Grappone Automotive Welcomes Mike Rowe to Inspire Future Trade Professionals

At Grappone Automotive, we have always championed the skilled trades and the hardworking professionals who keep our communities running. As we celebrated our 100th anniversary, we had the incredible opportunity to host the Bring Back the Trades Summit at NHTI, featuring none other than Mike Rowe, the voice of skilled labor and host of Dirty Jobs.

Mike Rowe’s appearance at the summit was a landmark moment for New Hampshire’s skilled trades industry. His journey—from a TV professional in San Francisco to an advocate for the trades—began with a simple challenge from his mother: to do something that looked like real work. That challenge led him to the sewers of the Bay Area, and eventually, to a career spent showcasing the essential jobs that too often go unnoticed.

At the summit, Rowe captivated an audience of over 4,000 attendees, including students, educators, and industry professionals. He shared powerful stories from his two decades of advocating for the trades, praised New Hampshire’s commitment to workforce development, and engaged in a lively Q&A session with Governor-elect Kelly Ayotte. Their discussion highlighted the importance of trade education and the need to shift cultural perceptions around skilled labor.

The event, spearheaded by Amanda Grappone-Osmer, was about more than just celebration—it was about action. As a company founded in 1924 with a vision to serve our community, we recognize the urgency of investing in the next generation of tradespeople. That’s why the summit wasn’t just a conversation; it was a catalyst for change.

Over 54 schools from across the state participated, demonstrating a growing interest in vocational careers. A highlight of the day was the Tradeapalooza career fair, where over 80 businesses in construction, electrical, energy, and plumbing connected with students and job seekers. To further our commitment, a collective $105,000 in scholarships was awarded to young people pursuing careers in the trades.

Mike Rowe’s message was clear: skilled trades matter, and we must change the narrative around these careers. He emphasized the importance of marketing the trades effectively, using platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to reach today’s youth. His passion for trade education aligns perfectly with our mission at Grappone Automotive—to uplift and empower the next generation of skilled professionals.

As we look ahead, we are inspired by the energy of this summit and the momentum it has created. We are proud to stand alongside organizations like Bring Back the Trades and the mikeroweWORKS Foundation to continue this essential work.

New Hampshire has sent a strong message: we support the trades, and we are taking meaningful steps to ensure they thrive. We hope Mike Rowe will return to witness the progress we are making and to continue inspiring young people to explore fulfilling careers in the trades. Because at Grappone Automotive, we believe that hard work is worth celebrating.