When I was 21 years old, I made the most important decision of my life: I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior and Lord.

As SAVIOR, Jesus meets every human need. He forgives all sin and promises eternal life to all who call upon His Name. Knowing Him brings peace, freedom and joy!

As LORD, Jesus desires excellence in all areas of life. My actions, words, and even thoughts are exposed to His scrutiny. He wants me to be a living illustration of His love to every person I encounter.

Since I relate to a larger number of people in business than in all other areas of my life combined, my performance at work is vitally important. Integrity, honesty, and servanthood are not optional. Although I often fail, the call to ‘press on toward the goal’ is clear.

So why should you do business with the A. G. Trimble Co.? WHAT we know is important. Three generations of Trimbles have been meeting the needs of our clients since 1913. But it’s WHO we know that makes us different. Jesus’ example and character guides us to true success in business and in life.

Rick Trimble, Owner
Certified Advertising Specialist

The A. G. Trimble Co. offers a wide range of imprinted promotional products, and can also fulfill your flag, flagpole, and banner needs. Exceptional service and attention to our customers’ needs have allowed us to continue to flourish over a long period of time. But the story of our business is really the story of our family...

Arthur Garfield Trimble was born in Scottdale, PA on November 2, 1880, election day of that year. The Republican ticket of James Garfield was elected President and Chester Arthur Vice-President of the United States. A. G.’s father wanted to name him Garfield Arthur but his mother didn’t quite like the “ring” of that combination. The actual name decided on was Arthur Garfield Trimble.

A. G. quit school in the sixth grade and did clerical work for a number of industries in Fayette and Westmoreland counties until 1913 when he came to Pittsburgh. With just $20 in capital, he started in business in the Jenkins Arcade imprinting wood case pencils until discovering that pencils could be produced for a third of the cost in the South. As a result, the company switched directions to become a middleman between local customers and out-of-state manufacturers.

The “Button Baron”, as he was known, had several other notable accomplishments. He originated the Kiwanis Club International emblem which is still used today. He also was the recipient of the Carnegie Hero medal for saving a man from drowning in a flood. With the $500 prize he married and established a home.

“Doggone it,” he said, “I can’t come up with a slogan, but I sure do like Ike.” Answered
A. G., “That’s your slogan.” Rich proceeded to design the very first “ I LIKE IKE” button which turned out to be the most popular political button in history.

In 1952, although Senator Robert Taft from Ohio sought the Republican nomination, Ike was drafted at the convention and subsequently elected President. Ironically, Taft purchased so many buttons that Rich was able to use the profits to marry and build a house.

Another member of the family joined the business in 1968. Doris S. Trimble, Rich’s wife and a Chatham College graduate, took charge of the political button mail-order requests. As her knowledge of overall operations grew, she shifted her responsibilities to become full-time office manager.

Rich became sole owner in 1972, when A. G. retired at the age of 92. Political buttons remained a substantial part of the business until 1976. Because of campaign contribution limits, candidates these days seem to put more emphasis on other forms of media.

Rich continued to develop the specialty advertising portion of the business which had always been the company’s bread and butter. Included in those years was the sale of 650,000 Sheaffer pens to a prominent Pittsburgh corporation, still the A. G. Trimble Co.’s largest order ever.

In 1982, Richard W. Trimble, Rich’s son, graduated from Drexel University and became the third generation to come aboard. At the age of 23, Rick already had 18 years experience with the firm-selling at political conventions from age 5-12, stockboy from age 13-18, college intern from age 19-22. Although not originally intending to make a career of it, the creative challenges and immediate decision-making responsibilities proved too strong an attraction.

More changes occurred for the family and the company. On January 10, 1983, A. G. Trimble died at the age of 102. Ever alert, he had projects and slogans in mind up until the day of his death. Also in 1983, the company was forced to move due to the closing of the Jenkins Arcade. After 70 years at the same address, the business relocated three blocks away to the Clark Building.

The decade of the 1980’s was one of continued growth. In addition to promotional products, a new facet of the business developed and grew. Doris shifted her attention to the area of flags and banners which previously had not been heavily emphasized. Doris broadened services to include sales and installation of flagpoles as well as design and production of custom banners.

In 1988, Rick became sole owner with Rich still working full time and contributing his 40 plus years of experience to future challenges. That same year, Rick earned the designation of Certified Advertising Specialist after fulfilling a number of continuing education requirements.

Sandra M. Trimble, Rick’s sister, joined the family’s efforts in 1989. With a Masters Degree and over 10 years experience in the business world, Sandy made a significant impact with clients and enhanced the company’s image as honest, hardworking, and creative. Her lifelong familiarity with the business made for a quick and comfortable transition to her new field. Sandy also pursued and attained the distinction of Certified Advertising Specialist.

In 1994, the company’s second move took them out of downtown Pittsburgh for the first time in 81 years. A subsequent move brought the company to their present location two miles south of the Golden Triangle.

Rick and Sandy proved to be a great team through the retirement of Rich in 1999 and Doris in 2004. Both Rich and Doris were remembered fondly for their kindness and integrity by numerous customers and suppliers.

Then in 2022, as Sandy pulled back from full time duties, a 4th generation family member came on board. Benjamin Robel, Rick's son-in-law and a graduate of Geneva College, joined the business. Ben has transitioned quickly from his career in accounting and is poised to help carry the company forward into the future.

Our family has worked hard and cared deeply throughout our many years in business.

Statistics show that under 30% of family businesses survive to the third generation. We have done much more than merely survive and for that we are thankful.

As we eagerly anticipate the future, our thoughts can best be expressed as follows:
“...but one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 3:13-14