About Us
In 1984, Ed Korbyl created Columbia Awards and Recognition on the south-side of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada where he provided a wide variety of awards, medallions, recognition pieces and engraving services.
Over the years, Columbia Awards grew in experience and size serving western Canada with a wide variety of awards and engraving services. At that time, Columbia Awards become pioneers in laser engraving technology when in 1986 when they obtained the 1st laser engraver in Western Canada and the 2nd laser in the entire country of Canada.
In 1987, the Calgary Winter Olympic committee approached Korbyl to help them fabricate the official Olympic torch. “The amount of red tape involved with all the regulations and specifications made this project challenging” says Korbyl. “But we were determined to become involved with such a prestigious event that all the work was worth it” says Korbyl
In the following years, Columbia Awards won several international design competitions with their creative awards, engraving techniques and creativity. During the 2006 Awards and Personalization International Awards Market, Columbia Awards received 6 First Place International Design Awards and 1 Second Place International Design Award. “The funny part was that there were only 7 categories and we almost took first place in almost every single category” says Richard Korbyl (son of Ed Korbyl).
Attendees at the trade show were amazed that a small family-based company based out of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada could create such unique designs and almost take over the entire design competition. “Even the big and very established award retailers were surprised with us…” says Korbyl.
As years passed, Columbia Awards honed their expertise and knowledge to create some of the most unique awards. This includes their newest creation in 2022 called The Heritage Series . These unique awards and plaques were manufactured using reclaimed wood from an actual an Alberta grain elevator. “History, design and appearance were all combined to create with these unique awards which were only available from Columbia Awards” says Korbyl
In late 2023, Richard Korbyl saw an increase in Fantasy Football award requirements and decided to help team commissioners recognize not only the best performance, but also the worst performance. From a suggestion from a walk-in client, Korbyl created what is now know as the “…world’s best fantasy football loser” trophy. “There’s no better way to recognize the sub-par performance of your participants and still have fun with it” says Korbyl.
Korbyl also saw that there was need for a personalized unique award which differed from the traditional column trophy. TrophyKing.ca was created for that niche.
During the same period, Korbyl saw market for Fantasy Football awards was rapid grow. He also knew that the mecca for these Fantasy Football awards was just across the border into the USA. So, Korbyl partnered with a USA based awards retailer to help produce and distribute these special loser awards.
So… there you have. The history of FantasyToilet.com When your league needs a courtesy flush and your game is in the crapper, FantasyToilet.com can help!