I first joined Hilti as an intern in fire protection. I was so impressed by their teamwork, how they build on each other’s strengths, that I knew I wanted to stay much longer than a year.
 
The next step was Hilti’s Outperformer program, where I got the opportunity to develop local suppliers in Brazil and manage the global sourcing of our business unit installation. As part of the program, I also took a leadership course at IMD Business School in Switzerland and worked on a social project building houses in Bosnia. What’s more, I’m part of this strong network of trainees that we’ve created, which translates into friends and business buddies around the world, people who are always ready to help and give advice.
 
On graduating from Outperformer, I moved to Dallas, Texas, to take on the role of global product manager for business unit installation. It’s been one of the most exciting experiences of my career. During the first few months, we built a brand new team and created a roadmap of activities, including strategic and product development projects. Now we’re full speed ahead in driving our vision.
 
Hilti has given me the chance to live in different continents, explore and learn new roles and show what I’m capable of. If I had to summarize my experience in a few words, I’d say there are no limits to your career or personal development at Hilti. It just depends on how much you’re willing to put in.

I joined Hilti straight after my studies, wanting to work in production. Hilti’s tool service was recruiting a young engineer and, while I had no idea who or what Hilti was, the team looked pretty cool!
 
After just one month with the company, I began to realize what a great opportunity I’d been given. I was only 22, yet here I was managing my own team of people. It was really impressive.
 
Since then, Hilti have given me opportunity after opportunity. I even left the company for a bit, due to personal reasons, and still Hilti understood and accommodated me. They let me take time out and later come back to another great role, this time as manager of tool service production in Paris.
 
When I felt ready for an international experience, Hilti was once again responsive. Six months down the line, I was flying with my family to South Africa to develop the tool service for the southern Africa region.
 
The next stage in my development was exposure to sales. So I moved back to France with my family, first working as an account manager in Paris and now as an area sales manager in Bordeaux.
 
What stands out for me, 14 years into my career, is the unique Hilti spirit. In 2010, our Paris tool service unit was victim of a criminal fire, which was quite distressing for us all. In less than a week, the senior leaders decided to reinvest in the unit by building a bigger and better new one. What kind of company makes such a bold decision in just five days? Only Hilti!

Ten years ago, I applied for a job as a Hilti account manager, went to my interview and, on learning the responsibilities that came with the role, was ready to run away!

Fortunately, the general manager at my interview stopped me and explained why I should give it a try.

So I gave it a try, and I’m so glad I did. Today here I am, four different roles, two countries and a new language later - I’ve learned Italian from scratch!

It’s been an extraordinary path, working with colleagues and customers in Greece, Israel and all the Balkan countries. There have been plenty of challenges along the way, but so much more in terms of satisfaction and success.

The best part of my journey? It’s not over!
 

Looking back, I have to admit that joining Hilti wasn’t an obvious choice. A tool manufacturing company operating in the construction industry, headquartered in a small country in central Europe…really?
 
Also, I’d just returned to Finland from Silicon Valley, having enjoyed a buzzy start-up scene, entrepreneurship, technology, innovation, the ‘internet of things’…you name it.
 
Luckily, I paused for a second, asked around, did my research and called some old friends. What I found was all of those elements, packed into a family-owned company with global reach and commitment to taking care of its people. After I realized that, the decision was simple.
 
In just the past two years, I’ve had the opportunity to work in five different functions in four countries and three continents, growing my skills and competences, and sometimes pushing them to the limits.
 
One of my favourite projects has been developing a new key account strategy for northern Europe. It’s cool to see how theory moves into practice, and practice into results. It makes me feel proud and exhilarated to have contributed to that.
 
Currently, I’m in New York City working as a Regional Manager and managing a team of 10. It’s great to apply what I’ve learned and be accountable for my own business area. At the same time, there’s plenty of opportunity to keep learning, developing and growing. That’s what I truly love about Hilti: development is an ongoing journey with only pit stops, no real finish line. 
 
Oh, and by the way, we’re not just a tool manufacturing company. We’re a software, service AND manufacturing company! With a truly global reach.

I joined Hilti more than 10 years ago and I believe it was the best decision I’ve made in my professional life. Coming from a totally different business environment, I was lucky to meet extremely friendly, helpful and inspiring colleagues in Hilti Poland. Later, I got a chance to be a part of newly created Central Europe Region in Germany, where our team created a marketing strategy for the region. When I moved to Regional Product Manager position, I was fortunate to participate in developing a few breakthrough innovations, closely cooperating with our global technical and development team. I still feel extremely proud when introducing or selling these solutions to our customers worldwide.
 
From Germany I moved to Hilti Vietnam, experiencing a totally different country culture and challenges. I was working with an amazing and super talented young team, developing Hilti marketing and product solutions in South East Asia. During that time I met colleagues from other countries in region, learning from them and sharing experiences in marketing and sales channels. After this I moved to the Middle East, joining a regional Energy & Industry team where I am now working as a Segment Manager for Facade. In this position I am working with world’s biggest facade designers, consultants and contractors, supporting them on very innovative projects, such as the world’s tallest buildings or Expo.
 
During all these years, working in different countries and cultures, I developed both personally and professionally. And I am still looking for more, because with every new move I learn a lot from new challenges and can contribute more to Hilti achievements. It is an exciting journey!