A great idea for a business can come from anywhere. In Dean and Lou Crawford’s case, their love of bowling inspired a business that has endured more than 50 years.

The Crawfords knew the leagues they played in and others in the area needed trophies, so they started an awards business from the basement of their home. Dean, a mailman by day, would head to local bowling alleys and take orders from league organizers.

Today, Dean’s Trophies has stores in Belton and Lee’s Summit operated by Dean and Lou’s daughter, Debbie Scott, and Jamey Suddarth, Dean and Lou’s grandson and Debbie’s nephew. They still sell trophies, but their product lineup has expanded to include T-shirts, hats and other wearables. Clubs, companies and other organizations use them to recognize and praise their people.

And recognition, whether it’s in the form of a trophy or a T-shirt, is what Dean’s Trophies is really selling.

Solid customer relationships have also played a big part in the company’s longevity, said Scott, who has worked in the business ever since she was a girl. “We still do business with people we did business with 40 or 50 years ago,” she said.