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    How to master your golf award game

    With leisure on the links in full swing, event planners and tournament coordinators are aiming for awards and gifts to hit a hole in one — instead of landing in the rough. Crystal awards strike that classy vibe synonymous with golf and are treasured trophies that will be displayed (and maybe even humblebragged about!) for years to come.

    Here are “fore” ways our themed awards can really up your golf-award game!  

     

     

    • Performance: Beyond the expected awards for first, second and third place, golf awards can celebrate things like Best Foursome, Hole-in-One, Longest Putt, Rookie of the Year, Chipping Contest Champ and Best Dressed. Some of our hottest golf-themed award designs are putters or drivers, and have 3D subsurface images within them.

     

    • Participant gifts: Gift sets with shirts, visors and golf tees are common, but crystal awards stand out and are never tossed in the back seat of the car. You might be surprised to know how affordable these stunning pieces can be, too. (Under $60 for a customized golf ball and less than $20 for a tourney memento with a 3D image etched into it? Cue the polite applause.)

     

    • Legacy: The sport itself is rife with history, from its origins around the middle ages to its modernization in Scotland. So, too, are its players. Honor athletes who have contributed over the years by marking special milestones like 10, 15 and 20 years of participation, and introduce a Goal-Setter award to chronicle past winners!

     

    • Donor appreciation: Donors help support charity golf tournaments in a big way, and crystal gifts thoughtfully branded and personalized as a thank-you are a beautiful way to acknowledge and showcase their generosity.

    Parkdale Square 6525

    For assistance with golf award and gift selection, customization ideas, questions and quotes, contact us at (800) 544-1131 or email sales@crystal-d.com.   

    Crystal D Hires Shelley Bednarski as territory manager 

    April 17, 2025 – ST. PAUL, Minn. – www.crystal-d.com – Crystal D, the leading supplier of crystal awards and gifts, has added Shelley Bednarski as a sales team territory manager. 

     

    Bednarski brings to the role her expertise in sales and business development, which positions her well for building strong customer relationships. She will be an active partner in coaching distributors on selling awards and helping their clients establish and foster recognition programs.  

    Shelley Bednarski, territory manager

     

    “Shelley has a long history of working with major suppliers in our industry, so her experience will be essential to Crystal D as we grow,” said Ray Rodriguez, vice president of sales. “In addition, her passion for awards and recognition, as well as for helping clients see the returns in their investments, are invaluable resources for our customers.” 

     
    Since entering the promotional products industry in 2001, Bednarski has held positions in marketing and sales, and has served as a multiline rep and factory rep for several Top 40 suppliers. She says joining Crystal D is a natural progression for her career, where she has represented several top-tier companies in the industry. 

    “I chose to work with Crystal D, this smaller, yet incredibly impactful awards and recognition company, because of its unique family dynamic and close-knit, collaborative environment,” Bednarski said. “The supportive atmosphere here mirrors the best aspects of the larger companies I’ve worked with, yet with a level of personal connection that fosters true teamwork and growth.” 

    Bednarski is excited about educating and guiding distributors in integrating awards and recognition into their existing business offerings. She sees a real need in today’s workforce, where “quiet quitting” is on the rise.  
     
    “Our end-users are more in need than ever of effective ways to keep employees engaged, appreciated, and recognized for their contributions,” she said. “Awards and recognition have a direct impact on employee morale and retention, and I’m proud to be part of a company that delivers meaningful, tangible solutions.” 
     

     

    About Crystal D 

    Crystal D (www.crystal-d.com), leader in crystal awards and gifts, has been delighting recipients with the highest-quality recognition products for more than 30 years. We are known as the Home of “The WOW Effect” ® because every item is designed by our artisans in St. Paul, Minnesota, and this meticulous attention to detail turns the emotion of a recognition experience into a lasting memory. Crystal D offers over 1,500 innovative and elegant awards and gifts, guarantees an industry-leading production time of just six to eight days after art approval, and has earned five-star status for our customer service. Contact us at (800) 544-1131 or email sales@crystal-d.com. Interested in joining our team of Memory Makers? Visit Crystal-d.com/careers.   

     

     

    Crystal D welcomes Ray Rodriguez as sales leader, promotes Tawauna Garner

    Feb. 27, 2025 ST. PAUL, Minn. – www.crystal-d.comCrystal D, leading supplier of crystal awards and gifts, has added industry veteran Ray Rodriguez to its sales leadership team and promoted Tawauna Garner to solutions manager. 

     

    After consulting with Crystal D over the last six months, Rodriguez joins the company as its vice president of sales. 

    Ray Rodriguez, vice president of sales

     

    “Ray’s deep industry knowledge, along with his extensive experience with strategic planning and relationship building, have already made him a trusted advisor for Crystal D,” said Bridget Dahlgren, executive vice president of marketing and sales. “Ray’s commitment to serving our customers and maintaining high standards align with Crystal D and our passion to be the very best.” 

     

    Dahlgren said the company is “ecstatic” for Rodriguez to lead the sales team in articulating the value and ROI of recognition, while coaching and guiding customers on growing their award sales businesses profitably.  

     

    With more than 30 years of experience in sales management roles within promotional and premium businesses, Rodriguez has earned the reputation as an industry expert, as well as a widely respected sales and marketing leader.  
     
    His resume includes roles at top 40 suppliers and distributors, and he has also owned and managed his own real estate brokerage. In addition to his role at Crystal D, Rodriguez will continue to run 5Ppromo, his consultancy for suppliers and distributors, and navigate the Mexico market with AmeriMex, a division of 5Ppromo.   

     

    Rodriguez is especially passionate about helping suppliers refine and grow their businesses, and he has hit the ground running as Crystal D’s sales leader.  
       
    “Awards is an exciting and creative category to represent! As salespeople, it’s uncommon to present a product where a buyer can easily identify a return on their investment,” Rodriguez said.  
     
    “Selling awards is a high-purpose sale and the value of recognition, to the recipients as well as to the business, can easily be articulated. My team and I are excited to share our winning formula for success that will impact the bottom line for both our customers and theirs.”  

     

    As a coach to his team and customers, Rodriguez will be training and developing sales proficiencies to help successfully implement, execute, and grow awards and recognition programs. 
       
    “I am blessed to work with Crystal D and its team,” he said. “They are committed to being the best in the awards and recognition space. I’ll see everyone on the road!” 

     

    Promotion of Tawauna Garner  
    Longtime, award-winning Memory Maker Tawauna Garner has been promoted to solutions manager. It’s the latest in a series of progressions Garner has made as a leader on Crystal D’s inside sales team, known as the Solutions Team. 
     
    “Tawauna has been our lead solutions specialist for the past year and she has consistently gone above and beyond,” Dahlgren said. “She’s demonstrated outstanding leadership and care for her team, as well as her customers, and we’re excited to see her step into this new role.”

    Tawauna Garner, solutions manager

      
     
    With the Solutions Team reporting to her, Garner carries on her responsibilities for making the project idea, design and quoting process simple, easy and fast, while building a team that consistently delivers a memorable experience.  

     
    “Tawauna’s passion for serving and partnering with our customers is second to none!” Dahlgren said.  

     
    Garner has been with Crystal D since 2016 and has held several roles with the company’s customer service and sales teams, earning accolades from both inside the company and within the industry. 

     

    About Crystal D   

    Crystal D (www.crystal-d.com), leader in crystal awards and gifts, has been delighting recipients with the highest-quality recognition products for more than 30 years. We are known as the Home of “The WOW Effect” ® because every item is designed by our artisans in St. Paul, Minnesota, and this meticulous attention to detail turns the emotion of a recognition experience into a lasting memory. Crystal D offers over 1,500 innovative and elegant awards and gifts, guarantees an industry-leading production time of just six to eight days after art approval, and has earned five-star status for our customer service. Contact us at (800) 544-1131 or email sales@crystal-d.com. Interested in joining our team of Memory Makers? Visit Crystal-d.com/careers.   

     

    How to master your golf award game

    With leisure on the links in full swing, event planners and tournament coordinators are aiming for awards and gifts to hit a hole in one — instead of landing in the rough. Crystal awards strike that classy vibe synonymous with golf and are treasured trophies that will be displayed (and maybe even humblebragged about!) for years to come.

    Here are “fore” ways our themed awards can really up your golf-award game!  

     

     

    • Performance: Beyond the expected awards for first, second and third place, golf awards can celebrate things like Best Foursome, Hole-in-One, Longest Putt, Rookie of the Year, Chipping Contest Champ and Best Dressed. Some of our hottest golf-themed award designs are putters or drivers, and have 3D subsurface images within them.

     

    • Participant gifts: Gift sets with shirts, visors and golf tees are common, but crystal awards stand out and are never tossed in the back seat of the car. You might be surprised to know how affordable these stunning pieces can be, too. (Under $60 for a customized golf ball and less than $20 for a tourney memento with a 3D image etched into it? Cue the polite applause.)

     

    • Legacy: The sport itself is rife with history, from its origins around the middle ages to its modernization in Scotland. So, too, are its players. Honor athletes who have contributed over the years by marking special milestones like 10, 15 and 20 years of participation, and introduce a Goal-Setter award to chronicle past winners!

     

    • Donor appreciation: Donors help support charity golf tournaments in a big way, and crystal gifts thoughtfully branded and personalized as a thank-you are a beautiful way to acknowledge and showcase their generosity.

    Parkdale Square 6525

    For assistance with golf award and gift selection, customization ideas, questions and quotes, contact us at (800) 544-1131 or email sales@crystal-d.com.   

    Crystal D donates 20 percent of 2024 Legacy Gallery award sales

    Feb. 21, 2025 – ST. PAUL, Minn. – www.crystal-d.com – Crystal D, the leading supplier of crystal awards and gifts, is celebrating its late founder’s birthday this week by making charitable contributions in his honor.

    “Chuck deeply believed in the power of giving back, lending a hand, and leaving others better than he found them,” said Jeanne Dahlgren, Chuck’s wife and Crystal D’s president.

    “It brings me joy to honor him through our Legacy Gallery, and I am grateful for the work these organizations do every day to improve lives around the world.”

    Crystal D President Jeanne Dahlgren

    Chuck would have turned 73 tomorrow, and Jeanne has chosen to mark the occasion by making the donations to the nonprofits she selected as Legacy Gallery beneficiaries: Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, International Rett Syndrome Foundation, Water for South Sudan and 4 Paws for Ability.

    When Crystal D launched the Legacy Gallery in late 2023 as part of its Crystal D Cares giveback program, it did so with the goal of living out the generosity Chuck Dahlgren modeled his entire life. Crystal D has committed to giving 20 percent of the product total from Legacy Gallery award purchases each year.

    “He was an incredibly kind person, and creating the Legacy Gallery was a perfect way to carry on that giving spirit,” Jeanne said. “Thank you also to our customers who have chosen Legacy Gallery awards for celebrating their people. Together, and with Chuck’s spirit around us, the world is a little brighter today.”

     

    About Crystal D
    Crystal D (www.crystal-d.com), leader in crystal awards and gifts, has been delighting recipients with the highest-quality recognition products for more than 30 years. We are known as the Home of “The WOW Effect”® because every item is designed by our artisans in St. Paul, Minnesota, and this meticulous attention to detail turns the emotion of a recognition experience into a lasting memory. Crystal D offers over 1,500 innovative and elegant awards and gifts, guarantees an industry-leading production time of just six to eight days after art approval, and has earned five-star status for our customer service. Contact us at (800) 544-1131 or email sales@crystal-d.com. Interested in joining our team of Memory Makers? Visit Crystal-d.com/careers.

    Crystal D announces 2024 Q4 WOW Champs

    Crystal D isn’t just a company that produces awards and gifts for others — we also practice recognition and appreciation with our own employees, who we call Memory Makers. We have a variety of programs in place to highlight our people for the ways they contribute, carry themselves and serve our customers.   

    Every quarter we spotlight five Memory Makers nominated by their peers for living out our Core Values. Congratulations to the WOW Champs for the third quarter, as announced this week!  

    Here’s who they are and some of the kudos they received.

     

    Paul Warehouse 

    Core Value: Integrity — “I do what I say I will do.” 
    “Paul always comes through when we need him. He is accurate, fast, and consistent. This makes him trustworthy to his fellow Memory Makers. His attention to detail and accuracy saves us time and energy. We are a stronger company because of Paul.”

      

     

    Olivia Subsurface

    Core Value: Quality — “I have the unyielding persistence to improve.” 
    Olivia runs her lasers and checks her pieces with such precession. She is constantly checking and rechecking pieces to make sure they reach our quality standard. So much so, that she’s created a standard of her own. She is always asking questions and inquiring on if things can be adjusted or made better. She sweats every detail and is always trying to produce the best possible pieces.”

     

    Matt — Supply Chain

    Core Value: Commitment — “I am committed to the ongoing viability of the company.”  
    What sets Matt apart is his relentless commitment to the best interests of the company. He works tirelessly each day, going above and beyond to ensure our success and maintain our position as industry leaders. His work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to maximize resources to achieve the best possible outcomes are qualities that truly embody the spirit of commitment.”

      

    Brenda — Customer Service

    Core Value: Respect — “I treat others the way I want to be treated.” 
    This Memory Maker interacts with her peers with a positive and supportive attitude day in and out. She genuinely cares for her fellow memory makers and never fails to make you laugh.”

     

    Mike — Sales

    Core Value: Passion — “I have the burning desire to achieve, in all I do.” 
    Mike is committed to his customers and understands them well. His enthusiasm and excitement oozes out of his pores all day long! Working alongside Mike is energizing and fun because he loves to create memorable ideas and awards for his customers.”

    We’re sold on these awards and gifts for realtors and clients

    Real Estate Sign

    Hunting for the perfect home or commercial space takes time, patience and creativity. And with so many factors that influence a sale—from location to financials to timing—it’s a cause for celebration when those reams of papers are signed and boxes are unpacked!  

    Real estate agents work hard, and crystal awards that recognize their efforts are meaningful reminders that their work pays off. These beautiful pieces also signal to buyers and sellers that their agents are experts at what they do, as well as trustworthy professionals dedicated to guiding them through the transaction.  
     
    In addition, providing clients with tokens of appreciation after the sale isn’t just a kind gesture; it’s a reminder to them of what they have invested in and who helped them get there. 

    Crystal D has customized countless crystal awards for real estate professionals and agencies over the years, along with appreciation gifts for buyers. Here are some of our favorites; click on them for additional information.  

    See the potential? We’re sold! Standard production time for customized crystal awards is 6 to 8 days after art approval, and we have more than 120 options available for Quick Ship, which ship out in 1 to 2 days after art approval. Crystal D can assist with product selection, customization ideas, questions and quotes. Contact us at (800) 544-1131 or emailsales@crystal-d.com. 

    Iconic Column Award

     

    Crystal Key Award

     

    Arch Goal Setter

     

    Residence House Paperweight

     

    Pen Holder

     

     

    House Paperweight

     

    Galileo Thermometer

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Get extra points with customized fantasy football trophies

    Anybody can be a Monday Morning Quarterback. But it takes someone special to become a fantasy football league champ! Whether it was the payoff for months of studying statistics, or just a string of good luck, those bragging rights deserve something special to show off your status. 

    We’re talking to you, league commissioners: Make victory extra sweet this year by drafting a Crystal D award as the coveted prize.  

    Striking and customizable, our crystal awards are crafted with a weight that means business … as in, “I’m in the business of winning. I’m a reigning champ. Here, check out my amazing trophy. Careful … it’s heavy!” 

    Crystal awards are always a winner and more affordable than you might guess. Individual pieces can be given to the top player in your league, while “traveling trophies” can be updated each year with the latest victor.

    Check out some of our faves to get ideas for this year’s leagues — then contact us to get your order started! 


     

     

     


    Crystal D welcomes new southern territory manager

    Jan. 20, 2025 – ST. PAUL, Minn. – www.crystal-d.com – Crystal D, the leading supplier of crystal awards and gifts, has hired Courtney Doyle as a territory manager. 

     

    Crystal D’s sales department reorganized last fall to position Crystal D for growth, while providing customers with faster and more personalized service. Adding Courtney rounds out the southern team. 
     
    As a territory manager, she is responsible for building customer relationships, which includes coaching distributors on selling awards and helping their clients establish ongoing recognition programs. Courtney’s passion for people, along with more than two decades of sales experience, make her a natural fit for the territory manager role.  

     

    Courtney has honed her career working in both the eyewear industry and promotional product industries. The daughter of a distributor, who fondly remembers modeling products in her mom’s catalogs, Courtney has been recognized for her sales success and knack for connecting with people. She is energized most by being out in the field with customers and helping them achieve their business goals.    

     

    “We are thrilled that Courtney has brought her energy and expertise to Crystal D,” said Bridget Dahlgren, the company’s executive vice president of marketing and sales.  

     

    “From the moment you meet her, it’s evident that she wants to truly know you and find solutions to support you. She is a fabulous resource and a true sales professional.” 

     

    About Crystal D   

    Crystal D (www.crystal-d.com), leader in crystal awards and gifts, has been delighting recipients with the highest-quality recognition products for more than 30 years. We are known as the Home of “The WOW Effect” ® because every item is designed by our artisans in St. Paul, Minnesota, and this meticulous attention to detail turns the emotion of a recognition experience into a lasting memory. Crystal D offers over 1,500 innovative and elegant awards and gifts, guarantees an industry-leading production time of just six to eight days after art approval, and has earned five-star status for our customer service. Contact us at (800) 544-1131 or email sales@crystal-d.com. Interested in joining our team of Memory Makers? Visit Crystal-d.com/careers.   

    Help your customers shine this awards season with Crystal D’s Quick Ship Awards

    We’re smack-dab in the middle of awards season, and while the entertainment elite focus on upping their fashion game, Crystal D has something for you to try on for size: our Quick Ship Awards gallery. 

    This curated assortment makes it easy to fulfill fast-turnaround requests with impeccable, made-to-order items that ship out one to two days after art approval … but it will look like you’ve been working on it for weeks. (Don’t worry, we won’t tell anyone!) 

    When you choose Crystal D, you can trust that every Quick Ship Award will be perfectly customized to your customers’ tastes — and perfectly timed to their deadlines.  

    Recognizing employees  
    We know that after year-end there is a lot a company can celebrate, prompting many employers to bring their appreciation events into January and February. You can help these customers meaningfully recognize the accomplishments of their teams by presenting award ideas that will be a tangible symbol of appreciation to their employees. It’s the smart thing to do for engagement and retention, and it’s a smart way to set up an organization for success in the year ahead. (Click to view the images above for some inspiration and ideas!)

    Recommending Quick Ship Awards to leaders and HR teams will help them quickly and easily select designs that fit their program needs and reflect to their employees how much they’re valued … while meeting every event deadline. We made our Quick Ship Awards for this mission.   

    You and your clients can easily order from our Quick Ship gallery and have awards at their event 24 hours after art approval! Now, that is fast! You know what else is fast? Using our marketing materials to present award ideas to your customers.  

    Three things to know about Quick Ship Awards

    • With Quick Ship Awards, your order is shipped just 1-2 days after art approval.  
    • Your clients can choose from more than 120 elegant awards with an endless array of options for personalizing and designs that fit all budgets.  
    • Our Customer Solutions Specialists are here to assist with product selection, customization ideas, questions and quotes.  

    When you choose a Quick Ship award from Crystal D, last minute never looks like late to the party. Browse our selection by visiting Crystal-D.com and clicking “Quick Ship” at the top left. Awards will ship out in as fast as two business days.

    For assistance, contact us! We’d love to help.