Vinton Trophy & Awards started as a small hobby for Larry and Bonnie Roster. A relative of Bonnie's had a trophy shop in California and got her interested in the industry. It remained a part-time job for her in addition to her full-time position.
Barb & Lee Smith
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The original engraver was completely manual.
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In April of 1987, Lee & Barb Smith took over the business. Initially, they had no computerized engraving equipment so every letter had to be engraved manually on a sort of tracing mechanism. Also, many of the trophies were made with metal columns that had to be bent and shaped by hand from a sheet of flat metal. Needless to say, it was a very labor-intensive line of work!
It wasn't long before Lee & Barb took on an order for well over 100 trophies for the Benton County Fair, which prompted them to invest in their first computerized engraver. More engravers, new techniques, and expanded products.... Lee & Barb offered quality service to Vinton and its surrounding areas for 27 years. If you see a trophy or plaque (or really anything engraved) around Benton County, chances are it came from the Smith home!
It wasn't long before Lee & Barb took on an order for well over 100 trophies for the Benton County Fair, which prompted them to invest in their first computerized engraver. More engravers, new techniques, and expanded products.... Lee & Barb offered quality service to Vinton and its surrounding areas for 27 years. If you see a trophy or plaque (or really anything engraved) around Benton County, chances are it came from the Smith home!
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In 2014, Ashley Hesson became the proud owner of Vinton Trophy & Awards when Lee & Barb decided it was time to retire. Ashley and her husband Nathan are from Vinton originally and now reside here with their two children, Lily Ann and Noah. Ashley loves the challenge of maintaining the high standard of service to all who call upon Vinton Trophy & Awards!
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Ashley measures spacing on a trophy base.
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Lily Ann, Nathan, Ashley, & Noah Hesson