Celebrating 100 Years of Grappone Automotive: Bringing Back the Trades Summit

On November 15, Grappone Automotive proudly celebrated its 100th anniversary by hosting the Bringing Back the Trades Summit at NHTI in Concord, NH. This milestone event brought together over 4,000 participants — including students, businesses, and community leaders — to shine a spotlight on the importance of skilled trades in New Hampshire and beyond.

A Tribute to the Trades

Keynote speaker Mike Rowe, the creator and host of Dirty Jobs, shared his inspiring journey of advocating for the trades and emphasized the need to reinvigorate interest in these vital careers. Rowe, alongside New Hampshire Governor-elect Kelly Ayotte, engaged the audience with powerful stories, actionable ideas, and a shared vision for strengthening the state’s workforce.

Rowe’s words resonated as he reflected on the current state of trade education, highlighting how shop classes and hands-on learning have diminished over time. He urged attendees to rethink how trades are marketed to younger generations, stressing that the solution lies in telling authentic stories and showcasing real opportunities.

Tradeapalooza: Connecting Talent to Opportunity

The event culminated with Tradeapalooza, a career fair featuring over 80 New Hampshire businesses from sectors like construction, plumbing, electrical work, and manufacturing. Students from 54 high schools across the state attended, exploring career paths and learning about job openings.

During the fair, $105,000 in scholarships was awarded to aspiring tradespeople, further cementing the event’s mission to invest in the future workforce.

Honoring a Legacy of Innovation

Amanda Grappone Osmer’s leadership in organizing the summit reflects her family’s commitment to fostering community and opportunity. Grappone Automotive’s 100-year journey began in 1924, when her great-grandparents took out a $2,000 mortgage to open a small service station in Concord. Today, the company remains dedicated to serving New Hampshire while championing education and career development in the trades.

In honor of the centennial, Grappone Osmer presented a commemorative map to Rowe, showcasing the schools that participated in the event. She also unveiled her new book, Grappone Automotive: The Founding, which chronicles the company’s rich history and dedication to innovation.

A Vision for the Future

The Bringing Back the Trades Summit was more than a celebration — it was a call to action. By bridging the gap between academia and blue-collar work, Grappone Automotive aims to reshape the narrative around skilled trades, ensuring that opportunities in these fields remain accessible and celebrated.

As Rowe so aptly put it, the next generation of skilled tradespeople is already here — it’s just a matter of inspiring them to take the leap.

Looking ahead, Grappone Automotive remains committed to building on the momentum of this event, working with partners, schools, and state leaders to secure a bright future for New Hampshire’s trades workforce.

Join Us in the Movement

Let’s continue the conversation. Whether you’re a student exploring career options, an employer looking to connect with emerging talent, or a community member passionate about supporting the trades, there’s a place for you in this movement.

Here’s to another century of innovation, opportunity, and community at Grappone Automotive!