Tag Archives: Evaluate it by SQM

Awards to the Awards People at North York Trophies:

Some Trophies available for purchase from North York Trophies

In all the time I’ve been writing this blog, I’ve neglected to mention a supplier to SQM, and one of my favourite companies to deal with.

For many years, long-serving employees at SQM achieve a special acknowledgement when they hit milestone anniversaries, such as the five and ten-year mark. To celebrate these occasions, the employees not only receive a special gift, but we’ve also awarded them a plaque for being with us for five years, and an engraved crystal for ten years of service.

SQM has been in business for 24 years and since the beginning, I’ve looked no further than North York Trophies for all of my awards needs. In fact, my relationship with them precedes SQM, when I was involved in several sports leagues where athletes would periodically receive awards.

I still remember one of my first visits, when the employee took down the information, asked me about the player, and called me when it was ready. At the time, I had someone else go and pick it up for me, but then a few days later, it dawned on me that I never actually paid for it. When I called the store, the employee told me he had no way of contacting me but was confident that I’d call back to settle up.

Putting aside the quality of their merchandise, the trust factor that they extended was the beginning of a great relationship! I’ve always enjoyed working with companies who put the customer’s needs first, instead of focusing on getting a deposit or being paid upfront. Since that first visit, they’ve always been more concerned with meeting my needs and dealing with the payment after.

Though a few people have changed over the years, thankfully, most things at the business have remained the same. I’m not sure the name does them justice, as they have a lot of variety when it comes to products, their prices are competitive, and the workmanship is of high quality.

And the winner for outstanding trophies and awards goes to……….. North York Trophies!

North York Trophies
905-886-2900
www.northyorktrophies.com

 

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Happy Holidays from SQM!

Happy Holidays from the Team at SQM.

With the upcoming holidays, this will be my last blog of the year, before returning in early January.

After another busy and hectic year at SQM, I want to thank all of our office staff and field force for a job well done. In addition, I also would like to also thank the many suppliers to SQM, for their role in our company’s success. Finally, I would like to extend my appreciation and thanks to all of our clients for their business and support.

Although personally and through SQM I support a number of charitable causes on an ongoing basis, it seems as if more people tend to think about those in need around the holiday season. On that note, I’d like to mention one particular cause that could always use more support and donations.

Toronto based, Ve’ahavta, offers a number of programs, but one, in particular, involves providing the homeless with meals, clothing, and other necessities. While many people frequently donate warm winter clothes, to help people in need, I’ve recently learned that there are certain items that are often overlooked, such as new pairs of socks and new (unopened) underwear.

People need clean socks and underwear on a daily basis, so should you ever find yourself wanting to help the less fortunate, wherever you are around the world, please keep these items in mind. It only takes a few minutes and a few dollars to make a real, tangible difference.

Alternatively, as in past years, if you would like to send any new items or gift cards to the SQM office, we would be happy to collect / purchase the items and deliver them to the organization.

On behalf of myself, my family, and the SQM team, I’d like to wish you and your loved ones a safe and enjoyable holiday season and my best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2018!

 

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Thrifty, Nifty, Studio 50

Photograph of household items sold at Studio 50

Every year, as my anniversary approaches, I become increasingly stressed trying to find the perfect gift for Princess Wifey, but this year went much smoother!

My luck began, last fall, when my wife and our friend attended an art show, and came across a unique and masterfully-crafted, functional art piece.

The item was a piece from Studio 50’s Rock Bottom Collection, and consisted of two parts…a glass flask, and a base made of varying types of stone. Depending on what type of beverage it was being used for the stone base could be either heated up or frozen, resulting in the liquid in the flask being kept hot or cold.

After I learned that my wife had fallen in love with the piece, I was on a mission to purchase it in time for our upcoming anniversary, however, the art show only occurred a couple of times a year, and wasn’t going to be in town until after the big day. Fortunately, the products were available online, and while I preferred to see the various choices in person, I wasn’t going to be able to do so.

Enter Kim, from Studio 50, who I connected with first via email, and then over the phone. Kim was more than happy to answer all of my questions, with unfounded patience, and clarified how they shipped the merchandise, and how long it would take to arrive.

My only dilemma was deciding on a colour for the leather wrap that came with the set, and Kim was kind enough to send me samples of a couple colours, with the option of exchanging them if necessary.

At one point, she became so familiar with me, she would ask about the condition of my aunt, who had recently broken her hip. Although a little thing, I was quite impressed that she remembered, and grateful that she cared enough to ask about her.

Of course, I did end up buying the piece for my wife, and the package arrived quickly, and safely wrapped in paper and bubble wrap. Clearly they have their shipping down to a fine art!

Studio 50 also advertises a variety of stunning pieces, including a concrete table, a hardwood mirror, and much more. Prices are reasonable, and the pieces are truly beautifully made and intricately designed.

If you’re ever looking for a unique gift supported by excellent customer service, take a look at Studio 50!

Studio 50
www.studio50.ca
1-226-208-1428

 

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