Brian Hillstrom

Energizer
DISC Type : I

Retirement at Career Break

West Chicago, Illinois, United States

Overview

Brian is a retired Senior VP of Operations from First Trust, where he was responsible for investment operations, portfolio management systems, and application software development. His diverse career also includes time as a software architect at Alcatel-Lucent. He holds degrees from both the University of Illinois and Wheaton College.

His entrepreneurial experience includes owning and operating a residential and commercial remodeling company, indicating a strong background in project management and business ownership outside of the finance and tech sectors.

Unique fact: Between a distinguished career in tech and a senior role in finance, he founded and led his own remodeling business.

Personality Overview

Full Of Energy

Believer

Informal

They are not always early adopters but can be pursuaded by leveraging strong relationships.  They are naturally enthusiastic, so take their promise with a pinch of salt. Unlike C or D types, they are vocal with their opinions but not so much with their questions.

Topics They Care About

Investment Operations
As Senior VP of Operations at First Trust, he was directly responsible for the operations of ETFs, OEFs, CEFs, and SMAs.
FinTech Software
Managed software development and operations to support portfolio management, trading, and back-office functions at First Trust.
Business Ownership
He has firsthand experience as an entrepreneur, having been the Owner and President of MTJC Specialties Inc. , a remodeling company.

Media Appearances

Brian has no verified media appearances

Work History

12-2025
Retirement at Career Break
9-2019 - 12-2025
Senior VP Operations at First Trust
9-2019
Vice President Operations at First Trust
9-2003 - 1-2008
Owner and President at MTJC Specialties Inc.
9-1987 - 9-2003
Distinguished Member Of Technical Staff at Alcatel-Lucent

Education

1985 - 1987
BS from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
1981 - 1985
BA from Wheaton College

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 26 Location : West Chicago, Illinois, United States Job Level : N/A Designation : Retirement at Career Break
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Insights For Selling To Brian

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Do some small talk, ask them how things are going on their side
  • Use adjectives like ‘amazing’, ‘coolest’, ‘unbelievable’ etc.
  • Be friendly and entertaining in your conversation

DONT's

  • Don’t be too formal, focus on building comfort and trust
  • Don’t assume a yes just because they have not said no
  • Avoid ifs and buts, don’t talk too much about the risks etc.

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Brian is

  • Relationship and trust can be vital with them, sometimes more than anything else.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Brian

  • They are unlikely to say no directly, you have to make that decision yourself.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Brian move?

  • They are not the fastest decision makers, their friendly approach can give false positive signals.
  • Can Brian take some risk or not?

  • They can accept limited risks, ones that they think will not impact them personally.

You And Brian

Personality Compatibility


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