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Ken Swift of KS Trophies prepares his machines to begin an engraving job.
For years residents in Superior and the surrounding areas could order trophies and engraving from Benson and Henson who not only did accounting, taxes and insurance but they also offered sporting goods, trophies and engraving. Eventually Herb Henson sold the engraving equipment and stock of trophy supplies to Jack and Yvonne Kube who offered the services as well.
Today the same equipment that Benson & Henson used has been refurbished and now Ken Swift and his business partner John Wilsden have been operating K S Trophies and Engraving for a few years and they provide some services to the Superior Unified School District and some private individuals. They would like to grow their business and let others know that the service is available in town. The machines that they use are the traditional engraving and not the computerized laser engraving that you see today.
Trophies by KS Trophies
Ken and his wife found their way to Superior from Idaho about 17 years ago. He began renovating homes and selling them and they got involved with their church. Ken offered handy man services to those in need and also taught basic home repair classes at his church. Ken and his wife eventually bought the home and blue church building at 91 Main St. from their pastor Mel Korb. Today the church building the home to their engraving business and his home is now on the same lot.
John Wilsden and his wife Connie came to Superior from the central valley in California 11 years ago. She wanted to get out of the teaching business and in order for them to maintain health insurance for their family, they needed to move back to Arizona. They fell in love with the scenery and community and decided to stay. They also got involved with the food bank and within the community.
Both Ken and John shared their beliefs that Superior is on an upward swing and will continue to grow as the highway is completed and the Boyce Thompson Arboretum expands. Ken recommends that if you are considering starting a business “do it now” he explains. When he moved here 17 years ago, things moved so slow but he is seeing the upswing in business and community development and he encourages those who want to start something to “do it now”, said Ken. They predict that Superior will be an even bigger tourist attraction than Bisbee.
Their advice to others: If you like to work with your hands or you want to own a business, don’t let someone talk you out of it. If you are working just for the money and not your passion it wont be worth it they explained.
The “In Your Biz” column is sponsored weekly by the Superior Chamber of Commerce in an effort to further promote their business members. To learn more about the Superior Chamber of Commerce you can visit their website www.superiorarizonachamber.org or call them at 520-689-0200. The Chamber meets the third Wednesday of every month at their building 165 Main St. in Superior, Arizona. Those planning on attending the Chamber luncheons do need to RSVP prior to the meeting, please call Deb McKee to RSVP at 520-827-1773.
Article compiled by Mila Besich-Lira for Superior Sun – Copper Area News Publishers.
Mila Besich is a resident of Superior with two children. She volunteers for many local organizations. She is an experienced fundraiser and event planner for Copper Corridor Economic Development Coalition. She covers some of the area town councils and schools.
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