Jordan Haines thinks that a piece of metal is a great morale booster.

The metal comes in the form of coins, and the boost comes when civilian and military members are presented with one in recognition of their efforts.

Haines and his wife, Donna, own and operate CoinForce.com.  Located in Lakewood just outside the main gate of McChord Air Force Base, the Internet business has grown to global proportions. 

The business began a number of years ago in a spare room. Retired from the Air Force and knowledgeable about Internet marketing, the Haines began marketing promotional products. Then their first big opportunity literally walked in the door.

“This officer from Moody Air Force Base came in,” related Haines, “and he wanted to know if I could make him a challenge coin to give to airmen in the squadron.”

The idea behind the challenge coin dates back to the World War I. A pilot serving in a flying squadron authorized the striking of bronze coins for his fellow aviators.  It did not take long before the pilots initiated the tradition of “challenging” one another to produce their coins. Aviators had to carry their coins with them.  If they were challenged to produce it and could not, then that individual had to buy a drink of choice for the challenger.  On the other hand, if the coin was produced the challenger had to purchase the drink.

History aside, the Haines met the challenge and made the coin.  The idea of giving a service member a coin for a job well done grew.

“We’ve even sent them to the South Pole,” commented Haines.

The company’s employees work with state-of-the-art computer equipment as they sit in good chairs.

“One of the first things we do when an employee comes to work for us is go out and get them the chair they want,” Haines explained with a smile. “Comfortable employees are productive employees.”

Haines has a point.

Coinforce.com is the number one producer of coins designed to inspire and thank.

“I’m not aware of anyone else who does as much and distributes its products as far as we do,” said Haines.

Besides coins, the firm also produces lapel pins, doormats, glassware, T-shirts, and coin display racks.

The Haines emphasized that they view their business as a way of giving back to those civilian and military personnel who protect and serve others.

“Whether they’re in the military, part of the State Department, police officers or firefighters, their service gives us pause.” 

The bulk of the company’s business centers on producing custom-made challenge coins for the five branches of the military. Coins are produced in all shapes and colors and are sent to wherever service members are deployed.

“You know, commanders just can’t give their soldiers a raise,” said Haines as he looked over an order. “But they can give out these coins, and when they do morale soars.”

For more information, call (877) 264-6367, (253) 682-2825 or visit www.coinforce.com.