Written by our Creative Content Writer Steve Barrett about his time at so far at Hilltop Packs...
I started working for Hilltop Packs LLC in March, and now, nearly a half-year later, I can honestly say that the owner, Ben McMillen, is unlike any other boss I have ever worked for. Oh, and that sentiment also applies to his company.
Before I go any further... At the risk of sounding like a groomsman making a bad toast at a wedding, let me start with this:
Hello. For those of you who don't know me, my name is Steve Barrett and I am employed at Hilltop Packs as creative content writer and cut shop operator, and I also believe I was hired by Ben for my awesome sense of humor and stunning good looks.
Though I have only been a member of the HP workforce for a little over 5 months, Ben has had the privilege of being my friend since around the time Jesus was born.
I have also worked - and continue to work - with Ben in another capacity, offering my services as a wedding DJ for McMillen Photography for many years.
I mention this because it's important to understand just how far back my knowledge, understanding and appreciation (and actual awe) of Ben goes, especially when it comes to his work ethic, resilience and creativity.
Cue the violin strings, cuz here comes a sad tale ... for quite some time, I was unhappy in a thankless job and I knew I had to make a change. I spoke to Ben in early March, and he did something that altered everything for me. He offered me a job working at Hilltop Packs.
He said he had ideas on how he could utilize my talents. He said his company was growing and the future was bright, and somehow he saw me as possibly being a part of a great team that really worked well together.
I thought he was crazy. But I soon realized I was half right. Because he is a crazy genius. Not because he hired me, but because he saw something that I could bring to the table.
You see, after 5 months I have come to realize that every single employee who works for Ben, works hard for Ben. And each person brings their unique talents, skills and personality to help make Hilltop Packs not just a great place to work, but a place where everyone trusts one another, where everyone helps and cares about one another, where everyone really wants to see Hilltop Packs succeed.
In just 5 months, I feel like I am part of a crazy, wacky, unpredictable family... and even better, I feel like I belong here. And it's pretty awesome.
So everyday, I get to wake up and go to work at a place where laughter is mandatory, where the boss will bust chops and yet still trust us to get the work done. A place where everyone cares about your kids, your worries and your stress, where it's exciting because we are all working together to help make Hilltop Packs bigger and better every day.
I often joke that Hilltop Packs is a lot like Willy Wonka's Factory because inside there is a world that exists from Ben's crazy imagination (not to mention the fact that we got a couple of Oompa Loompas working there - yes, that was a short joke).
The truth is, there is nothing "magical" about the place. It is reality. And the reality is that Hilltop Packs is a wonderful place to work, because of the incredible people and the "boss" who isn't really a boss after all... he's just simply a great owner committed to excellence.
So... if you've never visited Hilltop Packs, stop in some time. Enjoy a great cup of fresh, locally roasted coffee. Ask to speak to Ben, who will gladly give you a tour and introduce you to some awesome people (myself included).
One last piece of advice: If you're talking to Ben and suddenly he drifts off into deep thought, take a few steps back and watch out: The mad genius is most likely coming up with another idea and it might knock you you right off your feet.
So everyday, I get to wake up and go to work at a place where laughter is mandatory, where the boss will bust chops and yet still trust us to get the work done. A place where everyone cares about your kids, your worries and your stress, where it's exciting because we are all working together to help make Hilltop Packs bigger and better every day.
I often joke that Hilltop Packs is a lot like Willy Wonka's Factory because inside there is a world that exists from Ben's crazy imagination (not to mention the fact that we got a couple of Oompa Loompas working there - yes, that was a short joke).
The truth is, there is nothing "magical" about the place. It is reality. And the reality is that Hilltop Packs is a wonderful place to work, because of the incredible people and the "boss" who isn't really a boss after all... he's just simply a great owner committed to excellence.
So... if you've never visited Hilltop Packs, stop in some time. Enjoy a great cup of fresh, locally roasted coffee. Ask to speak to Ben, who will gladly give you a tour and introduce you to some awesome people (myself included).
One last piece of advice: If you're talking to Ben and suddenly he drifts off into deep thought, take a few steps back and watch out: The mad genius is most likely coming up with another idea and it might knock you you right off your feet.
