Founded from the belief that recognition must be expertly made, Cristaux International manufactures some of the world’s most innovative and well-crafted recognition concepts in the industry.
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The Stormy Award Program at Cristaux International began with a simple yet powerful question: “How does a company that lives and breathes recognition implement a meaningful, on-brand program for its own team?” Finding a way to honor our own team in a way that reflected our core values remained a challenge. Amid this contemplation, an unexpected source of inspiration arrived in the form of a French Bulldog puppy named Storm.
Storm, our CEO Andre Janus’s beloved new pet, soon became a regular visitor to the Cristaux office. Almost immediately, his presence had a profound impact. Employees who were once focused on their tasks with unwavering intensity found themselves pausing to interact with the playful pup. The atmosphere lightened, and the energy of the office shifted dramatically. Team members, clients, and visitors alike were drawn to Stormy’s infectious charm, and our company culture became infused with a sense of joy and connection that had been missing. Stormy’s presence seemed to symbolize the growth and transformation Cristaux was experiencing.
As Cristaux continued to expand, opening new locations and taking on ambitious projects, Stormy became a fixture of the company’s journey. He was more than just a mascot; he embodied the positivity, resilience, and creativity that the Cristaux team brought to their work. The realization dawned on us—this uplifting spirit that Stormy brought to the office needed to be recognized. And so, the idea for the “Stormies” was born.
have been crafted over the years as we perfect and modernize the Stormy Awards.
Designing the Stormies was an intricate and challenging endeavor, one that required the Cristaux team to craft an award that not only embodied the spirit of the company but also honored its unique culture. Cristaux had long been known for creating custom awards that capture the stories and accomplishments of their clients, and now they faced the task of reflecting their own journey within the confines of a single award. The challenge was clear: How do you design something that is both timeless and dynamic, something that represents the enduring values of the company while also capturing its constant evolution?
The core design of the Stormies was envisioned as a physical manifestation of the Cristaux ethos—an award that was visually stunning yet deeply meaningful. The initial concept involved a form that would remain consistent, providing continuity and anchoring the brand’s identity, but with the finish changing year after year to symbolize Cristaux’s growth and the key milestones it reached. This approach required the design team to dig deep into the company’s history, values, and culture, selecting elements that would not only resonate aesthetically but also convey the essence of the Cristaux journey. Each design had to tell a story, encapsulating significant events and themes that defined the company’s progress over the past year.
As Cristaux expanded and the team grew, so did the complexity of designing the Stormies. With the transition of the award program into a years of service recognition, the challenge shifted. The team now had to honor not just the company’s journey but the individuals who had made lasting contributions to Cristaux’s success. This new focus required designs that were more personal, celebrating the longevity, dedication, and impact of the recipients while still staying true to the overarching values of the brand. This evolution added another layer of complexity to the design process, as each iteration had to be both universal and individual—a delicate balance between honoring the company’s collective growth and the personal achievements of its employees.
The process of designing each iteration of the Stormies became a highly anticipated event within the company. It wasn’t just about creating something beautiful; it was about capturing the heart of Cristaux and the people who made it what it was. Designers competed internally, presenting innovative concepts that symbolized meaningful moments in Cristaux’s history or reflected the ethos of the individuals being honored. This competitive spirit fostered a culture of pride and ownership, as each designer understood that they weren’t just creating an award—they were contributing to Cristaux’s legacy. Winning designs became a source of immense pride, as the creators saw their work come to life in the form of the prestigious Stormies, cementing their personal connection to both the company’s history and its future.
In this way, the Stormies became more than just a recognition award—they became a symbol of Cristaux’s commitment to innovation, creativity, and growth. One major design element that captured this spirit was the incorporation of two skylines into the piece: Chicago and Amsterdam. These cityscapes represented the union of Cristaux’s two manufacturing facilities, bridging continents and highlighting the global collaboration that powers the company. Each design reflected not only the past year’s achievements but also the company’s vision for the future. The transition to a years of service award further deepened this meaning, as each iteration became a tribute to the lasting impact of individuals within the organization. The Stormies, through their design and evolution, embodied the collaborative energy that had always defined Cristaux—and the positivity and growth that Stormy, the French Bulldog who inspired it all, brought into the workplace.
The Stormies quickly became a source of pride for the entire team. Employees are eager to earn these coveted awards, which are given out annually for years of service. But more than just professional accolades, the Stormies represent a deep personal connection to the company’s journey—each award recipient has their own story of how Stormy, the office pup, brightened their day or lifted their spirits during challenging times. Ultimately, the challenge of designing the Stormies was about creating something that could grow alongside the company while remaining rooted in its values. It was about crafting a recognition award that didn’t just honor accomplishments, but told a story—a story of creativity, collaboration, and lasting impact. The result is an award that celebrates both the individual and the collective journey of Cristaux’s team.
