Shawn Fitzpatrick of University Trophies Knows Everyone is a Winner!

Everyone deserves recognition, and Shawn Fitzpatrick wants to make sure their accomplishments are recognized!

Shawn is the owner of University Trophies, right here in Long Beach, and he and his staff endeavor to provide quality products on time with great customer service!

What sort of purpose do you feel in your job and/or why do you believe your line of work is important and meaningful?

Most items are being created for someone's accomplishments. Knowing we are helping recognize others helps us create the best product we can.

What is the most exciting part of your day-to-day work?

Customers, I have fun interacting with my customers and want to create a fun atmosphere.

What do you think the future of your industry looks like, let's say in 15 years? What impact will it be making? How will it be different from what you do now?

Hard to say where we will be in 15 years since technology is changing rapidly. I plan on expanding the new technology into the items we offer. Actually, I just might be semi retired and working part time...if they want me.

When did you decide you wanted to enter this field? What steps did you take to make that decision a reality?

My parents started the business when I was 2 years old. I guess you can say I have been working here my whole life. I got out of the Navy in 1994 and my mom asked if I would help her just for the busy season in 1995, the rest is history.

For any students age 12-18 who think your job sounds interesting, what advice would you give them to help them learn/train/explore your field?

I tell all my new hires that the most important quality is to be dependable. Have a passion with what you want to do and knowing the products we supply are recognizing others is why we do this job.

Are there any organizations, communities, or movements that create synergy between you and others in your field, here in the city of Long Beach?

We provide many different awards to many different organizations and I would think other shops take the pride in knowing what our industry is really about.

What makes Long Beach a great place to live and work as it relates to your industry?

I was born and raised in Long Beach. Long Beach has such a wide diversity from sports to school awards to corporate events.