by David Chapman
Staff Writer
Gerry Hurst opened Awards Unlimited 36 years ago with very little in terms of money. What he lacked monetarily he made up for in concept.
“I basically started with nothing but an idea,” said Hurst. “Just an idea.”
He opened the awards shop at 1550 Hendricks Ave. with the idea that the youth and school market would be favorable for awards, presentations and ceremonies, but realized years later the value of marketing towards the corporate world.
Today, Hurst and Awards Unlimited have several high end clients — Mayo Clinic, Baptist Health, the University of North Florida and PGA Tour among others — as well as plenty of small business and walk-in clients.
From trophies and plaques to badges and key chains, Awards Unlimited offers a variety of different forms of tokens and mementos for any occasion.
“If you can dream it up, we can come up with it,” said Maria Gubbard, an associate for almost 25 years. “I love my job ... every day is different and I get to be creative.”
Gubbard and Marlene Johnson, Awards Unlimited’s other full-time associate, do everything from engraving to production.
“I like the family atmosphere here,” said Johnson, on why she enjoys her work and the small business aspect.
Like businesses large and small, though, Awards Unlimited has seen the effects of a down economy. Last year some of its long-term clients — those in real estate especially, said Hurst — began cutting back on award orders.
“In the recessions of the ‘80s and ‘90s, our business did better,” said Hurst. “This seems to be a little different so far.”
The Pittsburgh native and Florida State University enthusiast often helps clients make decisions on types and sizes of awards and advises award givers on the potential magnitude of the award.
“It depends on the level, really,” said Hurst. “You don’t want to give a smaller award to someone who did something extremely valuable ... It seems to diminish the accomplishment.”
Regardless of the level of achievement or the economy, though, Hurst does have a bit of advice for those considering congratulating, recognizing or celebrating someone or something special.
“There really is no such thing as a bad award,” he said.
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