NIC’s Brian Hall Nominated Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oregon CEO Brian Hall Nominated for Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award

White City, OR (April 1, 2025) – Brian Hall, CEO of NIC Industries, has been nominated for the prestigious Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in the Mountain West region. Established in 1986, the award honors visionary business leaders driving innovation, growth, and purpose. Past recipients of the Entrepreneur of the Year Award include leaders such as Mindy Grossman of HSN, Howard Schultz of Starbucks Coffee, and John Mackey of Whole Foods Market.

Hall’s nomination comes as NIC Industries is gaining a wider reputation as the manufacturer of one of the highest performing coatings solutions available, resulting in substantial company growth. The Oregon company now maintains a network of over 4,000 certified applicators across the globe and has established a first-of-its-kind robotics application program utilized by some of the largest companies in the world. Under Hall’s leadership, NIC has evolved from a niche coatings manufacturer into one of the top 20 in the United States by revenue. The company has developed global reach and secured national partnerships with Walmart and Amazon – all while staying rooted in southern Oregon.

While the Ernst & Young award nomination is focused on individual leadership, Hall is quick to divert praise. “We simply could not have gotten where we are today without the amazing team we

have at NIC.” He continued, “If there’s one thing I do well, it’s surrounding myself with people smarter than I am. Company values come first, and our team has fully bought into that idea.” NIC Industries has grown while maintaining a culture that prioritizes innovation, quality, and service. With continued investment in both people and technology, the company is increasingly being recognized not only for its coatings, but also for its contribution to regional economic development and workforce excellence.

As Hall prepares for the next stage of the Ernst & Young selection process later this spring, both he and NIC remain focused on what has driven its success so far: humility, hard work, and a belief that business can be a force for good in the world.

For more information about NIC Industries, visit www.nicindustries.com.

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About NIC Industries
Founded in southern Oregon, NIC Industries is a global leader in performance coatings, known for its innovation in ceramic-based technologies and advanced application systems. The company’s
products are used in many sectors including aerospace, defense, lifestyle goods, firearms, and oil and gas industries. Recently, NIC has expanded product lines to include automotive care kits found online and in major retail locations. The company employs over 200 individuals at its White City, OR headquarters, and is committed to the concept of human flourishing in Southern Oregon; in 2024, NIC donated almost $500,000 to regional non-profits, schools, and youth support programs.

FOR MEDIA ONLY
Contact:
David Meador
Director of Strategic Engagement, NIC Industries, Inc.
[email protected] | www.nicindustries.com
P: (866)774-7628 ext. 275