Being the third generation owners of the family business we couldn’t be happier to tell you a little about our family… here goes…
Back in 1947 our Grandfather Edward Arietta (a trade machinist, tool and die maker) started his own business… the business was called Paramount Pen Company. The company was originally located on Post Street in San Francisco CA. Manufacturing pens, pins, medals, trophies, charms and awards (all hand engraved and made of real metal die casts materials).
Then in 1952 he moved the business to a building he and his wife Evelyn purchased in San Carlos CA. They were heavily involved in the school districts helping them with ribbons, cups, trophies, certificates etc. (just a note: back then the school children wore metal dog tags around their necks as identification while at school).
In 1959 they changed the name to Paramount Manufacturing Jewelry. As Edward did a lot of jewelry work, silver plating, hand engraving, medallions, die cast making, tooling, and panagraph work (still used today for a few of our longtime loyal customers).
In the early 1960’s Edward was one of the 12 members that started an organization called the Trophy Dealers Association (TDA). That founding association changed names later to Trophy Dealers and Manufacturers Association (TDMA) when they establish national recognition. From this pioneering group, the association known today as Awards and Recognition Association (ARA) was formed. (Just a proud industry involvement note).
In 1982 the business name changed names to Paramount Trophies (a more fitting name to describe what the business had evolved into as we are in an evolving industry… remember it went from hand engraving on metal cups and pot metal figures to the laser engraving we also use today).
Finally in 1982 the name was once again changed… this time to the current title of Paramount Awards (we plan on keeping that title for a while at least for retro sake).
Edward and Evelyn’s daughter Linda Caldwell joined the family business in 1985 (officially that is - as she had worked in the business since she was 10 years old). Linda continued to run the business side by side with her father while staying actively involved in the local chambers, service groups, as well as clubs for the community.
Edward, sadly left us behind in 1991. Linda took over sole ownership.
In 2001… Linda Caldwell turned the family business over to her son and daughter in law… Chris and Suzanne McNay.
We moved the family business from the bay area to the Sacramento Area where Chris, as well as his work with the family business, is currently a full time Captain/Fire Fighter with a local Fire Department.
Proudly we still remain active members of the community we are a part of as well as maintaining many of our long term industry organization memberships. Together these relationships keep us moving forward and involved.
Today our two children are very much active participants in the family business and show interest in continuing the legacy… that will make the 4th generation!
We pride ourselves on personal customer service, commitment to quality, dependable service and products with a genuine caring for our clients and sincerely value the many friendships we have made over the years and also continue to make.
