OK biz is largest N. American awards manufacturer

Growing up as a small boy in northern Alabama, Dave Smith had dreams of running his own business. Smith left Alabama to play college basketball for Oklahoma Christian University. And he's been here ever since - making his dream a reality. Thirty years later, Smith is the CEO of a multimillion-dollar company based in Del City. Smith launched Midwest Trophy Manufacturing in 1971 while still coaching at a local high school and continued to do both for several years. Smith, who has also been a professional fisherman for a number of years, started out making trophies for bass tournaments as well as items for youth organizations. Today, Midwest Trophy touts itself as the largest awards manufacturing operation in North America. The December acquisition of Jostens Recognition division completed the company's awards package, adding service awards programs and products to the mix. Midwest Trophy has been a strategic supplier to Jostens Corp. for the past 20 years. The newly acquired operation in Princeton, Ill., manufactures and distributes rings, watches and fine jewelry items as well as other service award products. The facility has manufactured 23 of the 32 Super Bowl rings as well as many other high-profile awards on both the national and college levels. "For many years, a lot of the conferences didn't have an award that would meet and exceed the situation. The Big 12 has done an outstanding job with us in creating products that are designed for the contemporary look that is in today. These conferences are high-profile and need awards to represent that," Smith said. Midwest Trophy Manufacturing has seven additional operations in North America: l Norman - manufacturing facility. l Omaha, Neb. - wood products fabrication plant. l Bloomington, Minn. - creative design center. l Eagle Pass, Texas - warehouse and distribution center. l Zaragosa, Mexico - manufacturing facility. l Jimenez, Mexico - manufacturing facility. l Orangeville, Ontario, Canada - customer service and distribution center. The addition of the Princeton employees brings the company's combined staff to more than 850 - 470 of those are in Oklahoma. Total square-footage for combined operations now exceeds 400,000 square feet. Smith attributes much of the company's growth to being a strong producer. "The thing I did that separated me from my competition, was that only a few years after starting the business, we began manufacturing medallions. Schools were used to getting standard medallions. We made custom medallions with their own school name and logo," he said. "A lot of our competitors are providers and we're producers. We have our own distribution channels and also produce the products that are sold. We'll produce them from the idea to creation. "To be strong in this industry and bring value to the customer, you have to bring up some great ideas and then produce them." The Jostens Recognition acquisition gave Midwest Trophy a national sales force. "Our No. 1 goal is to build us a national headquarters ... and move forward with expanding and developing our sales force. We want to reshape the way things are sold and put our own spin on it. Plans are under way for a new corporate headquarters building on the vacant land Smith owns behind the company's current Del City operations, according to Donna Lamprecht, communications manager. Midwest Trophy moved to its current location in Del City in 1972. Smith renovated a former Gibson's store in to a brand-new showroom. "We've always been busting at the seam," she said. The company, which is currently going through its busy season, projects revenues to reach $90 million in 2002. Midwest Trophy has been a sponsor and supplier to Special Olympics for more than 12 years, merchandising large events for the group going as far as Austria ('93), Toronto ('97) and Raleigh ('99). "The next World Games are in Dublin, Ireland. We make custom torches for their torch runners to take from Greece to the Games," Lamprecht said. The company also is the supplier of merchandise and awards for Mothers Against Drunk Drivers and is the official supplier nationwide for Skills-USA Vocational Industrial Clubs of America. Smith credits his father, a "tough, hard-working" farmer, for his success. "He was quite a motivation in his life. He taught me a lot about working with people and running a business. He had special people skills," he said. Although both of his parents died before he even began his business, Smith's other family members have played a role in the company's continued success. "It's true that all of my family members ... worked here some, but more so they've always been very supportive of what we do here," Smith said. Smith's wife, Linda, worked with the company for a few years in the beginning. Both of their children, after first working summers through school, began working full time in the company as well. David Smith Jr. is vice president of sales and Ashli Kennedy was customer service manager before taking time off to have twins - Morgan and Alison - eight months ago. Ashli's husband, Joe, is the manager of major conferences and special events. David's wife, Angie, worked in the safety management division but is now at home taking care of their 4-month- old son, David Colin Smith. In addition, Smith said the employees are like his extended family. "We have other families that have six to eight family members working here," he said. "Our people understand and know the value of the family." The average tenure at Midwest Trophy is roughly 12-15 years, according to Lamprecht, who herself has worked for the company for 29 years. Roger Mashore, president of the company who was once a student of Smith's, has worked for the company for 29 years. "That says a lot for a company for its leadership," Lamprect said. "Dave emphasizes team spirit and he has earned the respect of all who work for him. He is a great visionary and a dreamer, and his dream usually becomes reality."

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