Your team earned it
We build the ring that proves it

As a Cheer Division Championship Ring Specialist, Abigail channels her passion for storytelling and design into every creation. Her role is personal: she is dedicated to transforming each team’s unique journey and achievements into a powerful, unforgettable design. Abigail thrives on listening to coaches and athletes share their experiences, weaving the energy of their hard-earned success into every detail.

Her own life is a testament to dedication. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Abigail made history in 2024 by leading Northwest Guilford High School’s cheer team to their first-ever National Championship in Dallas. Her deep ties to cheerleading, football, and racing fuel her creative vision and ability to celebrate accomplishments in meaningful ways.

Beyond work, she enjoys line dancing with friends, a five-year passion. Whatever the arena, Abigail is driven to honor stories of perseverance.

As the Director of Art and Production Innovation, Alex is the creative force who merges artistry, precision, and passion into every championship ring design. His role requires a truly dedicated focus on detail and innovation, transforming complex team stories into bold, lasting symbols of achievement. Alex excels at collaboration, drawing inspiration from his team to ensure every design honors not just the victory, but the entire journey of effort and setbacks.

His hardworking approach is fueled by the belief that celebrating accomplishments means honoring the dedication that goes into them. He continuously seeks new ways to push the boundaries of design and production to create truly unique pieces of wearable art.

When he steps away from his desk, Alex channels his creativity through sketching and photography, often incorporating the textures and patterns he discovers while traveling into his designs. A lifelong soccer fan, he carries the values of resilience and teamwork into everything he does.

Brian Kass is the Co-Founder, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Technology Officer of Southern Recognition, Inc. He directs finance and technology across all divisions with a focus on precision, craftsmanship, and innovation. As a former collegiate quarterback, Brian learned disciplined preparation and leadership under Coach Mike Ayers at Wofford College and under Coach Joe Moglia at Coastal Carolina University. 

He carried those lessons into business where clarity, speed, and trust define every client experience. Brian leads the build out of SR systems for design, approvals, and production so that each program receives a result that is accurate, on time, and worthy of its story. He is committed to advancing SR digital infrastructure, product innovation, and scalable design systems that bring every championship story to life with detail and integrity. 

 Outside of SR, Brian is grounded by his family, his wife Maddie and their two children, Lucy and Hudson, who rem

Chris is a dedicated father of three and an invaluable Championship Ring Specialist who brings over a decade of performance experience to celebrating athlete achievements. His role is deeply personal: he channels the spirit of hard work he’s witnessed into creating timeless symbols of success. What excites him most is listening to the stories behind each championship, hearing coaches and athletes share the highs and lows of their journey.

This connection fuels his passion for creating meaningful rings that capture far more than just a victory. Chris’s commitment to excellence ensures every ring perfectly honors the effort put into the season.

Outside of work, Chris prioritizes family and fitness, from lifting kettlebells to playing at the beach. His favorite getaway is the Outer Banks, where family time and fresh seafood make every trip special.

As the Director of Championship Sales, Dalton is a dynamic and dedicated force known for his drive for excellence and passion for innovation. He thrives on pushing boundaries to ensure every championship ring design and process sets the industry standard. His hardworking approach is fueled by the rewarding moment of delivery, where he personally witnesses the joy of coaches and athletes celebrating their hard-earned victories with rings that perfectly symbolize their journey.

Dalton's commitment is deeply personal, bringing energy and precision to every project and fueling Southern Recognition’s mission to honor success at every level.

Outside of the office, Dalton is an adventurer at heart. In the winter, he snowboards at speeds reaching 63 mph, and in the summer, he explores underwater worlds as a scuba diver. His favorite destination is Breckenridge,

Dave Kass set the tone for Southern Recognition by insisting on preparation, honesty, and work that stand the test of time. His decades of experience with major manufacturers gave him a rare perspective. He saw what makes recognition programs succeed, and he saw what causes them to lose meaning.

Long before leading in business, Dave excelled in competition. A record-setting, two-sport All-American in football and baseball, he played quarterback at Wake Forest and the University of New Hampshire, and later advanced to the professional level. The discipline, focus, and leadership that defined his athletic career still guide how he approaches people, performance, and purpose.
 

He believes recognition should never feel generic. Every piece should be built with care, tested for precision, and delivered with pride. As Chairman Emeritus, he continues to guide leadership, keeping the company close to the craft and unwavering in the standards that bear his name.

Dave Kass is more than the foundation of Southern Recognition. He is its heart. A heart transplant recipient, his life today stands as a living testimony to grace, gratitude, and purpose. His role as Kool Papa to his family is the one that matters most. Dave was given a second chance, and he refuses to waste it on anything that is not worthy. He brings that same conviction to every decision and every product that carries the Southern Recognition name.

Emily combines her lifelong love of sports and jewelry to excel as a Championship Ring Specialist. This role is a perfect personal fit, allowing her to thrive on the creativity and deep meaning behind every piece. Emily is dedicated to helping teams transform their stories into rings they will cherish forever, finding joy in perfecting every detail that makes a design unique.

Her commitment to excellence is deeply personal, stemming from her own hard-earned success as an elite athlete. A University of Florida lacrosse alumna, Emily has earned multiple All-American honors, including two-time IWLCA All-Region First Team selections. This background ensures she understands precisely what it takes to win and how to flawlessly capture that legacy.

Outside of work, Emily enjoys Pilates, long walks, and spending time by the water. She is a true Florida Gators fan who loves the energy of SEC football Saturdays.

As a Championship Ring Specialist, Eric channels his passion for meticulous craftsmanship and hard work into every design. He views ring-making as an art form, much like restoring classic cars, ensuring each piece tells a complete story of triumph and dedication. For Eric, the most rewarding moment is witnessing the genuine reactions of champions as they receive their rings, knowing his commitment to excellence played a part in honoring their journey.

His own life is a testament to perseverance: after playing just one season of varsity football, his determination led him to compete at the college level starting 33 consecutive games and earning national accolades, proving that dedication is the ultimate fuel for success.

Outside the office, Eric is a dedicated father who enjoys spending time with his children, Layla and Eric Jr., and is often found cheering them on from the sidelines of their recreational teams.

Faith brings a personal passion for relationships and growth to her role as a Championship Ring Specialist. A former educator and volleyball coach, she is dedicated to recognizing wins, both big and small, as a way to inspire confidence. Faith thrives on connecting with athletes and teams, learning the stories behind their journeys, and channeling that narrative into lasting, meaningful rings.

Her belief in hard work and perseverance is deeply personal. Just one year after spinal surgery, Faith completed her 100th Solidcore class—a milestone that powerfully symbolizes her own resilience and determination. For her, celebrating accomplishments is truly about honoring effort and preserving memories.

Outside of work, Faith enjoys reading, exploring new hiking spots, and cooking Italian family recipes. She carries a spirit of curiosity and joy into everything she does, whether skiing or relaxing on the Long Island beaches with her husband and dog.

Ilia brings a championship mindset and relentless dedication to his role, drawing from a six-season career as an NFL player with the St. Louis Cardinals, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, and San Francisco 49ers. That experience instilled in him the discipline, teamwork, and resilience required to succeed at the highest level—values he carries into every project at Southern Recognition.

Ilia applies that same hardworking drive, inspired by the legendary Patriots dynasty, to perfecting every ring detail. He loves the opportunity to craft something extraordinary for each team, knowing every piece tells a story of sacrifice, effort, and unity.

With incredible experience in life and business, he's honored to help athletes turn their championship moments into timeless symbols of success. Outside of work, Ilia prioritizes his connection to the family atmosphere that defines Southern Recognition.

Jake brings a unique perspective to Southern Recognition, combining a background in mechanical engineering with a willingness to take risks and embrace new challenges. After starting his career in corporate engineering, he made the decision to pivot into the recognition industry, a move that reflects his drive to grow, learn, and be part of something meaningful. That same mindset now fuels his work, helping teams turn their accomplishments into lasting symbols of what they achieved.

For Jake, celebrating accomplishments goes far beyond the final outcome. He believes the value of a championship is rooted in the journey, the effort, sacrifice, and discipline that led to that moment. That perspective aligns closely with Southern Recognition’s mission, capturing not just a win, but a chapter in someone’s life that will carry meaning for decades to come.

He thrives on being part of a process that preserves those moments in a tangible way, creating something that will make athletes and coaches feel the same pride years down the line as they did on day one.

Outside of work, Jake enjoys spending time on the lake, traveling, cooking, and attending live events, from races to concerts to cheering on his Dawgs. He’s also an avid golfer and disc golf enthusiast. A fun fact about Jake is that he graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and spent five seasons as a member of the Redcoat Marching Band.

As Vice President of Cheer, Dance, and Female Sports, Jennifer blends her love for sports and education with a dedicated focus on honoring achievement. Armed with two doctorates and an NCA National Championship earned across nearly 30 years in the sport, she personifies perseverance. She channels that hardworking spirit into designing rings that powerfully represent a team’s resilience, effort, and unforgettable journey.

For Jennifer, seeing the pride on athletes’ faces when they receive their rings is the most rewarding moment. She ensures every design celebrates the teamwork and determination it took to push through challenges, making each moment truly championship-worthy.

Beyond her professional achievements, Jennifer has held titles such as Mrs. SC America 2013, an experience that deepened her attention to detail and passion for celebrating accomplishments at the highest level.

John Haggerty is a former collegiate athlete from the University of New Hampshire and a veteran executive with more than forty years of leadership. He has owned and led award winning businesses in Connecticut, earning Business of the Year recognition, and he has served on multiple boards focused on growth, education, and community. 

 John leads with preparation and accountability. He builds relationships that last, guiding teams with clear communication, steady timing, and dependable follow through.

Jonathan brings a competitive spirit and a deep appreciation for teamwork to his role as a Championship Ring Specialist. Rooted in a background of athletics and leadership, he is dedicated to connecting with coaches and athletes to bring their championship stories to life. His favorite part of the process is watching a ring go from a concept into a finished piece, perfectly representing the hard work, dedication, and sacrifice required to win at the highest level.

For Jonathan, every ring is more than jewelry; it's a legacy cast in metal—a symbol that honors the journey as much as the victory. This personal commitment to celebrating both big and small milestones fuels his precision in every design.

Away from work, Jonathan enjoys traveling, finding great local food spot

Kaitlyn is a powerhouse of passion and expertise, drawing from her own incredible journey as a 5x Cheerleading World Champion and multi-title holder. With 16 Southern Recognition rings marking her achievements, she intimately understands the importance of honoring the hard work and dedication required to achieve greatness.

In her role, Kaitlyn uses her personal experience to champion every team's story. She is dedicated to bringing their unique path to success to life through bold, creative designs. She thrives on collaborating with coaches and athletes, ensuring each ring reflects the unforgettable memories and triumphs of their championship journey.

 Her commitment to teamwork and perseverance shines through in everything she does. Outside of work, Kaitlyn cherishes the tradition of attending Duke basketball games with her dad, a lifelo

As the Director of Marketing, Laura leads the team with a genuine passion for storytelling and celebrating achievement. Her role is to translate the spirit of dedication that drives athletes and coaches into compelling narratives. A certified personal trainer, she knows that perseverance and discipline are the keys to reaching any goal, and she applies this hardworking mindset to every campaign at Southern Recognition.

Laura truly thrives on helping clients turn their long-earned accomplishments into timeless rings, focusing on reflecting the journey as much as the win. She sees success not just in the final result, but in the dedicated work that builds toward it—a perspective that perfectly aligns with the company’s mission.

When she steps away from crafting marketing strategies, Laura enjoys staying active, traveling, and tackling DIY pro

As an Operations Support Specialist, Madison is the bedrock of a positive and uplifting work environment. She is dedicated to her team, valuing the genuine care and support that inspires everyone to do their best. As a former UIL athlete, Madison knows firsthand the hard work and effort required to achieve goals, and she channels that mindset into her role daily.

For her, celebrating accomplishments means recognizing effort, growth, and progress—not just the final outcome. This belief perfectly aligns with Southern Recognition's mission to create championship-worthy moments. She is excited to help bring each unique ring design to life, knowing it represents years of dedication.

Outside of the office, Madison and her husband are dedicated Supercross and Motocross fans. She also loves exploring n

As Vice President of Championship Sales and Professional Sports, Philip brings more than two decades of dedicated experience in coaching and athletic administration to Southern Recognition. His background as a Division I wrestler, three-time Coach of the Year, and former athletic director gives him a uniquely personal and deep understanding of what it takes to achieve extraordinary success.

 Having been a partner of Southern Recognition for years, Philip understands the pride and craftsmanship behind every piece. He is passionately hardworking and focused on helping teams and athletes transform their hard-earned success into a timeless symbol of accomplishment. His expertise allows him to design rings that truly reflect the journey and dedication involved in every victory.

 When he’s not assisting champions, Philip enjoys life in the Greater Charlotte area with his wife and two sons. An avid fan of the Mets, Jets, and Rangers, he also loves boating and fishing, bringing the same precision and focus to his hobbies as he does to his role.

Rob Kass built his career on discipline, preparation, and resilience. He was an all-state quarterback who led with confidence and competitive drive. At East Carolina University he guided the Pirates to four consecutive bowl games and earned conference championships while completing both his undergraduate and graduate degrees.

His athletic journey included serious injuries that could have ended his career. Each time Rob returned, proved he could compete again, and continued to push for excellence at the highest level. That commitment carried him into a period of professional play after college and became the core of who he is as a leader.

The values formed on the field preparation, grit, accountability, and respect for the work guide his approach at Southern Recognition. Rob understands what a championship represents because he lived it from inside the huddle and on the sideline.

 Now a husband, father of three, role model, and public speaker, he brings that same passion to recognizing and awarding others who have earned their moment.

Every ring and recognition piece created under his leadership reflects that belief. The achievement matters. The journey matters. The story matters.

As the Director of Operations, Stephanie brings her love for sports and teamwork to ensuring every aspect of the final product is flawless. She is dedicated to precision, taking pride in the hand-staging process of each championship ring—her favorite step—as it represents the final, perfect touch on a long, hard-earned journey. For Stephanie, honoring accomplishments is about recognizing the effort and dedication it takes to achieve them, a value she seamlessly carries into her professional life.

Her hardworking spirit is also evident outside the office. An adventurous soul, she has completed three half marathons and finds joy in exploring national parks. Stephanie also coaches recreational gymnastics and cheer tumbling, where she actively inspires young athletes to grow in skill and confidence. A proud Gamecocks f

As Vice President of Championship Sales and Partnership, Zach brings the passion and dedication of a former Division I athlete to every client interaction. A SoCon Football Champion, he learned the values of perseverance, camaraderie, and hard work on the field—qualities that now define his leadership at Southern Recognition.

 Zach thrives on building personal connections, listening to championship stories, and turning those journeys into timeless ring designs that honor both the effort and the victory. His commitment to excellence is deeply personal, ensuring every symbol created is a meaningful reflection of the team's success.

 Outside of work, Zach is a dedicated husband and father who treasures time with his wife, Lily, and their two sons and daughter. He enjoys outdoor adventures, exercising, and finding inspiration during trips