Meet Eric Beauchamp | Managing Director, Naples Awards

We had the good fortune of connecting with Eric Beauchamp and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Eric, how does your business help the community?
It’s always awesome to see the effects of helping both companies and the community recognize individuals for their acts of service or a job well done. Our awards are used to acknowledge many kinds of achievements; from plaques commemorating retiring police officers, to good old-fashioned 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place sports trophies. It’s gratifying to provide a service for sponsored events, city employees, churches, schools, and other nonprofits. These are hard workers who are often laboring in thankless jobs and giving back to those in need. Sometimes it’s the little things, like knowing someone cared enough to engrave your name on a special plaque, that are motivators to keep going.
In the last year we’ve done things like sponsor the Gulf Coast Little League and complete a large custom job for Naples Take a Soldier Fishing. Engraving items for events like these is especially satisfying because of their greater impact. Because our community is so varied, we also enjoy the social impact that comes from working with different cultures and engraving in many languages. The type of products that we provide have a surprising ability to bring people together.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Six years ago I was working in plastic fabrication and looking to do something different that would fit within my skill set and that wasn’t quite as physically taxing. Naples Awards was established in 1984 and already had a good reputation in the community. When the right set of circumstances came for me to buy the business, I saw an opportunity to learn new skills and to expand without needing a large staff and took the plunge. Professional growth and creative fulfillment in my day-to-day work have been a constant motivator, and it’s been exciting to tackle new challenges in my chosen industry. In six years, I’ve been able to build our sales by 60%, and I feel like I’ve only begun tapping into the potential for growth.

To be successful and to push yourself as a person, as an entrepreneur, and as a business owner, you need to be willing to take risks – albeit calculated risks. Buying this business was a risk. Expanding the shop and its showroom during COVID-19 and immediately following two catastrophic hurricanes was a risk. Upgrading our engraving and UV-printing capabilities and investing in bigger and better equipment is an ongoing financial risk.

I’m always challenging myself to work with unique items and new materials that people bring me. Naples Awards is the only shop in our area that will take the risk of engraving and printing on treasured items that customers bring in – most will only engrave on new items ordered out of a catalog. I hate to say no, and being quick to say yes always involves taking a chance. If you’re going to own a successful business, you have to say yes often. The chances I take allow this occupation to stay rewarding. I’m always pushing the limits of what I can do, and each risk I take is an investment in the future of my business.

I think our continuing investment in technology, processes, and capabilities sets us apart from other similar shops. Our awesome showroom is full of inspiration and samples galore. It was a challenge just shifting careers and learning new equipment and programs. I want to be known as the go-to shop in SWFL for all recognition needs. It takes patience and the ability to listen to what customers want and coming up with text when they have no idea what to say. I am proud that we service a huge variety of customers from all walks of life

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The Naples and Fort Myers area has some of the best beaches in the state. However, I feel like the Ten Thousand Islands and more out-of-the-way unique places like Goodland and Everglades City are worthy places to visit. These hidden gems offer natural beauty that you can’t see anywhere else. Fishing in SWFL Florida is a must. The area is full of mom-and-pop-owned restaurants and businesses that are worthy of exploration.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I watched my single mom run a business all by herself and that gave me a great work ethic from the start. My wife Kerri encourages me and allows me to work overtime when needed. She works tirelessly to make sure that everything is good at home while I’m in the shop working long hours. I have a small but mighty group of friends who are all self-made and extremely successful in their own businesses. They constantly give me great advice. The previous owner Chris Hill is a great friend and mentor and jumps in to help if I get too busy or need a vacation.

Website: https://naplesawards.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naplesawards

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/8635608

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Naplesawards/

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@naplesawards