During the booming postwar economy of 1946, jeweler Charles Klein made one of the biggest decisions of his life. He left his job in the jewelry business and started his own business making die-struck recognition pins. His colleagues said this unproven idea would never work.
Charles sold corporate and student recognition pins from his shop in Chicago, created the iconography still used today and began the company’s incredibly successful and popular mail order catalog.
Charles’ decision not only changed his life, but that of the next two generations. Now, with the third generation of Kleins at the helm, Award Emblem has become one of the largest and most renowned award recognition companies in the country.
It was Charles’ son Bob who left the Air Force to take over the family business. Bob modernized methods, procedures and efficiencies and lived by the mantra: If you disappoint your customers once, you’ll never get them back. He ensured he would never disappoint by knowing each and every customer and by documenting every detail of every sale. Not surprisingly, this began Award Emblem’s reputation of providing personal, dedicated and tireless customer service.
Now in his late 70’s, Bob still goes to the office most every day, but has turned operations over to his sons. It’s Justin who works on the personalization and manufacturing side and older brother Jason who heads the company as President and CEO. Jason oversees the operation of the world’s largest selection of titled die struck pins and medals, and has expanded the product line to include recognition items for municipalities and corporations. He’s also brought in another phase of modernization with computer software systems, an updated catalog and website.
After nearly 70 years of business over three generations, Award Emblem has experienced a multitude of changes. Though it’s what hasn’t changed that makes Award Emblem the successful company it is today. Still, there is a dedication to high-quality, handcrafted pins and medals. Still, providing exceptional customer service is a cornerstone of the business. Still, there is pride in being an American manufacturer. And still, there is the understanding that recognition awards motivate, inspire, express gratitude and build community for both the giver and the receiver.
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