Let us take your Recognition to a Higher Level!

At 5Star Awards, we are more than just an awards company. We understand what it takes to reward the exceptional. We care that your employees feel valued. We love that your kids smile and treasure their trophies. We know the importance of making lasting impressions memorable. We especially want those who make your business succeed to be recognized for their exceptional efforts, be they an employee, a customer, a vendor, or a community leader.

Professional Services

Our engraving and etching is done IN HOUSE, we are not a third party supplier. We do our own artwork, provide you with proofs, and then proceed with etching , laser engraving , and color sublimation on those items so you have the pieces you need on time for your event. Our team has more than 17 years of industry experience and stays involved with continuing education and new technology so we can provide these services to our customers. If you can't find what you are looking for, contact us and we will find it for you.

Industry Involvement

5Star founder and President Lisa Higginbotham is involved with the Awards and Recognition Association (ARA), and actively contributes to the industry through her membership on several national committees. The ARA is the largest association for professionals in the awards and engraving industry, and has a membership in excess of 4,000 supplier and retailers.

"I have been a member of ARA since starting the business and I am a firm believer that an awards professional needs to show his or her commitment to the industry. Our business is awards and engraving, my customers need to know that I am a professional, and as such membership and active participation in ARA, in my opinion, is a MUST."

Lisa has served on the ARA Trade Show committee (2009-10), the Education committee (2010-11), the Communications Committee (2011-12). Lisa is a contributor to Recognition Review, the industry publication for awards industry professionals. Lisa has served on the ARIEF Committee since 2009, and chaired the committee in 2011 -- ARIEF is the foundation that provides college scholarship opportunities to deserving industry youth.

In 2013, 5Star was recognized by the ARA as the Small Business Retailer of the Year 2012-2013, and received the industry's coveted Gold Obelisk award. "This was a HUGE honor," Lisa said. "Knowing that we were nominated by our peers, and voted on by our suppliers just reinforces why we love this industry. This is not just a job, it is a passion. We are blessed with fabulous friends and associates in the awards industry family, and that means the world to us. We also work very hard every day to deliver a stellar product that makes someone else's day special. Receiving an award for this is just icing on the cake!"

Our Background

Unlike many awards businesses, 5Star did not evolve from a family business or a history of trophy building -- although 5Star is now very much a family business! Lisa credits her background in commercial printing with that "edge" that helps 5Star make its mark. Lisa spent 20 years in the commercial printing industry, and has extensive experience in graphics, account management, and customer service. From basic layout and graphic design, to a passion and expertise in color management, Lisa has used those skills to both create outstanding product and deliver top notch customer service to her customers. 

"If it goes out my door, it has my name on it. As such it has to be over-the-top. I want my customers and the ultimate recipient to be 'wow'ed by the award. That is what motivates me every day."

Education is a 5Star Priority

Every year we attend the ARA International Awards Market in Las Vegas. In addition to sourcing new ideas, products and technology, spending time with suppliers and friends from across the world, we go to this show for the continuing education opportunities. Both Lisa and Jeff Higginbotham are enrolled in the certification program through ARA and are laser focused on growing the knowledge base of the company.

"Our customers deserve our very best. Education is crucial to our being able to provide leading edge designs, products and services, that help our customers stand out. By constantly growing and refreshing our knowledge of changing technology and processes, we stay on the cutting edge and our customers do the same!"

Long Term Relationships

5Star is committed to building relationships with our customers for the long haul.

"I am very proud that we still have the very first customer we got when I started in business in 1999," says Lisa Higginbotham. "I am a big believer in relationships. I like to get into my customer's shoes, understand what they need and how we can support them. Then we jump through hoops to make sure this happens. Ultimately, I want the burden of the awards process on my shoulders, not my customer's. I want them to be confident that when I am handling their awards, they will not have to worry, the result will be outstanding, and they will always be on time. That is my commitment." 

Community Service

No company can or should stand on retail service alone. As such, 5Star and owners Jeff and Lisa Higginbotham are also firmly committed to giving back. Lisa is a member of Rotary International, a charter member of the Apex Sunrise Rotary club. Jeff and Lisa and daughter Lily are members of and actively serve at Hope Community Church in Raleigh, NC. On a business and personal level, they are supporters of the Pretty In Pink Foundation and the Hope For Haiti foundation.

So, Why 5Star?

From a wedding to graduation to Little League baseball to Salesman of the Year, these are all milestones that affect and make impressions on our customers and friends. We want to be a part of that. We want to make the difference. We plan to be here for the long haul and we want to celebrate those events with you. We want to make those memories special. We appreciate your business and we are committed to earning that business every step of the way.

A Testimonial

"5 Star Awards is a rare find because they deliver in their commitment to quality, customer service, competitive pricing, initiative, and order management – plus they actually deliver too! When you organize a large event, you need to be able to turn over important elements of that event to people you know will follow through and not let you down – 5 Star Awards is that company you can trust to make it happen." Lara Wilson, Director of Public Relations, Raleigh-Wake Home Builders Association.