Awards USA Inc. – Company Bio
Founded in 1983 by Shad Thayer as Thayer Awards & Trophies in the Denver metro area, Awards USA Inc. began with a simple frustration: the generic plastic figurines on marble bases that dominated the trophy world just didn’t cut it. As a racquetball teaching pro organizing tournaments across Colorado clubs, Shad started designing his own distinctive, high-quality awards that truly reflected the spirit of competition. Word spread quickly; friends, clubs, and tournament directors from cities across the country began placing orders, and a local side project rapidly grew into a national business. A few years later, the company was officially renamed Awards USA.
Over the past four decades, Awards USA has evolved far beyond sports trophies. Today, we proudly serve corporate clients, schools, universities, nonprofits, military units, and community organisations with completely custom awards, plaques, medals, recognition gifts, and promotional products that stand out and stand the test of time. Our commitment to original design, premium materials, and on-time (or early) delivery has earned us lifelong customers; many have trusted us for more than 35 years.
In 2026, the next chapter begins. Parker Thayer, Shad’s son and a U.S. Navy veteran with six years of honorable service, becomes the sole owner of Awards USA Inc. on January 1st. Parker literally grew up in the shop alongside his brother Chandler and father Shad, learning every aspect of the craft from his teens onward. Now, as a veteran-owned business, Awards USA combines decades of family tradition with fresh energy and military-honed discipline.
Shad and Chandler remain actively involved, ensuring the creativity, quality, and personal service that built this company never waver.
At Awards USA, we don’t just make awards; we help you celebrate achievement in a way that’s uniquely yours. On time. Every time.
Let us help you recognize excellence with awards and promotional products that leave a lasting impression. After all, there’s a reason so many of our clients have been with us for over 35 years.