Steven Gillhouse, based in Cary, NC, hails from Springfield, Ohio. He is the son of Reverend Donald C. Gillhouse and Lillian Gillhouse and is the youngest of four children. He attended Springfield North High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Bowling Green State University. He later pursued an MBA from the JL Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University.
As Vice President of Sales at Cornerstone Building Brands, Steven has established himself as a highly accomplished and results-driven sales and marketing executive. His multifaceted experience includes P&L management, customer relationship management, product launches, business development, program development, and strategic planning. He has a proven track record of success in cultivating relationships to improve customer retention and business growth. He has also established industry partnerships and created and executed initiatives to drive corporate profit, performance, and productivity. Known for his exemplary leadership, organizational, and communication skills, Steven consistently meets and exceeds sales targets, maximizes revenue, and ensures product success. His career includes senior roles such as Senior Vice President of Sales at PlyGem Corporation, Vice President of Sales at Simonton Windows, and Vice President of Sales at USG Corporation.
Outside of his professional achievements, Steven is passionate about fitness, hiking, and golf. He is also deeply committed to philanthropy, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity and DuPage PADS, an organization that supports the homeless. Steven led the “Sleep Out Saturday Night” fundraiser for his church, as featured in the November 3, 2010 Daily Herald newspaper article, and has been a dedicated fundraising volunteer for the Pelotonia ride to end cancer.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My typical day starts early with a workout to energize me for the day ahead. I then review my goals and prioritize my tasks. Focusing on high-impact activities and staying disciplined about time management helps me maintain productivity throughout the day.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I bring ideas to life by fostering a collaborative environment where team members feel empowered to share their thoughts. We brainstorm collectively, validate the feasibility of ideas, and develop a strategic plan to execute them effectively.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The increasing emphasis on sustainability in business excites me. It’s inspiring to see companies adopt green practices and innovate in ways that benefit both the environment and their bottom line.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Regular exercise is a habit that significantly boosts my productivity. It keeps me mentally sharp and physically energized, allowing me to tackle challenges with a clear mind.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to embrace failures as learning opportunities. Every setback is a chance to grow and become better, so don’t be afraid to take risks and learn from the experiences.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe that a significant portion of career success is rooted in emotional intelligence rather than just technical skills. Many focus solely on hard skills, but understanding and managing emotions is crucial for leadership and teamwork.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Consistently set and review your goals. This practice keeps you aligned with your objectives and allows you to make necessary adjustments to stay on track.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I take a short break to clear my mind, often by going for a hike or doing a quick workout. This helps me regain focus and approach my tasks with renewed energy.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Building strong relationships and networks has been crucial. By investing time in cultivating connections, I’ve gained valuable insights, support, and opportunities that have propelled my career forward.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early in my career, I underestimated the importance of team buy-in for a new project. The initiative failed due to lack of support. I learned that engaging and aligning the team with the vision is essential for success.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Creating a platform that connects small businesses with freelance sustainability consultants could be highly beneficial. It would enable businesses to implement eco-friendly practices affordably and effectively.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Trello is a fantastic tool for productivity. I use it to organize tasks, set deadlines, and collaborate with my team, ensuring that everyone is aligned and projects are progressing smoothly.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
“Leaders Eat Last” by Simon Sinek is a book that has profoundly influenced my leadership style. It emphasizes the importance of putting your team’s needs first, which resonates deeply with my approach to leadership.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently enjoyed watching “The Queen’s Gambit.” The series beautifully showcases the power of perseverance and strategic thinking, qualities that are essential in both personal and professional life.
Key learnings
1. Embrace failures as opportunities for growth and learning.
2. Building strong relationships and networks is crucial for career advancement.
3. Regularly setting and reviewing goals can significantly enhance productivity and alignment with objectives.