When he joined Butler Technologies in March 2018, Jason Hillwig wasn’t just looking for a job but a better balance. After working in accounting roles in industries ranging from retail to hospitality to the service industry, he decided to focus on manufacturing when he earned his MBA in 1998.
Since then, Jason's done it all, from small businesses to the manufacturing giant Alcoa. But eventually, Jason realized it was time to trade the corporate hustle for a lifestyle change, and that’s what brought him to Butler Technologies.
Why Manufacturing?
“I’m a meat-and-potatoes kind of guy,” Jason says. “I like to see our products go out the door, hit the marketplace, and make a difference in the community. You don’t get that satisfaction in other industries.” And he’s not kidding about the meat-and-potatoes thing—it comes up a lot.
Rising Through the Ranks at Butler Technologies
Jason's role at Butler Technologies has come a long way since he started. Initially, he supported the Treasurer, but when she retired, he stepped into a leadership role. Now, in addition to keeping the company’s finances in order, Jason oversees HR, Procurement, and IT.
“It’s been a big shift,” Jason admits, but it’s clear he’s taken it all in stride. “I love my team and enjoy working with everyone every day. They make it easy.”
The Unique Culture at Butler Technologies
What makes Butler Technologies unique to Jason isn’t just the work—it’s the culture. “The leadership team here interacts with everyone in such a unique way. We’re allowed to be ourselves, crack a joke, or ask someone how their weekend was. At bigger companies, that kind of casual connection isn’t always encouraged.”
He adds, “Honestly, that’s my favorite part—just being able to be myself.”
Finding Inspiration and Mentors
Over the years, Jason has drawn inspiration from a few key role models. His high school accounting teacher first sparked his interest in the field and left a lasting impression with his ability to teach and connect. His uncle, a highly successful accountant who once made it into The Wall Street Journal, became an early example of the heights that hard work and determination can reach. And later in life, hockey legend Mario Lemieux became a symbol of perseverance for him.
Meeting Lemieux is still a bucket-list goal, though he did get close once—kind of. “I stood right beside him at the 1994 U.S. Open to grab a picture, but all I got was us standing back-to-back,” Jason says with a laugh.
Favorite Traditions and Wild Adventures
One of his all-time favorite Butler Technologies traditions is ringing the Salvation Army bell in memory of our late colleague Marilyn Suchy. “I love putting on my ‘ab suit’ and making people laugh while we raise money. It’s the perfect mix of doing good and having fun.”
Speaking of fun, Jason has stories that rival any movie script. For instance, his college summer job as an accountant for a horse racing stable led him and his girlfriend (now wife, Jenni) to the Super Bowl of harness racing. They cheered on the stable’s horses as they snagged 1st and 3rd place. Next thing they knew, they were on ESPN, riding in limos, enjoying private dining in Little Italy, and living the high life in New York City.
“It was surreal,” he says, laughing. “A pretty wild ride for a couple of college kids!”
Finding Comfort in Routine
Of course, he’s not all glitz and glamour. He’s a guy who thrives on routine. “I wake up at the same time, hit the road at the same time, and even go to bed at 9:45 every night. My dog knows the drill—he usually beats me to the stairs."
Work-Life Balance
Outside of work, he’s the go-to grill master for family dinners (think burgers, dogs, and steaks) and, oddly enough, an Excel TikTok enthusiast. Yes, you read that right—Excel TikTok. “My coworker Barry got me hooked on TikTok, and now I’m that guy watching dorky videos about spreadsheets.”
Advice to His Younger Self
As for advice to his younger self? “Don’t sweat the small stuff,” he says. Early in his career, he worked nonstop, constantly worrying he wasn’t moving fast enough. “It took me 15 or 16 years to see the payoff, but eventually, all that hard work paid off.”
From his early days crunching numbers at horse races to becoming a trusted leader at Butler Technologies, his journey is a reminder that perseverance, a sense of humor, and a love for meat and potatoes can take you far. And if you ever want to hear more stories—or see that ESPN photo—just ask.