Behind the Counter: Awards & More

Awards & More has been a fixture in Enfield since 1985. It is the largest awards dealer in north-central Connecticut, and provides recognition products made from wood, glass, acrylics, metal, leather and ceramics. All products can be personalized with laser and rotary engraving and color sublimation technology.

Awards & More is a second-generation family-owned small business. Founder Richard Schaefer now works alongside his daughter, Becky Vesce.

Patch asked Vesce to tell us some more about the business, and here's what she had to say:

Patch: When did your business open, and who is involved in the business?
Vesce: My father, Richard Schaefer, started Awards & More in 1985 out of the basement of our house. I can remember working on trophies since I was just a kid. I even have a plaque from 1992, given to me by my father for "Being a Longtime Dedicated Worker" and at that time I was just 11. So you can see I have many years of experience. My dad is owner and CEO, I am the store manager, and Everett Donner is our full-time employee and graphic artist.

Patch: What services do you offer at your company?

Vesce: We provide a variety of services from trophies to plaques, crystal awards, engraving and so much more. We also can supply promotional products, apparel and our featured service is custom engraved wine bottles.  We are a one-stop shop for all personalized items and awards. 

Patch: Why did you decide to open in Enfield, and what made you interested in your field?

Vesce: My father chose Enfield because that is where we reside. Enfield has been good to us, and helped to keep us going for the 28 years we have been in business. I was born into this business, so my interest came just from watching my father. I saw how he created beautiful awards and how the customers responded to them. This is such a positive business - people recognizing important events and accomplishments - so it's a honor to be involved. I love hearing the background on the awards and why and how they are being presented. Even in the case of death, the memory of the loved one comes through when the customer orders a bench marker or memorial plaque. "We recognize the Good Things in Life" is our tagline, and what better way to earn a living than that.

Patch: Do you have a business mantra you live by?

Vesce: Well I guess, insert tagline here too! But also I really try to go by "the customer is always right." I know it may sound corny or outdated, but I think it's a concept that has taken a back burner and needs to be brought forward. In the times of email, social media and smart phones, we have become out of touch with each other. We are uncomfortable with face to face contact sometimes and it's sad. I want to hear my customer, make eye contact, feel personally and professionally connected with them and it starts by giving them respect and value. That's how you develop relationships that last, both within the walls of Awards & More and out.

Patch: Can you tell us about your business background? What did you do before you opened your business? Have you owned other businesses in the past? Any notable awards?

Vesce: Before officially coming to Awards & More, I had many different jobs. I spent a few years bartending down in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and then when I moved home I worked briefly at a rental car company, to name a few. Both of those experiences helped shape my customer service style a lot. Trying to serve drinks to a roomful of thirsty spring breakers or putting a person in a rental car after they've been told bad news about their car gives you very unique experiences in customer service. I take a little from this job and a little from that job and apply it as best I can. We were most recently awarded "Small Retailer of the Year" by the Awards & Recognition Association, ARA. ARA is a worldwide association that brings together all the retailers and suppliers in the awards industry. We were extremely honored to win this award.

Patch: Finish this sentence. When I'm not working I'm...

Vesce: ...hanging out with my husband Mike and our adorable boxer Pina. I also am a certified Zumba instructor with new classes coming soon. I also enjoy singing and am currently working on an acoustic duo to start singing out live, as I have done in the past.

BUSINESS INFORMATION
Business Name: Awards & More
Address: 492 Enfield St., Enfield, CT 06082
Phone number: (860) 741-2345
Web site: www.awards-more.com
Email: becky@awards-more.com
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Would you like your Enfield business featured in the "Behind the Counter" series? Email tim.jensen@patch.com for details.