Good day, Laura:First of all I have to tell you the lapel pins were a huge hit. Thank you so much for all your expertise, support and time. Wonderful job.Talk to you soon.Take care and have a great day.Sincerely,Christy
Posted: May 22nd, 2008 under Testimonials.
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The months of May and June typically mark high school and college graduations across the United States. These commencements are held in sports stadiums, parade grounds or other outdoor arenas equipped to handle large crowds.
Typically, students or school alumni give the graduation speeches. Common themes are wishing the candidates well in the “real world,” and cautioning them that academia is a special place. Most recently, however, it is common to invite a celebrity or a politician to deliver the commencement speech. For dress, graduation candidates wear robes and mortarboard caps in their school colors. Typically, each candidate will also be given a medallion and diploma by the dean or another school administrator.
Graduation medallions have become a specialty at The Monterey Company over the past 19 years. Most medallions are cast or die struck in bronze metal and plated in gold or silver with the school’s crest, motto or mascot. Of course, the current year is highlighted and they’re attached to a colorful ribbon. Most graduates wear their medallions on graduation day, and then hang them from their rearview mirror in their cars to show all passersby of their accomplishment. After awhile, the medallions are moved to a mirror in their bedrooms, then finally put in velvet boxes for safekeeping.
“Graduation medallions are never thrown away, but are kept for years to come,” said Paul Stark, president of The Monterey Company. “They represent a right of passage and people like to celebrate and remember that accomplishment. We’re proud to be part of that tradition.”
Posted: May 22nd, 2008 under Lapel Pins, Medallions.
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On the last Monday in May (May 26), the United States will celebrate Memorial Day, a federal holiday, which commemorates those U. S. men and women who have died in military service.
Once known as “Decoration Day,” Memorial Day first began to honor Union soldiers who died during the American Civil War. However, after WWI, it was expanded to include those who died in any war or military action. Many Americans observe the Memorial Day holiday by visiting cemeteries and memorials. Some volunteers place small U.S. flags on each gravesite located in national cemeteries, while others fly their U.S. flags at half-mast from dawn until noon that day. Some Americans view Memorial Day as the unofficial beginning of summer because many schools are dismissed around Memorial Day. It is also known for picnics, family gatherings and sporting events. One of the longest standing traditions is the running of the Indianapolis 500, which has been held in conjunction with Memorial Day since 1911. Over the years, The Monterey Company has created thousands of lapel pins and military coins that commemorate those who have served their country—and paid the ultimate price. President Paul Stark said the reason he provides top-notch coins for all branches of the U.S. military because he supports the soldiers efforts. “Lately, we’ve been getting a lot of requests for challenge coins for those serving in Iraq,” he said. “It does my heart good knowing that we’re helping them create something positive out of a hellacious war zone.” Many of the challenge coins that The Monterey Company creates are simply works of art. There are 3-D areas, special roping around the edges, gilded crests and insignias that can be shown in great detail in the size of a baby’s fingernail. Nearly anything is possible on a military coin. Generally, it takes three weeks to create and a week to ship.
For more information about military coins, call The Monterey Company toll free at 1-800-259-6496.
Posted: May 21st, 2008 under Articles.
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Hi Laura,
The lapel pins arrived today and they are beautiful! My heartfelt thanks to you and to every member of your team (art department to factory). Before contacting you, I knew nothing about lapel pins or how they are designed and made. You took me through the entire process, step by step (even presented options when we hit roadblocks), and we now have a product everyone in our company can be proud of. Thank you!
All the best,
Andrei
Posted: May 21st, 2008 under Testimonials.
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A military challenge coin is a coin that bears a unit’s insignia and is carried by its members. Traditionally, these coins are given to prove membership and to enhance morale.
Like many other aspects of military tradition, the origin of the challenge coin is debatable. The most common view is that it began during WWI with the U.S. Army Air Service (a precursor to the U.S. Air Force).At that time, air warfare was a new phenomenon. Squadrons were manned with volunteer pilots from civilian life. Common laborers to Ivy League students were drawn in by the adventure.
As the legend goes, a wealthy Ivy Leaguer ordered gold-plated coins for his squadron as mementos of their time together. One of the pilots put his coin into a leather pouch around his neck. A short while later, his aircraft was gunned down and he was captured. The Germans took his belongings, but missed the leather pouch.
On his way to a POW camp, the British bombed the area, and the pilot escaped. Through great efforts, he snuck across the border and contacted the French patrol. Since he had no ID, they thought he was a German saboteur, and planned to execute him.
When he pulled out his military coin, one of the Frenchman recognized the unit insignia and stopped the execution. When the pilot returned to his squadron, it became a tradition for members to carry their coin at all times.
To ensure compliance, pilots would challenge each other. If the one being challenged couldn’t produce a coin, he was required to buy a drink for the challenger. However, if he could produce one, then the challenger had to buy the drink.
The challenge begins when the challenger slaps his coin down on the table or bar. Everyone present must immediately produce the coin for his or her organization. Anyone failing to do so must buy a round of drinks for the entire group. Undeniably, it takes a concerted effort to carry a challenge coin at all times.
Traditional rules state that you cannot deface the coin, especially if it makes it easier to carry it, such as attaching it to a key chain. However, it’s acceptable to carry it in a pouch around one’s neck (like in the legend). However, carrying it in a wallet often produces a telltale ring. This can be dangerous for certain military personnel who don’t always want to be identified in every situation.
Challenge coins can also be used as rewards and as tools for building morale. The tradition likely began among Special Forces units during the Vietnam War and spread to other units. As officers were reassigned, they carried the tradition of awarding coins for things that were worthy of recognition, but not enough to merit an official medal. For nearly two decades, The Monterey Company has been creating challenge coins for all branches of the U.S. military. For a variety of styles and artistic applications, check out the military coin gallery. To order your challenge coin, call 1-800-259-6496. http://www.montereycompany.com/coins/coins.html
Posted: May 20th, 2008 under Military Coins.
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Once upon a time, an orange tabby and his brother with black and white spots, started hanging around Café Aroma. They were cold and hungry.
Stray kittens are uncommon in the Alpine Village of Idyllwild, so the staff started taking care of them. One server brought in an old down comforter, they fed them delicious scraps and the outside heaters became their favorite napping places.
“Pumpkin” was cuddly and his coat was bright orange, so his name came naturally. He also preferred orange food, such as cantaloupe, cheese and pumpkin squash. “Turkitten,” was named after a Thanksgiving dinner item called “Turchicken,” which is a combination of turkey, ham and chicken. “’Turkitten’ is not a combination of turkey and kitten,” said Frank, the café’s manager, “but it’s a conversation starter.”
Behind Café Aroma lies The Monterey Company, a two-story former artist’s loft that now houses the lapel pin manufacturer’s offices. Paul Stark, the company’s president, is an avid animal lover and a local supporter of animal right’s groups. Paloma, a greyhound rescue, comes to work with him nearly every day.
One day, Pumpkin and Turkitten walked right into the office. They were skittish at first, staying near the doorway, but later on, they made their way upstairs. (However, they never seem to visit on days that Paloma is there.) One of the staff members brought in kibble and said, “They must get tired of all that steak and lobster from next door.” Now, Turkitten and Pumpkin have toys lying all over the office, sleep on the chairs and leap up on desks to have their stomachs rubbed.
The atmosphere at The Monterey Company is professional, but relaxed enough to allow the cats to feel at home. They’ve also serve as an inspiration. One salesperson took a photograph of them and the image instantly became a printed pin.
For more than a decade, The Monterey Company has created thousands of lapel pins for animal rights groups, groomers, breeders, pet shop owners and animal lovers everywhere. Many of them use the lapel pins to create awareness, promote volunteerism and raise funds.
For a sampling of these images, look under “Awareness Pins” in the lapel pin gallery. The friendly salespeople and designers at The Monterey Company will help you create a custom made pin for you! Call toll free today at 1-800-259-6496.
Posted: May 17th, 2008 under Our Friends.
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The 11th Annual Rock n’ Roll Marathon, held June 1 in San Diego, promised to be challenging and fun.
The 26.2 mile course begins in Balboa Park, runs through Hillcrest skirts the San Diego Zoo, then features the historic Gaslamp Quarter and the San Diego Harbor. After that, the course travels up Highway 163, by the bayside communities, Sea World and ends up at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Point Loma. “Just come home with the finisher’s medallion and you’ll make us proud,” Jeff said to his girlfriend, one of the salespeople at The Monterey Company.
Since he’d completed six L.A. Marathons in the past, Jeff knew what he was talking about. “It’s not about the race, the thousands who run along side you, or all the free stuff you get, it’s all about the finisher’s medallion,” he said with conviction.
“The medallion proves that you ran their 26.2 mile course. No one gets one until they cross the finish line.” That statement really hit home since she works for The Monterey Company, a top medallion manufacturer.
She thought of the 20,000 eager entrants who would battle heat, pain and exhaustion just to earn that medallion. It was their newfound symbol of victory! She imagined wearing it on race day, like a hard-fought badge of honor. Then proudly showing it to her boyfriend, family, friends and coworkers. Alas, she couldn’t view the Rock n’ Roll finisher’s medallion on the official web site, www.rnrmarathon.com.
She wanted to see if she’d like the design and their choice of colors. She imagined it to be a 2-inch die-struck antique gold medallion with a blue ribbon. The central image would have to be a runner with musical symbols and background scenes of San Diego, including the ocean, of course. “No one gets a medallion until they cross the finish line” rang in her ears as she laced up her shoes to run 5 miles that evening. She would just have to wait until June 1 to hold that elusive medallion.
The folks at the Monterey Company help you design your next sports medallion. “It’s not the medallion, but what it represents,” said Paul Stark, the company’s president.
Over the past 20 years, The Monterey Company has created thousands of medallions that people all over the world proudly wear, later show to their family and friends, and keep as treasures for years. Call toll free 1-800-259-6496!
Posted: May 16th, 2008 under Medallions.
Comments: 1
Recently we were asked by one of our customers for a reference and and much to our delight we received the glowing review.
Good to meet you Angie. I can’t say enough about Monterey. I run a tournament every year that hosts upwards of 1000 girls, and we give them pins as gifts for participating.
I work with a board of directors for my league that has no concept of time, so for 2006 and 2007 we were on a very SHORT time frame. Laura was able to get me them pins for tournament day with no problem (2006 was just over 3 weeks). There was some nail biting going on, but everything worked. Laura and Monterey bent over backwards for us.
The quality of the work is awesome. I have a friend that made the line drawings for me and Monterey’s art department worked their magic. Being involved with Little League, I tend to trade a lot of pins. I always receive compliments on the ones I got from Laura.
Side by side you can see the quality of the pins from Monterey and the other companies – detail – colors. I’ve attached pictures of our pins that we got from Monterey. If I can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Posted: May 15th, 2008 under Lapel Pins, Testimonials.
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Keith Richards, an English guitarist, songwriter and founding member of The Rolling Stones, is known for his innovative rhythm playing. In 2003, he was ranked 10th on Rolling Stone magazine’s “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.”International Guitar Month, celebrated this month, creates awareness, satisfaction and the joy of playing a guitar. Guitars are primarily used for blues, country, rock and pop music, and are enjoyed the world over.Keith Richards’ mother introduced him to the music of Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington, and bought him his first guitar - a Rosetti acoustic - for seven pounds.
Richards and lead vocalist Mick Jagger knew each other as schoolboys and even lived in the same neighborhood, but cemented their friendship on a train from Dartford to Sidcup in 1961. They began talking about Chuck Berry and Muddy Waters, and later played in a band together, and the rest is history.
Richards, who owns over 1,000 guitars, is often associated with the Fender Telecaster, particularly with two 1950s Telecasters outfitted with Gibson PAF humbucker pickups in the neck position.Today, there are a wide variety of both acoustic and electronic guitars performed by musicians all over the world.
Whether you’re a musician, music instructor, store owner, guitar enthusiast or fan club member, The Monterey Company can help promote you. We can create your guitar-shaped lapel pin in 3-D cast gold, showcase a photo of your band on a printed pin or highlight your guitar’s workmanship with a die-struck raised metal pin.
The possibilities are endless! In fact, one of the graphic designers at The Monterey Company is intimately involved with guitars. He is a bass player and engineer who designs and builds 10-15 custom made guitars a year.
You can imagine the care he takes in creating your custom-made guitar pins!For more information on your custom made guitar pin, please call The Monterey Company toll-free at (800) 259-6496.
Posted: April 22nd, 2008 under Lapel Pins.
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It’s the frosting on the cake, the lipstick on the face, it’s … packaging for your lapel pins!
Without final packaging, your lapel pins are well . . . bare. You wouldn’t give your girlfriend diamond earrings without a package, or a strand of pearls without a velvet box, would you?
For years, The Monterey Company has been creating quality, jewel-type lapel pins that beg to be presented in the most flattering way. The right packaging sets the tone and states that your pin is as special as the person receiving it!
Many customers of The Monterey Company create custom-made lapel pins for their own service organizations, including philharmonics, doctors without borders and cancer societies, to name a few. Those who make up their membership are giving their time, talent and heart into these organizations. What better way to say that they’re special than by giving their lapel pins in velvet boxes or pouches?
The Monterey Company has a variety of packaging and pricing for you to choose from!
Boxes
Cardboard Box Square $0.60
Velvet Pouches
What’s more, with perfect packaging from The Monterey Company, your lapel pins will stay safe and secure for years to come!
Call The Monterey Company toll-free today at 1-800-259-6496.
Posted: April 8th, 2008 under Lapel Pins.
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