Award-winning body-builder operates award-making shop in Boardman

BOARDMAN

Karen Miller doesn’t just sell trophies — she also has been the recipient of many, a fact which she says makes her uniquely qualified to run a business that specializes in custom-made awards.

Miller, 53, a retired professional body-builder who has been recognized locally, nationally and internationally for her athletic feats, bought Custom Awards & Gifts, 5944 Market St., a year ago in February.

“Any athlete, your dedication to your job — it runs over in your everyday life. I’m definitely committed to making this successful,” she said. “And I understand sports and athletics, so I can help people.”

She spent nearly 20 years teaching physical education and health, and coaching, at the K-12 level, played sports throughout high school and college and has done more than 160 amateur athletic competitions, run in marathons and done triathalons, for which she has won many awards. She also had a career as a natural bodybuilder, for which she earned four pro titles from the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation.

She moved back to the area about 10 years ago, when she started the Cardinal Classic, an annual natural-bodybuilding and figure competition in Austintown.

She decided to buy the store, she said, because of her commitment to the community.

Read more about her and the store in Saturday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.