Quality Trophy & Engraving

Quality Trophy and Engraving represents both a continuation of a long-standing local legacy and the start of a new chapter for owner Kasey Marler, an evening news anchor for a local television station who purchased the 40-year-old trophy and engraving business from a retiring owner. Balancing his broadcast career with entrepreneurship, Kasey works mornings at the business, while his wife, Julie, operates it during the remaining hours, ensuring continuity for customers while honoring the business’s history rooted in rural Tennessee. The transition preserved an established community institution while creating a new opportunity for ownership and growth. 

To make the purchase of both the business and the building possible, the Marlers turned to the Tennessee Small Business Development Center for assistance with funding and startup logistics. The TSBDC worked closely with the client on a full business financial review, entity setup, business licensing, state registration for sales tax, and workforce development, while also collaborating with the client and lender to structure the most effective funding solution. 

The result was the successful launch of a new business built on an existing foundation. With necessary funding secured, Quality Trophy and Engraving opened under new ownership, creating one job and retaining another, while ensuring the business remained a stable presence in the local economy. 

The TSBDC continues to support the business through ongoing follow-up to identify future assistance needs as the Marlers focus on steady operations and long-term success. Reflecting on the journey, Kasey Marler shared, “The chance for my wife Julie and I to own a small business is a dream come true. We are connecting in a special way and with the help of the TSBDC and David’s lifetime of business knowledge, we are carrying on the former owner family’s legacy of celebrating success throughout the region.”