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Renowned athlete now in business of giving out awards in Boardman
BOARDMAN
Karen Miller doesn’t just sell trophies — she also has been the recipient of many, a fact that she says makes her uniquely qualified to run a township business that specializes in custom-made awards.
Miller, 53, a retired professional bodybuilder 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.”
Miller, who now lives in Boardman, grew up in Columbiana County and attended Youngstown State University. After college she moved to Texas, where she spent nearly 20 years teaching physical education and health, and coaching at the K-12 level.
Miller played sports throughout high school and college. She 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.
Since her retirement from bodybuilding in 2007, Miller has judged many competitions, most recently the WNBF’s World competition in Boston in November.
As for the store, Miller said she decided to buy it because of her commitment to the community.
“Because of my experience from coaching, and because I’m a YSU alumni, I wanted to buy a local business,” she said. “It’s a happy business to be in. It’s fun to give people awards.”
Custom Awards is not just about sports, however, Miller said. The best thing that it has to offer is the level of personal service, she said.
“That’s what it’s all about, making people feel like we can help them with their decision,” she said. “It can be overwhelming.”
The store, which has been in business for nearly 40 years, sells trophies, plaques, gavels, glasses, flags and flag cases, mugs, golf clubs, certificates, ribbons and custom-made gifts, among many other things. The store also offers laser engraving.
“I want to make everybody happy that comes through the door,” she said. “If somebody hasn’t been to the store, I encourage them to come in. They might not know all that we do. It’s not just a trophy store.”