Our company was founded by our father and husband Robert Henry Edelbrock in July 1973. The first invoice was written out in early July 1973. Benton Trophy was originally located 2 miles down the road from where we presently do business. The original location was in the garage of the residence. Not long after, did it start to take over the basement of the house. The business ran out of the basement for about 17 years after which, in the fall of 1989, the business was moved to its present location two miles south (exactly 18 blocks) of the original site to downtown Sauk Rapids, Minnesota.

       In the early 1980's our company joined an association called TDMA which is now known as ARA (Awards & Recognition Association). It is an organization which is dedicated to the awards ,engraving and sublimation industries. Members of the association are very knowledgeable and have many resources available for your award needs. This association has helped us to build the business we are today and allows us to give you the best service in the industry. The association also gives insight into new products, services, has monthly trade magazines and also hosts many trade shows and seminars in the industry.

       The industry has changed dramatically since we started in 1973. We have customers that come in and say "I remember when you guys were out of your house and you had those hand engravers". They're right, we originally had three hand engravers which we had purchased throughout the early years. We gradually sold the two table top models and a hand engraving tool, however to this day we have the old free standing pantograph in the showroom to show our customers how far our business has come. In 1984 we invested in our first computerized engraving system and have been updating ever since.

       In 1989 we moved to our present location and started a second business. We opened Benton Gift Shoppe in November of 1989 which was attached to our trophy location and separated by a partial wall between the two showrooms. In early 1995 we closed the doors of Benton Gift Shoppe due to a lack of business generated by the gift shop. We in exchange focused on our main business, enlarged the showroom and continued to do what we do best.

        On February 2, 1996 we lost our founder, father, and husband to cancer. We had many questions asked about our company. Many people were concerned if we would continue the business of our founder. We told all of our customers, Yes we are going to continue to be around. In late 1996 Benton Trophy & Awards had become a corporation, and changed its name to Benton Trophy & Awards, Inc. and is now owned by Bob's wife, and 3 sons. A lot has changed since his death in 1996, but one thing has not, we will continue to serve our previous customers and future customers in the fashion we always have with the best possible customer service in the industry.

       In August of 1998 we celebrated our 25th Anniversary at our site in Sauk Rapids, Minnesota with area radio stations helping in the celebration.

        In January 2002 we were highlighted as a retailer in the ARA Recognition Review, which is a monthly trade magazine put out by our international trade association. The trade magazine is distributed throughout the world.

       In February 2004 we were chosen by KSTP-TV (Channel 5) in the Twin-Cities to have our store used as a backdrop for a show called "On the Road with Jason Davis". They had taped for a segment that aired in March 2004 featuring some of their winners of a contest they had throughout the Midwest. We were honored to be chosen as the awards shop for the taping of their episode. Everything was filmed in our showroom and there is some mention of our company as well as a few employees (Ron & Craig).

     Through the years we have invested in many new and revolutionary engraving and imprinting systems. Today we have a total of 10 state of the art machines that can engrave or imprint your awards or gift related needs. We are continually updating our production processes/machines to better our company and most importantly to help you, our clients with the best level of service and products we can offer.

      February 2007 we moved to our brand new location, due to a bridge project that ultimately took out our current location as well as about 15 other businesses and residences.

        From what had been known as a bowling trophy outlet years ago, we have grown to be one of the most respected and dedicated trophy and awards dealers in Minnesota and throughout the Midwest. We have well over 100 years of combined experience in the awards, engraving, sublimation, signage and promotional product fields.

        Our customers keep coming back for two reasons, our customer service and knowledge of the industry We appreciate all the businesses, clubs and individuals who have made our progress possible all these years! We look forward to future business with you from our current and our exciting new location, and wish you the best of luck in the future.