Taylor Trophy & Awards - A Brief History
Edward M. Taylor had been involved in sports since he was 7 years old. He and his wife, Lynn Taylor, were active athletes in their early years of marriage, and continued by coaching and participating in the sporting events of their 4 daughters.
(Edward) - "I had been running softball tourneys for a few years - and having realized the cost of the trophies I began thinking, in 1983, about other options to bring awards to my tournaments.
I sent out feelers throughout the State of Michigan, and received only one positive, practical, response.
That dealer suggested that I should join the TDMA, a manufacturers organization that would allow me to purchase supplies from ALL the vendors and manufacturers in the USA."
He followed these instructions and an entire new world opened at his fingertips.
"Our next big step was, with my Wife's backing, we purchased OMNI Trophies out of Montrose, MI. This provided our first Manual Engraving Machine and our first Inventory.
We had now become a self-taught business.
I learned the art of Manual Engraving, which was very time consuming, but taught us much."
Having joined the Awards Organization TDMA (Trophy Dealers & Manufacturers of America), Ed and Lynn decided to attend a seminar in Chicago, IL. This opened MANY new doors, contacts, and introduced them to computerized engraving.
"Thus, we purchased our first New Hermes Computerized Engraver, Wow!
Things began happening much faster. Engraving and orders were filled in hours now instead of days of painstaking hand-engraving. With a small amount of help we were pretty much self-taught on the computerized programs."
Suddenly - the business began to expand.
"Signage was a large part of our sales - but schools, universities, associations, and individuals began hearing of our expertise and quality products.
A big plus was being able to meet rush deadlines because, as owners, we could create our own hours. Another benefit was our building being so close to our home - these two factors allowed us to work after regular business hours."
Through the years, they have purchased more equipment (engraving machinery as well as a vast inventory)
"Recently we have entered into the sublimation aspect of the awards business. We are also moving towards the purchase of a Laser Engraver, which will again increase our production capabilities in the area."
(Edward) - "I had been running softball tourneys for a few years - and having realized the cost of the trophies I began thinking, in 1983, about other options to bring awards to my tournaments.
I sent out feelers throughout the State of Michigan, and received only one positive, practical, response.
That dealer suggested that I should join the TDMA, a manufacturers organization that would allow me to purchase supplies from ALL the vendors and manufacturers in the USA."
He followed these instructions and an entire new world opened at his fingertips.
"Our next big step was, with my Wife's backing, we purchased OMNI Trophies out of Montrose, MI. This provided our first Manual Engraving Machine and our first Inventory.
We had now become a self-taught business.
I learned the art of Manual Engraving, which was very time consuming, but taught us much."
Having joined the Awards Organization TDMA (Trophy Dealers & Manufacturers of America), Ed and Lynn decided to attend a seminar in Chicago, IL. This opened MANY new doors, contacts, and introduced them to computerized engraving.
"Thus, we purchased our first New Hermes Computerized Engraver, Wow!
Things began happening much faster. Engraving and orders were filled in hours now instead of days of painstaking hand-engraving. With a small amount of help we were pretty much self-taught on the computerized programs."
Suddenly - the business began to expand.
"Signage was a large part of our sales - but schools, universities, associations, and individuals began hearing of our expertise and quality products.
A big plus was being able to meet rush deadlines because, as owners, we could create our own hours. Another benefit was our building being so close to our home - these two factors allowed us to work after regular business hours."
Through the years, they have purchased more equipment (engraving machinery as well as a vast inventory)
"Recently we have entered into the sublimation aspect of the awards business. We are also moving towards the purchase of a Laser Engraver, which will again increase our production capabilities in the area."
