Benton Trophy & Awards, Inc.

History & Milestones

Benton Trophy & Awards was founded in 1973 by Robert H. Edelbrock in his basement in Sauk Rapids, Minnesota. The company joined the Awards & Personalization Association in the early 1980s. In 1989, it moved to a strip mall in downtown Sauk Rapids, briefly operating a separate gift shop. After the founder's passing in 1996, the business was renamed Benton Trophy & Awards Inc. and continued by his wife Lillian Edelbrock and family. The company relocated to its current facility in the Benton Business Park in 2007 after the original downtown site was displaced by a bridge construction project. In 2023–2024, the company celebrated 50 years in business.

Products & Services

The company offers a comprehensive range of products including custom trophies, plaques, medals, ribbons, acrylic, glass, and crystal awards. It also provides personalized gifts such as drinkware, tumblers, photo gifts, desk accessories, and clocks. Services include custom engraving and full-color sublimation. Additionally, Benton Trophy & Awards produces interior and exterior signage, promotional products, and ad specialties. A notable offering is its corporate company stores, which are branded online portals for employee rewards, corporate gifts, and recognition programs.

Market Position

Benton Trophy & Awards serves a diverse clientele including corporations, clubs, sports organizations, and individuals. The company emphasizes a personalized service model that sets it apart from larger online competitors. It is a member of the Awards & Personalization Association and is recognized as a leader in the Midwest for quality and service. The company operates primarily in central Minnesota but serves clients across the Midwest and beyond.

Leadership & Ownership

The company remains family-owned, with the Edelbrock family actively managing operations. Key leadership includes Lillian Edelbrock as President/CEO, Doug Edelbrock as Chief Financial Officer, and Craig Edelbrock as Executive Secretary and Owner. No other C-level executives have been identified in available sources.

Licensing & Associations

Benton Trophy & Awards has been a member of the Awards & Personalization Association since the early 1980s. It is also listed on industry directories such as Casino Vendors and Thomasnet, and holds BBB accreditation.

Business Model

As a small family-owned business, the company's revenue appears to come from direct sales of custom awards, gifts, and promotional products. Its corporate company stores service provides recurring revenue from corporate clients for employee recognition programs.