Building the Future: Growth, Training, and Excellence at Our New Florida Location

At Glassical Designs, growth isn’t just about expanding our space—it’s about expanding our capacity to serve, create, and support both our team and our clients. That’s why we’re thrilled to share an update on our newest location in Panama City Beach, Florida, where things are rapidly taking shape. With state-of-the-art equipment arriving and production capabilities coming to life, this expansion marks a major step forward in our mission to deliver premium, personalized awards and recognition programs with the care and precision we’re known for.

As we continue to scale our operations, we are also expanding our team and reinforcing the core values that have guided us for over 40 years. People Before Things and Integrity Over Profit. That philosophy is at the heart of everything we do, from how we train new employees to how we collaborate with clients to ensure that every award is a meaningful reflection of achievement and appreciation.

In this blog, we want to take a moment to celebrate the milestones we’ve achieved in Florida so far, introduce some of our new team members, and share why thorough training and a people-first approach are essential not only to our company’s success but also to our industry as a whole.

Expanding Our Operations in Colorado and Florida: New Equipment, New Capabilities

Setting up a new facility is an exciting but complex process. It’s not just about moving into a larger space—it’s about equipping that space with the right technology, talent, and training to ensure we maintain the same standards of quality, efficiency, and precision that have defined us for decades.

One of the most exciting developments at our Panama City Beach location is the arrival of cutting-edge production equipment, which will enable us to increase our manufacturing capacity and serve more clients with the same level of personalized attention. Whether it’s our UV printers, CNC routers, or laser engraving machines, every piece of equipment plays a crucial role in bringing our clients’ vision to life.

We don’t take shortcuts when it comes to quality. While some companies outsource key elements of production, we handle personalization, assembly, and finishing in-house, ensuring that every award meets our high standards before it reaches our clients. This hands-on approach is what sets us apart, and our new Florida facility will allow us to scale that model while maintaining the same meticulous attention to detail.

Growing Our Team with Hands-On Training

As our operations expand, so does our team. We are currently hiring skilled equipment operators for our Florida location, ensuring that our production team is built with the same commitment to excellence that has made Glassical Designs an industry leader.

But hiring is just the first step. Training is what ensures that every new team member not only understands how to operate our precision machinery but also grasps the bigger picture—why their role is essential in creating awards that celebrate excellence and achievement.

At Glassical Designs, training is more than just a technical process; it’s a cultural immersion. Every new employee receives hands-on instruction from experienced team members who guide them through our meticulous processes, covering:

• Equipment operation and maintenance – ensuring safety and precision in every cut, print, and engraving.
• Material handling – from glass and crystal to acrylic and wood, each award material requires special care.
• Quality control – double-checking every detail to ensure that our clients receive flawless awards, every time.
• Understanding the customer’s vision – every award we produce tells a story, and it’s important that our team understands the intent behind the design.

This hands-on, detailed approach ensures that our production team operates with both efficiency and care. This reduces errors and reinforcing the high standards we are committed to maintaining.

Welcoming Cindy to Our Florida Team

Alongside our production team expansion, we are also strengthening our administrative team. We’re thrilled to welcome Cindy, our new bookkeeping professional, who brings valuable experience and expertise to our company.

While her role may not be as visible as those on the production floor, her work is critical to keeping our operations running smoothly. From managing financial records to ensuring accuracy in invoicing and vendor relations, Cindy’s role supports every aspect of our business. Like every team member at Glassical Designs, she is not only learning the technical aspects of her job but also embracing our people-first culture.

We believe that every employee—whether they work in production, sales, customer service, or accounting—plays a vital role in our success. That’s why we take the time to ensure that everyone, from day one, understands not just what we do but why we do it.

Why Training Matters in the Awards Industry

The recognition industry is unique. While many aspects of manufacturing and design can be taught, creating a truly exceptional awards program requires a deep understanding of meaning, branding, and intent.

That’s why we prioritize training at every level—not just for new employees but as an ongoing commitment to excellence and innovation. Every person on our team, regardless of department, needs a full understanding of how we do what we do—and why it matters.

From the careful craftsmanship behind each award to the thoughtful consultations we provide to our clients, our work is about more than just delivering a product. It’s about capturing the essence of achievement and appreciation in every design.

Our clients don’t just want an award; they want a symbol of recognition that fits their company culture, values, and goals. Whether it’s a sleek, modern look for a corporate sales award, an elegant crystal piece for a hospitality milestone, or a bold acrylic design to celebrate top performers, our job is to bring that vision to life with intention, thoughtfulness, and flawless execution.

A People-Centered Approach—For Employees and Clients

At Glassical Designs, our people-first philosophy isn’t just a slogan—it’s how we operate, every day. Just as we take the time to train, mentor, and invest in our employees, we also take the time to understand and support our clients.

We know that a recognition program is more than just a transaction—it’s a moment that matters. Our approach is always centered on helping our clients create meaningful, memorable award experiences that truly reflect their brand and the accomplishments being honored.

This commitment to both employees and clients is what has driven our success for four decades, and it’s what continues to set us apart as we grow.

With our new Florida location coming to life, our team expanding, and our commitment to excellence stronger than ever, we are excited for what the future holds. Thank you for being part of this journey with us—whether as a valued client, an industry partner, or a member of our growing Glassical Designs family.

Final Word: Excellence Through Growth and Training

Every step of our growth, whether it’s adding new equipment, hiring and training new employees, or refining our client experience, is focused on one thing: ensuring that every award we create is beautifully designed, meticulously crafted, and deeply meaningful.

Our people-centered, client-focused approach is what defines us. We look forward to continuing to serve with the same level of care, integrity, and excellence that Glassical Designs is known for.

If you’re a client looking for an award program that truly captures your company’s values, we’d love to help. And if you’re looking for a career with a company that values people before things, we’re always growing our team.

Here’s to the future—one award, one recognition moment, and one meaningful celebration at a time.