Clarkes Recognition Products
For nearly five decades, the Clarke family has helped organizations and individuals celebrate achievement across British Columbia. Today, Clarkes Recognition Products stands as the province’s oldest trophy shop, with roots dating back to 1977, when the business was first acquired as Western Trophies. Over time, the company has grown alongside a rising appreciation for meaningful recognition in sports, workplaces, and communities.
In an interview, owner Peter Clarke shared the story behind the company’s name. In 1988, while his father, who originally purchased the store, was battling cancer, the business was renamed Clarke’s Recognition Products in his honour. Not long after, his father made a subtle yet meaningful change that would shape the company’s identity for years to come. He removed the apostrophe, creating Clarkes Recognition Products to reflect a sense of shared purpose rather than individual ownership.
“It wasn’t about one person,” Peter explains. “He wanted it to represent the team, the people we work with, and the community we serve.”
Product Offerings
Since 2016, the company has been based in Burnaby, where it continues to support organizations across the region and beyond. Clarkes has built a strong reputation not only for its longevity, but also for its expertise in awards and recognition. The company offers a wide range of products, including awards, plaques, medallions, and personalized gifts. Around 70 to 80 percent of its work focuses on glass and crystal awards, ranging from moderately priced pieces to high end recognition items. It is also one of the largest suppliers of award medallions, serving both sports organizations and corporate clients.
In addition to trophies and medals, Clarkes provides plaques, lapel pins, and a variety of personalized items such as commuter mugs and framed prints. While it may resemble a traditional trophy shop at first glance, the business places a strong emphasis on quality, craftsmanship, and professional presentation.
The Process
Personalization is at the core of what Clarkes does. Nearly every item involves some level of graphic design and customization. The team uses a variety of techniques, including glass etching, laser engraving, traditional diamond drag engraving, and sublimation. Their production capabilities include a powerful 130 watt laser engraver, allowing for highly detailed and precise results. Rather than focusing on creating entirely new award products from scratch, the team prioritizes something equally important, finding the right product for the right moment.
Clarkes works with a broad network of suppliers, many of them based in Canada, which gives customers access to millions of potential award options. Clients can browse selections online or connect directly with the team by phone, email, or chat. From there, the process is clear and collaborative. The team provides a quote, prepares a design proof for approval, and completes production within an agreed timeline. Lead times vary depending on the product, but reliability remains a key strength.
“We understand that people need something for the presentation,” Peter says. “That moment matters.”
Lifting the Human Spirit
Whether it is a corporate milestone, a sports tournament, or a retirement celebration, Clarkes ensures each award is ready for its intended moment of recognition. For Peter and his team, however, the work extends beyond producing trophies. About a decade ago, they began reflecting on the deeper purpose behind what they do. Like many businesses, it is easy to fall into routine. They wanted to reconnect with the meaning behind their work. That reflection led to a simple but powerful idea: lifting the human spirit.
Recognition, Peter explains, has a lasting impact that is often underestimated. A participation medal for a young athlete may seem small, but for a child who is learning, growing, or trying something new, it can spark confidence. The same principle applies in workplaces, where recognizing an employee’s contributions through an award, a milestone, or even a simple thank you can strengthen relationships and motivate teams.
“It’s that moment of recognition,” Peter says. “When someone has done something and it’s acknowledged, it lifts people up.”
For organizations, recognition helps build stronger teams and deeper connections. For individuals, it reinforces that their efforts and contributions matter. After decades in the industry, this belief continues to guide the work at Clarkes Recognition Products. Every award represents a moment of appreciation, celebration, or achievement, and a chance to honour the people behind it, because sometimes, a small moment of recognition can leave a lasting impact and truly lift the human spirit.
Clarkes Recognition Products Ltd
3974 Kitchener St
BURNABY, BC V5C 3M2