The pig that charmed crowds at parades and fairs across Northern Kentucky last year is now serving as the face of a new mission to encourage young people to pursue careers in the skilled trades.
Boss Hog became the mascot of AnyWeather, a construction service company, last year after owner Phil Griffin purchased the pig at an auction at the Kenton County Fair.
The pig, named Boss Hog in a community naming contest, has retired but is memorialized by a caricature the company said symbolizes the transition from an older tradesman or tradeswoman to the next generation. The company aims to prepare young people for trade careers through partnerships with organizations like TradesNKY and Northern Kentucky school districts.
TradesNKY connects schools, industry and community partners to prepare students for high-demand, high-skilled careers. It creates pathways for K-12 students to gain exposure to and engage with careers in the trades. TradesNKY has programming in the Campbell and Kenton County Public School Districts and Covington Independent Schools.
Last year, Boss Hog made his debut at the Fort Thomas 4th of July parade, where he took home the prize for first place in the “most original” category. He made appearances across Northern Kentucky at events such as the Read Ready Newport event and the Kenton County and Alexandria Fairs. He posed for pictures and became an unofficial ambassador.
After the fair season ended, AnyWeather said that Boss Hog quietly stepped away from the spotlight and returned home to the farm. Not long after retiring from public life, Boss Hog met a lady pig and welcomed an entire litter of piglets.
Boss Hog traded being the star of the show for something the company said is more meaningful.
Helping raise the next generation of tradespeople.
”Our graphic designer has been designing all new stuff, and before too long, you’ll be seeing the pig on vehicles rolling down the street,” said AnyWeather Director of HR and Administrative Facilitator Rachel Wade. “Boss Hog, memorialized in caricature form, is getting ready to roll out.”
But, AnyWeather said the message is bigger than the mascot.
“We know our future depends on developing great people, not just completing great projects,” Griffin said. “It’s also why we are proud to support efforts throughout our region that help young people discover meaningful careers and opportunities. Organizations like TradesNKY, along with countless educators, employers, community leaders and volunteers, are helping expose students to possibilities they may never have considered.”
This summer, AnyWeather, an affiliate partner of TradesNKY, hired seven apprentices who came through the Campbell County TradesNKY program and are working in electrical and HVAC.
“The schools and TradesNKY are solving a problem and the students and businesses are benefiting greatly,” Griffin said. “Real careers, real apprenticeships, working with real masters of the trade.”
The community can still catch glimpses of Boss Hog through his memorialized caricature at local events such as the upcoming Kenton County Fair and the Alexandria Fair in September.
