The awards and personalization community is mourning the passing of Stephen Lee Capper, a respected industry leader, entrepreneur, and mentor, who passed away on December 13, 2025.
Capper founded A-1 Awards in 1958, beginning his journey into the recognition industry at just 12 years old, when he borrowed money from his mother to purchase award samples. What started as a small operation supplying ribbons for horse shows and state fairs steadily grew into a trusted, family-run business headquartered in Indianapolis. Today, A-1 Awards operates out of a 25,000-square-foot facility, where many of its high-quality recognition products are still manufactured in-house.
A-1 Awards specializes in trophies, medals, plaques, banners, ribbons, promotional items, and custom gifts, serving customers across sports, corporate, educational, and community organizations. The company has long been known for its commitment to craftsmanship, custom design, and honoring achievement with meaning—principles that guided Capper throughout his career and continue to define the organization today.
Capper’s influence extended far beyond his own company. A longtime and dedicated member of the Awards and Personalization Association (APA), he was recognized for his service with Volunteer of the Year in 1985, named Speaker of the Year in 2000, and inducted into the APA Hall of Fame. In 1996, Steve and his wife, Nora Capper, were jointly honored with the APA Founders Award for their leadership and lasting contributions to the industry.
In 1999, Capper founded the Recognition Roundtable, bringing together award retailers who shared his passion for collaboration, craftsmanship, and the meaningful role recognition plays in organizations and communities. He also established the YES (You Earn Success) Foundation (the-yes-foundation.org), reflecting his belief in encouragement, personal growth, and celebrating achievement beyond the awards industry. Through these efforts, Capper became widely known for his generosity, mentorship, and willingness to share experience and insight to help others succeed.
A lifelong learner and educator, Capper grew up on Indianapolis’ east side and attended Warren Central High School. He later studied in the pre-law program at Butler University and was trained and certified at the Reppert School of Auctioneering, where he earned the third-highest grade in the school’s 88-year history and was awarded the honorary title of Colonel by the school. In recognition of his professional accomplishments and service, he was also named a Kentucky Colonel, an honor signed by Kentucky Governor Steven L. Beshear.
Capper was active in his local community through his church and service organizations, including the Kiwanis Club of Warren Township.
Those who worked with Capper recall his focus on the moments behind every award—the competitions, milestones, and celebrations where recognition would be presented. The countless trophies, medals, and plaques bearing the A-1 Awards name continue to reflect his belief in honoring achievement with care, craftsmanship, and meaning.
“Steve Capper was a giant in our industry, not just for what he built, but for how deeply he cared,” said Pam Holly, president of Recognition Roundtable. “He led with sincerity, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to every person he touched. Steve inspired all with his heart, listened with intention, and left our industry—and our lives—better because of it.”
Capper is survived by his wife, Nora Capper, and his daughters, Toni (Capper) Kottlowski and Jami (Capper) Bean, who continue his legacy through their leadership and active involvement in A-1 Awards. The ongoing operation of the company is further supported by Martin Kottlowski, Gary Bean, Zechariah Kottlowski, Tyler Bean, Chandler Bean, and Matthew Kottlowski, along with other dedicated employees, whose commitment reflects the collaborative, mentoring culture Capper fostered throughout his life.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at the Flanner Buchanan Washington Park East Community Life Center in Indianapolis (www.FlannerBuchanan.com).