Hillman and FC Cincinnati Host Second Annual Trade School Discovery Day to Introduce Local Students to Skilled-Trade Careers

Greater Cincinnati students gained hands-on experience across a variety of trades as the region works to strengthen its skilled workforce pipeline

CINCINNATI, Oct. 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hillman Solutions Corp. (Nasdaq: HLMN) (“Hillman”), a leading provider of hardware and related products, partnered with FC Cincinnati to host the second annual Trade School Discovery Day at TQL Stadium. The event brought together approximately over 100 students from Cincinnati Public Schools and Winton Woods City School District for a day of hands-on career exploration, introducing them to opportunities in the skilled trades and connecting them with local industry professionals.

The event comes at a time of significant opportunity and need within the region’s skilled trades. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, construction employment in the Cincinnati metro area grew by 11% between June 2024 and June 2025, adding 5,800 jobs and bringing total construction employment to approximately 60,000 workers. Despite that growth, the Workforce Council of Southwest Ohio (the “Council”) reported in June of 2026 that the local construction industry continues to face a persistent gap between demand for workers and the number of people entering and remaining in these careers. The Council identified limited access to hands-on learning and unclear pathways from school to employment among the challenges affecting the region’s talent pipeline.

The Trade School Discovery Day aims to help address these challenges by exposing students to potential career pathways and providing opportunities to learn directly from professionals working in these industries.

Throughout the day, students participated in interactive sessions and hands-on demonstrations led by local skilled-trade professionals and community partners, including:

• Construction: The Hillman Group, DWK Construction and 50 Grit Flooring
• Roofing and Restoration: American Home Tech
• Automotive: Jeff Wyler Automotive Family
• Culinary: Levy, FC Cincinnati’s food partner
• Plumbing: Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup

“At Hillman, our mission is to empower those who fix, build and create, and that includes helping inspire the next generation of professionals,” said Lauren Edwards, Vice President of Marketing at The Hillman Group. “As demand for skilled workers continues to grow, it’s important that young people understand the rewarding career paths available to them. Through our partnership with FC Cincinnati and the support of local trade professionals, we’re proud to provide hands-on experiences that help students discover new possibilities for their futures.”

“FC Cincinnati is proud to partner with Hillman on Trade School Discovery Day and help young people across our community explore the many opportunities available to them,” said Kate Solomon, Chief Youth and Community Officer. “TQL Stadium is a place where we want young people to be inspired, whether that’s through soccer or experiences like this that can open their eyes to a future they may not have considered. We’re grateful to Hillman and all of the participating organizations for investing their time and expertise in the next generation of Cincinnati’s workforce.”

Now in its second year, Trade School Discovery Day reflects Hillman and FC Cincinnati’s shared commitment to investing in the Greater Cincinnati community and helping build a stronger workforce for the future.

About Hillman
Founded in 1964 and headquartered in Cincinnati, Hillman is a leading provider of hardware and related products serving retail, pro distribution, and industrial customers. Over the last 60-plus years, Hillman has built a legacy of service and growth by forming strategic partnerships with North America’s leading home improvement, hardware, and farm and fleet retailers. Hillman differentiates itself from the competition with its dedicated field sales team of 1,200+ associates, direct-to-store distribution capabilities, and world class global sourcing and supply chain expertise. The company offers an extensive product portfolio of more than 150,000 SKUs, including fasteners (power screws, nuts, bolts), hardware (builder’s hardware, door hardware, rope & chain, accessories), project gear & supplies (gloves, work gear, paint & cleaning sundries), and key and engraving services (key duplication, auto keys, and engraving). Hillman is committed to delivering exceptional customer service, innovative products, and dependable solutions to its customers and regularly earns vendor of the year recognition from top customers. For more information on Hillman, visit www.hillman.com.

About FC Cincinnati
FC Cincinnati is a Major League Soccer team playing at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. The club’s diverse ownership group is led by controlling owner Carl H. Lindner III; as well as managing owners Meg Whitman and Dr. Griff Harsh; Scott Farmer; and George Joseph. Founded in 2015 by Lindner and President & Co-CEO Jeff Berding, FCC began play in the United Soccer League (USL) in 2016. The club won the 2018 USL Regular-Season Championship and earned postseason berths in all three of its USL seasons. In 2017, FC Cincinnati also advanced to the semifinals of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, a run that included victories over two MLS squads. FC Cincinnati entered MLS as the 24th team in 2019 and opened the club’s 26,000-seat soccer-specific TQL Stadium in the West End neighborhood of Cincinnati in 2021. FCC won the 2023 Supporters’ Shield – the annual award given to the team with the most points in the regular season – and clinched a spot in the 2025 MLS Playoffs for the fourth straight year.

Media Contact
Helena Earl
Senior Communications Manager, The Hillman Group
Helena.earl@hillmangroup.com
917-439-9765