You may be wondering what our initials stand for. The short answer is Over-the-Rhine, a historic neighborhood just north of downtown Cincinnati.
But the story of OTR is much bigger than its name. In 1964 Cincinnati, two Hillman brothers had an idea and built something out of it. The industrious spirit grew into the force that delivers more than 112,000 products to DIYers and pros nationwide. At Hillman – it is not just work – but the integrity of good work that put us in every home in North America. At Hillman, we are always pushing our limits, because there is no finish line. Building never stops.
That same drive is at the heart of the OTR brand. When Tia, Hillman’s Director of Product Management, moved to Over-the-Rhine, she was immediately inspired by the neighborhood’s unique spirit—a place where old breweries, warehouses, and hard-earned industry meet a vibrant, modern culture. Tia saw the balance between purpose and craftsmanship in OTR, and it sparked her vision for a new line of everyday carry essentials.
Drawing on the energy of OTR and Hillman’s legacy of ingenuity, Tia set out to create a collection of tools that would reflect the same work ethic, beauty, and utility that have always defined both. Today, the OTR brand stands for making things better. Simpler. Utilitarian yet beautiful. And above all, enduring.
From finely crafted knives, pocket tools, and carabiners to elevated pet accessories, we’re proud to carry that purpose forward in every product we make. We invite you to build with us, explore with us, and put our urban essentials to good use—wherever your journey may take you.
Proud to help design change in our community.
OTR is proud to partner with ArtsWave, a vital non-profit that’s been funding arts in Cincinnati for nearly 100 years. Through gifts from tens of thousands of individuals and companies like ours each year, ArtsWave supports 150+ organizations, artists and projects through funding, services and advocacy. This support helps produce thousands of concerts, shows, exhibitions, arts education programming and public art events. And fuels a more vibrant regional economy and connected community for everyone.
