From family traditions to at-home jobs to second jobs, there’s plenty of unique things about Mower County’s work

Editor’s note: This is the second in a four-part series. Look for parts one through four July 2-5.

In the early 1980s, Richard Lee bought Moline Awards, a custom award and trophy store, from its original owner. Not long after, his grandson, Dan Klingfus, got involved with the shop, helping out during summers while he attended school.

“I’ve been working for him ever since I was 8 years old,” he said.

Almost a year ago, Klingfus became owner. He now works full time at the small shop in Austin, where he custom crafts a variety of trophies and awards for people in Austin and all over the contiguous U.S.

Klingfus said he took over when his grandfather was ready to pass the down the reins.

“He got to retirement age and decided enough was enough for him,” he said. Though his grandfather still helps out now and then along with Klingfus’ brother, Richard, Klingfus is the only staff at Moline.

Most of his customers will find an example of what they want online, they come show him a picture. They bring in whatever paperwork and ideas they have, and Klingfus brings it all together in a finished product.

“I try to mock it up as close as I can for them,” he said. “They can jazz it up however they would like within their budget.”

Typically, customers place an order for one to six awards at a time. Depending on how elaborate the work is, Klingfus said it takes about 24 hours to complete five trophies.

Once Klingfus has an idea what the customer wants, he goes into a computer design program, puts the artwork together and sends it to the customer for approval. After getting the OK, he begins the last phase of his work.

“I set up the art work and shoot it on over to the laser,” he said. “I try to make everything in-house here.” Although they cost a bit more, Klingfus gets his blank plaques from within the U.S., often from Wisconsin.

He uses a number of tools, from engravers to a sublimation machine, which uses a special type of ink that transfers from a sheet of paper onto the metal, to make black lettering.

When the awards are finished, customers come pick them up, or Klingfus will custom pack them and ship the order out.

The summer months tend to be slower, Klingfus said, especially with the lack of school athletics.

“There’s no baseball, soccer, wrestling stuff going on,” he explained. “During June and May, we’re moving and grooving pretty good.”

While sports trophies and business awards are especially common, Klingfus said requests come in for “any rhyme or reason,” and some are simply unique.

“They best custom one I had to make was about a 17-foot trophy,” he said. He said he figure it must have been for an organization, since room was left on the nameplate for additional names. Another, that he found particularly amusing was the “Best Booty Award.”

He once made an award for Governor Mark Dayton, at the request of a group from Austin that was going up to see him and wanted to bring a gift.

Overall, Klingfus said the first 12 months as owner have gone well, though, like many people, he’s not keen on one time of year.

“Besides tax season, it’s been great,” he said.