News Summary
Sam Varn, founder of Awards4U, has officially retired after 38 years of impactful leadership. He passed on the reins to his son, Justin Varn, continuing a family legacy of excellence in the awards industry. Under Sam’s guidance, Awards4U flourished, even overcoming challenges posed by the pandemic, and remains committed to community engagement and philanthropy. As Justin steps into his new role, the company looks forward to embracing fresh opportunities while honoring its rich heritage.
Tallahassee Says Goodbye to a Local Icon: Sam Varn Retires from Awards4U
Big news is brewing in Tallahassee with the retirement of Sam Varn, who has recently passed the torch of leadership at Awards4U to his son, Justin Varn. This milestone marks the end of an era for a business that has become a staple in the community over its remarkable 38-year journey.
An Inspiring Beginning
Sam Varn’s story with Awards4U began in 1987 when he took over what was then known as Tallahassee Engraving and Awards. After spending 11 years sharpening his skills and honing his craft at a larger awards company in Tampa, Sam’s determination and entrepreneurial spirit led him to grab hold of a two-person operation. Through his passionate sales skills and extensive networking, the company blossomed into the largest awards and recognition provider in the Tallahassee area.
The Growth and Transformation
In 1996, a significant rebranding took place when the company launched its first website and became known as Awards4U. The business continued to grow, acquiring several smaller companies along the way, consistently expanding its reach and service offerings. There were bumps along the road, including the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced the company to lay off most of its staff. However, with the help of the Paycheck Protection Program, they could bring many back, adjusting their workforce to a proud team of 40 employees.
Thriving Through Challenges
Despite the challenges, Awards4U has emerged in a stronger financial position, boasting no debt and generating several million dollars in annual sales. The last recorded December saw the company process over 6,000 packages, and impressively, 40 of the past 43 months have broken historic sales records. This success speaks volumes about the hard work and dedication of Sam and his team, emphasizing the vital role that people play in the company’s achievements.
A Proud Legacy Continues
Sam Varn’s confidence in Justin, who grew up in the business and has learned the craft from the ground up, is evident. At just 38 years old, Justin is set to carry forward the family legacy that has earned Awards4U so much respect in the community. Not only does he cherish the business’s heritage, but he strongly believes in its role in honoring individuals for their remarkable achievements.
Community Engagement and Philanthropy
Awards4U is known for its commitment to the community. Recently, the company made a donation of $1,000 to Second Harvest of the Big Bend, which translates into providing up to 4,000 meals to those in need. Understanding the significance of supporting those on the frontlines during tough times, Awards4U has also created custom signs for essential workers, directing part of the proceeds to charity. It’s clear that giving back is part of their DNA.
A Lasting Connection to Awards
Reflecting on his journey, Sam Varn still treasures his first trophy from youth baseball in 1966, which symbolizes his deep connection to awards and the importance of recognizing hard work and talent. At Awards4U, the philosophy centers on meaningful recognition, steering away from the typical “participation trophy” mindset to celebrate achievements that truly matter and inspire.
A Bright Future Ahead
With Justin at the helm, the future of Awards4U looks bright, promising to continue the legacy built by Sam Varn while embracing new opportunities. This transition demonstrates the vitality of family traditions and the lasting impact of commitment, especially in a business dedicated to acknowledging both individual contributions and community support.
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com: Awards4U Leadership Passes from Father to Son
- WTXL: Awards4U Helping Second Harvest Feed Families
- Tallahassee.com: Participation Recognition Trophies
- Tallahassee.com: Who Gets a Trophy? Locals Weigh in on Participation Awards
- Tallahassee.com: Who’s Registered to Attend the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce?
