About Us
About Us
Mission Statement:
At JD’s House of Trophies, our mission is to help people recognize achievement and show appreciation through quality awards, personalized gifts, branded products, and apparel. As a proud veteran-owned business, we take pride in our craftsmanship, accuracy, and service, making every order personal and meaningful. From our Sioux Falls shop to customers nationwide, we’re committed to delivering exceptional experiences and supporting our community with the same care and pride we put into our work.
Vision Statement:
Our vision is to be the most trusted recognition and branding partner in the region and beyond, known for quality, creativity, and service that make every customer feel valued. We will grow through expanded e-commerce platforms, nationwide partnerships, and a strong local presence that continues to serve our community. Guided by integrity, craftsmanship, and community spirit, JD’s House of Trophies is building lasting connections and sustainable growth one order at a time.
Core Values
Integrity
We do what’s right every time. Our word matters, and we stand behind our craftsmanship, our service, and our promises to customers and partners.
Quality
We take pride in every piece we create. From design to delivery, the details matter, and we make sure each product reflects the excellence our customers expect.
Service
We treat every order like it’s personal. Our customers are like family, and we’re committed to making each experience easy, accurate, and meaningful.
Teamwork
We rely on each other’s strengths to get the job done right. Communication, respect, and dependability keep our shop running smoothly and our customers happy.
Community
We believe in giving back to the people and organizations that support us. Through local partnerships, volunteer efforts, and recognition programs, we take pride in helping our community celebrate success.
Nick Blumer
Owner, JD’s House of Trophies
Some businesses are just businesses. JD's House of Trophies is something more.
For more than 50 years, JD's House of Trophies has been a Sioux Falls institution. Since first opening its doors in 1972, this shop has been the place families, schools, businesses, and organizations across the region have turned to when they needed to mark a moment that mattered. Championships won. Careers celebrated. Milestones honored. Decades of memories, made right here in Sioux Falls.
When Nick Blumer saw the opportunity to carry that legacy forward, he did not hesitate. As a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and the South Dakota Air National Guard with more than 20 years of combined service, Nick brought something most business owners cannot: the discipline, precision, and mission-first mindset forged through multiple combat deployments and years of overseeing multi-million-dollar military assets and complex network infrastructures.
What followed was a complete transformation. Nick invested in a new website, CRM integration, modern production equipment, and the strategic use of AI and automation to make the shop faster, smarter, and more capable than ever. Under his leadership, sales have grown more than 50 percent and JD's now serves corporate clients, schools, nonprofits, sports organizations, and customers nationwide while remaining rooted in the community it has called home for over half a century.
Nick is a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, where he sharpened his growth strategy and built the systems that allow JD's to deliver big-company capabilities with small-business heart. JD's is also proud to be a Certified Disabled Veteran Owned Business, a designation that reflects not just ownership but a genuine commitment to the values of service, integrity, and excellence that define this team every day.
At JD's House of Trophies, you are not a ticket number. You are a customer who deserves a partner that cares about getting it right. That is what Nick and his team show up to do every single day.
Outside of work, Nick stays active through Judo, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, competing in HYROX races, hunting, and snowboarding. He remains as driven in life as he is in business, always pushing forward.
Teisha Upward - Production Director
Certified Recognition Specialist (CRS)
Teisha Upward is the Production Director at JD’s House of Trophies in Sioux Falls. She began her career as a laser engraving specialist and quickly worked her way into all aspects of production. After 20 years of producing awards for many of the largest companies, organizations, and schools in the area, Teisha made the move toward the business side of the house. While she still designs and creates many of the items and awards, she has also been instrumental in modernizing operations, implementing a CRM system, adopting new production equipment, developing innovative workflows, and driving growth that increased company sales by more than 50% over the past three years. Her leadership also played a pivotal role in JD’s achieving Certified Disabled Veteran Owned Business status and in winning the 2022–2023 Small Retail Business of the Year award within the Awards & Personalization Industry.
In 2024, Teisha completed her continuing education training within the Awards & Personalization Industry and received her Certified Recognition Specialist (CRS) designation at the APA International Expo held in Las Vegas. She is currently the only CRS in the state of South Dakota, underscoring her commitment to professional growth and advancing the industry standard. In recognition of her leadership and impact, she was named a 2025 SD CEO Women in Business Intrapreneur of the Year finalist and received a 2025 EmBe Business Achievement nomination.
Teisha enjoys creating fun volunteer opportunities for herself and the staff of JD’s as well as supporting many organizations through community sponsorships like Warriors Never Give Up, Folds of Honor, Emily’s Hope, Veterans Community Project, and Fight Like A Ninja - Brittany Corcoran Scholarship Fund. Teisha’s three children – Aidan, Teagan, and Cael – have always been her biggest supporters, and she’s enjoyed the summers when they’ve worked alongside her in the shop.
Brooklyn Grage
Sales & Production Coordinator
Brooklyn Grage is the Sales & Production Coordinator at JD’s House of Trophies, where she helps customers find the perfect personalization products to mark their most important moments. Whether it’s a custom award, engraved gift, sports trophy, or corporate recognition piece, Brooklyn works closely with each client to ensure every detail reflects the significance of the occasion.
In her first year at JD’s, Brooklyn has quickly become a valued part of the team thanks to her positive attitude, strong communication skills, and attention to detail. She is passionate about helping people bring their ideas to life through personalized items and takes pride in making the ordering process simple, clear, and enjoyable from start to finish.
Brooklyn is especially inspired by the role recognition plays in sports, schools, and community events. She enjoys contributing to projects that celebrate achievement, teamwork, and dedication. These values closely align with her own work ethic and commitment to excellent service.
Outside of work, Brooklyn is a dedicated sports fan who loves watching college volleyball and following the excitement of the season. She also enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring nature, and relaxing with a good book whenever she has the chance.