Arthur Rixstine and his sons, Don and Ken, opened a store at 1108 P Street in Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1932, initially selling jewelry and a limited selection of silver cups. Over time, the store shifted its focus towards recognition products like medals and pins. It eventually evolved into Rixstine Recognition, a global entity known for its high-quality awards, trophies, apparel, and promotional items.
The Impact of World War II
World War II brought significant changes to many industries, including Rixstine. The war effort created a high demand for walnut wood, which was primarily used by the military for gun stocks, but it was also commonly used for making plaques and bases. Due to this scarcity, Rixstine adapted by selling more sterling silver cups, often without bases. Despite these challenges, the Rixstine family persevered, continuously adapting their business model to meet the needs of their customers.
A New Era: Transition to Hoffman Ownership
After Arthur's passing in 1945, Ken and Don took over running the shop. They moved it from the original P Street location to 2705 O Street sometime between 1950 and 1960 to accommodate the growing business. In 1984, Timothy Hoffman began managing the company for the Rixstine brothers, and by 1986, Tim and Cindy Hoffman officially became the owners of Rixstine Trophy. Under their leadership, Rixstine has expanded from a local store into a global powerhouse, serving customers across all 50 states and in international markets, including China, Japan, and Canada.
Expansion and Innovation
After officially taking ownership of Rixstine Trophy, the Hoffmans set their vision for the company's growth into motion. In 1988, they expanded the business by purchasing the building next door at 2711 O Street. However, they quickly outgrew that space, leading them to acquire their current location at 2350 O Street in 1990. Their first major expansion came in 1995 with a 6,000-square-foot addition to the existing O Street building, which they initially shared with another business. As their success continued, they purchased the entire building in 2000, renovating and occupying half while renting out the other half to various businesses.
Following the global pandemic, the grocery store occupying the remaining portion of the building closed its doors in 2021, allowing the Hoffmans to expand their operations into the entire building. This latest renovation was completed in November 2022, just in time to celebrate Rixstine’s 90th anniversary.
As the showroom renovations progressed, it became clear that they needed more space to accommodate additional product lines and a growing inventory. In 2005, they acquired the former Lincoln Airplane & Flying School, where Charles Lindbergh learned to fly, across the street and converted it into a warehouse. While the warehouse's size, history, and safety concerns have made renovations challenging, we’re excited to announce the completion of the newly renovated upstairs area, which once housed the flight school classrooms. For a video walkthrough of this space, visit our media page!
Rixstine’s continued growth and expansion have allowed the company to diversify its markets and product offerings. Now boasting over 12 divisions within 80,000 square feet, Rixstine specializes in custom awards, promotional products, signage, apparel, ribbons, personalized gifts, and much more. This diversification has enabled the company to serve a wide range of markets, including educational institutions, corporate clients, non-profit organizations, sports teams, and government agencies. What began as a small two-person jewelry shop has now evolved into a team of over 40 full-time employees, all dedicated to upholding the high standards associated with the Rixstine name.
Rixstine Recognition: A Global Entity
As Rixstine Trophy continued to grow and evolve, it became clear that their name and branding no longer reflected who they were or what they were becoming. In 2004, Rixstine Recognition was born, marking a significant transformation for the company. This rebranding wasn’t just about adopting a new name; it represented their evolution into a business offering a wide range of products and services, from traditional trophies and medals to cutting-edge recognition solutions. The shift enabled Rixstine to expand its reach, catering not only to U.S. customers but also to clients overseas, building lasting relationships with customers and vendors across the globe.
Further solidifying its industry leadership, Rixstine acquired Mid-America Ribbon Company in 2012, which was later renamed Gold-N-Satin Ribbons and was located in Omaha, Nebraska. This strategic acquisition allowed them to enter new markets and serve customers like 4-H, FFA, and schools, enhancing their ability to meet diverse recognition needs and reinforcing their position as a prominent player in the recognition industry.
Embracing Technology and Modern Trends
In an ever-evolving world, Rixstine has fully embraced new technologies and trends in the recognition industry. This includes advanced engraving and printing techniques, launching an online store to serve their global audience, and diving into the dynamic world of social media. While they continue to evolve and adapt, their focus has always been on delivering quality and reliability over simply following every trend. Though it may not be the newest company on the block, Rixstine's deep expertise and commitment to excellence have ensured that it remains a trusted leader in the industry. Their ability to blend time-honored craftsmanship with modern innovations keeps them well-equipped to meet the changing needs of their diverse clientele.
Commitment to Quality
Throughout its history, Rixstine has remained committed to quality and community. The company's growth has never come at the expense of its core values. Every product, from a simple engraved medal for a local youth sports league to an elaborate custom-designed trophy for a national corporate event, is crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail. This dedication to quality is also evident in products like custom plaques for employee recognition and personalized awards for academic achievements. Should any issues arise, we are committed to correcting them to the best of our ability. Rixstine's consistent focus on excellence has earned the company a loyal customer base that spans generations.
Community Involvement
Rixstine's commitment to the local community is evident in its involvement in charitable activities and local events. Whether donating medals to YMCA teams, running contests at local golf tournaments, or sponsoring bowl-a-thons for Junior Achievement, Rixstine Recognition has consistently supported the Lincoln community. The company takes pride in fostering strong community relationships and creating meaningful opportunities for local organizations and individuals.
Celebrating Achievements Through the Years
As Rixstine Recognition continues to grow, it remains dedicated to its mission of delivering high-quality recognition products that celebrate achievements and create lasting memories. Offering a diverse range of products—from custom trophies, plaques, and medals to personalized apparel, promotional items, and signage—Rixstine tailors its offerings to meet the unique needs of its clients. With a rich history of excellence and a commitment to innovation, Rixstine is poised to sustain its legacy of exceptional service to educational institutions, corporate clients, sports teams, and community organizations. Whether you need a distinctive award for a corporate event, a custom trophy for a sports competition, or personalized recognition items for your school, Rixstine has the expertise and products to fulfill your needs. Explore our online store or contact us today to see how we can help you celebrate your achievements and be a part of our ongoing journey.