Heritage
Heritage
We’ve come a long way since our founding in 1952, from one jewelers tool chest to a 17,000 sqft facility. Three generations on, we still take time to remember where we came from.
Past & Present Presidents
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Karl J. Thalman Founder, 1952-1997 -
Jeff K. Thalman In memoriam, 1997-2008 -
Travis J. Taylor 2008-Present
A jeweler and watchmaker, KJT founded the company in 1952 from humble beginnings with only one jewelry showcase and his trusted jewelers tool, his skills as a talented hand engraver soon became the focus of the company now known as the recognition source.
Drafted during the Korean war, he spent 17 months in Germany working in supply. After returning home, and with a $500 loan from his loving mother, Karl founded Thalman Jewelers. KJT invested in both his business and the community it served. From his early days on the Daily Universe staff at BYU to his later years as councilman, KJT left his mark throughout the greater Provo area.
KJT Served as president of the Provo Youth Baseball Club for over 29 years. He presided over the 29,000 member Utah Golf Association for two terms. He was also president of The Riverside Country Club for a number of years. In 1996 the mayor of Provo dedicated a new baseball complex after KJT for his over 30 years of service for The Boys and Girls Club of Utah County.
We no longer have a retail store front, but maintain the pride and attention to personal service KJT provided to all his customers. Now retired, KJT along with his wife of 63 years Carol maintain their home in beautiful Provo, spending time with their many great grandchildren.
Jeff followed closely in his father’s footstep, dedicated to family, community, and building the modest family business.
Jeff was an overachiever both in business and in his personal life. He became and avid golfer at a young age and quickly earned many accomplishments, winning 3 state championships and earning a scholarship the University of Utah. Professionally Jeff is credited with bringing Recognition Source to the 21st century. He transformed the company during the 2002 Winter Olympics, with the Official 2002 Winter Olympics commemorative crystal, becoming one of the best sellers that year. It also transformed the company to recognition awards exclusively. He also created and launched our first company website, with our first online order placed in 2003.
Jeff was a dynamic young man, adored by his family, friends, colleagues and many in the Provo community. Jeff left us too soon and will be deeply missed by all who loved him.
Growing up in sunny California, a distance away from the roots his grandfather (KJT) had established and grew in Provo, Utah. Travis hadn’t a clue that one day he would take the reins of the family business. It turns out that summers, vacations and extended stays in Provo when he swept floors and clung to his grandfathers (KJT) side would help instill the work ethic and industry knowledge that still guide the company till this day.
When Travis was taped in 2008 to take over the family business, he brought along with him years of expertise in franchise management. Client focused, Travis immediately began work on developing and maintaining a user experience that is effective much as it is pleasant.
Under Travis’s leadership the company moved into and designed a state-of-the-art 17,000 sqft. facility and showroom in Arlington, Texas. Now with over 15,000 clients worldwide, a global supply infrastructure, and a robust online presence, Travis is positioning the company to be the industry leader in recognition awards, all while maintaining the pride and attention to personal service the KJT delivered to all his customers throughout the years.
History
Armed with only one jeweler’s tool chest and a commitment to quality, KJT opened the doors to Thalman Jewelers. Over 60 years on and we still hold to the standards to which we were founded on.
Jeff Thalman leads the company into a new era after Karl’s retirement. With big shoes to fill, Jeff was up for the challenge. An all American athlete with a brilliant business mind, Jeff hit the ground running.
With the 2002 Winter Olympics in his backyard, Jeff Thalman didn’t miss the opportunity to be a part of history. Working closely with the Olympic committee to help design and produce the official Winter Olympics commemorative award, made from crystal and sand blasted by hand. It became a hit and transformed our company into a leader in crystal awards.
Not one to follow trends but rather set them, Jeff built and launched our original company site. First online order was placed and our online presence has steadily continued to build from there.
Jeff relocated to Dallas and brought the company along with him. Centrally located in the US helped the company expedite shipping to our clients, win, win!
Travis, grandson to Karl Thalman, takes the reigns as President.
As the company grew and the need to expand became evident, Travis moved the company into a 17,000 sqft. build to suit facility.
Always working to better our clients’ experience, the need for a new, streamlined website with a robust infrastructure was custom built and launched. Special thanks to Huemor Designs.