track their remarkable rise, and explore what these symbols of achievement mean to our culture.

Ancient Beginnings: The First Trophies

The word "trophy" tells a fascinating story about its earliest forms. Greek "tropaion" and Latin "tropaeum" come from "tropē," which means "a turn" or "defeat." These first trophies weren't sports awards at all—they marked military victories on battlefields.

Ancient Greek armies created monuments right where enemy forces turned and fled - the actual "turning point" of battle. They built these original trophies from enemy equipment they captured. Weapons, armor, and standards adorned trees or stakes shaped like warriors. Battle details were carved into these displays, which served as offerings to various gods.

Greek tradition held these battlefield trophies sacred. No one could destroy them - they had to decay naturally. Armies celebrated naval victories by displaying captured ships or their beaks on nearby beaches.

Military monuments weren't the only trophies in ancient times. The Olympic Games, starting in 776 BCE, brought their own traditions. Winners received wreaths made from wild olive branches called "kotinos." These came from Zeus's sacred tree in Olympia. A young boy, whose parents were both alive, cut these branches with golden scissors during special ceremonies.

Each major Panhellenic Game had its unique awards:

Pythian Games: Laurel wreaths honored Apollo
Nemean Games: Wild celery wreaths celebrated Zeus
Isthmian Games: Pine leaf wreaths paid tribute to Poseidon

Romans later embraced these traditions but made them their own. They built trophy monuments in Rome, creating impressive columns and triumphal arches.

The Rise of Traditional Trophies

Sports trophies changed dramatically after ancient games faded away. Medieval knights battled in jousting tournaments and won metal chalices, swords, and gold-decorated coats of arms with detailed designs.

The world's oldest sports trophies take us back to the 16th century. The Carlisle Bells, which emerged between 1559 and the 1580s, stand as the oldest known sporting prize. Winners of a horse race in Carlisle, Cumbria, England, first received these historic bells in 1599. The bigger bell proudly displays: "The sweftes horse thes bel to tak for mi lade Daker sake" (The swiftest horse this bell to take for my lady Dacre's sake).

The trophy tradition found its way into golf, too. The Royal Musselburgh Golf Club's Old Club Cup from 1774 remains one of golf's oldest trophies still awarded yearly. Thomas McMillan presented this cup and later became the club's captain after winning it.

By the late 1600s, chalices became the go-to prizes for sports events across Europe and the New World. New England's Kyp Cup, a small two-handled sterling cup given to horse racing champions around 1699, shows how silver cups became the most popular trophy style.

Silver plates and bowls gained popularity in other competitions. These designs are the foundations of the classic cup-and-column trophies we recognize today.

Modern Trophies and Their Legacy

The most iconic trophies of our time have become cultural symbols that surpass their sporting roots. The America's Cup, which dates back to 1851, is the oldest international competition trophy still awarded today.

Garrard & Co crafted this sterling silver bottomless ewer, which initially stood 27 inches tall. Thanks to additional bases added to fit winners' names, the trophy now reaches 44 inches.

Lord Stanley's Cup was created in 1892 and remains North America's oldest professional sports trophy. Someone bought it for just 10 Guineas (about $50 back then). The Cup is unique among major sports trophies because a new one isn't made each year. Winners get their names engraved right on the trophy. When no space remains, the oldest band moves to "Lord Stanley's Vault" at the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Trophy production has seen dramatic changes. Modern trophies use metals like brass, bronze, aluminum, and stainless steel, along with wood, crystal, glass, acrylic, and resin. Each material brings something special - metals last longer, wood adds warmth, crystal creates elegance, and resins allow detailed designs.

Technology has transformed how we make trophies. Computer-aided design software makes the shared creation of intricate 3D models possible. This expands creative possibilities, while laser engraving offers unmatched precision. 3D printing now lets creators develop designs that were impossible before.

Modern trophies keep their historical meaning alive despite advances in materials and manufacturing. Time-honored traditions continue - champions drink champagne from the Stanley Cup and Wimbledon winners take home three-quarter-sized replicas. These customs bridge today's achievements with centuries of sporting history.

Contact Us at Woltman Trophies & Awards

Ready to start designing awards for your sports team or organization?

Our process begins with a consultation to help you determine which materials, shapes, sizes, and messages suit you. Once we've settled on these details, we produce awards in plenty of time for your event while you sit back and relax.

Need a rush? No problem, we'll take good care of you. No matter what you need, we seek to deliver reliably, affordably, and with the best results in the industry.

Our promise to you is simple: We will provide the best every time we work together. Let's get started.

What Organizers Should Know About Bulk Award Orders

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 16:17:03 GMT

When an athletic season or momentous project ends, and it's time to celebrate your team's efforts, few things can capture the moment the way a well-designed and thought-out award or trophy can.

Whether you're coaching a youth soccer team, leading a complex endeavor at work, or just wanting to show your team appreciation, awards provide a lasting symbol of dedication, sportsmanship, and growth.

Ordering trophies in bulk isn't quite as simple as picking one out of a catalog and placing a last-minute order.

There's a lot to consider to ensure everything arrives on time, within budget, and exactly how you envisioned.

Whether you're a coach, league organizer, or workplace manager, here's what you need to know when planning a bulk award order—from timelines and customization to budgeting and common mistakes to avoid.

Start Early (Much Earlier Than You Think)

One of the most common mistakes organizers make is waiting too long to place their orders.

Depending on the time of year, award shops can be swamped with other sports leagues, school, and corporate events happening at the same time.

Ordering one or two trophies may not take long, but bulk orders—especially with custom engraving—require more lead time.

Tip: Aim to place your order 3 to 4 weeks before your event or awards ceremony. For larger entities or highly custom orders, 4 to 6 weeks is even better.

Know Your Numbers Inside and Out

Before browsing styles or setting your budget, get a precise headcount.

How many contributors are on each team?
If you're a league, will coaches, assistant coaches, or volunteers receive awards?
Are you doing participation trophies, MVP awards, or both?

Having a solid list early on helps avoid last-minute additions or changes—which can drive up costs or delay delivery.

Set a Comprehensive Budget

Bulk ordering is a great way to reduce cost per unit, but it's easy to overspend when adding special features or premium materials.

Basic participation trophies can start as low as $5–$10 each, while more elaborate designs with columns, custom logos, or unique figures can be $20–$50+.

Other Costs to Keep In Mind:

Custom engraving
Rush fees (if ordering late)
Shipping or delivery charges
Award packaging (if you want them individually boxed)

Many shops offer discounted pricing for bulk orders, so don't hesitate to ask about pricing tiers based on quantity.

Choose the Right Award for Your Event

Not all awards are created equal, and the style you choose should reflect the tone and audience of your event.

Traditional Column Trophies: Great for end-of-season team awards with space for custom engraving and team logos.
Resin Awards: Durable and stylized, ideal for MVP, Best Sportsmanship, or Coach of the Year categories.
Medals: Cost-effective and easy to customize for participation awards or placement winners (gold, silver, bronze).
Plaques: More formal and great for recognizing coaches, referees, or league volunteers.
Acrylic or Crystal Awards: Best reserved for top-tier events or high school/college-level recognition.

Make Thoughtful & Intentional Customizations

An award becomes more meaningful when it's personalized. Most shops offer custom engraving services, but it's essential to add the elements that give the award its special touch.

What text do you want on each award?
Will each say the same thing, or will names and achievements vary?
Do you want your league or company logo emblazoned?

Pro Tip: Double-check the spelling of names and team titles before submitting them. A single typo on 100 awards can be an expensive fix.

Ask About Reorders & Add-Ons

Always ask your award supplier about their reordering process (for example, if you need to add a few more trophies at the last minute).

Some shops keep design files or molds on hand for quick reprints. If you're working with a recurring league, establishing an ongoing relationship with a supplier can also lead to easier future orders and potential loyalty discounts.

Consider the Packaging & Presentation

It doesn't matter if you're five or 55; receiving an award can easily become a core memory. Whether it's handed out on the field or during a year-end banquet, how you present each trophy matters.

Some bulk orders come with free or optional packaging (like individual boxes), which not only makes transport easier but also adds a polished, professional touch.

Work with a Trusted Awards Shop

Partnering with an awards shop that specializes in bulk orders can make your job much easier. While you want to do your research on each candidate, there are a couple of key advantages to look for before making your decision.

The company offers clear turnaround times
They have responsive customer service
They provide accurate proofs before engraving
They can handle last-minute changes if needed

Ask for sample photos, material options, and a breakdown of costs upfront. And if you're ordering online, check for reviews from other organizers or coaches.

Reach Out to Woltman Trophies

Bulk award ordering doesn't have to (and shouldn't) be stressful.

With early planning, clear communication, and the right shop/supplier, the award ceremony can be just as memorable as the season itself.

Whether it's a group of excited 6-year-olds holding their first soccer trophy or a corporate retiree earning a legacy award, the right award can make a lasting impact.

Because at the end of the day, it's not just about the trophy—it's about recognizing the hard work, progress, and dedication to the craft.

Check out design options, and contact us today to get started!

Practical Advice for Managing Work Demands and Personal Well-Being

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 19:02:10 GMT

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance has become more challenging in today's fast-paced, always-connected world.

The constant pressure to meet deadlines, perform well at work, and manage personal responsibilities often leads to stress, burnout, and compromised well-being.

However, achieving a healthy balance between work and personal life is crucial for professional success and personal happiness. Employees must adopt strategies that help manage work demands without sacrificing their mental and physical health.

Explore some practical tips for creating and maintaining a healthy work-life balance, with actionable advice to navigate your professional and personal lives while minimizing stress and burnout.

Set Boundaries Between Work and Personal Life

One of the most important aspects of maintaining a work-life balance is setting clear boundaries between work and personal time.

Setting boundaries can be especially difficult in remote work environments or when work hours blur into personal time; however, it's crucial for preventing burnout.

Designate a specific workspace : Whether you're working from home or the office, clearly distinguish your work and relaxation spaces. Avoid working from your bedroom or other places typically associated with rest if possible.
Set working hours : Define your work hours and stick to them. When the workday ends, mentally switch off from work and avoid checking emails or responding to work-related messages.
Communicate with your employer : Let your manager or supervisor know your working hours and the importance of having personal time after work.; this will help set expectations and reduce the pressure to be available around the clock.

Prioritize and Delegate Tasks Effectively

With competing responsibilities at work and home, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of tasks. Effective time management is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Use a task management system : Implement a system like the Eisenhower Matrix or the Pomodoro Technique to prioritize tasks. Focus on what's most important and urgent, and tackle those first; this ensures you're not spending energy on low-priority tasks.
Delegate where possible : Don't hesitate to ask for help or delegate tasks to others. At work, this might mean sharing responsibilities with colleagues. You can involve family members or roommates in household chores and duties at home.

By delegating tasks and focusing on the most important ones, you can reduce the mental load and create more space for personal time.

Make Time for Regular Exercise

Physical activity is one of the best ways to combat stress, boost mood, and improve overall health. Incorporating regular exercise into your daily routine helps reduce work-related stress and increases your energy levels, making it easier to stay productive at work and enjoy personal time.

Schedule it in : Treat exercise as an appointment you can't miss. Whether it's a morning jog, a lunchtime yoga session, or an evening gym workout, scheduling time for exercise ensures that it becomes a non-negotiable part of your day.
Find activities you enjoy : The more enjoyable the exercise, the easier it will be to make time for it. Find an activity that excites you and makes you look forward to your workout, such as dancing, hiking, or cycling.
Take breaks during the day : If a long workout isn't feasible, break up your day with short, 5-10-minute stretches or quick walks to clear your head and relieve tension.

Practice Mindfulness and Stress-Relief Techniques

Mental well-being is just as important as physical health. Practice mindfulness and other stress-relief techniques to help you stay centered and reduce anxiety.

Deep breathing exercises : Breathing exercises are a quick and effective way to calm your mind. Try the 4-7-8 technique: inhale for four seconds, hold for seven seconds, and exhale for eight seconds.
Meditation : Even just a few minutes can help you feel more grounded. Apps like Headspace or Calm offer guided sessions that can help you relax and refocus.
Take breaks : Step away from your work every once in a while to recharge. Use this time to walk, stretch, or clear your mind (increasing productivity and, more importantly, preventing burnout).

Unplug and Disconnect

In our hyper-connected world, it's tempting to stay plugged into work emails, social media, and digital notifications all the time. However, constant connectivity can increase stress and reduce your ability to relax fully. Learning to unplug is key to preserving your mental and emotional well-being.

Set digital boundaries : Limit the time you spend checking work emails or social media during your time. Consider setting specific times during the day to check and respond to emails (and stick to it!)
Take tech-free time : Set aside time during the day or week to disconnect from all screens—this could be an hour before bed, during family meals, or on weekends. Use this time to engage in hobbies, read, or enjoy quiet time.
Practice " deep work " : Instead of constantly multitasking or switching between tasks, practice focused work periods of complete immersion in one task without distractions; this can help reduce the urge to check emails or notifications constantly.

Learn to Say "No"

Saying "yes" to every request in work and personal life can quickly lead to overcommitment and stress. It's essential to recognize your limits and understand that it's okay to say no when necessary.

Assess your priorities : Before agreeing to new commitments, evaluate whether they align with your current priorities and whether you have the time and energy.
Be polite but firm : Saying no doesn't have to be confrontational. You can politely decline by offering alternatives, such as suggesting someone else to help or proposing a different time.

By learning to say "no," you free up time for the activities that truly matter to you, ensuring a healthier balance between work and personal life.

Create a Healthy Work-Life Balance

Achieving a healthy work-life balance requires ongoing effort, self-awareness, and discipline.

By setting clear boundaries, prioritizing tasks, engaging in physical activity, practicing mindfulness, unplugging, and learning to say no, employees can reduce stress and increase productivity at work and in their personal lives.

At Woltman Trophies and Awards, we understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance and encourage all organizations to help their employees achieve this. One way to help with this professionally is to create a welcoming and encouraging work environment and celebrate their achievements.

That's where we can help: by creating employee achievement awards that are designed and delivered to the highest standards of excellence.

Check out design options, and contact us today to get started!

The Best Awards for Celebrating Group Achievements

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 18:17:16 GMT

When it comes to recognition, the spotlight often shines on individual accomplishments.

In sports and business, there's no shortage of MVPs, star performers, or top earners who rightfully earn praise for their contributions.

However, while individual recognition is vital, it's essential not to overlook the incredible power of teamwork. Extraordinary achievements often result from the collective efforts of a well-coordinated team, and celebrating those group accomplishments can profoundly impact morale, productivity, and cohesion.

Acknowledging teamwork through well-crafted awards enhances group dynamics and motivates continued collaboration.

The Power of Teamwork

Teamwork is the bedrock of success in both competitive and corporate environments.

In athletics, a team may have standout players, but the coordination between all members leads to victory. One key to winning championships is the synergy of each person playing their role, supporting one another, and striving toward a shared goal.

Similarly, in business, teams must come together to achieve complex goals. From marketing departments pulling off a successful campaign to project teams completing a challenging product launch, success rarely results from a single person's work.

The value of teamwork is undeniable . Teams bring diverse perspectives, shared problem-solving abilities, and mutual support that fosters creativity and innovation.

Recognizing these collective efforts through group achievement awards shows appreciation and reinforces the importance of collaboration and partnership. When individuals know their contributions to the team effort are valued, they are more likely to continue working effectively with others and invest in future team successes.

Why Celebrate Group Achievements?

Fosters Collaboration and Unity

Awards that celebrate teamwork emphasize the importance of collaboration and unity. In today's increasingly interconnected and fast-paced world, the most successful organizations and teams work together effectively.

Group awards recognize that success comes from people pooling their skills, ideas, and resources to achieve a common objective.

Boosts Morale and Motivation

Team recognition can dramatically boost morale. Every member feels validated and appreciated when a group is acknowledged for its accomplishments; this collective recognition serves as a motivator, pushing team members to continue working hard, knowing that their contributions are appreciated.

A high-functioning team with a shared sense of purpose is also more likely to achieve future success.

Encourages Healthy Team Dynamics

By recognizing team efforts, you reinforce positive team dynamics, including trust, communication, and respect among members.

Group awards promote a culture where everyone understands the importance of cooperation and values the contributions of their teammates; this healthy dynamic can lead to more effective problem-solving, greater resilience in the face of challenges, and a more enjoyable work or sports environment.

Promotes Organizational Success

Successful teams are the backbone of successful organizations.

When a team is recognized for its achievements, it strengthens the organization, leading to better client relationships, innovative products, and higher overall business performance.

In sports, recognizing teamwork fosters a winning culture, encouraging all organization members to focus on the overall goal in everything they do.

The Best Awards for Celebrating Teamwork

The type of award you choose can significantly enhance the meaning of the recognition. These are some of the best and most popular options for celebrating group accomplishments.

Team Trophies

Classic and timeless, team trophies are a perfect way to acknowledge collective achievements. Whether in sports or business, a large, beautifully designed trophy inscribed with the team's name, event, and achievement is a lasting reminder of the organization's success.

Many organizations opt for rotating trophies, where the winning team holds the trophy for a set period before passing it on to the next group of achievers.

Customized Plaques

Plaques are a versatile and elegant option for group recognition. A large plaque can feature all team members' names and details of their accomplishments; this format allows for recognizing each contribution that worked towards the overall goal.

In a corporate setting, hanging a plaque in a common area, such as a break room or lobby, can be a motivational tool for future teams, highlighting the importance of collaboration.

Personalized Medals or Mini-Trophies

Another popular choice is to present individual team members with personalized medals or mini-trophies; this approach offers the best of both worlds. The team's collective effort is celebrated, and each member receives a personalized token of recognition.

These awards are customizable to reflect the specific nature of the team's success, whether completing a significant project on time or winning a tournament.

Team Certificates

Certificates are an excellent choice for teams, especially when dealing with larger groups. These certificates can be presented with a trophy or plaque, giving each member a keepsake that recognizes their contributions to the team's success.

Certificates can be framed and displayed as a constant reminder of the team's hard work and collaboration.

Experiential Rewards

Beyond physical trophies or plaques, experiential rewards are increasingly popular for celebrating team accomplishments; this could include taking the team out for a celebratory dinner, organizing a fun team-building activity, or even offering a collective bonus or vacation day.

These rewards recognize the achievement and strengthen the bonds between team members, making future collaboration more seamless and enjoyable.

Best Practices for Group Awards

When selecting or designing group awards, it's essential to ensure the award reflects the nature of the accomplishment.

Consider personalizing the award to include the team's name and a brief description of their achievement (this will make the award more meaningful and unique).

When presenting the award, recognize the team's collective success and the individual contributions that made the achievement possible.

Acknowledging each member's unique skills and efforts strengthens the message that teamwork is vital to sustained success.

Let Woltman Trophies Bring Your Visions to Life

In sports and business, teamwork is the driving force behind many of the most outstanding achievements.

By commemorating team efforts with thoughtful, well-crafted awards, you celebrate the hard work of the individuals involved and promote the value of collaboration, which is essential for ongoing success.

At Woltman Trophies and Awards, we are dedicated to the highest standards of excellence in our design and delivery. Check out design options, and contact us today to get started!

Celebrating Promotions, Transfers, and Retirements

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 17:25:44 GMT

People come and go, and the same goes for business. Promotions, transfers, and retirements can be some of the most exciting moves for employees. Employers can help the team celebrate by acknowledging these moves, even when they'll miss the employee (if they transfer or retire).

Let's look at some ways to plan celebrations for these corporate milestones.

Celebrating Employee Promotions

Recognizing Achievements

Promotions mark a significant achievement in an employee's career, reflecting their hard work, dedication, and contributions. Publicly acknowledging these accomplishments is essential; announce the promotion through company-wide emails, newsletters, and team meetings. Highlight specific achievements and the positive impact the employee has had on the company.

Award Ceremonies

Organizing a formal or informal award ceremony can make the promotion memorable. Presenting a personalized award or plaque recognizes the achievement and serves as a lasting memento. The award can be a physical reminder of the team member's success and the company's appreciation.

Perks and Benefits

A promotion often comes with additional perks and benefits. Consider offering a bonus or a salary increase to reflect their new role. Extra vacation days or professional development opportunities can also be excellent ways to reward the employee and show your commitment to their growth.

Celebration Ideas

Host a celebratory lunch or dinner to honor the promoted employee. A meal together allows colleagues to celebrate together and strengthens team bonds. Alternatively, arrange a team-building activity or outing, creating a fun and engaging way to recognize the milestone.

Celebrating Employee Transfers

Acknowledging the Transition

Transfers can be exciting and challenging, especially to another office in a new city. It is crucial to acknowledge the transition and express gratitude for the employee's contributions. Announce the transfer to the rest of the team and highlight the positive impact the employee will have in their new role.

Farewell Celebrations

Host a farewell party or gathering to celebrate the time spent with the employee. Create a memory book or video with messages from colleagues, sharing fond memories and well-wishes. This personal touch can make the transition more heartfelt and meaningful.

Welcoming the Transfer

Ensure the employee feels welcomed at their new location. Arrange a warm welcome, perhaps with a small celebration or a welcome package. Packages could include local guides, company merchandise, or even a gift card to a popular local restaurant.

Support During Transition

Moving to a new city can be daunting, so offer support during the transition. Assist with moving and settling in and ensure continuous communication and support; this eases the process and demonstrates the company's care and commitment.

Celebrating Employee Retirement

Honoring Long-term Service

Retirement is a significant milestone that deserves special recognition. Reflect on the retiree's career achievements and contributions. Share stories and testimonials from colleagues, highlighting their impact and legacy within the company.

Retirement Parties

Organize a retirement party or banquet to celebrate the retiree's career. Retirement parties can be formal events or casual gatherings, depending on the retiree's preferences. The key is to make the retiree feel honored and appreciated.

Legacy and Farewell Gifts

Presenting a personalized retirement plaque or trophy is a great way to honor the retiree. Consider offering a thoughtful gift, such as a travel voucher or an item related to their hobbies and interests; this shows that the company values their interests and wishes them well in future endeavors.

Continuing the Connection

Encourage retirees to stay connected through alum networks or events. Celebrating their continued involvement and contributions to the company community can foster a sense of belonging and appreciation, even after retirement.

Work With Woltman Trophies and Awards

Celebrating employee milestones like promotions, transfers, and retirements is more than a formality. It's a powerful way to boost morale, strengthen team bonds, and show appreciation for employees' hard work and dedication. Your employees will feel valued and appreciated and more motivated and committed to contributing to the company's success.

At Woltman Trophies and Awards, we are dedicated to the highest standards of excellence in our design and delivery. Check out design options, and contact us today to get started!

Celebrate Success: Why Corporate Awards Matter

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 18:26:50 GMT

In today's workplaces, it's crucial to acknowledge and celebrate employees' accomplishments. Doing so isn't just a nice gesture; it's essential for keeping teams motivated and engaged. Let's explore why recognizing corporate achievements is necessary (and how awards stores can help).

Fostering Appreciation

Recognizing corporate achievements is about creating an environment where employees feel valued for their hard work and dedication. Team members who feel appreciated are more likely to be motivated and committed to their roles. Recognition reinforces positive behaviors and inspires employees to strive for excellence.

Boosting Morale and Motivation

Acknowledging employees' accomplishments boosts their morale and motivates them to keep up the excellent work. Whether meeting sales targets, finishing a project early, or showing great teamwork, recognizing these achievements makes employees feel proud and appreciated and shows that their contributions matter.

Enhancing Engagement

Employee engagement is crucial for organizational success, and recognition is vital in fostering engagement. When employees feel recognized and valued, they're more engaged in their work, leading to higher productivity and job satisfaction. Recognition motivates employees to go above and beyond in their roles.

Moreover, a culture of recognition not only boosts morale and retention rates, it cultivates a positive work environment where individuals feel appreciated for their contributions, ultimately contributing to overall organizational success and competitiveness.

Retaining Talent

In today's competitive job market, retaining top talent is a priority for organizations. Recognizing employees' achievements reinforces their loyalty and commitment to the organization. When employees feel valued, they're more likely to stay with the company long-term. Recognition also helps attract new talent by showcasing the organization as an employer that values its employees.

Customized Awards: Showing Appreciation

Award stores are vital in recognizing corporate achievements by providing customized trophies, plaques, medals, and certificates, all customizable to personalize and reflect individual accomplishments and milestones. Additionally, we provide consultation through the design process to help you select the most fitting awards, ensuring each recognition aligns with the company's values and objectives.

Personalization: Making It Special

One advantage of customized awards is the ability to personalize them for each recipient. Whether engraving the recipient's name, including achievement details or adding the company logo, personalized awards add a special touch that makes the recognition meaningful.

Personalized awards serve as lasting reminders of accomplishment, fostering a sense of pride and motivation for recipients to continue excelling in their endeavors. By incorporating unique elements tailored to each individual, personalized awards become cherished mementos that symbolize recognition and the value placed on the recipient's contributions.

Work with Woltman Trophies & Awards

Recognizing employees' achievements is vital for creating a culture of appreciation, boosting morale, and retaining top talent. By investing in recognition programs and personalized awards, organizations can create a workplace where employees feel valued, appreciated, and motivated to excel.

At Woltman Trophies, we understand the importance of celebrating achievements and provide high-quality plaques, trophies, and awards to help companies recognize their employees' outstanding performance. By implementing effective recognition programs aligned with company values, businesses can create a culture of appreciation that drives success and inspires their workforce to reach new heights.

Celebrate your employees' accomplishments with Woltman Trophies and watch your organization thrive. Get in touch today!

Welcoming in a New Team Member: Do's and Don'ts

Fri, 12 Jan 2024 23:30:00 GMT

Do you remember the first day of your current job in your industry? How about your first foray into the job field in high school or college?

It's an entirely new environment, with team members to meet and company policies and procedures to get accustomed to.

A first day is already hard, but it can feel less overwhelming with clear expectations, robust onboarding and training, and a strong welcome from the team.

Let's look at some of the do's and don'ts when welcoming a new team member, and how a solid start at the company can lead to increased performance and retention.

Do:

Provide a Warm Welcome

Welcoming a new team member begins with a warm reception. Assign a designated person or team to greet the newcomer on their first day. A friendly welcome sets the tone for a positive experience and helps the new employee feel valued.

Orientation and Training

A well-structured orientation and training program are fundamental to a successful onboarding process. Communicate company values, expectations, and policies. Equip the new employee with the knowledge and skills necessary for their role, and provide ongoing training.

Assign a Mentor

Foster a sense of belonging by assigning a mentor or buddy to the new employee. This designated point of contact can guide them through the initial phases, answer questions, and provide insights into the company culture. This personalized support enhances the onboarding experience.

Introduce the Team

Team integration is crucial for a new employee's sense of belonging. Organize team introductions or welcome events to facilitate connections between the newcomer and their colleagues; this builds professional relationships and creates a positive social atmosphere within the workplace.

Feedback and Check-ins

Regular check-ins during the initial weeks are essential for gauging the new employee's progress and addressing concerns. Encourage open communication, provide constructive feedback, and create a supportive environment. This ongoing connection helps the new team member feel valued and supported.

Don't:

Neglect to Set Clear Expectations

Failing to communicate clear expectations can leave new employees uncertain about their roles. Avoid assumptions and ensure that the newcomer understands their responsibilities, goals, and how they contribute to the overall success of the team and company.

Isolate Them

Social isolation can hinder a new employee's integration into the team. Foster a collaborative and inclusive culture by discouraging cliques and encouraging team-wide participation. Ensure that everyone plays a role in making the newcomer feel welcome.

Overwhelm with Information

Bombarding a new team member with excessive information on the first day can be overwhelming. Provide essential details initially and gradually introduce more complex information as the employee acclimates to their role and the company. This approach allows for better absorption and understanding.

Neglect Social Integration

Social connections are a crucial aspect of a positive work culture. Neglecting social integration can lead to a lack of camaraderie and hinder the new employee's sense of belonging. Encourage participation in team events and activities to facilitate social bonds within the workplace.

Fail to Follow-up

Onboarding is an ongoing process that extends beyond the initial week. Lack of follow-up can make a new team member feel neglected. Regularly check in with the employee, address concerns, and provide ongoing support. This continuous connection contributes to a smoother integration into the team.

Work With Woltman Trophies and Awards

The successful transition of a new team member involves a combination of thoughtful actions and careful considerations. By incorporating the mentioned "do's" and avoiding the corresponding "don'ts," business owners can create a welcoming environment that fosters employee satisfaction, engagement, and long-term retention. A positive onboarding experience benefits the new employee and contributes to a thriving and cohesive workplace culture.

At Woltman Trophies, we understand the importance of celebrating employee achievements and provide high-quality plaques, trophies, and awards to help companies recognize their employees' outstanding performance. By implementing effective recognition programs aligned with company values, businesses can create a culture of appreciation that drives success and inspires their workforce to reach new heights. Celebrate your employees' accomplishments with Woltman Trophies and watch your organization thrive. Get in touch today!

How Businesses Can Prepare for the Holiday Season

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 18:00:00 GMT

The holiday season affects business, personal schedules, and families. Prepping for the season comes in handy, no matter which holidays you celebrate or how you choose to partake in the festivities. Many companies also have end-of-year tasks, events, and responsibilities worth extra planning. Let's look into how you and your business can have a great holiday season for 2023 and start 2024 off with your best foot forward.

Plan Your Inventory

Carefully planning your inventory is one of the first steps in holiday preparation. To do this, look closely at historical data and trends from previous holiday seasons. What were the best-selling products or services? Which items experienced a significant uptick in demand? Use this information to stock up on popular holiday items and consider offering promotions. Ensure you have enough stock to meet the anticipated demand without overstocking and incurring unnecessary costs.

Optimize Staffing

With the holiday season comes an uptick in business activities; to handle this increased workload efficiently, consider hiring seasonal employees. These temporary workers can help alleviate the pressure on your existing staff and ensure that customer service remains top-notch. Additionally, ensure that your current employees know their roles and responsibilities during the holiday rush. Having a well-organized team is essential for smooth operations.

Holiday Bonuses and Incentives

Recognizing and rewarding your employees during the holiday season is essential for maintaining morale and motivation. Consider offering holiday bonuses, commissions, or performance-based incentives. These motivate your team and show appreciation for their hard work throughout the year. The gesture can go a long way in fostering employee loyalty and dedication.

Holiday Parties

Holiday parties or gatherings are a fantastic way to boost team morale and foster a sense of community among your employees. Plan and schedule these events well in advance to ensure maximum participation. Whether it's an office party, a virtual gathering, or a festive lunch, make it enjoyable and memorable for your team. It's an opportunity for everyone to unwind, relax, and celebrate the year's successes.

End-of-Year Awards

Recognizing outstanding employees is a powerful way to reinforce a culture of excellence within your organization. Consider creating end-of-year award programs acknowledging excellent performance, dedication, and contributions. These awards can include categories such as "Employee of the Year," "Team Player," or "Innovator of the Year." Such recognition not only motivates the winners but also inspires others to excel.

PTO Management

Employees may request time off with their families or for personal reasons during the holiday season. To ensure the business continues running smoothly, develop a clear policy for handling PTO requests. Ensure you have enough staff for coverage and manage requests fairly. Effective PTO management prevents disruptions and ensures employees enjoy the holidays without added stress.

Customer Engagement

The holiday season is an excellent time to engage with your customers and attract new ones. Create holiday-themed marketing campaigns and promotions to draw in customers. Consider offering special discounts, gift cards, or loyalty programs to encourage repeat business. Engaging with your customers during this time can significantly boost your sales and customer loyalty.

Weather Contingency Plans

Depending on your location, bad weather can disrupt business operations during the holiday season. Be prepared for weather-related challenges with contingency plans, including backup suppliers, alternative delivery methods, and communication strategies for notifying employees and customers of disruptions. Being proactive can help you mitigate the impact of unexpected weather events.

Technology and Security

As more customers turn to online shopping during the holiday season, ensuring that your technology infrastructure can securely handle increased traffic and transactions is crucial. Test your website and payment systems to ensure they meet the task. Additionally, prioritize cybersecurity to protect sensitive customer information and maintain trust. Data breaches during the holiday season can negatively affect your business.

Employee Well-being

While the holiday season is a time of celebration, it can also be stressful for employees trying to balance work and personal life. Recognize this and take steps to promote employee well-being. Encourage employees to take breaks and use any wellness programs you may offer. Consider offering flexible work arrangements or additional support to help employees manage their workload and enjoy the holidays.

Work With Woltman Trophies and Awards

Preparing for the holiday season is essential for businesses to thrive during this bustling time. By planning your inventory, optimizing staffing, offering holiday bonuses, and fostering employee well-being, you can create a positive and productive atmosphere that benefits your team and customers. So, start your preparations early and make the most of this festive and prosperous time for your business.

At Woltman Trophies and Awards, we are dedicated to the highest standards of excellence in our design and delivery. We are ready for all your corporate award needs for the holiday season and year-round. Check out our design options, and contact us today to get started!

A Guide to Employee Recognition

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 20:33:08 GMT

Employee recognition is pivotal in creating a positive work culture and boosting employee engagement. At Woltman Trophies, we understand the power of acknowledging employee achievements, and we specialize in creating plaques, trophies, and awards that serve as symbols of appreciation. In this guide, we will explore the significance of employee recognition and offer insights on implementing effective recognition programs to align with company values and goals.

Understanding Employee Recognition

Employee recognition is acknowledging and appreciating employees' contributions and accomplishments in the workplace. Beyond simple gestures, it is a powerful tool that fosters employee motivation, loyalty, and productivity. By recognizing and celebrating achievements, companies can create a culture of appreciation and inspire their workforce to perform at their best.

Types of Employee Recognition

Corporate Awards and Plaques

Corporate awards, such as plaques, trophies, and certificates, are significant in recognizing exceptional performance. These tangible symbols of appreciation are lasting reminders of employees' accomplishments and contributions. Woltman Trophies offers various customizable, high-quality awards that reflect your company's unique values and brand identity.

Feedback and Appreciation

Providing regular feedback and expressing appreciation are vital aspects of employee recognition. Constructive feedback helps employees grow and improve, while genuine appreciation reaffirms their value and boosts morale. By fostering a culture of open communication, managers can effectively recognize employees' efforts and guide their professional development.

Award Ceremonies and Events

Formal award ceremonies are an excellent way to celebrate achievements publicly and motivate employees. These events provide a platform to recognize outstanding performance, highlight success stories, and create a sense of pride within the organization. When organizing award ceremonies, consider factors such as venue selection, event planning, and engaging speakers to make the event memorable.

Corporate Trips and Incentives

Corporate trips and incentives offer unique rewards for exceptional performance. These experiences provide employees with opportunities for personal growth, team building, and relaxation outside the office environment. By offering corporate trips or incentives, companies can inspire and motivate employees to achieve their goals while fostering a sense of camaraderie and loyalty.

Implementing Effective Employee Recognition Programs

To ensure the success of employee recognition programs, consider the following best practices:

Establish Clear Criteria and Guidelines

Clearly define the criteria for recognition to ensure fairness and transparency. Establish guidelines outlining the process, eligibility, and frequency, providing a framework for managers and employees.

Create a Fair and Inclusive Recognition System

Implement a recognition system that values diversity and inclusivity. Consider recognizing accomplishments from various departments, roles, and levels to ensure everyone feels valued and appreciated.

Tailor Recognition Programs to Company Values and Culture

Align recognition efforts with your company's core values and culture. Incorporate specific behaviors and achievements that reflect your organization's unique identity, reinforcing and promoting those values.

Encourage Peer-to-Peer Recognition and Shout-Outs

Foster a culture of peer-to-peer recognition by encouraging employees to acknowledge and appreciate their colleagues' contributions. Implement shout-out programs, recognition boards, or digital platforms where employees can publicly recognize and celebrate each other's achievements.

Best Practices for Sustaining Employee Recognition Efforts

To maintain the effectiveness of employee recognition programs, consider the following:

Consistency and Frequency of Recognition

Recognition should be consistent and timely. Regularly acknowledge employees' accomplishments to keep the momentum and motivation high throughout the year.

Personalization and Individualization of Recognition

Tailor recognition efforts to the preferences and interests of individual employees. Personalized recognition shows their achievements are valued personally, fostering a stronger connection between employees and the organization.

Communicating the Impact of Recognition

Highlight the significance of recognition and its impact on individuals, teams, and the overall company. Share success stories, testimonials, and statistics to demonstrate the positive outcomes of recognition programs.

Monitoring and Evaluating Effectiveness

Continuously monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of your recognition programs. Collect feedback from employees and measure key performance indicators to identify areas of improvement and make necessary adjustments.

Work With Woltman Trophies

Employee recognition is a cornerstone of a thriving work environment, fostering motivation, engagement, and loyalty. At Woltman Trophies, we understand the importance of celebrating achievements and provide high-quality plaques, trophies, and awards to help companies recognize their employees' outstanding performance. By implementing effective recognition programs aligned with company values, businesses can create a culture of appreciation that drives success and inspires their workforce to reach new heights. Celebrate your employees' accomplishments with Woltman Trophies and watch your organization thrive. Get in touch today!

A Guide to Planning a Company Awards Party

Fri, 14 Apr 2023 20:12:35 GMT

An awards party is an excellent way to recognize your employees' achievements and hard work. It's an opportunity to celebrate milestones, recognize outstanding performance, and foster a positive company culture. If you're planning a company awards party, there are several things you need to consider to make the event a success. In this guide, we'll discuss how to find a venue, make a budget, choose a theme, add music and entertainment, select a caterer, and pick awards to give out and who will receive them.

Making a Budget

Before planning any aspect of your awards party, you need to set a budget. The budget will determine what kind of venue, catering, entertainment, and awards you can afford. Be realistic about what you can afford and prioritize the most critical aspects of the event – the venue costs, the physical awards, and any food and drink are typically a top priority.

You can cut costs for decorations, signage, and even music and entertainment. Employees and guests will want the venue to be comfortable, the awards to be meaningful, and any food and drink to exceed their expectations. Keep track of your expenses to ensure you stay within your budget and have multiple people on the planning committee to hold budget accountability.

Finding a Venue

The first step in planning a company awards party is to find a suitable venue . Look for a venue that can accommodate the number of attendees you're expecting, has the necessary amenities (such as audio/visual equipment), and is conveniently located for your employees. Book the venue well in advance to avoid any last-minute issues.

You may also consider visiting the venue beforehand and walking through the space with a staff member to have a spatial understanding of the space as you continue the planning process. If your company has held similar awards parties in the past, you may consider finding a venue that your company used before and has a positive relationship with.

Choosing a Theme

Choosing a theme can add an element of fun to your awards party. Consider the interests of your employees, the company culture, and the venue when selecting a theme. It could be as simple as a color scheme or as elaborate as a Hollywood-style awards ceremony. Whatever theme you choose, ensure it's appropriate for your company and reflects the values you want to promote.

Adding Music and Entertainment

Music and entertainment can make your awards party memorable and enjoyable for your employees. You could hire a live band or DJ to provide music throughout the party or book a comedian or magician to provide entertainment. Ensure the entertainment is appropriate for your audience and fits the event's theme.

Choosing a Caterer

Good food is essential to any successful event, and your awards party is no exception. Look for a caterer that can provide a menu that caters to your guests' dietary requirements and preferences. Consider the type of cuisine you want, the presentation of the food, and the level of service you require. Consider a buffet-style meal, which can be more cost-effective and allow guests to choose what they want.

Picking Awards to Give Out and Who Will Receive Them

The awards you give out should recognize the achievements and contributions of your employees. Consider categories that reflect the goals and values of your company, such as teamwork, innovation, or customer service. Ensure the awards, such as trophies or plaques, are meaningful and valuable to the recipients. You could also consider giving out gift cards or experiences as awards.

Deciding who will receive the awards can be a difficult task. You could have a nomination process where employees can nominate their colleagues for awards. Alternatively, you could have a panel of judges who assess the performance of employees and determine who should receive the awards. Make sure the criteria for selection are clear and transparent and that all employees have an equal opportunity to be recognized.

Physical Awards

The physical awards and trophies themselves should be meaningful. If an employee receives a high honor, the award will be better received as a beautiful, vibrant trophy or plaque rather than a flimsy piece of paper. Check out awards made of glass, acrylic, crystal, and more. If you plan to give out plaques, look for a supplier with beautiful engraving capabilities and double-check the spelling on your designs before you send them in.

Work With Woltman

Planning a company awards party takes time and effort, but it can be a rewarding experience for your employees and your company. By following these steps, you can ensure that your awards party succeeds and that your employees feel appreciated and recognized for their hard work.

At Woltman Trophies and Awards, we are dedicated to the highest standards of excellence in our design and delivery. Check out design options, and contact us today to get started!

The Importance of Youth Sports

Fri, 13 Jan 2023 22:30:58 GMT

Every generation of kids has different opportunities and challenges. The newest generation of kids growing up in the U.S. and many other places are entering a highly digital world, more so than any generation before. As we navigate how childhood is changing with the integration of new tech, some tried-and-true childhood activities still stand in popularity. Youth sports provide an outlet for kids to build sportsmanship, make friends, and be recognized for hard work.

Team Building

One of the most important benefits of kids getting involved in sports is how they learn about team building. Some youth sports may be more individualized, such as karate or golf, but most programs will have some team aspect. No matter the skill level, kids learn how to work with their teammates to achieve a common goal – winning the game. In school, there can be more individualized competition (e.g., who won the spelling bee, who's the best at math, etc.), so the chance to play sports can help kids learn these lessons.

Exercise

Another significant benefit of playing youth sports is getting exercise and building skills. Most children have lots of physical energy, and sports provide an outlet to release this energy and channel it into an organized game or practice. Youth sports are also a great supplement to activity throughout the day for kids. Once kids are in school, they are usually very sedentary other than a quick recess and gym class.

Time Outdoors

In a digital world, time spent outdoors can be extremely beneficial to mental and physical health. Humans need vitamin D to build bones, and the sun is one of the best suppliers of vitamin D. Not all youth sports are outside, but many are. If a sport is typically indoors, parents can always encourage their kids to practice out in the backyard or at a local park during the offseason or with friends on different teams.

Friendships

Having a variety of social relationships is fundamental to childhood. For kids who may not have siblings/family their age, youth sports can help them learn to interact with people their age and eventually form friendships. Some kids have an easier time making friends in extra-curricular activities like sports since there aren't the same pressures and constraints as in a classroom. If kids have friends on different teams than them, they can learn how friendships transcend boundaries.

Leadership

Adults tend to have more opportunities to be leaders than children. Adults can be leaders in their workplaces, neighborhoods, communities, and more, whereas children may not get much of a chance until high school. Many children develop leadership tendencies and traits early on and don't have a place to practice these habits – enter youth sports.

Youth sports leaders can encourage their team, set a strong example for their teammates, organize meetups outside of games and practice, and more. Leadership can be a set of traits, but it is also learned by practice, so starting a team captain of the week or a coach's assistant gives kids the space to learn to be leaders.

Community

Youth sports, at its heart, is about the kids. However, parents, siblings, grandparents, guardians, neighbors, and other community members can often get involved. A youth sports team can partner with a nonprofit for a fundraiser or have a game at the park by the senior living facility for the residents to watch. Once the kids are older, they can also help teach a clinic for their sport for younger kids. The sky's the limit on how youth sports can teach kids about community.

Long-term Goal-Setting

Youth sports also encourage long-term goal-setting. Many kids may try different sports during childhood, while others may stick to the same sport. Either way, since many sports require similar athletic skill sets, kids can begin to set goals for themselves at the start of each season or a new sport.

Some goals could be to improve their aim, agility, speed, endurance, reaction time, balance, and more. Then, parents and coaches can help kids come up with a plan to meet this goal and a way to measure it. Kids become empowered when they can see progress in their long-term goals.

Recognition

Coaches, parents, and organizers should take the extra step to have an awards and recognition ceremony at the end of the season. Even if the team didn't win in a tournament or advance to the next level, the kids put the time in the whole season and will appreciate the recognition. Participation trophies are one way to go, but specific awards can be more rewarding and fun.

You can still have an M.V.P. award or "Most Improved," but also consider "Best Hydration" for the kid who drank the most water or "Team Cheerleader" for the kid who always encouraged their teammates. The sense of accomplishment that comes with receiving an award helps children build confidence and will have them coming back to play next season.

Check Out Woltman Trophies and Awards

Get connected with our team here at Woltman if you're looking for youth sports trophies, plaques, and more. We have lots of products and the ability to add customizations to fit your award. We also make awards for companies, communities, and other areas outside of youth sports. Contact us today!

Corporate Awards and Workplace Trophies: Basic FAQs

Tue, 19 Jul 2022 16:28:00 GMT

When creating custom corporate awards and trophies for the workplace or your business, we love answering questions for our clients – especially if it means they get exactly the award or trophy they’ve envisioned. However, some questions commonly come up, so we figured it would be a good idea to answer them to help you better understand our approach and process.

Why should I give out corporate awards and trophies in the first place?

We may be biased, but we think one of the best ways to show your employees appreciation is through corporate awards. These are a great way to mark significant work milestones or congratulate someone on a job exceptionally well done.

Giving out physical awards at a big ceremony can also have the benefit of bringing your workforce together. You get together and recognize everyone for their accomplishments. Everyone gets to feel like they’re a part of something bigger. Choose a great venue, make sure everyone has a good time, and recognize everyone’s contributions with a physical award that keeps people motivated and constantly reminds them that they’re valued.

Custom corporate awards that highlight teamwork can also be a great idea. You do not just recognize the skills of one person. You’re shining a spotlight on the unique contributions of multiple people who work well together. This makes each employee realize how important they are to your team, which can encourage them to stay in their position. When workers know they’re a significant part of something bigger, they won’t want to move on to somewhere else where they’re not as familiar with their coworkers and where their talents may not be recognized.

What should my awards be made out of?

Crystal awards are some of the most sought-after awards on the market. Our customers love this material because it displays beautiful clarity, and its heavier mass makes a great impression on the recipient. When it comes to chemical makeup, crystal awards are composed of sand, sodium carbonate, limestone, and a few other additives. Crystal trophies are heavy but fragile, so make sure you are careful when handling them.

Also known as lucite, acrylic is a transparent and translucent material with a hard and smooth surface. It can be shaped into different forms, and objects can be embedded into the acrylic trophies, making them extra customizable. Our acrylic awards are shatter-resistant and offer the same beauty as crystal and glass awards without breaking the bank.

Like crystal awards, glass awards and trophies are made of sand, sodium carbonate, and other additives. However, glass contains little to no traces of lead, which leads to differences in the way that light is diffracted through the trophy and differences in weight (glass is lighter). Compared to acrylic trophies, glass awards and trophies are much more scratch-resistant and have a substantial feeling

How do I create customized trophies and awards?

We use state-of-the-art equipment to bring you the highest quality materials, the best construction, and the most precise engraving.

Our tools include:

Our process begins with a consultation to help you determine which materials, shapes, sizes, and messages suit you. Once we’ve settled on these details, we produce awards in plenty of time for your event while you sit back and relax. Need a rush? No problem, we’ll take good care of you. No matter what you need, we seek to deliver reliably, affordably, and with the best results in the industry.

Don’t deliver dull recognition and awards as they are bad for business, your career, and your company brand. We work with organizations of all kinds to create something unique that carries the meaning your people deserve. Save money and hassles while getting it right the first time — contact us today to learn more!

The post Corporate Awards and Workplace Trophies: Basic FAQs appeared first on Woltman Trophies & Awards .

Employee Engagement and Business Success

Fri, 08 Apr 2022 19:40:00 GMT

Simply put, every leader wants to lead a team of engaged employees. These employees are happy to show up every workday and commit their time and resources to help a business grow. The biggest challenge now more than ever is understanding why employee engagement and recognition strategies are directly tied to business success and how to implement these strategies.

Think of the Team

Sure, employee engagement and recognition programs benefit the individual employee, but it also works to motivate the entire team. It’s basic workplace psychology: When one person performs at a higher level, others follow suit – and imagine a whole team of high performers working towards a common goal of growing the business. Simply put, individual employee engagement leads to whole team engagement.

Keep Them Sticking Around

When employees love their job, they stay put. During a time when it’s becoming critical to maintain the staff you already have, engagement and recognition are a manager’s superpower. It’s hard for the team to stay productive when there’s a revolving door of employees constantly shuffling through. Additionally, the longer employees stay, the more experience within the company they’ll gain and the better chance of internal promotion.

Fight Off Absenteeism and Stress

Employees engaged in the workplace will want to show up for work consistently instead of feeling drained and disconnected. They’ll also be able to better weather periods of work-related stress knowing that their team members and managers support them. This bleeds into employees’ ability to find work-life balance, which helps create a harmonious cycle that benefits everyone and the business itself.

Try Corporate Awards

One way to keep employees engaged is by giving out company awards. You can ensure that your best employees stick around for the long haul by recognizing talent. Everybody wants to have their hard work recognized. By giving out corporate awards occasionally, you can ensure that your workers feel appreciated. Employees that know that their hard work has paid off are far more likely to stick around.

Employee Recognition Ideas

Participating in employee recognition programs shouldn’t be another task to add to employees’ to-do lists. It should be gamified to make things fun and fair for everyone to join in and get rewarded. Send internal education to update and educate everyone about the program’s rules; it will improve the odds they’ll buy-in. Additionally, you can keep things fresh by offering these out-of-the-box ideas:

Food: Team lunches, coffee deliveries, and even cake to celebrate is a tried-and-true way to express gratitude for a job well done

Parking: Who doesn’t love a spot steps from the front door that proudly displays an “Employee of the Month” sign?

Time off: An extra day off here and there can not only help work-life balance, but it’s also a valuable reward for all employees.

Custom awards: This can be as formal (or informal) as you choose, down to something as fun as an award for who has the best Zoom background.

Emails: A quick email from “the boss” with a note of appreciation can mean a lot to the team member who has completed a project or closed a sales deal.

Charitable donations: Donate to an employee’s favorite cause in their name to mark the occasion of their achievements.

Virtual happy hour: Schedule time for an online celebration after work hours to increase socialization and visibility when teams are working remotely

Shoutouts: Share recognition on business social media accounts along with a picture of the stellar employee and information about their work.

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How Corporate Awards Can Improve Employee Retention

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 21:25:00 GMT

The post How Corporate Awards Can Improve Employee Retention appeared first on Woltman Trophies & Awards .

Why Invest In Employee Recognition?

Fri, 14 Jan 2022 15:45:00 GMT

When it comes to employee recognition, yearly dinners or holiday parties are a great start, but it needs to happen regularly and in a visible way. It should also take many forms, from verbal shout-outs to tangibles like bonuses, prizes, or awards. This is more than offering financial incentives; it’s also about building a culture from the top down.

Recognition programs let employees know they matter, and in turn, act as a tool to keep employees invested, boost retention rates, and create more successful and optimized business workflows. The simple truth is that employees who are engaged and feel valued will be more productive and stay longer with the organization that recognizes their work. So, where does this recognition start, and what does it look like? Try these ideas:

Host a Celebratory Event: You could host many events to celebrate an employee going above and beyond. An office party complete with snacks and drinks can be a great idea if you have the space and aren’t worried about distractions.

Make Work More Flexible: One way to recognize your most competent employees is by giving them some more leeway when it comes to office hours. High-performing employees could be allowed to set their hours, within reason, as a part of their reward.

Support Their Favorite Charity: You can also show your appreciation for an employee by supporting a worthy cause. If they have a favorite charity, make a donation in that employee’s name when they’ve greatly exceeded your expectations.

Corporate Awards: We may be biased, but we think that one of the best ways to show your employees appreciation is through corporate awards. These are a great way to mark significant work milestones or congratulate someone on a job exceptionally well done.

Giving out physical awards at a big ceremony can also have the benefit of bringing your workforce together. You get together and recognize everyone for their accomplishments. Everyone gets to feel like they’re a part of something bigger. Choose a great venue, make sure that everyone has a good time, and recognize everyone’s contributions with a physical award that keeps people motivated and constantly reminds people that they’re valued.

Make sure that recognition programs are working by seeking regular feedback from the team. Are they having fun? Do the rewards make them feel valued and good about their contribution to the organization? Is there anything they would like to add to the program? Keep the conversation going so they’ll stay engaged. When you’re looking to support organizational changes that correlate directly with your bottom line, you can’t go wrong with employee recognition programs.

A physical award offers a wide range of options. With custom engravings, you can recognize someone for just about anything. Call out your top salesman, but also make sure that you reward an employee that’s improved their numbers the most. Has someone dedicated years of service to the company? A trophy that notes how many years they’ve worked hard for you can be manufactured easily. You can also order custom trophies and awards that commemorate more specific events, like a big account getting landed or a major promotion.

When you’re looking for awards that will stand out, talk to the experts at Woltman Trophies. Whether you’re looking for a custom plaque or a beautiful crystal trophy, we can make a custom award that the recipient will treasure. We look forward to assisting you – contact us today to get started!

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History of Football Awards

Thu, 14 Oct 2021 15:55:00 GMT

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History Of NHL Awards

Tue, 13 Jul 2021 15:48:00 GMT

We’ve wrapped up another exciting season of NHL hockey, and while our beloved Blues didn’t make it all the way, it’s definitely fun to watch the winning team celebrate. From the biggest prize — the Stanley Cup — to smaller (but equally important) player awards, here are the top NHL awards.

The Stanley Cup: This is the oldest and most recognizable award given out to National Hockey League teams. It was first awarded in 1893 and continues to go to the winner of the NHL playoff games:

Ironically, Lord Stanley never witnessed a championship game nor attended a presentation of his trophy, having returned to his native England during the 1893 season. Nevertheless, the quest for the trophy he donated has become one of the world’s most prestigious sporting competitions.

President’s Cup: This trophy is awarded to the NHL team that finishes the regular season with the highest-performing overall record. It started as a tradition during the 1985-86 season, and the Detroit Red Wings have the most of these trophies at a total of six wins.

Prince of Wales Trophy: This was presented in the NHL after His Royal Highness, Prince of Wales donated the trophy in 1924. When the league expanded in 1967, the trophy was awarded to the East Division and today it goes to the playoff champion in the Eastern Conference.

The Clarence S. Campbell Bowl: Named after the former NHL president, this trophy was initially given to the regular-season West Division champion. Since the 1993-94 season, the bowl has been awarded to the playoff champion in the Western Conference.

Conn Smythe Trophy: Awarded to the most valuable player for any team participating in the playoffs, the Conn Smythe trophy became a tradition in 1965. There have been a total of 47 players to receive this trophy, with several winning up to three times — like Patrick Roy.

Hart Memorial Trophy: The Hart Memorial trophy is the MVP award chosen by the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association on an annual basis. Wayne Gretzky is currently the trophy record winner with a total of 8 awarded throughout his career.

Calder Memorial Trophy: This is the trophy that goes to the highest-performing new player during their rookie year . “NHL President Frank Calder bought a trophy each year to be given permanently to the outstanding rookie. After Calder’s death, the NHL presented the Calder Memorial Trophy in his memory and the trophy is to be kept in perpetuity.”

Vezina Trophy: Beginning in 1926, this trophy is awarded “to the goalkeeper adjudged to be the best at this position” as voted on by NHL club general managers. Fun fact for the next time you’re at bar trivia: The Montreal Canadiens have won this trophy a record 29 times.

James Norris Memorial Trophy: This award is given on an annual basis to the NHL defensive player who shows the highest level of performance within their position. If you recall, Bobby Orr won this trophy for eight consecutive seasons from 1968-1975.

Art Ross Trophy: Did your favorite player rack up the goal points this season? There’s a good chance they could win this award — which initially started in 1947. A tidbit that may not surprise you: Wayne Gretzky also holds the record for this award, with a whopping 10 trophies under his belt (skate?).

Lady Byng Memorial Trophy: The wife of a former Canadian governor presented the first trophy in 1925. Frank Boucher of the New York Rangers won the award seven times in eight seasons from 1927-35 — but no goaltender has ever won the Byng.

Ready to start designing awards for your hockey team to prepare for next season? Our process begins with a consultation to help you determine which materials, shapes, sizes, and messages suit you. Once we’ve settled on these details, we produce awards in plenty of time for your event while you sit back and relax.

Need the awards in a rush? No problem, we’ll take good care of you. No matter what you need, we seek to deliver reliably, affordably, and with the best results in the industry.

Our promise to you is simple: We will provide the best, every time we work together — let’s get started .

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History of MLB Awards

Thu, 13 May 2021 15:34:00 GMT

Put me in, Coach! The days are getting longer and the weather is getting warmer, and baseball season is ramping up. We thought it would be a great time to take a look at the most famous MLB awards — in case you needed some inspiration for your next award or trophy ceremony.

MLB Awards for the Teams

Commissioner’s Trophy

This is probably one of the most recognizable sports trophies out there, and arguably the most coveted in baseball. The Commissioner’s Trophy is what the World Series-winning team receives in addition to the players’ rings. The current design of the trophy includes a flag for each team in both the National and American Leagues.

Warren C. Giles Trophy

The champion team of the National League playoffs receives the Warren C. Giles Trophy, named after the former league president. Since its inception, this trophy was passed from champion to champion each year until 2017 when teams would get customized trophies each year.

William Harridge Trophy

William Harridge is the American League counterpart of Giles. For years the design featured a golden eagle and the league’s emblem with a baseball and a league banner. This design also changed in 2017 to an all-silver trophy topped by a pennant.

MLB Awards for the Players

Most Valuable Player

Also known as the MVP award, it originated in 1910 as the Chalmers Award — and was, in fact, far from the Chalmers Automotive Company. The award then became a cash prize before officially being named the Kenesaw Mountain Landis Memorial Baseball Award.

Cy Young Award

Originating in 1956, this classic plaque-style award shows a metal casted hand catching a baseball — which only makes sense because the Cy Young Award (named after the Hall of Fame pitcher) goes to the best pitchers in the Major League.

Rookie of the Year Award

This award goes to one player in each of the two leagues and winners are voted on by the Baseball Writers Association Of America (BBWA). In 1987 it was renamed The Jackie Robinson Awarded to mark the 40th anniversary of Robinson’s boundary-busting introduction to baseball.

Manager of the Year Award

The BBWA also votes for their first, second, and third place choices for the manager of the year, and the highest score wins the award. The Manager of the Year award was first awarded in 1983, and only 4 managers have won the award for managing in both leagues.

Gold Glove Award

The Rawlings Gold Glove award is pretty self explanatory: It’s a golden glove-shaped award that is given out each year to the player who shows the most outstanding use of (you guessed it) their glove in a fielding position. A total of 18 gloves are given out each year.

Silver Slugger Award

The best player in an offensive position in both the American and National Leagues get awarded the silver slugger. It’s a plaque award with a silver baseball bat attached, and winners are chosen based on stats like batting average, slugging percentage, and on-base percentage.

Hank Aaron Award

Baseball fans and members of the media vote to decide which Major League player is the top hitter in each league. The award was introduced in 1999 to mark the 25th anniversary of Hank Aaron shattering Babe Ruth’s career home run record.

Other Awards

Postseason MVP Awards

Along with a regular season MVP award, there’s also one to honor the player who makes an impact during the final round of World Series competition games: The Willie Mays World Series Most Valuable Player Award, renamed to honor Mays in 2017. The League Championship MVP trophy is awarded during the second round of MLB postseason play, and an MVP award is also given out after the mid-season All Star Game.

Ready to start designing awards for your baseball team? Our process begins with a consultation to help you determine which materials, shapes, sizes, and messages suit you. Once we’ve settled on these details, we produce awards in plenty of time for your event while you sit back and relax. Need a rush? No problem, we’ll take good care of you. No matter what you need, we seek to deliver reliably, affordably, and with the best results in the industry.
Our promise to you is simple: We will provide the best, every time we work together — let’s get started.

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Youth Sports Award Ideas

Tue, 09 Feb 2021 20:28:00 GMT

With youth winter sports wrapping up and spring ones about to kick off, now is a great time to brainstorm ideas for awards and trophies. Giving awards and trophies is a great way to keep morale high and help individual team members celebrate their strengths.

Personal Best

While there is an element of competition in youth sports, it’s also important to recognize those team members who are working hard to develop their skills. With personal best awards, you can acknowledge this work and the individual growth team members are making. It’s also more encouragement for players to keep going after their goals and establish new ones.

Team Best

Think about the players who excel in either a defensive or offensive role. Those who are known for putting points on the board can get kudos for Best Offensive Player. Team members who keep the other teams from scoring can get a trophy for Best Defensive Player. For teams that have several members that play the same role, either offensively or defensively, you can celebrate all of them.

Most Improved

All players will show improvement over the course of the sports season. Instead of giving out trophies for who is the “best” on the team, award them for improvement instead. Concentrate on the specific areas that players show the most improvement, like “Most Improved 3-Pointer” or “Most Improved Catcher.”

Attitude and Effort

Along with physical skill development, youth team sports are also integral for teaching social skills and teamwork. For players who may not have developed the same physical skills as teammates, attitude and effort awards are a smart way to highlight social skill development. Team spirit is a great example of an award to give to players who put in the effort.

MVP

Youth sports awards don’t just have to be given at the end of the season. Consider designating an award to give out after each game to recognize the player (or players) who made outstanding contributions — regardless of if the team wins or loses. Keep a list going to ensure that every player eventually gets this honor.

Team Awards

An alternative to individual awards would be giving the entire team a trophy. This helps celebrate everyone’s contributions as they work together and can level the playing field for teams who have players with a wide range of skill levels. Otherwise, members may feel left out if certain players are singled out for an award.

Parents

Aside from players, there are also several adult members on youth sports teams that help to make the season a success. Don’t forget to recognize the work of parents for their contributions; something as simple as “Best Snack” or “Loudest Cheerleader” can go a long way for parents who constantly show up and cheer on the team.

Coaches

Even though coaches may be the ones in charge of giving out youth sports team awards, they also deserve a token of appreciation for guiding the team and helping them learn important skills. They put in a ton of hard work, and aside from watching their team members grow, physical awards or trophies are a reminder of why coaches do what they do.

Humor

Younger youth sports teams who just play for the fun of it may not understand MVP or Most Improved awards. Parents and coaches may also decide not to give out traditional awards to avoid hurt feelings. A great compromise is by creating funny awards; think Best Blooper or High-Five Master.

More Awards Ideas

Still need some inspiration? Take a look:

Most Valuable Sponsor Award
Most Valuable Supporter Award
Game Attendance Award
Best Listener Award
Best Practice Award
Most Dedicated
Last to Leave A Practice

Once you’ve decided on who gets which award, invest in high-quality trophies that give youth sports players something tangible to show off for their hard work. Here at Woltman Trophies and Awards, we make customers our top priority. It’s our mission to provide the help you need to award those you truly care about. If you’re looking for beautiful mistake-free trophies and awards, complete with top-notch on-time service, you’ve come to the right place.

Our staff will help you find the creative option that fits your needs and personal aesthetic. We will engrave it with the perfect message and deliver it in plenty of time for your event. If you need a one-of-a-kind trophy or award, we can help you — let’s talk about your next youth sports award ceremonies!

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A Guide to Virtual Awards Ceremonies

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 20:45:00 GMT

So much of our world has changed during the past several months, and business operations of all types have become virtual — and that includes award ceremonies. Organizations and teams of all sizes and across all industries are adapting to help maintain social distance while still recognizing their employees’ hard work, and that means showing their recognition with virtual awards ceremonies.

Along with the huge advantage of keeping everyone safe, virtual awards ceremonies can offer other benefits. There’s no overhead cost of things like a venue, food, and travel expenses, and overall marketing budgets are reduced. These are all selling points for sponsors, guest speakers, and presenters as well, who may not have previously been able to attend due to schedule restrictions.

Just as was the case with traditional in-person events, virtual awards ceremonies require some prep and planning in order to go off without a hitch. These virtual events are also a great piece of content that your organization (and recipients) can share across their own digital channels, which also highlights the importance of getting it right. We’ve put together some top tips and best practices to ensure your virtual awards ceremony is a success.

Plan Accordingly

Like any other event, virtual or not, a solid plan is like a blueprint to follow for your ceremony. Choose a date and time that works for all attendees, and especially for guest presenters — a survey is a good way to get feedback from everyone involved. Once that’s established, you can create a schedule for the day of the event. These are all important details that you’ll be sharing when sending out invitations (either physical or digital) to the awards ceremony.

Choose Tech Wisely

Do your research and choose a video conferencing tool that will handle the number of attendees that you’re expecting. It may be that your organization needs to pay for the right tech, so make sure to budget accordingly. Let everyone know ahead of time which tech you chose; that way they can become familiar with the platform and avoid glitches the day of the ceremony. If you’re the host, check the network infrastructure and internet bandwidth of the workspace you’ll be hosting from.

Engage The Team

Depending on the nature of your awards ceremony, it could be a great idea to ask employees or other team members to weigh in (anonymously) on the winners instead of having a traditional panel of judges or letting managers pick recipients. Wait on announcing the results until the actual ceremony; this will go a long way towards keeping the whole team engaged and motivated.

Get In The Spirit

Just because the event is virtual, doesn’t mean you can’t dress up! Encourage attendees to wear their gala attire to help boost morale and excitement. You can even ask a band to play during your event, just like you would for an in-person awards ceremony. Additionally, skip the email invitations and opt for fancy paper invites that are sent through mail — it will make a lasting impression and give everyone a keepsake of the event.

Make It Accessible

Record the ceremony as it happens live for those attendees who may not be able to make it. Add features like captions for speakers and large font that’s legible for those who may have visual or hearing impairments. Upload the finished product to your website or video platforms (like YouTube) in a way that everyone can share the content with their own website or social media accounts. Who doesn’t love subtly bragging about their accomplishments?

Choose The Right Award

Your event may be scaled back, but your awards shouldn’t. Invest in the same high-quality physical awards that you would if you were handing them out in-person; this goes a long way towards showing recipients you value the work they’ve been doing as part of your organization or team. Customize them with their names and have them shipped directly to their homes quickly and without any errors.

While planning your next virtual awards ceremony is up to you, providing the awards is our specialty. At the end of the day, your trophies, awards, badges, and signs should do more than simply honor someone. Our cutting-edge technology, experience, and commitment to your satisfaction make recipients feel truly respected and valued. No matter what accomplishments or talents you’re highlighting at your virtual awards ceremony, we will help you make it a success in style — get in touch with our team today.

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Remote Employee Engagement Tips

Fri, 10 Jul 2020 16:22:00 GMT

Remote work is no longer a trendy job perk designed to attract and retain top talent. While remote working can shorten communities, increase flexibility for your team, and boost work-life balance, there are also some disadvantages.

Organizations that are new to this way of working can find that employees are struggling to adjust to a “new normal” and are disconnected from their coworkers. Collaboration could be more difficult, communication could be strained, and that could, in turn, lead to isolation. It’s up to business owners and managers to provide the tools and resources needed to keep engagement and excitement high for employees to stay passionate despite everything that’s going on.

Work on Well-being

Even while at home, your employees’ health and well-being should still be encouraged. Develop a wellness program that incentivizes exercise, eating well, and taking care of mental health. Just as is the case with a traditional in-office scenario, your workers won’t be able to perform at their potential if they’re physically sick or struggling with mental health.

Some ideas include a 30-day yoga challenge, a Google Doc where they can share favorite healthy recipes or daily meditation breaks. Not only will your employees appreciate your concern for their individual wellness, but it’s also a way to help them bond with each other. Accountability goes a long way to keeping everyone on track and sticking to healthy habits.

Provide Tools for Success

Don’t let your team wander in the virtual wilderness to choose their own collaboration tools. Choose a few universal platforms that everyone can use easily and back that up with training. Otherwise, employees will face frustration that could stall open communication and put up obstacles that stand in the way of engagement.

Additionally, schedule some time for everyone to use these tools in more casual ways. Just like break rooms allow for social conversation and bonding, so too can Zoom “happy hours” or non-work-related lunch break meetings on Google Hangouts. Not every virtual reaction needs to be buttoned up!

Keep Up Connections

Professionalism is key, but so is the human touch. Your employees are struggling with everything that’s going on in the world and they have families and hobbies and personal trials to contend with while also maintaining productivity. Take the time to understand what they like to do when they’re not working, and go the extra mile to connect with them about those interests.

Engagement goes beyond doing their job efficiently; it’s also about knowing their managers and business leaders are working hard to create a holistic connection. Workers will know when you’re trying to communicate with a one-size-fits-all approach, and this could lead to them slowly distancing themselves from the job. When problems do arise — either at work or home — this personal knowledge can shed light on solutions that will help get everyone back on the same page.

Consider Communication

It’s not uncommon for remote work to make the concept of “business hours” a little more fluid, especially if you’re allowing for employees to work outside of the normal schedule you had established in-office. Understanding that those with a non-traditional workflow may need some help or even interaction goes a long way, and establishing open-door policies can give them peace of mind their questions will be answered in a timely manner.

On the other hand, don’t expect that your remote team will be available to answer your questions after work hours. If you do happen to reach out when you know they’re not on the clock, make it clear that you don’t expect them to respond immediately. When employees feel like they have to be “always on” they may slowly start to burn out — which is a direct path toward lack of employee engagement.

Express Employee Value

Even if you can’t show your team in person that you value their hard work by popping by their office or celebrating a work milestone, this is still something that needs to happen. Send an e-gift card for birthdays, schedule a team Zoom call to mark new sales deals, or share an example of great work in the workplace Slack channel. You can even gamify the process to give employees a universal set of metrics that helps empower them to track their success.

If you were in the habit of awarding staff members in-office, don’t give up this practice now that they’re working at home. This carries as much weight (maybe even more) now as it did when you started your recognition efforts. Giving employees a chance to keep up with meeting these goals will stoke the passion they feel for their job and your organization. Think about how well those well-crafted and personalized awards (which our team can help you conceptualize and design) will look in the background during virtual meetings.

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The Benefits of Employee Recognition

Mon, 11 May 2020 16:31:00 GMT

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What Material Should My Awards Be Made Of?

Tue, 16 Jul 2019 03:10:00 GMT

When purchasing an award or trophy for a sporting, professional, or academic achievement, the award’s material is something that should be taken into consideration. The last thing you want to do is to undermine somebody’s achievement by giving them a trophy that feels like it was made out of a cheap material. Just like you need to pay attention to the wording on the trophy, you should ensure that the material that the trophy is made of properly conveys the fact that you are proud of its recipient.

Here at Woltman Trophies and Awards , our team of professional trophy engravers only uses the finest materials for our trophies and awards. Here is a quick guide to the different materials that you can pick from when you get a trophy or award made by our company.

Crystal Awards

Crystal awards are some of the most sought-after awards on the market. This material is loved by our customers because it displays beautiful clarity, and its heavier mass makes a great impression on the recipient. When it comes to chemical makeup, crystal awards are composed of sand, sodium carbonate, limestone, and a few other additives. Crystal trophies are heavy, but they are fragile, so make sure that you are careful when handling them.

At Woltman Trophies and Awards, we will customize your crystal awards, and you can choose between corporate crystals, sport crystals, and recognition crystal. To go even further, the size, shape, and engraving style can also be customized.

Acrylic Awards

Also known as lucite, acrylic is a clear and translucent material with a hard and smooth surface. It can be shaped into different forms, and objects can be embedded into the acrylic trophies , making them extra customizable. Our acrylic awards are shatter resistant and offer the same beauty as crystal and glass awards without breaking the bank.

The wide range of customization options for acrylic awards makes them perfect for a variety of different occasions, including graduations, professional achievements, and sporting achievements. The different customization options that you’ll find with acrylic awards are wall-mounted plaques, diamonds, obelisks, piano finishes, and both modern and classic styles.

Glass Awards

Like crystal awards, glass awards and trophies are comprised of sand, sodium carbonate, and other additives. However, glass contains little to no traces of lead, which leads to differences in the way that light is diffracted through the trophy, as well as differences in weight (glass is lighter). Compared to acrylic trophies, glass awards and trophies are much more scratch resistant and substantial feeling.

When working with Woltman Trophies and Awards on your glass trophy, we offer many different colors of glass, different combinations of materials, as much simplicity or detail that you desire, and a range of shapes and sizes.

Bridgeton, MO Trophies and Awards

Whether you’re looking for custom glass, acrylic, or crystal trophies and awards , the professionals at Woltman Trophies and Awards can handle your request. We only use the highest-quality materials, and our turnaround time is second to none.

To get started on your custom award or trophy, contact us today at (314) 230-9617.

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Why You Should Personalize Your Awards

Sat, 15 Jun 2019 13:43:00 GMT

There’s nothing like the feeling that comes with receiving a trophy or an award with your name engraved on it. Here at Woltman Trophies , our trophy creators make it easier than ever to engrave anything you like onto a high-quality trophy. Whether you’re looking for a personalized trophy to recognize a high-performing employee, a kids’ soccer team, or something else, you can be assured that it will mean a lot more to the recipient when it is personally engraved.

Our team has decades of experience making awards and trophies, and we understand the importance of personalization. Here are a few of the reasons why awards should be personalized.

#1 Personalization Makes an Award More Meaningful

Let’s start by comparing two different trophies. The first one is a generic trophy that looks like it could have been purchased at any run of the mill gift shop. The second is a personalized and engraved trophy that contains the recipient’s name and title. Which one would be more satisfying to receive? Of course, engraving a trophy costs a bit more than not engraving, but at the end of the day, if you want your trophy to feel like something special to the recipient, custom engraving is the only way to go.

#2 The Affordability of Custom Engraving

While custom engraving a trophy may sound expensive, here at Woltman Trophies, we make this service affordable and accessible for every budget. Our team understands that when you are hosting an event where you give out awards, the costs can add up even before you add custom trophies. This is why we work with each of our customers on an individual level to make sure that our services are as cost-effective as possible.

#3 Our Custom Engraving Process

At Woltman Trophies, we use state-of-the-art techniques to custom engrave every trophy to make it look as special as possible. We use the latest sandblasting and laser technology to create the crispest and most beautiful results available. With our combination of history in the engraving industry and expertise with new technologies, you can be sure that your custom-engraved message will make the recipient’s eyes shine.

In addition to custom engraving trophies, we can also provide custom engraved messages on plaques, awards, buttons, coins, lapel pins, badges, and more. Our team of engraving experts has the capability of engraving into a variety of different materials, including but not limited to glass, crystal, metal, and acrylic.

#4 Ideas for Custom Engraving

Personalized custom engraving can be used in a large number of contexts. We know that it can be difficult to decide what exactly to engrave on the trophy or award, which is why Woltman Trophies offers templates for different situations, including leadership awards, service awards, athletic prizes, sales achievement awards, academic accomplishment awards, commitment to quality awards, and much more.

#5 Bridgeton, MO Custom Trophy Engraving

Since our humble beginnings in the back of a jewelry shop, Wolfman Trophies has grown into a large family-run business composed of people who grew up surrounded by trophies, awards, and happy customers. We use the newest technologies and engraving processes to ensure that everybody will be thrilled with their trophies and awards.

To learn more about custom engraving, give us a call at (314) 230-9617.

The post Why You Should Personalize Your Awards appeared first on Woltman Trophies & Awards .

Are Physical Awards Important?

Wed, 15 May 2019 21:08:00 GMT

For a long time, bosses and coaches gave out physical awards to employees or players who have excelled. In the digital age, however, some might think that there’s no real need to give out actual awards anymore. At Woltman Trophies , we disagree with that notion. There are many reasons to still give out a physical award, and we can guarantee that the recipient will appreciate it for a long time to come.

Increased Visibility

When you give out an actual award at a ceremony meant to honor your team, it increases the visibility of the employees who have done a great job. People know about their accomplishments and understand that they can be relied on. They become more visible as a valued member of the team. And all this takes is a little bit of recognition and an award.

Permanence

A physical award has the benefit of being more permanent. A happy hour or employee luncheon is a great reward, but it’s fleeting. An actual plaque or custom trophy that highlights someone’s accomplishments is going to make more of an impression though. Someone can display it at their workplace or home. It can motivate them to do well enough to receive an award again. It could also encourage others to shoot for an award of their own. A physical award is simply great encouragement.

Morale Boosts

Giving out physical awards can also provide a morale boost. It’s a concrete way to show that you care about the individual contributions of each employee. It shows someone that their hard work will be recognized, and that doing more than the bare minimum can be rewarded. This will make people more likely to work hard and it will make them feel more appreciated at work.

A Ceremony Can Bring People Together

Giving out physical awards at a big ceremony can also have the benefit of bringing your workforce together. You get together and recognize everyone for their accomplishments. Everyone gets to feel like they’re a part of something bigger. Choose a great venue, make sure that everyone has a good time, and recognize everyone’s individual contributions with a physical award that keeps people motivated and constantly reminds people that they’re valued.

They Offer Flexibility

A physical award offers a wide range of options. With custom engravings you can recognize someone for just about anything. Call out your top salesman, but also make sure that you reward an employee that’s improved their numbers the most. Has someone dedicated years of service to the company? A trophy that notes how many years they’ve been working hard for you can be manufactured easily. You can also order custom trophies and awards that commemorate more specific events, like a big account getting landed or a major promotion.

Your St. Louis, MO Custom Trophy and Award Manufacturer

So when you’re looking for awards that will really stand out, talk to the experts at Woltman Trophies. Whether you’re looking for a custom plaque or a beautiful crystal trophy, we can make a custom award that the recipient will treasure. We look forward to assisting you!

The post Are Physical Awards Important? appeared first on Woltman Trophies & Awards .

5 Creative Employee Recognition Ideas

Tue, 30 Apr 2019 15:29:00 GMT

When you’re working, you want to know that your efforts are appreciated. If you’re running a company, there are a multitude of ways to show that someone’s hard work has been noticed. At Woltman Trophies , we think that an employee that is recognized and singled out for what they bring to the company is going to keep working hard. Plus, they’re more likely to stick around for the long haul. So let’s take a look at some of the best ways to recognize your employees for going above and beyond.

Host a Celebratory Event

There are many events that you could host to celebrate an employee going above and beyond. An offer party complete with snacks and drinks can be a great idea, if you have the space and aren’t worried about distractions. You can even go out for a happy hour, which many of your other employees will appreciate as well. Your workers will see that you appreciate what they do for you, so they’ll be more likely to push themselves and they’ll keep doing a great job for you because they feel like their efforts weren’t in vain.

Make Work More Flexible

One way to recognize your most competent employees is by giving them some more leeway when it comes to office hours. High-performing employees could be allowed to set their hours, within reason, as a part of their reward. At the same time, giving out the occasional half day or even a full day off to the winner of a competition or an employee that consistently performs well can be a huge motivator. People need time off once in a while. Why not reward the ones that are working most diligently for it?

Support Their Favorite Charity

You can also show your appreciation for an employee by supporting a worthy cause. If they have a favorite charity, make a donation to that charity in that employee’s name when they’ve greatly exceeded your expectations. Knowing that’s a part of a rewards process can give a conscientious employee even more motivation.

Corporate Awards

We may be biased, but we think that one of the best ways that you can show your employees appreciation is through corporate awards. These are a great way to mark major work milestones or congratulate someone on a job particularly well done. Corporate awards can serve as a motivator for an employee and those that receive them hear you loud and clear. You appreciate everything they’ve on for you so far.

Ask What They Would Like

Finally, just asking what they would like for an award can make a big difference. Your workers may be able to give you an idea that you simply had not thought of. Feel free to take suggestions. They could be just what your employees need to really get motivated and give the best performance possible.

Your Corporate Awards Supplier in Bridgeton, MOSo if you think that corporate awards are the best way to recognize your employees, contact us and learn more about our selection. At Woltman Trophies we work with a wide range of materials, and we’ll make it easy to build an award that makes your workers feel truly appreciated.

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How Can I Create a Custom Trophy Design?

Mon, 15 Apr 2019 15:27:00 GMT

If you’re giving out an award, you want it to stand out. At Woltman Trophies we work with a wide range of materials and make it easy to build custom trophies that you’ll love. Whether you’re coaching a soccer team or trying to boost employee morale, we have the trophy making skills that you require. How do you design the custom trophy you’ve always wanted? We can help.

Have a Budget

Obviously, you need to have a budget in mind. How much can you afford to spend on trophies? This can affect what kinds of materials you can opt for, whether you can go for extras like engravings, or how many custom trophies you can ultimately afford. We guarantee that we’ll be able to help you build some great trophies, no matter what your budget looks like.

Know When You Need Them

Of course, you need to know when you’ll need your trophies by and act accordingly. Whether it’s the end of the football season or a quarterly review, you’ll want to plan in advance and order your trophies beforehand. Sports trophies can’t just be picked up the day of, especially when you’re adding in custom options and choosing the material and shape of the trophy yourself. Plan your trophy purchase early and we’ll be glad to help you through it!

Choose the Material

One of the most important steps is choosing the material. We offer a few different kinds and some might be better for your custom trophy design than others. Sometimes a less expensive material is best, while in other situations you may want a more elegant or eye-catching reward. Let’s take a look at some of our most popular materials.

Acrylic is a great material choice for anyone who wants an elegant award that won’t break the bank. They’re shatter-resistant and available in a number of different shapes and colors. It’s easy to make a custom acrylic award that someone will appreciate.

Glass is a bit more expensive, but it makes for a great corporate award for an employee who has done a great job lately. A glass award is heavier and can be engraved. Our glass awards are also available in a variety of shapes. Crystal is also a more expensive material. Our glass and crystal awards share a lot of similarities, but crystal awards set themselves apart by catching the light in a unique way and creating a beautiful rainbow effect.

Look Into Custom Engravings

Once you’ve selected a material, you’ll want to consider custom engravings. A worker or player will appreciate a custom trophy more, especially if you’re celebrating a big milestone. Most of our materials offer a variety of engraving options and other custom choices to make. The glass trophies, for example, can be laser engraved or sandblasted to build the exact trophy you’re looking for.

If you need custom trophies , come to Woltman Trophies. Whatever budget you’re working with, we’re confident that we can help you make your unique award a reality. Contact us today!

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Why Employee Morale is So Important

Fri, 15 Mar 2019 15:27:00 GMT

Here at Woltman Trophies, we know that giving out trophies and corporate awards can be a great way to recognize players or workers for the work that they’ve done. In particular, workers who are rewarded for meeting their goals and making a difference at their company are going to be more likely to continue working hard. Awards can raise morale, which is important for a few key reasons. Here’s why you want your employees to be happy employees.

Workers Less Likely to Quit

This is the big one. If you’re working at a company that doesn’t seem to appreciate you, how long would you stick around? A worker that’s satisfied with their job and believes that their hard work is appreciated is less likely to quit, leaving you with a crucial role that needs to be filled. Giving away corporate awards or otherwise showing your appreciation can make a big difference. An employee quitting means that you need to spend time and money finding a replacement. It’s far easier to keep the morale of current employees high.

Positive Word of Mouth

As you’re trying to find a replacement for an employee that quit, you might run into trouble if the reviews of your company aren’t so good. In the Internet age, people can easily take to social media or specialized review websites to let people know what they think of working for your company. If word of mouth is negative, you can’t be surprised that it’s harder to find top talent. Keeping morale high doesn’t just help you keep current employees. It helps you attract the future talent that you need.

Better Attendance

Obviously, employees who like their job and feel appreciated are more likely to show up. A sick day can hurt productivity, but “sick” days where employees call out because they need a break or just can’t bring themselves to the office that day are a real problem. You want your employees to want to come to work. That means keeping morale high. It doesn’t take much to make workers feel appreciated and it pays dividends.

Improved Productivity

As we mentioned, employees that don’t feel appreciated may call out more often. That hurts productivity, so a workplace with better morale is naturally going to be a bit more productive. People are more likely to work hard when they feel appreciated, which means that they’re putting their all into every project. If you know that good results for the company mean recognition, whether with a corporate award, a pay bump, or more job perks, you’re going to work harder.

Think about it. If your company doesn’t appreciate you, are you going to give one hundred percent? Are you going to stay late or come in early? Probably not, but an employee with high morale is. If you know that the company’s success is your success, you’re going to want to get things done.

Your Bridgeton, MO Custom Trophy MakersSo when you’re trying to keep morale high, turn to your local custom trophy and corporate award manufacturer. Woltman Trophies will make it easy to recognize every one of your employees for their hard work. We look forward to assisting you!

The post Why Employee Morale is So Important appeared first on Woltman Trophies & Awards .

How 3D Printing Is Changing the Trophy Business

Fri, 15 Feb 2019 22:55:00 GMT

Woltman Trophies specializes in the design and manufacture of custom trophies for all sorts of occasions. Whether you’re coaching a sports team or trying to keep your employees motivated, our trophies and plaques can help. We work with a wide range of materials and can leave custom engravings, so there’s always an option that suits your budget and makes the recipient feel special.

We’re always on the lookout for new technology that could shake up our industry. One thing that recently caught our eye is 3D printing. This could have some far-reaching effects on how we build sports trophies and custom trophies in the near future. Let’s take a closer look and see what kind of an impact this emerging technology could have.

The Use of Different Materials

We can make trophies from a wide range of materials, including glass, crystal, and more. At the same time, 3D printing technology is expanding and becoming capable of working with more and more materials. Before researchers could basically only print plastic objects, but that could change as more advanced 3D printers learn how to work with materials like pressed wood and various metal materials. It could even pave the way for the development of trophies that use new and surprising materials.

Trophies and Awards for More Occasions

3D printing technology could also mean that people give out awards, medals, and trophies more often. Let’s say that 3D printers become commonplace in homes as the tech evolves and becomes less expensive. We could sell you a design that you can use to “print” awards for yourself, even for simple, silly events like game night. 3D printers could end up making it easy to manufacture an award for all occasions.

Trophies in New Shapes and Sizes

3D printers could also allow for the manufacture of custom trophies in new shapes and sizes. Depending on how the tech evolves, the sky might be the limit. Right now manufacturing trophies in custom shapes is possible, but rather cost-prohibitive no matter what material is used. If 3D printing paves the way for the use of different materials and can operate at lower costs, more customization options for trophies are an obvious result.

Submit the Exact Trophy Design You Want

On that same note, you could eventually be able to submit a design for the exact kind of trophy you want right to our craftsmen. We’ll be able to see just what you’re looking for and manufacture something truly unique that the recipient will cherish for a lifetime.

Lower Manufacturing Costs

Right now manufacturing a custom trophy can get expensive. Depending on what you want one to look like, what material is used, and the presence of an engraving, costs can add up quick. 3D printing could reduce that cost, meaning that trophy makers like us can pass the savings right on to consumers!

Your Custom Trophy Maker in Bridgeton, MO

So whatever you’re looking for in a new trophy, contact Woltman Trophies today. We’ll make it easy to build the custom awards your team members deserve, whether you’re looking for a classy corporate award or football trophies that stand out. Contact us at (314) 230-9617 or by email at customerservice@woltmantrophies.com.

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Guide to Colors for First, Second, and Third Place

Tue, 15 Jan 2019 22:53:00 GMT

When you’re looking for trophies and awards that celebrate a job well done, there are some traditional rules to follow. Typically, awards for different places tend to come in different colors. Here at Woltman Trophies , we’ll help you find the custom trophies you need, but we do more than that. We’ll also help you if you want to find some great alternatives to the typical trophy options.

Whether it’s sports trophies or corporate awards, our expertise allows us to deliver the best possible product every time. So if you want awards that really stand out, we’re ready to assist you. Go with these traditional colors or opt for one of our unique alternatives. Either way, your team will appreciate them.

First Place

For first place, gold is the standard. A gold medal shows that someone has far exceeded expectations and topped everyone else in their fields. This bright, lustrous color stands out without being too ostentatious. When someone earns a gold trophy or medal, they know they’ve done something right.

Another common color for first place is blue. This commonly applies to ribbons, like the ones that may be given out at competitions found at a state fair, for example.

Alternatives

A crystal award can be a great alternative to the typical first place medal or ribbon. A crystal award is elegant, customizable, and shows that the recipient has done a job well or accomplished a lot. If you’re looking for elegant custom trophies that really stand out, a simple and stylish crystal trophy built by one of our experts could be it.

Second Place

The typical color for second place trophies or medals is silver. We can offer you custom trophies that show a worker or team member that they did a great job, even if they didn’t manage to come in first. A silver trophy can be a great honor and a great motivator.

Alternatives

If you’re looking for something different than the typical second place award, why not take a look at our glass trophies? These custom trophies can be be manufactured in different shades and shapes, so it’s easy to build an award that anyone will appreciate.

Third Place

A third place medal or trophy is usually bronze. It’s still a precious metal, but it doesn’t quite stand out like silver and gold do. For ribbons, most competitions would opt for one that’s white. In any case, a third place award shows that someone has done a solid job and could certainly see some impressive improvement in the future.

Alternatives

Of course, glass trophies and crystal awards can make for great alternatives here as well. We have another option though. We can build a custom plaque that shows your appreciation for your player or employee. The wood and engraving plate used come close to matching the usual bronze theme, and it can be hung up on a wall to serve as a great motivator to do even better in the future. Whether you’re looking for sports trophies or corporate awards, our experts are ready to deliver an award that stands out.

The post Guide to Colors for First, Second, and Third Place appeared first on Woltman Trophies & Awards .

Do Corporate Awards REALLY Improve Morale?

Sat, 15 Dec 2018 22:51:00 GMT

Here at Woltman Trophies, we know that most businesses are doing their best to keep top talent around. If you want to keep your best employees, you need to make sure that they’re motivated and that morale around the office is high. But how do you keep them engaged and happy in their current positions?

Naturally, we think that corporate awards like trophies and plaques can be quite helpful. It shows an employee that they’re appreciated and that their contributions to the latest project or great fiscal year have been noted. Do corporate awards really improve morale though? There’s been some research done to show that they actually do. Here are some benefits of corporate awards and a look at how they help improve morale.

Job Satisfaction

An employee that’s recognized with trophies or corporate awards will be more likely to be satisfied at their job. You’re showing them that their hard work has been noticed. An employee that feels important and appreciated at their job is simply more likely to be satisfied with their work. This is one thing that corporate awards can definitely help with.

Encourages Extra Effort

Because their hard work is recognized, an employee that receives positive reinforcement like corporate awards is more likely to go the extra mile. Think about it. You wouldn’t put in more work in an environment that may not even notice or appreciate it. So why would you expect your employees to? Instead, through corporate award giving and other forms of encouragement, you can make sure that you’re fostering an environment where workers feel like their extra effort will be recognized.

Improves Loyalty

When you’re giving out corporate awards, you’re showing that you recognize what an individual brings to the table at your company. Employee incentives like this will also make your workers feel more tied to the company. They believe in your vision, because you’ve shown that you believe in them. A manager or business that doesn’t appreciate their employees in tangible ways won’t inspire much loyalty.

Boosts Teamwork

You may think that corporate awards and trophies are more suited to highlighting individuals, and you would be right. However, these awards can also help build teamwork. If you bring other employees in on the awards process, they’ll be able to point out what their coworkers do best. This makes your workers feel like a more cohesive unit. Now an individual employee knows that their efforts aren’t just appreciated by a manager or business owner. Their peers appreciate them as well. What could be better for team morale than that?

Bring the Team Together With More Activities

You don’t just have to give out corporate awards to your team. We make sports trophies too! Why not start up some sort of intramural soccer league or some other athletic activity your workers will enjoy. This is another great way to boost morale, especially for the team that takes home trophies and bragging rights when the season’s all done. For these reasons and more, our awards are the perfect way to improve morale and increase loyalty.

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Choosing Between Medals or Trophies for Your Sports League

Thu, 15 Nov 2018 20:34:00 GMT

When the season ends, we bet that you’ll want to give your players a reminder of the games they’ve played and the good times they’ve had. Whether it’s soccer, football, or another sport, players will love some token of appreciation that shows that their effort mattered. But do you go with medals or trophies?

Here at Woltman Trophies , we think that the answer is obvious. Medals and trophies can both be welcome gifts at the end of a hard-fought season, but we think that trophies actually offer some major advantages over medals. When you shop for custom trophies, you may be shocked at just how many options there are to choose from. Here’s a look at how trophies might be better for your team than medals.

A Variety of Materials to Choose From

One advantage that our sports trophies offer over the typical medals is the choice of many different materials. We have a variety of golf awards available, including ones made from resin and crystal. They can be mounted on a plaque or wall, or they can just serve as a nice accessory on your desk.

If you’re playing another sport, there are also a variety of materials that you can select from to build custom trophies for each of your players. Custom glass awards are available in a number of eye-catching shapes. This material makes for a beautiful trophy that will stand the test of time. Acrylic is another great option. It can be used to make affordable, beautiful football trophies for the entire team, without wrecking your budget. We even have crystal trophy options that have been designed with sports teams in mind. It’s easy to find trophies that suit your budget and show your team that they’re appreciated, while medals just don’t offer the same quantity of options.

So Many Customization Options

If the selection of materials isn’t enough for you, we offer a wide range of customization options to our customers. No matter which material you choose, you’ll find that it’s easy to build custom trophies that your team will treasure for years to come.

Our crystal trophies offer different engraving styles and can come in a number of different shapes and colors. Glass awards are also available in so many shapes and sizes, making it easy to find one that suits your style. Glass also offers its own color options. Acrylic trophies come in a variety of shapes, from stars to diamonds and obelisks. You can also choose from different colors that really make them stand out.

Plus, there are so many different ways to display each trophy, no matter which material you choose. You can mount them on plaques or put them in a stand on a dresser or desk. Custom engravings are also available on most materials, making it easy to give each trophy a personal touch. Medals just don’t offer as many options.

Quick Shipping

Once you’ve found the perfect trophies, you’ll get them quickly from Wotltman Trophies and Awards. Shipments to most states take just a few days. You’ll have customized trophies when you need them at the end of the season. Contact us at (314) 230-9617 whenever you would like to learn more.

The post Choosing Between Medals or Trophies for Your Sports League appeared first on Woltman Trophies & Awards .

5 Ways to Motivate Employees in an Early Stage Business

Mon, 15 Oct 2018 19:08:00 GMT

When you’re trying to grow and evolve your business, you need to work with the right team. Which means that you need to motivate that team and ensure that they continue to stick around to put their skills to work for you. Here at Woltman Trophies , we know that an employee that feels appreciated and noticed can be more inclined to stick around. Here’s a look at how you can motivate your workers in the early days and build a business that eclipses your biggest expectations.

Recognize Good Decision Making

If your team comes to a crossroads as they take on a tough project, one of your workers may have an idea that really helps. If an employee consistently makes good decisions, call this out. Make sure that they know that you appreciate their analytical skill and ability to adapt. This is one great way to make an employee feel valued, while showing them that the decisions they make really matter.

Reward Employees Who Perform Well

In general, it’s always a good idea to reward employees who perform well. Even if it’s not something like making a key decision or pushing through a major project, there are things that many of your workers do every day that likely warrant recognition. Whether it’s solid customer service, strong sales numbers, or a clear commitment to the company’s goals, make sure that you are showing appreciation and rewarding good behavior. Perks like extra time off, a lunch catered by a restaurant of their choice, or gift cards can show an employee that it’s worth sticking around for the long haul.

Give Out Physical Awards

On that same note, giving out corporate awards can be a great way to motivate employees in the early days. Show how their contributions are making the company even better with physical proof. You can even throw an awards show of sort in your office to make sure that everyone knows that hard work is appreciated at your company. Whether it’s a plaque or a stunning crystal award, a tangible object is something that your employees will value.

Recognize Improvement

Not every worker comes fully formed. It’s the early days of your company and you’re learning new things and improving every day. Your employees are the same way. If you see that an employee is upping their sales numbers, improving their presentations, or making other big changes that make them an even bigger value to your company, say so. Everyone likes to see that their hard work is appreciated, so highlighting where an employee has improved can go a long way towards ensuring that their efforts continue.

Offer Room for Growth and Career Advancement

In the early days of your company, it’s important to let your workers know that sticking around is a good idea. Promote from within so that your employees know that there’s room for growth and advancement. Discuss their career goals and show how they gel with what they can do at your firm. Finding quality employees isn’t always easy, so making the effort to keep them is always well worth it. Make sure that your workers can grow right alongside your company.

At Woltman Trophies and Awards, we’re experts in helping companies motivate their employees with creative awards and events. If you’re in need of custom awards or custom trophies, don’t hesitate to call Woltman Trophies at (314) 291-5750.

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Choosing the Right Material for Your Custom Trophy

Sun, 30 Sep 2018 19:07:00 GMT

The team at Woltman Trophies and Awards specializes in delivering custom trophies that make employees and athletes feel appreciated. We offer so many options that it might actually be hard to choose. Do you want a crystal award or a glass one? Do you need a plaque or an acrylic award? We can help you choose the right materials and give your team the trophies that they’ll treasure for a long time to come. Here’s a look at some of the materials we have to offer.

Crystal

Crystal awards look classy and offer a unique look in every light. The prismatic crystal award takes white light and lets out a full prism of rainbow light. These are elegant and high-quality awards that someone will treasure for a long time to come. We custom build each trophy with our laser engraving and sandblasting machines. The end result is a stunning custom trophy that will stand out.

This is a high-quality material, but we make sure that it’s still affordable. We make sure that honoring your top employee or athlete with custom trophies isn’t a hassle. You’ll have a beautiful award that any recipient will appreciate.

Acrylic

Customized acrylic is another great material which is durable and affordable. Acrylic makes for a classy look that won’t get dingy or fade away any time soon. It looks great on any desk at the workplace or at home.

As mentioned, acrylic is also an affordable material. If glass or crystal aren’t in the budget, acrylic awards give you some bang for your buck. They’re still durable and they still look great. They can also still be customized. Our acrylic trophies offer a wide range of options, like metaled accent pieces, custom engravings, different styles, and a variety of shapes. Acrylic makes great corporate awards or sports trophies .

Glass

Woltman Trophies and Awards also has a variety of glass products available. These awards are some of the classiest trophies around. If you have a certain style in mind, we can accommodate you. We have options ranging from crescent jade glass to the premium jade glass arrow. Woltman Trophies and Awards even offers a stylish paperweight that will stand out on any desk.

Glass awards are also ideal for when you want custom trophies that offer a number of options. You can opt for different glass colors. You can make a glass award that’s simplistic or go for one that is a bit more detailed. Choose from different shapes and sizes, then get a custom engraving to show your employee or athlete that their contributions are recognized.

Whichever material you choose, The team at Woltman Trophies and Awards can help you deliver custom trophies that will stand the test of time. We have so many options to choose from and we create your awards as quickly as possible, ensuring that they’ll be ready in time for your event. Contact us at 314-230-9617 and order your custom awards today!

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What is Employee Retention REALLY Worth?

Sat, 15 Sep 2018 19:03:00 GMT

The team at Woltman Trophies believes in recognizing the worth of individual employees. One good reason for this is that appreciated employees tend to stick around, and employee turnover can have a negative impact on your company. Let’s take a look at why employees may leave, what it costs you, and how you can keep employees around for longer.

Why Employees Leave

Overworked

An employee who feels overworked and underappreciated is likely to leave. In some offices, people are putting in ten hour days and not feeling as if their work really means anything. Why stay if you feel like the company you’re working for doesn’t even appreciate how much work you’re putting in?

Lack of Opportunities

On that same note, a company that doesn’t seem to offer many opportunities to its hard-working employees can also experience high employee turnover. Most of your employees want to advance to higher levels of your company. If you’re not giving them the chance to show what they can do in a more important role, no matter how hard they work, they may not see the point of sticking around.

Micromanagement

An employee who feels like they’re being micromanaged also may not want to stay with your company. They were hired for their skills, so let them use them. Having a manager or managers hovering over them makes them feel as if their contributions are not as valued.

What Employee Turnover Costs Your Company

Hiring Costs

Unfortunately, bringing on new hires can cost quite a bit of money. If you have to do this too often, your bottom line is going to take a hit. Training programs and paying a new employee during said training costs money. Drug testing and processing paperwork costs money. Keeping a seasoned employee around is always preferable.

Reduced Productivity

Once that new hire is brought onboard, they may take a little while to get acclimated to things around the office. That means lost productivity. If you’re losing experienced employees often, this problem will get worse and worse.

Drop in Engagement

A high turnover rate can also affect the morale of the employees that stick around. You want a team that gels, which is hard to get if people keep leaving. Workers may start to think that this just isn’t a company they should stay with in the long term.

How to Keep Employees Around

Properly Use Your HR Department

Some companies don’t realize what a valuable resource the human resources department can be when it comes to employee retention. You can use your HR department to learn more about why employees are leaving and try to rectify these problems. You can also make sure that human resources are taking complaints and issues seriously. If an employee sees that you’re actively addressing problems that they have, they’re more likely to feel valued and stick around.

Recognition and Awards

Of course, corporate awards are another way that you can ensure that your employees feel recognized. Your employees are working for you day after day, so a little bit of recognition will go a long way. Recognizing the top seller, the person who just completed a project, or the person with the best team spirit will make your company even better! Ask Woltman Trophies to help you create the perfect custom award for your deserving employees.

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Closing the Communication Gap Between Managers and Employees

Thu, 30 Aug 2018 09:08:00 GMT

Here at Woltman Trophies , we know that communication is important in the workplace. It’s especially important to open up a dialogue between workers on different rungs of the corporate ladder. There could be a major communication gap between managers and their employees. Closing this gap can help your company do even better, while making workers feel as if they are more valued. We’re experts when it comes to corporate awards, but no one wins when your staff isn’t communicating properly. Here’s how you can start to foster more effective communication.

Identify Signs of Poor Communication

Before you fix a communication gap, you need to know that it’s there. You’ll have to look for some of the most common signs that people at various stages of your organization aren’t in sync. You may notice confusion about goals, indecisiveness, and different approaches to problem solving that just don’t gel. Any of these factors could be a sign of a communications gap that needs to be fixed if you want your company to run more smoothly.

Consider the Generation Gap

One cause of a communication gap could be a completely different type of gap. A generation gap between management and workers can cause some issues that need to be properly dealt with. An older manager may have one way of approaching a problem, while younger workers may have found a more tech-savvy way. Getting employees of all generations together and determining how they can best collaborate and solve problems can be beneficial for all. It may also be necessary to invest in more training for some workers. If they are exposed to a primer on the latest tech and ways to communicate, your office could be well on its way to bridging this gap between managers and employees.

Review Communications

If a problem or some kind of major confusion has occurred, reviewing employee communications can help determine where the issue lies. Looking at correspondence between a worker and their manager can help you spot where they are misunderstanding each other and how communication issues could be solved.

See if New Equipment Can Help

Sometimes a communication gap exists because an office’s equipment just isn’t up for handling the task at hand. Replacing old equipment and software could help foster a more effective, communicative environment. Ensuring that the internet is working effectively can also help, since so much of our communications are carried via email and chat clients these days. Some simple tech upgrades could really help close the communication gap at your business.

Encourage Face to Face Communication

That being said, make sure that you’re also encouraging face to face communications when possible. It can be more effective than an email and it shows employees that managers care about what they have to say. When an employee feels heard, they’re going to put in more effort.

Positive Reinforcement

You can also foster a better relationship between your employees and managers through positive reinforcement. Giving corporate awards as recognition for a job well done lets an employee know that a manager has been watching their work and that they appreciate what they’ve accomplished. With our custom awards, you can reward an employee for everything from top sales numbers to getting a project done on time and under budget.

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The Reasons You Should Engrave Your Custom Trophies

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 08:11:00 GMT

Here at Woltman Trophies, we make it easy to purchase any kind of award that you can think of. From trophies for your kid’s soccer team to corporate awards that recognize the hard work of your employees, we’ve got you covered. You have some decisions to make when you’re shopping around for custom trophies though, and we’re not just talking about choosing between different materials like crystal or glass. You also have to decide whether or not you want your trophies engraved.

How do you know if custom engravings are worth it? Here’s a look at some of the factors you should consider when you’re shopping around for trophies and awards.

The Cost

When you’re in the market for sports trophies or corporate awards, cost will naturally end up being a big consideration. Customizing trophies must cost a bunch of money, right? You may be thinking that a simple award without its own special touches must cost less. Getting a bunch of engraved soccer trophies could really break the bank.

Fortunately, that’s just not true here at Woltman Trophies! For many of our custom trophies and plaques, you won’t pay any extra money for an engraving or etching. That means you can deliver a custom reward to an employee or player that really shows them how much you value them, without wrecking your budget. For some materials there is a “setup fee,” but it’s always reflected in the item pricing and never a surprise cost. Plus, this fee only applies once to a group of similar items. If you’re ordering many trophies, you most likely won’t have to pay multiple setup fees.

Production and Shipping Time

In most cases, our production time is around five working days. Larger orders or customized pieces can take longer, but not by that much! We always tell our customers how long an order will take. Just give us your event date and we’ll do our best to deliver your sports trophies or awards before that date. Long story short, you don’t need to worry that a custom engraving will dramatically affect the delivery and production time for your trophies.

Our Services

Of course, you also need to know what kind of engraving services a trophy maker has to offer. Fortunately, we can create custom trophies of all kinds using a variety of materials. We’ll engrave messages on a plaque, a trophy, or even something like a badge or button. We use the latest technology to ensure a clean, attractive engraving that will make your trophy really stand out.

Naturally we can work with a wide range of materials as well. Whether you’re looking for a glass, crystal, or metal award there’s no one better to engrave it. The sheer number of our engraving options is hard to beat. We can even engrave a plaque or award that already has an engraving, keeping its look uniform through new additions in the years to come.

At Woltman Trophies, we’ll find the perfect message to show a player or employee that they are appreciated. So when you ask if you should get your custom trophy engraved, our answer is yes.

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Are Participation Trophies Necessary?

Mon, 30 Jul 2018 14:11:00 GMT

Here at Woltman Trophies , we’ve noticed that one debate has taken the trophy world by storm in recent years. Many ask if kids should receive participation trophies. Some think that it’s a good, encouraging thing to do, while others believe that it’s not good to give children a trophy just for being there. That side of the debate might argue that it’s making the current generation softer and not teaching them about the hard work it really takes to succeed.

In reality though, participation trophies can actually offer a few different psychological benefits. Those who argue that participation trophies are bad also ignore that so many adult events actually give away ribbons, medals, and custom trophies just for participating. Races from a 5K to a full marathon offer trophies to all of their participants, no matter how long it takes them to cross the finish line. So why not award the kids with participation trophies and all of the benefits they provide?

Benefits of Participation Trophies

Encourages Kids to Stay on the Team

One thing to remember about team sports is that it’s not just about the player who scores the most points. They need a team around them in order to properly utilize their talents, and just highlighting them might mean that other players don’t feel recognized for their work. There are so many things competing for a kid’s time these days. There are video games, more TV shows than ever, the Internet, and a variety of other activities they could be doing instead of playing a team sport.

By giving them a participation trophy, you’re showing that the work they put in mattered this season. They might be more inclined to stick around, getting better and collecting more sports trophies. You need to make sure that you have enough people for a well-rounded team, and participation trophies can help with that.

Acknowledges a Season Well-Played

On that same note, trophies help acknowledge a season well-played. It shows that every player gave their all and helped the team get to where they ended up at the end of the season. Custom trophies that highlight specific achievements are great for that, but participation trophies can also show kids that their efforts weren’t wasted this year. They’ll know that this is a sign that their coach appreciated their contributions.

Shows Kids that Effort Matters

Even if they don’t end up placing first in their division or winning the championship, each kid on your team hustled and put in work during each and every practice or game. Giving them sports trophies show that their efforts were not in vain. Their hard work was recognized all season long. In some studies, participation trophies even encouraged kids to put in more effort. They’re not motivation killers, as some have feared.

Makes Children Feel Like Part of a Group

Growing up can be tough, but feeling like a part of a larger group can help. Participation trophies can bond everyone on a team together and help them feel like they’re part of something bigger. Trophies may not seem like a big deal to you, but to a child it could potentially boost their confidence and help them feel a little more secure in their group.

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Why Employee Recognition is So Important

Sun, 15 Jul 2018 14:04:00 GMT

Here at Woltman Trophies , we work with many companies that want to find new and unique ways to recognize their employees. And why wouldn’t they? Your employees are the lifeblood of your company. Many of them bring things to the table that other people simply could not. They deserve some recognition once in a while.

That’s especially true because recognizing great employees can actually give your company a boost. Whether you’re focusing on individual achievements or the work of a team, there are many reasons to make sure that your workers feel as if they are appreciated. Here’s a look at some of the benefits experienced by companies that recognize the hard work of their employees.

Better Teamwork

Giving out corporate awards can help encourage teamwork within your office. Workers will band together to deliver results that are worthy of recognition. Awards can also help your employees realize that it’s not all about them. Giving some kind of reward to a team of workers could help encourage them to help out their coworkers when they’re in need. Instead of thinking that it’s “every man for himself,” your employees will realize that working together garners attention and praise.

Friendly Competition

An award can also focus on that individualistic side of your employees though. A competition between workers can help them push each other and deliver even better work, consistently. Depending on your employees and their personalities, this could be just the thing they need to really go above and beyond. This is especially true if one gets an award and then gets beat out for it by another employee the next time around. This could encourage them to work harder and reclaim their title.

Good Employees Stick Around

If you have good employees, you want them to stay around. As the economy gets better, talented employees may realize that there are more and more opportunities out there for them. If they don’t feel that their work at your firm is being recognized, there’s a good chance that they’ll try to work for a company that does notice the good work that they do. You want to encourage your employees to keep working hard and let them know that their efforts are appreciated. Then those employees that have helped your company grow so successful will end up sticking around for the long haul.

Better Productivity

Recognizing your employees with corporate awards or another type of rewards system can also help increase productivity. Each worker will learn more about what you consider superior work to look like. They’ll know more about your standards and start aiming higher. They’ll deliver results and work that’s of a higher quality than before. If one individual employee is doing that, it’s good news for your office. If every employee is doing that, it’s a potential game-changer. Whenever you have the chance, make sure that your workers know that they are valued and that you recognize their hard work.

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Creative Trophy Ideas for Golf Tournaments

Fri, 15 Jun 2018 13:33:00 GMT

Here at Woltman Trophies , we know that few things are more exciting than a good, old-fashioned golf tournament. Everyone gets to show off their talents, and once they do it’s time for you to give out some awards. You don’t just need to stick to the standards though. It’s not too hard to come up with some custom trophies that really highlight the talents of individual players or ones that make the tournament even more fun for everyone.

Top Player

If a team wins, of course they should get a trophy. But top players should be honored with sports trophies of their own too. Whether you want to award the player who pushed the winning team or also acknowledge the talent of certain players who may not have taken the gold this time around, this could be a great way to show that individual effort also matters. It will probably push people to do even better, making a difference for their team and making your tournament even more exciting year after year.

Most Improved

Not all of us are golf phenoms. It takes a lot of practice to become great at any sport, golf included, so why not recognize players who have gone the extra mile? People who have greatly improved their golf game since the last tournament should qualify for trophies of their own. This is a great way to motivate players to keep practicing and improving. You won’t get to the top right away, but you can keep on getting better.

Joke Awards

Awarding golf trophies for the best performance is well and good, but there’s no reason that you can’t have some fun with your awards ceremony. Plenty of “joke” awards can liven up the event and make things more fun for everyone, even the players who didn’t win. Give out funny trophies for “achievements” like spending the most time in sand traps or losing some golf balls to a water hazard. Perhaps a “Landscaper’s Nightmare” trophy for that player who always seems to make a big divot or two. Have fun with it and make sure that every player feels like a part of your next awards ceremony.

Special Achievements

Instead of just awarding trophies for the best score or team performance, you can also use our custom trophies to highlight some more unique achievements. Maybe a player got a hole in one, or just a shot that came closer to the pin than any other player. Either way, giving out a special award for this pinpoint accuracy isn’t a bad idea. You could also recognize a player who didn’t lose their cool and skillfully played their way out of a run of bad luck. The ability to make tricky shots or come from behind for a surprise win on a hole or in the tournament as a whole could also be deserving of a trophy. Of course, you could also recognize a feat of strength like the game’s longest drive. Golf is a complex game, so why make the trophies you give out so simple and cookie-cutter?

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Presenting Your Sports Trophies in a Creative Way

Tue, 15 May 2018 20:23:00 GMT

At Woltman Trophies , we know that few things can be more motivating than a customized award. That’s why we offer so many high-quality custom trophies to our customers. One area where we excel is in the design of sports trophies. Whether you’re coaching a soccer team or a basketball team, there are some things to keep in mind when presenting trophies.

You don’t just want to give players their trophies without any kind of fanfare. You want to take some steps to make sure that they really feel recognized. Instead of just being some award that sits on a shelf, a trophy that’s presented with care and creativity will be cherished for a long time. Here’s how you can get a bit more creative with the award process.

Make it an Event

Instead of just handing out the trophies , make an event out of the awards process. Make a whole ceremony where you give out custom trophies to each of your players. You can do it right on the court at a small event with players and their friends and family. You can also go for a more upscale event that your athletes will remember for a long time to come. Rent out an area of a nice restaurant, get dressed up, and make sure that this event is a high point for more reasons than just the trophy.

Write a Note

Whether you decide to go with a more involved event or not, just handing someone a trophy isn’t special enough for your team. Think about how each player uniquely contributes to your team and write a note that shows them that you’ve noticed their efforts. Getting a trophy is great, but receiving personalized recognition from a coach can be an even better motivator. When your players know that you care, they’ll try even harder next season.

Tell a Story About Each Player

Like the note, this can add a personal touch at your trophy ceremony. Pointing out what an individual player did to help out the team or telling a funny anecdote makes the whole ceremony seem more personal and more significant. Highlight each player’s talents and then give them the sports trophies that they deserve.

You may not want to be off the cuff here., depending on your skill as a public speaker. Prepare ahead of time and make sure that you’ve really summed up what a player contributes. Every player will appreciate the obvious extra effort that you’ve taken. This is also a great way to come up with more uncommon awards that really represent what your players can do. Don’t just opt for the typical awards like Most Improved or Most Assists. See if you can come up with some unique rewards for some players who have done some innovative things on or off the field.

Revisit the Past Season

At your ceremony, highlight some of the big moments of the past season. Show off some of your most valuable players’ big plays. If your team has taken some funny videos during practice or trips to away games, show those off and add some levity to your awards ceremony. Looking back on the season can help you remind everyone of what went right and how they can improve in a future season.

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Outside Of The Box Ways To Vote For Awards

Mon, 30 Apr 2018 14:40:00 GMT

Here at Woltman Trophies , we know that awards can be a great way to motivate people. Whether you’re working in an office or coaching a sports team, recognizing achievements can encourage people to try even harder and continue delivering performances that meet your high standards. You don’t just want to go with the typical awards though, because that could get boring quickly.

Instead, we recommend that you think up some out of the box ways to vote for awards. You can involve more people and make the awards process more special, because everyone knows that their coworkers and teammates have played a bigger role in the process. Follow the advice of your local custom trophies provider and make your awards ceremony even more meaningful.

Expand the Voting Process

In some cases, coaches decide what players get sports trophies and managers decide which employees get an award. It’s always great to receive some recognition from the people above us, but you can’t discount how valuable the approval of peers can be. Letting more people vote on who receives an award can foster teamwork and let everyone know that their teammates or coworkers respect what they contribute to the group.

If you’re dealing with a sports team, you can also let parents get in on the voting process. See if they recognize something else in some of the players, aside from the typical achievements like most points scored. They can highlight kids with great teamwork and team spirit, or they might notice something about what a player contributes that a coach may miss in the heat of a game.

Donate to Charity

If you’re bringing everyone into the voting process for awards at your office, there’s one way to make sure that each vote really counts for something. Have anyone who’s up for an award choose their favorite charity, and then donate a certain amount for every vote they receive from their coworkers. Even if someone doesn’t end up winning an award, their favorite charity will end up raising some money. You can make sure that the awards process has something for everyone and that it ends up helping a great cause.

Vote for Rival Players

In a sports league it’s easy to recognize players on your own team for their achievements, but recognizing rival players for their feats can be a little more difficult. In the spirit of sportsmanship, you could have your team vote for awards for rival team members and vice versa. Recognizing the talent of the people they play against can help motivate your team for next season and encourage friendly competition with players on other teams. Once a player sees the other sports trophies that their rival players are receiving, they might just decide that they want one of their own.

Experiment with Less Conventional Office Awards

Instead of just focusing on leadership qualities or work-related accomplishments, it can be fun to let the whole office vote on some less conventional awards that still recognize employees for their unique contributions. Whether it’s an award for bringing in great home-cooked food to share or someone who always brightens up the office with a joke, let your employees reward their coworkers who make coming to work more enjoyable every day.

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How To Measure Growth From Awards Year Over Year

Sun, 15 Apr 2018 14:38:00 GMT

Here at Woltman Trophies , we know that many offices give out awards to their most productive employees. Custom trophies and awards can be a great way to keep workers motivated. They can also serve as a great way to measure growth year over year.

There are many ways to highlight improvement or growth during your awards ceremony every year. Whether you’re recognizing your top seller, your most improved worker, or a big work anniversary, your custom awards can show just how much your company is growing thanks to the hard work of everyone at the office. Here’s a look at some ways to keep your employees motivated and show just how much they’ve grown this year.

Keep Track of Sales

Don’t just award the person in your office who has the top sales. Keep track of your top sales year in and year out. With our custom trophies , it’s easy to engrave some sales numbers as well as a name. This can serve a few different purposes. If one employee wins one year and then improves on his or her numbers the next year, that’s useful information to track. If multiple employees trade off and keep winning this award in different years, they can see what kind of sales numbers they need to beat.

In addition to helping you track your company’s growth, this small addition to a custom award or trophies can help motivate your most capable employees even more. They’ll have a new target to hit and your company will keep on growing.

Highlight Improvement

One of the best ways to track the growth of your company is by tracking the growth of your employees as individuals. That’s why rewards for improvement can be so useful. You won’t just motivate specific employees to reach new heights. It can also help you learn how certain departments are performing and give you a better idea of your company’s growth as a whole.

Congratulate Workers on Big Anniversaries

You appreciate your employees and their years of service. So make sure that you reward workers who have hung in there for five, ten, twenty, or more years. Highlight what they’ve done well and show them how dramatically they’ve improved during their tenure.

This doesn’t just make an employee feel good and encouraged to stick around for even longer. It also helps you measure your company’s growth. You’ll see just how many years of experience your employees bring to the table, which means that you’ll realize just how much your company has grown over time. Soon enough, you’ll be measuring the total experience of your work force in centuries, not decades. As an added bonus, you’ll have experienced workers to lean on when you need new ideas or problem solving experience.

Reward Teamwork

We also suggest giving out awards that do more than recognize individual employees. Highlighting teamwork can be a great way to foster cooperation and show how the individual workers within your company have become more effective at their jobs. When you see what two or more of them can do together, it will show how your team has grown.

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How To Create Team Bonding Through Office Awards

Fri, 30 Mar 2018 19:26:00 GMT

Here at Woltman Trophies , we know how hard you work to keep your team motivated. One way you can do that is by giving out awards for major achievements. Individual awards don’t just recognize individual employees and help them do better. Corporate awards can also be a great way to boost the entire team’s morale at once. Here’s a look at how you can get the whole team involved in the process and keep motivation high.

Offer Team Rewards as Well as Individual Ones

Handing out awards to individual team members can be a great way to keep them motivated, but don’t leave out team accomplishments. If your team is completing projects early or handling particularly complex tasks, it’s a great idea to recognize them when that happens. When an entire team knows that their work is appreciated, it boost morale and makes them more committed to working well together. When they realize that every member of the team has something to contribute or a personal expertise, they’ll respect their fellow team members even more. Knowing what role everyone plays can be a boon for any team that’s trying to work well together.

Have Employees Involved in the Award Process

On that same note, having all of your employees involved in the award process can also help your team bond, even if you’re just giving out individual corporate awards . Allow team members to create categories. You can even let them nominate other team members for some of the top honors. That shows workers that their others on their team appreciate what they do, which can help boost morale.

Of course, you can also throw a big event whenever trophies or awards are given out. Even if someone isn’t receiving an award this time around, they can still enjoy a dinner or luncheon while they applaud their team members and their efforts. You can also have an employee present the award to their fellow team member, instead of doing it yourself. It may not seem like a big deal, but having the recognition of their fellow team members can really help an employee’s morale and encourage them to do an even better job than they’re already doing. Of course, a few words of encouragement from you won’t hurt either!

Reward Ideas as Well as Goals

Hitting a new goal is nice and definitely something that’s award-worthy, but we recommend that you don’t make that your only criteria. Sometimes it’s wise to award people for their great ideas. If you just give out rewards for progress, some team members may not always get their chance to shine. Giving out an award for a great idea can help alleviate that problem.

This is a great way to encourage your team members to come up with innovative solutions and more creative ways of doing business. More people will feel included in the whole process, and when workers feel like they have more of a stake in their work they’ll do a better job. This is also a smart way to let team members who primarily operate behind the scenes receive some recognition. Contact Woltman Trophies and Awards at (314) 230-9617 for any of your custom trophy or award needs today!

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New Awards Highlight Distinct Aspects Of Your Team

Thu, 15 Mar 2018 19:25:00 GMT

Here at Woltman Trophies , we know that you want to find a great way to reward your employees or team for a job well done. That being said, you don’t just need to stick to the typical award categories. Your team is unique, so why not come up with some custom awards that really show what they can do? They’ll appreciate the recognition for more specific sets of skills, and you’ll have a team that’s more motivated to keep on improving. Here are some ways that you could set your awards process apart and recognize employees or team members for a variety of contributions, not just for being the MVP or Most Improved.

Reward Ideas

Don’t just reward the person who gets the most work done or hits a certain goal that you’ve set out. Also reward ideas. This can help give some other team members some time in the spotlight, even if they aren’t the lead on the project or the star player. Suggestions of how to improve as a team can come from anybody, so reward those who have some great ideas to share. Even if someone isn’t the sales leader, they could have an idea to make your team even better and more effective.

Develop Non-Traditional Award Categories

When you’re trying to think up new awards that highlight your team’s unique skills, think outside of the box. Don’t just think in terms of goals hit, sales made, or points scored. If you think about it, we’re sure that you can think of something that a team member does to keep things running smoothly, even if that skill of theirs runs under the radar.

Just as a few examples, rewards can be given to the worker who keeps their station the cleanest. If there’s someone on your team who’s always fixing stuff, that person deserves recognition. You can also reward the people who display excellent teamwork with custom trophies . People who jump in to cover for sick coworkers or members of the team who put the team’s success above their own should be recognized. Of course you can also highlight employees who are always on time, team members who come to every practice, or workers that have managed to work together to find a solution for a particularly tough problem. There are many things that your team does that are award-worthy. You just need to pay attention and notice them.

Get Employee Input

When you’re deciding on new kinds of custom awards , you could always solicit input from your team members or employees. One of them may have noticed behavior that can really help the team meet its goals. They can recognize what employees bring these skills to the table, even if you haven’t just yet.

Input can be especially helpful in an office setting, because your workers can tell you what kind of perks they’re looking for in the awards process. Some want cash bonuses, while others want a more flexible schedule. Some might even want corporate perks. Learning what motivates your team and what qualities your workers find important in their coworkers can tell you a lot and make the awards process more personal and useful.

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How to Recruit and Retain your Most Valuable Volunteers

Sun, 18 Feb 2018 22:01:00 GMT

Whether your group has 5 or 5,000 volunteers, the fundamentals of volunteer engagement are the same. Your volunteers are amazing individuals. Each one is committed to your organization, passionate and provides a unique and valuable skill set. Following are some guidelines we’ve gathered to help you recruit, engage and retain your most exceptional volunteers so you can meet (and hopefully beat) the goals and objectives of your organization. We start from the beginnings of a new group, so if your organization is more mature, you can skip ahead!

After you’ve received applications, you can continue with the process of face-to-face interviews. Depending on the nature of your organization (e.g., one that works with children or the elderly), a background check is recommended before bringing a new volunteer on board.

4. Provide orientation and training. Don’t expect your new volunteers to immediately step in and know what they’re supposed to do. Investing a few hours training your new team members helps ensure that your best practices are followed and that your volunteers will have long-term success with your organization.

5. Track their time. Volunteer time is valuable. Accurate tracking of volunteer hours is not only a key measure of your organization’s effectiveness, but it’s also required for grants and other funding opportunities. Keeping an accurate record of all volunteer hours (whether paper-based, a spreadsheet, or a volunteer management program) is crucial when it comes time to measure the performance and growth of the organization.

6. Manage their performance. In addition to providing orientation and training, managing your volunteers’ performance will set up both your organization and your volunteers for success. Be prepared to have constructive, non-confrontational conversations if problems arise or when there’s a need for improvement.

7. Recognize and reward your volunteers. Your volunteers want to know that their time and efforts are appreciated and that their contributions to your organization are actually making a difference. Recognizing key milestones, such as the number of hours they’ve logged in a year, or the number of years they’ve volunteered for your organization, don’t ever go unappreciated. Celebrate specific projects that they’ve had an impact on (such as an annual fundraiser).

Here at Woltman Trophies & Awards, we believe that awards are critical to morale in every area of an organization – volunteers included. Our wide range of products recognizes the smallest to the largest accomplishment that needs to be acknowledged. If your organization is looking to start a volunteer awards program, please contact us today!

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What HR Staff Can Learn From Miami’s Turnover Chain

Thu, 15 Feb 2018 20:39:00 GMT

Here at Woltman Trophies , we know that keeping your team motivated is one of the most important things that you can do at your job. You want people to keep working hard and know that their accomplishments are making a big difference.

There are a variety of ways to keep your HR staff motivated. Some department heads read books on leadership or check out an online guide, but we think that there’s an unlikely source of inspiration out there. We’re talking about college football. More specifically, we’re talking about the Miami Hurricanes’ “turnover” chain.

What’s a Turnover Chain?

If you watch a University of Miami football game, you might notice something when they shoot to the players on the sidelines. Occasionally, one of them will be wearing a huge gold necklace, complete with the school’s logo. With its sheer size and bright gold coloring, this chain is meant to be noticed.

It’s not just a stylish fashion statement. Nor can just any player take out this chain and put it on. It’s the famed “turnover chain,” which is given to any player that can force a turnover. This reward shows that a player is contributing to team’s performance in a big way.

This tradition started recently. Mike Rumph, the cornerbacks coach of the Miami Hurricanes, wanted to find some kind of chain that players could wear to show off after forcing a turnover. A Miami legend named Vince Wilfork had a better idea. He told a local jeweler to build a Cuban chain, with a massive University of Miami logo made of orange and green stones.

How Can This Inspire My Office?

So how does this apply to your office? In the same way that the turnover chain can inspire players to excel on their own and aid the team, we think that corporate awards can be used in the same way. We think that creating a trophy that can pass between members of your team can give you a performance boost.

You can encourage your employees to hit certain goals or accomplish specific tasks. If you reward one employee with a trophy that rotates around the office, you’re giving them a concrete sign that they’re an important part of the team. From there, another member might want to try and get that trophy for themselves. If they succeed, now that first employee is going to want to win back their title. Setting up a friendly rivalry among your employees can help boost the performance among the entire team. You’ll find that everyone is more motivated and that the competition for bragging rights can even increase morale.

The experts here at Woltman Trophies can help you by developing a custom trophy that your employees will want to show off. While we’re not in the business of building giant gold chains with the University of Miami logo on them, we have some other ideas on how to motivate your HR staff. We can develop custom crystal awards of different sizes and shapes, or we can develop a custom acrylic award that will stand out. Contact us at (314) 291-5750 to learn more today!

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5 Great Employee Recognition Ideas

Fri, 02 Feb 2018 21:54:00 GMT

Everyone likes to be appreciated! Recognizing your employees for a job well done is an important part of helping to ensure continued employee engagement. Your team, and people who work with your team, want to know that you value the work they put in for you.

According to an OfficeTeam survey, while nearly nine in 10 (89 percent) senior managers said their organization is very or somewhat effective at showing appreciation to workers, three in 10 (30 percent) employees gave their firms low marks when it comes to recognizing their achievements. That’s an unfortunate disconnect. To make sure your company is in the 70 percent of businesses that are getting it right, here are a few ideas to incorporate in your employee recognition program.

Keep in mind that recognition doesn’t always have to cost money, but ensuring the employee has something to remember their achievement by is a great morale booster. If we at Woltman Trophies can help you improve (or start) an employee recognition program, please get in touch with us today. We’re delighted to help!

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Pantone’s 2018 Color of the Year

Thu, 18 Jan 2018 21:50:00 GMT

More than 10 million designers and manufacturers work with Pantone to select colors for their designs. The company organizes its nearly 5,000 Pantone Colors into two systems, one for printing and packaging inks and the other for fashion and product design. Since 2000, the Pantone Color Institute has announced its “Color of the Year.” Twice a year the company hosts, in a European capital, a secret meeting of representatives from various nations’ color standards groups. After two days of presentations and debate, they choose a color for the following year.

For 2018, the “coloristas” selected Pantone 18-3838 (web-friendly color: #5F4B8B), Ultra Violet, as color of the year. According to Pantone representatives:

“A dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade, Pantone 18-3838 Ultra Violet communicates originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking that points us toward the future.

Complex and contemplative, Ultra Violet suggests the mysteries of the cosmos, the intrigue of what lies ahead, and the discoveries beyond where we are now. The vast and limitless night sky is symbolic of what is possible and continues to inspire the desire to pursue a world beyond our own.

Enigmatic purples have also long been symbolic of counterculture, unconventionality, and artistic brilliance. Musical icons Prince, David Bowie, and Jimi Hendrix brought shades of Ultra Violet to the forefront of western pop culture as personal expressions of individuality. Nuanced and full of emotion, the depth of Pantone 18-3838 Ultra Violet symbolizes experimentation and non-conformity, spurring individuals to imagine their unique mark on the world, and push boundaries through creative outlets.

Historically, there has been a mystical or spiritual quality attached to Ultra Violet. The color is often associated with mindfulness practices, which offer a higher ground to those seeking refuge from today’s over-stimulated world. The use of purple-toned lighting in meditation spaces and other gathering places energizes the communities that gather there and inspire connection.”

At Woltman Trophies, we use the industry-standard Pantone colors to ensure consistency on all of our imprinted pieces. Even if it doesn’t use the 2018 Color of the Year, Ultra Violet, we can reproduce your company’s or team’s logo. Check out our artwork requirements prior to placing your order, so we can ensure your awards turn out perfectly!

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