About Us

About Us – Recognition Avenue Spokane Valley

Our Story: A Legacy of Recognition Since 1961

In 1961, Raymond and Maxine Soash founded a small business with a big purpose — printing horse show ribbons and programs for their children’s events. They named the company Ramax, combining their names, and began building a tradition of quality and community spirit.

In 1983, their son Stan took over, transforming Ramax into a beloved local business known for celebrating achievements and milestones. Affectionately called “Stan the Ramax Man”, he was admired for his dedication to clients and heartfelt service. Even during his battle with cancer, Stan’s commitment never wavered. His impact is still felt today, and his legacy is honored in everything we create.

A New Chapter: Paula Smith

Paula grew up in the shop, stringing ribbons and learning the values of craftsmanship and service from an early age. After a career as a radiology technologist, she returned in October 2019 to lead the business after her father’s passing.

Before that, Paula and her husband Kenny ran The Grounds Guys of Spokane Valley, a successful landscaping franchise. Their leadership brought national recognition, including Franchise of the Year (2012) and Woman of the Year (2014). In 2019, they were honored as two of the brand’s Pioneers for their mentorship and influence.

They sold the landscaping business in September 2019 — just weeks before stepping into Ramax — in what they now see as divine timing. Since then, Kenny has advised more than 50 companies as a sought-after small business consultant. Together, they bring over 30 years of leadership experience in branding, franchising, and business growth.

Recognition Avenue: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future

In 2020, the company rebranded as Recognition Avenue. The new name reflects a broader vision: helping businesses, schools, and organizations find the right Avenue for ALL their Recognition needs.

Every award, t-shirt, and branded product is crafted with purpose — to celebrate achievement, increase brand recognition, preserve memories, and continue a legacy of service that began more than 60 years ago.

Listen to Paula tell her story on Dream Big Podcast with Deena Budano

Listen Now

Previously Ramax Engraving & Awards, we are a 3rd Generation Company in Spokane Valley (now renamed Recognition Avenue)

Our Capabilities

Recognition Avenue specializes in helping you recognize others through awards and personalized gifts as well as helping your company get recognized through signage, apparel, and promotional items. Some of our capabilities are:

Laser Engraving
Diamond Drag Engraving
UV Printing
Sandcarving
Sublimation

Screen Printing
Direct to Garment Printing
Embroidery
Foil Stamping
Large Format Printing

What Our Customers Have to Say

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Valerie Mitchell 
 
 
 
  We have had numerous products made for special occasions such as a Santa board for the grandkids, Charcuterie boards for wedding gifts (3 to be exact) and personalized tumblers. We love the quality of each product and the customer service is top notch!  Thank you, Ramax!!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Mark Thomas 
 
 
 
  Ramax is AWESOME!   Paula went above and beyond to help give our company new logo ideas.  Her work is beyond compare!  She’s fast, friendly and her work is FANTASTIC.   I highly recommend Ramax for all of your awards, engraving and printing needs!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Shannon Thomas 
 
 
 
  Ramax is truly the BEST!!! Paula and her team are amazing, kind and just hard working honest people. Not only will they go above and beyond what you ask for they take it even a step further and treat you like family! I am so blessed to have found Ramax!!! Thank you, Paula!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Steve Caudill 
 
 
 
  RAMAX is amazing! Wonderful,caring staff to start. Great craftsmanship in a timely manner and affordable. High quality finished product. Highly recommend 👍👍
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Michelle O’Shaughnessy 
 
 
 
  We recently had the pleasure of working with Paula at Ramax Awards for the design and printing of our business cards, and were extremely satisfied with the final product and the overall experience. From the initial consultation to the final delivery of the business cards, Ramax Awards provided exceptional customer service. They took the time to understand our brand and the message we wanted to convey through our business cards. Their team was creative and offered valuable suggestions to enhance the design, making it more visually appealing and professional. Highly recommend!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Adam O'Shaughnessy 
 
 
 
  Ramax did an amazing job on my new business cards! They gave my cards a great new updated design! They are fast, reliable, and genuine. They were great all around. Paula is awesome and very easy to work with. Ramax will be my go to for all of our print and embroidery needs! I highly recommend!! 5 stars!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Julie German 
 
 
 
  Just used Ramax for the first time for name tags for our organization. I'm so happy with how the name tags turned out. It was a super easy process to place the order, and the communication was both thorough and swift. Will definitely use Ramax again!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   John Proffitt 
 
 
 
  We at Walker's Furniture have really enjoyed working with Ramax. Paula has been so easy to work with, helped with great ideas for internal company awards, and helped customize them with a very quick turnaround.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   char ladyman 
 
 
 
  I've used RaMax several times over the past few years and each time they have gone over and above expectations.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Viktoria Lyfar 
 
 
 
  Ordered engraving for coffee cups for my business and they did a turnaround in ONE day! Supreme customer service. It was all done though email. Will be coming back to them.