Describe your business. Did you find it, or did it find you?

A local awards shop owner was looking to sell his business and Mike Arnold happened to be in the store buying trophies. After some negotiation, He bought the business and changed the name and location.

How are you involved with both the community and your customer?

Many of our customers are non-profit organizations, community service clubs, schools and churches, so we have a close working relationship with many of them. We also support many local causes such as the Marshall Hospital Foundation, Marshall Hospital fundraising, 4-H, Rotary International and the Rubicon Trail Foundation, just to name a few.

Why is your staff the best in the business?

Our staff recognizes the importance of continuing the positive experience of getting recognition. We want to make it as good for the person giving the item as it is for the recipient.

What life accomplishments are you most proud of?

Balancing work and family for 40 years is an accomplishment in today’s society. We are a family business of two (sometimes three) generations and still like to spend time together after work.

What’s your favorite childhood memory?

As a second-generation business owner, I think one of my favorite business childhood memories is playing hide-and-seek at the store and hiding in the newspaper piles. Back when my Dad was a “one man operation,” my brother and I spent summer months at the store, and this game always seemed to make the time pass quicker.

What’s your favorite local event to attend?

We have many favorite events. One is the El Dorado County Fair. It offers a diverse atmosphere that is representative of our community, and it allows individuals to show off their talents in a wide range of areas. Another local event is the Jeepers Jamboree. The jeep trip itself is relaxing and the scenery is breathtaking. We meet people from all over the world and each year we return to Rubicon Springs to see old faces and new.

And finally, customer service is…?

Most important! All of our orders have deadlines. Our customers want a quality product and good value. We have stayed in business 40 years because we meet those deadlines and provide quality products at competitive prices.