Viewfinder: Crown Trophy of New Tampa

is a nationally known and locally owned manufacturer and distributor of trophies, medals and plaques. Founded in Brooklyn in 1978, it now has 150 stores nationwide. The company custom designs trophies, awards, plaques and more for various occasions, from Little League baseball to employee recognition. 

Kurt Callarman opened Crown Trophy in New Tampa in 2007. Originally from Key West, Callarman used to own a jewelry store in the southernmost point of the United States.

“Crown Trophy is the largest company in the country that creates exclusive products collectively,” he said. 

Callarman decided to open the franchise after moving to New Tampa and realizing that there weren’t any businesses offering customized trophies and promotional items in the area. 

The store caters to corporations, schools, organizations and sport teams as well as individuals.

Sometimes parents order academic plaques or scholastic awards after their kids get good grades in school. Other times, folks purchase customized items for birthday parties and other events.

Callarman said that one of the weirdest articles he has created was a trophy with a mounted King Kong gorilla statue for a Fantasy football league. 

Located at 18051 Highwoods Preserve Pkwy # A , Crown Trophy is open from 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. 

For more information, visit www.crowntrophy.com.