While there is no way to repay the sacrifices made by veterans of the armed forces, the North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA) recognizes that not only have these individuals made a lasting impact on their country, but they are also a prominent and positive influence within the home improvement industry.
To honor the ongoing impact military veterans make throughout the home improvement industry, NHPA is launching the Helmets to Home Improvement recognition program, with the National Hardware Show as the program’s official founding sponsor and venue partner. The program will officially kick off at the 2025 National Hardware Show in Las Vegas and culminate with an gala event to honor the industry’s military veterans in person at the 2026 National Hardware Show.
“We want to shine a spotlight and illustrate the contribution these folks make in retail, distribution, manufacturing and really every area of this industry,” says NHPA COO and publisher Dan Tratensek. “There is some kind of unique fit that military vets not only seem to gravitate toward this industry but also excel within it. This is our way to make sure they continue to receive recognition for their contributions.”
The idea for the program came from NHPA national sales manager Greg Cole, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, whose story is just one of many shared by veterans working in the home improvement industry.
“I believe it is time for veterans to be recognized for the contributions they are making in the home improvement industry and in our communities. Veterans fought for us and have played, and continue to play, a significant role in shaping our nation’s history and future,” Cole says. “We must never forget their sacrifice, dedication and commitment to our country. The Helmets to Home Improvement program will be one way we can honor those who served.”
Throughout 2025 and 2026, NHPA will share the stories of these hometown heroes in all of its media brands, in print and online. Visit YourNHPA.org/veterans to learn more.
