Back in 1897, Otto Jostens set up a little watch repair shop in Owatonna, Minnesota. Now, 115 years later, Jostens is a worldwide concern with more than 5,000 employees across 12 or so locations with independent sales representatives everywhere.
The Jostens name is synonymous with class rings. Yet in the course of its growth, it has expanded, partnering with schools on caps and gowns, diplomas, yearbooks and of course, athletic and other trophies.
Jostens also has a large presence in sports, including the NCAA and the Heisman Trophy, and manufactures 95 percent of the collegiate bowl game trophies every year.
Jostens has always been in professional motorsports, with an expansion in 2000. It works with IndyCar, NASCAR, NHRA, IHRA, ARCA, World Karting Ass’n, ARCA, World of Outlaws, Supercross and Arenacross, and the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
When Daytona International Speedway was repaved in 2010, the folks at Jostens came up with a unique collectible. After moving 750,000 pounds of asphalt that took 15 tractor-trailers loads to its facility near Oklahoma City, Okla., keepsakes were made from the previous racing surface in a variety of designs and prices. To see them, visit the Jostens website here. Similar items were made with track surfaces from Phoenix, Michigan and Pocono.
For the NCMA, Jostens generously provides the Industry Awards and the Achievement in Motorsports Tribute Award (see photo with Humpy Wheeler). Vice President Motorsports Division Curt Bruns says Jostens is “honored to be a part of the NCMA and to provide the awards.”
It’s only a part of Josten’s involvement in giving back to the industries that support its product line. It contributes to foundations and is, in the case of motorsports, a contingency sponsor on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, among other sponsorships.
Bruns says that even though the company is more than 100 years old, the employees strive every day to conduct themselves as an industry leader and to always be innovative. Its product line supports that claim. Visit Jostens here.
Corinne Economaki