By Jennifer Leonard

Keith Baldwin, co-owner of Spike’s Trophies in Bryn Mawr and Philadelphia, has been working overtime to take care of his 45-member staff during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It’s been quite a ride,” says Baldwin. “I spend half my day trying to figure out how to pivot.”

So far, he’s turned Spike’s into a call center for the state of New York and is about to start selling personalized masks and bottles of hand sanitizer.

Now, the company that provides many of the trophies, plaques and commemorative items for Philly-area schools and big events, such as the Penn Relays and Dad Vail Regatta, is getting a helping hand from Qurate Retail, parent company of QVC and HSN.

In partnership with the National Retail Federation (NRF), Qurate recently launched its Small Business Spotlight, and Spike’s is one of 20 business selected nationwide. These struggling retailers will receive resources, mentorship and a national platform to promote themselves.

Baldwin, who is active with the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, scored a recommendation from them when the NRF asked for nominations.

After submitting a written application and video in early May, Baldwin learned just a week later that Spike’s was chosen.

“[Qurate] then had me supply them with a bunch of information and asked me to do a video for them to feature,” he says.

The other big news? Baldwin found out he is scheduled to make his live television debut on June 2 (2 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on QVC and 1:55 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. on HSN).

“I asked for a stunt double!,” he says. “I told them, ‘I have a face for radio.’ I just don’t want to get too emotional and embarrass myself.”

His emotion stems from his ceaseless drive to keep his own business afloat—and to help as many others as he can.

“I will promote my industry,” he says of when he goes on air. “I want to give back and mention everyone who has helped me so far. I want to say, ‘Please look up my friends, too.’”

There’s no doubt that Spike’s and countless area businesses have a fighter in their corner, providing optimism and hope throughout the Covid-19 crisis.

Read more about Spike’s Trophies.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jennifer Leonard is a writer at VISTA Today, specializing in retail and consumer marketing. A West Goshen resident, Jennifer has 20 years of experience as a full-time editor and writer for magazines including Woman’s World, Cosmopolitan and Seventeen. Jennifer is available at [email protected].

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