What Makes Hilti Great?

Every company likes to say they have a great culture. I’m not here to argue, maybe they do. But I work for Hilti and I know that we do. I lived it. Left it. Came back because of it. Spoiler: it’s the people. Hilti has over 34,000 employees worldwide. And while I haven’t even scratched the surface of meeting them all, in my eight years total with the company (Yes, I’m one of those people who left and came back) I’ve had the pleasure to work with some truly incredible people.

What Happens When You Give an Imposter an Opportunity?

When I first applied at Hilti, I thought there was no way I was getting the job. I didn’t have an impressive sales history, construction experience or a degree from a big-name university. What I did have was the courage to leave a role that felt stagnant and the commitment to find work I could truly enjoy. Before Hilti, I worked in technical software support for CAD programs and steel shop manufacturing, work I was good at, but didn’t find fulfilling. I craved connection, variety and the chance to grow.

One day I stumbled across an opening for an Outside Sales Account Manager. I didn’t know who Hilti was, I just applied. During the interview, the hiring manager asked me to “sell this pen.” I started rambling off features and benefits until he paused to coach me, mid-interview, and then let me start again. I had never experienced an interview like that. When the offer came through, I couldn’t sign fast enough.

My first role in Customer Service showed me what true teamwork feels like. I had never used systems like the ones we used, and making outbound calls (especially the accidental 3 a.m. call to a Hawaii based account) was an adjustment for me. Over time, I learned to build rapport by remembering the details that mattered to people, whether it was “goes by Tom, not Thomas,” or “die-hard Eagles fan.”

Account Managers I supported began to trust me to handle customer issues while they were on other projects. That trust inspired me to aim for the field. My next step lighthouse appeared when Bryan Meadows led an ON!Track workshop for our team. My software background made me a great fit for the new Implementation Specialist role, and my leader encouraged me to reach out to the hiring leader for coffee. That type of support was new to me. Hilti leaders are committed to helping people grow, even if it means leaving their team.

Tyler with fellow team member Rita Mathew.

In 2017, as a field Implementation Specialist I traveled to 27 states and slept in my own bed only 37 nights. I loved every minute of it, I was meeting customers face-to-face, finding solutions and building relationships. My leader at the time created an environment where we could succeed while having fun, just as Martin Hilti envisioned. That year sparked my drive to become a Software Consultant, and my leader encouraged me to ride along with consultants to learn.

When I interviewed for the DFW Consultant role, I knew who Rita Mathew was, but I had no idea of just how impactful she would become in my life both professionally and personally. She taught me that trust must be earned and maintained, and to “work with the people who want to work with you,” in the field. By prioritizing collaboration, I built credibility with my division and began having success. Rita’s feedback was so valuable, albeit not always easy to hear, but it became fuel for my growth.

I also learned that leadership at Hilti cares about the person behind the numbers. When I went through a period of depression, Rita didn’t focus on my sales figures, she focused on me. Her daily check-ins reminded me that integrity is about showing up for each other, and I committed myself to showing up for her in return.

In time, I found myself as the veteran consultant on the team. I began sharing what I’d learned with my teammates, helping my leader understand field challenges and challenging myself outside of Hilti. I left to open a new location for a long-time Hilti customer as their General Manager in the DFW market. There I got a crash course in leading both sales and production teams.

Ultimately, I realized I missed the teamwork, growth and culture I’d had at Hilti. With the support of colleagues like Marybeth Wilcox, Sam Smith and you guessed it, Rita, I returned as a Customer Experience Coordinator. Over the past two years, I’ve had the privilege of hosting some of Hilti’s largest and most engaged customers. I’ve also had the privilege of watching some of Hilti’s best leaders show their customers why Hilti is their best partner for productivity, safety and sustainability. Each day that I come into the office, I’m reminded why coming back was the right decision. I’m grateful I get to throw on my red Hilti shirt (or game day jersey as I like to call it) to show off our facilities to visiting customers and team members from all over the U.S. and Canada.

Leading a presentation to a group of colleagues.

What’s Next? I Thought You’d Never Ask.

You didn’t think it was over there, did you? Hilti is about growth. So about a year ago, when I was deciding what I wanted to do next, I reached out to a friend of mine who also works at Hilti, and someone I now consider a mentor, Shiann Eubanks. I asked her what exactly a Sherpa Business Coach was. After a 30-minute Teams call, I knew this was the role for me.

The beautiful thing about Hilti is that you get to choose your path, and the people here will help you figure out how to make it happen. If you need proof, take a look at our CEO Mike McGowan’s career journey.

Tyler on a snowmobile.

Let’s Stick This Landing!

Like I said earlier, I felt like an imposter when I first started at Hilti. But through experiencing our core values in action: teamwork, integrity, commitment and courage, I’ve learned the power of a diverse and inclusive work environment, and I’ve had the drive to make the most of every opportunity.

I’m not perfect. I embrace teamwork, I lead with integrity, I’m committed to growth and I have the courage to chase new challenges. I’m not an imposter; I’m just one more person who makes Hilti a diverse great place to work. And that’s the real secret: it’s not the perks, the offices or even the coffee machine…it’s the people.

Explore Opportunities at Hilti

At Hilti, we are committed to creating opportunities for our team members to connect with one another and develop meaningful and long-lasting careers with impact. Learn more and explore our opportunities in North America and worldwide here: Jobs | Hilti Careers