By Kenneth Levanti, Sarasota Trophy & Awards
"I didn't know you do that!"
We hear this almost every day at Sarasota Trophy & Awards. Customers walk in thinking we only handle youth sports trophies or basic engraving, and they're surprised to discover the breadth of what we can create. While standard awards and engraving sustain our business, it's the custom and innovative projects that truly ignite our passion.
Since 1984, when my father Robert and I first opened our doors, we've been committed to one simple principle: provide Sarasota with innovative awards and recognition solutions individually designed to fit each customer's unique needs. Over 40 years later, that commitment hasn't changed—but our capabilities have grown far beyond what most people expect from a trophy shop.
More Than Just Trophies
Yes, we absolutely create beautiful trophies for youth sports leagues, schools, and adult competitions. But that's just the beginning of what we offer. Our facility on Superior Avenue houses state-of-the-art engraving equipment with advanced technological capabilities, including laser engraving and glass etching, that allow us to create truly custom recognition solutions.
Think of us not as a trophy shop, but as your partner in recognition and appreciation. Whether you're:
- A corporation recognizing employee milestones
- A nonprofit honoring major donors
- A school celebrating academic achievement
- A business marking a significant anniversary
- An individual commemorating a special occasion
We have the expertise and equipment to create something meaningful, memorable, and perfectly suited to your needs.
Corporate Awards That Make an Impact
In the business world, recognition matters. Employees who feel appreciated are more engaged, more productive, and more likely to stay with your organization. But a generic plaque from a catalog doesn't convey the same message as a custom-designed award that reflects your company's values and the specific achievement being recognized. Our corporate award solutions include:
Crystal and Etched Glass Awards
There's something timeless about crystal and glass. These awards catch light beautifully and create a lasting impression. Our glass etching capabilities allow us to create intricate designs, incorporate logos, and personalize each piece with precision laser engraving.
Custom Plaques
Plaques remain one of the most versatile recognition options. We work with various materials—wood, marble, acrylic, metal—and can incorporate full-color sublimation printing for vibrant, photo-quality images and designs. Whether you need a single retirement plaque or an entire donor recognition wall, we can create it.
Desk Accessories
Recognition doesn't have to hang on a wall. Custom-engraved desk accessories—pen sets, paperweights, business card holders—serve as daily reminders of achievement while remaining functional in the workplace.
Marble Awards
For elegance and permanence, marble awards make a powerful statement. We can combine marble with other materials, add custom engraving, and create unique designs that reflect the significance of the recognition.
The Technology Behind Our Work
What separates us from basic trophy shops is our investment in advanced technology and our commitment to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in our industry.
Laser Engraving
Our laser engraving capabilities allow for incredible precision and detail. We can engrave on metal, glass, acrylic, wood, leather, and many other materials. The laser creates permanent, high-quality markings that won't fade or wear away over time.
Glass Etching
Glass etching adds dimension and elegance to awards, creating beautiful effects that catch and reflect light. We can etch intricate designs, logos, and text with remarkable clarity and detail.
Full-Color Sublimation
This is where things get really interesting. Our sublimation capabilities allow us to transfer full-color, photo-quality images onto a wide range of products—plaques, mugs, name tags, trivets, and even wall and floor tiles. This technology has opened up entirely new possibilities for donor recognition walls, decorative art, and custom awards that incorporate photographs or complex color designs.
Industrial and Commercial Applications
Many customers are surprised to learn we provide industrial engraving services. We create:
- Industrial panels and legend plates
- Equipment identification tags
- Safety signage
- Control panel labels
- Asset tracking tags
Our laser engraving technology ensures these markings are permanent, precise, and meet industrial standards for durability and clarity.
Personal Touch: Jewelry and Gift Engraving
Recognition isn't always corporate. We also provide jewelry engraving services for personal occasions:
- Wedding rings and anniversary bands
- Watches and bracelets
- Lockets and pendants
- Gift items for special occasions
These personal engravings require the same precision and attention to detail as our corporate work, just on a more intimate scale.
Special Events and Occasions
Beyond ongoing recognition programs, we create custom solutions for special events:
Weddings and Anniversaries
From etched champagne flutes and cake servers to custom guest book alternatives and table numbers, we can create personalized items that make your celebration unique.
Donor Recognition
Nonprofits and institutions need to acknowledge major donors in meaningful ways. We create donor walls, recognition plaques, and custom displays that honor contributions while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Milestone Celebrations
Business anniversaries, retirement parties, grand openings—these significant moments deserve recognition that reflects their importance. We work with you to create custom pieces that capture the spirit of the occasion.
The Family Difference
Being a family-owned and operated business since 1984 means something. When you work with us, you're not dealing with a corporate chain or an online ordering system. You're working with people who genuinely care about creating something you'll be proud to present.
My father Robert, who helped start this business, still lends his experience and expertise to our shop. That continuity and commitment to quality has built our reputation in the Sarasota community over four decades.
Our Process: From Concept to Creation
Here's what you can expect when you work with Sarasota Trophy & Awards:
1. Consultation
We start by understanding your needs. What are you recognizing? Who is the recipient? What's your budget? What timeline are you working with? The more we understand, the better we can create something perfect for your situation.
2. Design
Based on our conversation, we develop design options. We can show you samples, provide mockups, and work with you to refine the design until it's exactly right.
3. Production
Once you approve the design, our skilled team uses our advanced equipment to bring your vision to life. We maintain high standards throughout production to ensure quality results.
4. Quality Check
Before anything leaves our shop, we inspect it carefully. Details matter, and we want you to be completely satisfied with the final product.
5. Delivery or Pickup
We can arrange delivery for larger orders or corporate installations, or you can pick up your order at our Sarasota location.
Why Choose Local?
In an age of online ordering and mass production, why choose a local Sarasota business for your awards and engraving needs?
Personalized Service
We take time to understand your specific needs and create solutions tailored to your situation—not just process an order.
Quality Control
When we create your awards in-house, we control quality at every step. You're not hoping an online order arrives correctly.
Fast Turnaround
Need something quickly? Being local means we can often accommodate rush orders that would be impossible with distant suppliers.
Expert Guidance
Not sure what you need? We can show you samples, explain options, and help you make informed decisions based on decades of experience.
Community Connection
We've been part of the Sarasota community for 40 years. Your satisfaction isn't just about one transaction—it's about maintaining the relationships and reputation we've built over four decades.
Let's Create Something Special
Whether you need a single engraved gift, a complete corporate recognition program, or something entirely unique, we're ready to help you create it. Our commitment to innovation, quality, and customer service means we'll work with you to develop solutions that meet your needs and exceed your expectations.
Ready to discuss your project?
Visit us at 6601 Superior Ave., Sarasota, FL 34231, call (941) 921-4339, or visit our website at www.sarasotatrophy.com. We'd love to show you what we can create and help you understand all the possibilities beyond basic trophies. After all, recognition matters. Let's make sure yours makes a lasting impression.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What's your typical turnaround time for custom awards?
A: Standard orders typically take 7-10 business days. We can often accommodate rush orders depending on complexity and current workload. Contact us with your timeline, and we'll let you know what's possible.
Q: Do you have a minimum order requirement?
A: No. Whether you need one custom piece or 100 identical awards, we're happy to help. Our capabilities work for both individual orders and bulk production.
Q: Can you match our company logo and colors exactly?
A: Yes! Our full-color sublimation technology allows us to reproduce logos, photos, and designs with photo-quality precision. Bring us your logo files, and we'll ensure accurate color matching.
Q: Do you only serve businesses, or can individuals order custom items?
A: We serve everyone! While we do significant corporate work, we also create custom awards, engraved gifts, and personalized items for individuals celebrating weddings, anniversaries, retirements, and other special occasions.
Q: What if I'm not sure exactly what I need?
A: That's what we're here for! Come visit our showroom where you can see samples of our work, and we'll discuss your needs and budget to develop the perfect solution. Our experience helps us guide customers to options they might not have considered.
Sarasota Trophy & Awards has been proudly serving Sarasota since 1984 with innovative recognition solutions. Family-owned and operated, we're committed to creating custom awards and engraving services that exceed expectations. Contact us today at (941) 921-4339.