Barhill Manufacturing is celebrating a remarkable milestone this year: Brian Hilaire’s 50th anniversary with the company. His half‑century reflects not only personal dedication, but the strength of a family legacy that has shaped Barhill, and the awards industry, since 1955.
Barhill’s story began when founders Ronald Hilaire and Frank Barra combined their names to create BARHILL. In the early years, the company produced trophies using wooden molds hand‑carved by Ronald’s brother, beginning with tropical fish and later male and female bowlers.
Their first salesman focused on bowling alleys, selling marble‑and‑wood trophies that helped the company expand rapidly.
By the early 1970s, Barhill made a defining shift, phasing out trophies and moving into wood plaques, frames, desk accessories, clocks, and gavels. At that time, Barhill manufactured every item they sold in a 50,000‑square‑foot woodworking plant—an operation that set the foundation for the company’s reputation for quality, consistency, and craftsmanship. That commitment continues today, with Barhill continuing to proudly manufacture its products in the USA, including plate production, screening, and engraving capabilities.
Brian Hilaire, representing the second generation, joined the woodworking operation in 1975. His leadership deepened over the years, and in 1992 he took over full operations when Barhill relocated to Pennsylvania. His steady guidance and commitment to quality helped preserve Barhill’s identity as a premier manufacturer in the recognition industry.
The legacy continued in 2004 when Pierce Hilaire, Brian’s son, became the third generation to join the company.
Pierce brought expertise in product distribution, purchasing, and inventory control.
A major turning point came in 2009 with Barhill’s acquisition by the Marco Awards Group, where Barhill operates today as a standalone division.
Marcel Bizier, President and CEO of Marco Awards Group, recognized Barhill’s tremendous potential and understood how Marco’s national infrastructure and financial support could enhance Barhill’s growth and long‑term success. Barhill now gained product availability through a network of warehouses nationwide.
Barhill’s influence extends beyond manufacturing. For decades, the Barhill Retail Catalog has been the premier catalog for corporate awards in the industry, showcasing more than one thousand unique products known for their quality, forward styling, and classic design. Today, the catalog is also available digitally and can be linked directly to any website, giving retailers and customers full access to Barhill’s extensive product line.
Barhill attributes its continued success to a dedicated staff committed to exceeding customer expectations every day. The company’s design team is already developing new products for 2027, continuing the tradition of innovation that began more than seven decades ago.
As Barhill celebrates Brian Hilaire’s 50 years, the industry celebrates a story of family, craftsmanship, and continuity. Three generations have carried the Barhill legacy forward, honoring the vision set in motion in 1955. Today, Barhill remains a leader in corporate plaques and awards, built on tradition, strengthened by family, proudly manufactured in the USA, and inspired by the customers who have supported it for so many years!
Contact: Barhill.com and MarcoAwardsGroup.com.