BRONX TIMES REPORTER, NOVEMBER 2 26 9-DECEMBER 5, 2019 BTR
Greg Perry, franchise owner of Crown Trophy in Westchester Square.
Photo by Carlotta Mohamed
Crown Trophy
‘motivates, recognizes,
inspires’ for 3 decades
BY CARLOTTA MOHAMED
For three decades it’s never a
dull typical day at Crown Trophy in
Westchester Square where clients walk
in to place an order for an engraved
plaque or trophy for a special occasion.
For owner Greg Perry, it’s not just
about selling the product, but also creating
a ‘feel good experience’ for each
and every client.
“Our goal is to wow the customer.
We have to be out here in your world to
fi nd out the meaning of this particular
award -- the meaning to the recipient
of the award and the meaning to you,
as the giver of the award,” Perry said.
“Once we can impact that wow experience
to you, then we know it’s going to
be passed on to that recipient.”
Crown Trophy is a communityminded
franchise business with a focus
on working with sports leagues, youth
groups, clubs, schools and religious organizations.
With 150 locations in over 40 states,
Crown Trophy continues to grow and
develop high quality innovative products
-- from trophies to sculptures, medals,
acrylics, and cups -- providing customers
with complete satisfaction.
Following the aftermath of a fi re that
ripped through the fi rst Bronx Crown
Trophy store between LaSalle and Coddington
avenues in May 1991, Perry
set up shop six months later at 2554 E.
Tremont Avenue becoming an anchor
in the community supplying not-forprofi
ts, businesses, organizations and
Bronx little leagues.
A retired educator and track-andfi
eld coach turned business owner,
Perry and his staff have strived to provide
excellent customer service to clients
throughout the years.
“I wanted to be able to wow people.
First it was me wowing people in the
classroom, then it was wowing people
on the track, then it was wowing people
in business,” Perry said. “When clients
don’t know exactly what to write, I’d say
let me see what I can put together...and
when they see the fi nished product, it
brings tears to their eyes.”
Also referred to as the ‘hub,’ Crown
Trophy has become a place where locals
connect and form friendships. Perry
has often reiterated the motto: MRI – to
motivate, recognize and inspire.
“In the 30 years I’ve been here, we’ve
had students who worked here come
back to visit us,” Perry said. “Crown
Trophy was concerned about their
growth and development, and we’ve
made an effort to unlock the greatness
in everyone that has worked here.”
Earlier this year in May, Crown Trophy
celebrated its 30th anniversary offering
customers various discounts.
The anniversary coincided with
Perry’s 70th birthday celebration at the
Residence Inn at the Hutch Metro Center,
where guests -- from Crown Trophy
and other organizations -- were recognized
for their contributions and impact
in the community.
Overall, Perry says they’re looking
to continue to grow and expand to another
area in the Bronx.
“We want to continue to be of service
to all of the people here in the Bronx,”
Perry said. “We’re here to make a profi t
but at the same time we are communityoriented
and this is something I’ve enjoyed
over the years.”