100 years ago, H. R. Terryberry created one of the country's first startup businesses, handcrafting pocket watches for companies wishing to reward their top performers. This year, Terryberry celebrates their 100-year business anniversary.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (PRWEB) September 17, 2018
100 years ago, H. R. Terryberry created one of the country's first startup businesses, handcrafting beautiful pocket watches for companies wishing to reward their top performers.
Recognizing employees was a new concept in "Corporate America," and Terryberry was one of the only companies in the world prepared to lead this workplace opportunity.
While pocket watches have been replaced by very contemporary online recognition platforms and a dizzying array of employee awards and wellness programs, safety awards, corporate rings, watches, lapel pins, as well recognition awards for specialty audiences like college and universities, nurses, and championship teams, Terryberry remains one of the world's most regarded employee recognition and reward companies, with 25,000+ clients celebrating millions of recognition moments.
Longtime clients include Cummins, Amway, Hilti, Airgas, Compass Minerals, Old National Bank and Amita Healthcare, among others.
Terryberry is also celebrating 100 years of business, and attributes its success to the company's mission: "Our mission is to help organizations provide their people with special recognition for remarkable contributions and achievements. We strive to create a fulfilling and rewarding environment where people achieve their best potential - in your organization and in our own."
Terryberry also practices what it preaches, investing in its 250+ employees with the same recognition programs and services it offers its clients. The company has low turn-over, with average employee tenure upwards of 12 years. Many employees have remained with the company 30+years.
"We recognize that it's the dedication and contributions of our team members that have enabled Terryberry to thrive, evolve and reach this centennial milestone," said Mike Byam, Terryberry's CEO. Byam is the 4th generation managing partner of the company, carrying on the legacy of his great grandfather, H.R. Terryberry.
Throughout the years, Terryberry has thrived amid extraordinary challenges and circumstances, including a $250,000 burglary in 1961 - one of the largest in Grand Rapids' history. It also became a leading provider of high school class rings, worn and treasured by tens of thousands of graduates, then exited that business line as market demand changed. Now Terryberry focuses on the rewards and recognition business. More recently, Terryberry spearheaded an explosion of innovation with online recognition platforms which have become transformative in helping to build a culture of employee recognition in the workplace. It has also expanded its marketshare with a series of acquisitions and expansions in the UK and Canada over the past decade.
Today, Terryberry has 30+ locations and serves 25,000+ clients worldwide. It remains a family-owned company, led by 4th Generation Managing Partner Mike Byam, and still manufacturers awards including custom jewelry in Grand Rapids, Mich.