Joleen Zoller’s father started Vanway Trophy in the bowling alley, Meadowood Lanes, here in Rapid City. He accidentally stumbled into the trophy business when he was put in charge of getting the awards for his bowling league. He ordered the trophies from a local shop in the northern hills and when they arrived all of them were engraved with 1st place on them. Being disappointed in the transaction decided that he could use his skills and knowledge and he bought himself a hand engraving machine, that of which is still present at Vanway, he got to work and created what we now know as Vanway Trophy and Award.
More than 26 years ago Joleen and her husband Troy took over as second-generation owners. In that time they have seen a few tough times, but their dedication to providing a quality product for Rapid City shines through. A more recent example of their persistence was in 2020. As all businesses can attest, COVID-19 threatened their business. But the Zellers used it an opportunity to grow. This was their chance to pivot. They expanded their online presence as well as their offerings. They dove into the world of gifts, whether it be for a graduation, retirement, or memorial they can engrave on almost anything.
Vanway trophy is a household name in the area and they take that very seriously. Joleen said “Customer service is number one with us...We really pride ourselves on excellent work. We have a little slogan in the back saying ‘if you’re not proud of it don’t put it out’ and that is something that we live by.”
Check out Vanway at 3120 W Main St, Rapid City, SD 57702 or online at www.vanwaytrophy.com.