While most people think of signing days as celebrations for star athletes heading to college, HireSmart Cares celebrates different “announce-the-destination” moments — ones that often don’t make headlines, but are just as life-changing. 

These moments took center stage recently as Mark and Anne Lackey, co-founders of HireSmart Cares, attended career signing day ceremonies in North Georgia for graduates transitioning directly into meaningful employment or military service — students who also qualified for steel-toed work boots through HireSmart’s “Foot Forward” program. 

For the Lackeys, career signing days represent the heart of their mission. Their Madison County-based nonprofit was born from a simple inspiration when Mark saw a bumper sticker reading “No Farms, No Food” while driving Interstate 85. That moment sparked the creation of an organization dedicated to one simple mission: helping kids. 

“Our mission is equipping the next generation,” said Lackey. “We decided we needed to get out into the community, get to know what the needs are, and find out how we can help.” 

HireSmart Cares is busy indeed, allocating funds to help youth find brighter futures through scholarships, construction programs, work-based learning initiatives, and entrepreneurial grants. The organization focuses on supporting future farmers and workforce development for U.S. youth. 

Beyond Writing Checks: Being Present for Success 

For the Lackeys, supporting youth isn’t just about funding — it’s about being present for the moments that matter. At Madison County High School on May 6, Mark addressed 13 graduates with personal encouragement. 

“I’m proud of all of you,” he told them. “I don’t know all of you, but I know about your journey because I’ve been on a very similar one myself.” 

Mark shared his own story of struggling in traditional academic classes but finding his calling in hands-on industrial arts courses. Those experiences led to his first job at Georgia Power straight out of high school and eventually to building multiple successful businesses. 

At Empower College and Career Academy on April 30, he offered similar encouragement to seven graduating seniors.  

“I’m here because I’m encouraged by what you all are doing and what the teachers are doing to help you prepare for the future.” 

The “Foot Forward” Program: Practical Support for New Careers 

HireSmart Cares’ “Foot Forward” program provides quality steel-toed work boots to graduates entering the workforce directly from high school. At both ceremonies, Mark announced that each student was eligible for complimentary boots valued up to $250, while students entering military service receive a $250 grant. 

This practical support reflects HireSmart’s philosophy of giving students the tools they literally need to succeed. The organization recognizes that many families can’t afford specialized equipment required for trades careers, and quality boots can make the difference between safety and injury on a job site. HireSmart also provides quality lunch coolers for graduates so they can take meals to job sites. 

Comprehensive Youth Development 

HireSmart Cares’ impact extends far beyond career signing days. The organization funds construction classes at elementary, middle, and high school levels, providing consumables like wood, glue, screws, and pipes that school budgets can’t cover. They require that all materials be purchased locally to keep money in the community. 

In agriculture, HireSmart supports programs from mini-farms at elementary schools to funding travel expenses for FFA students attending national competitions. HireSmart Cares donated $50,000 to expand Madison County’s agriculture barn, allowing more students who don’t live on farms to raise livestock and learn responsibility, and $20,000 to upgrade the school’s greenhouse to enhance students’ horticulture experiences. 

The nonprofit also ventures into emerging fields, providing grants to multiple high school JROTC programs in Georgia and Texas to launch drone operation programs at their schools. HireSmart recognizes the need for more drone pilots as the technology spreads and wants to help high school students develop the skills to fill those roles.  

HireSmart also provides grants to high school healthcare programs, recognizing the shortages in healthcare workers coupled with an aging population requires more young people to fill those roles.  

But it’s not all about money. Mark and Anne regularly visit schools to teach “adulting classes,” helping students understand job interview skills, personal finance management, and entrepreneurship basics. These sessions cover everything from proper handshakes and professional appearance to budgeting strategies and business realities. 

Success Stories from the Signing Days 

The recent signing day ceremonies showcased diverse career paths available to students who choose alternatives to traditional four-year colleges. Allen Castro Suarez, who signed with Stanfield Heating and Air at Madison County, exemplifies the success HireSmart celebrates. 

“Allen came to us in the summer of last year, and I don’t think he really realized what HVAC was in the summertime,” said Nathan Coker of Stanfield Heating and Air. “I said, we’ll put him up in an attic one day, and we’ll see if he still wants to do it. He came back and he was like, ‘Yeah, that was awesome.’ He has really progressed and grown over his time with us.” 

Jonathan Rico-Morales, who signed with JOMA Construction, demonstrated the determination that HireSmart seeks to support.  

“Rico is one of the students that he just does not quit,” said his construction teacher, Zach Carithers. “No matter what, he just has a drive where he never stops and never quits.” 

At Empower College and Career Academy, Collier Uesseler’s journey with Toyota through the Information Technology pathway impressed his coordinator.  

“He’s always been one of those top motivated students that want to get out there and just learn,” said Greg Maxwell.  

Yazmin Mahaffey, who plans to study business and interior design at Athens Tech while maintaining her construction skills, earned praise from instructor Melinda Cochran-Davis.  

“If something goes wrong, she figures it out and fixes it. She has the grit, the determination, the work ethic, the creativity — the whole package right here.” 

Addressing Critical Workforce Needs 

These graduates are entering fields facing significant worker shortages. The construction industry alone needs an estimated 501,000 additional workers. 

The “graduate on Friday and go to work on Monday” approach contrasts sharply with the current higher education landscape, where 1 million people now owe more than $200,000 in federal student loans, and the average college graduate carries nearly $23,000 in debt. Meanwhile, trades jobs offer a path to an immediate quality paycheck without taking on debt. 

A Teach-a-Person-to-Fish Philosophy 

“The mission of HireSmart Cares isn’t to give away money,” says Mark. “It’s not a give-a-man-a-fish endeavor, but a ‘teach-a-man-to-fish’ vision. Funding is directed to help children and teens help themselves, opening their eyes to new career possibilities and skill development.” 

This philosophy extends to all programs, from supporting teenage entrepreneurs like Olivia Braswell with her soap-making business to funding travel for agricultural students to attend national competitions. The organization looks for young people who demonstrate initiative and provides them with the extra boost they need to succeed. 

Looking Forward 

Whether providing boots for new graduates, funding construction materials for K-12 students, or supporting teenage entrepreneurs, every initiative aims to give young people more options for their futures. 

“We want to give these kids opportunities,” said Mark. “How can you help me find more ways to do that? That’s the challenge I have for you.” 

The students celebrated at the recent ceremonies represent the success of this approach — young people who developed practical skills, formed industry connections, and launched meaningful careers without college debt. For HireSmart Cares, these moments of celebration are both the reward for their investment and the inspiration to help even more young people find their path to success. 

As these graduates begin their careers, they carry with them not just quality boots and practical skills, but the knowledge that their community believes in their potential. 

For more information about HireSmart Cares, visit hiresmartcares.org.