Skyler Hill has worked in every level of business, but he’s never worked anywhere like HDI.
“It’s not a traditional ‘business’ in that the motivation for profit is strictly longevity,” Hill said. “HDI is creating real opportunities for real people without abusing a system or operating outside the jurisdiction of university policy. The altruistic nature of this department encourages me to work hard and try my best at all times.”
Hill now works as a part of HDI’s IT team, serving as a computer support specialist. It’s a job that has him wearing a lot of hats and working with a lot of people.
“I work with device setup and coordinate some shipping for HDI’s tech department,” he said. “I also manage incoming and outgoing inventory for each of the separate groups within the HDI department and reflect its whereabouts so we know who has what and who paid for it.”
With experience in everything from retail to manual labor to food service, to music, Hill has certainly had an eclectic background.
“This helped me survey the working world and showed me how important strong leadership can be,” he said.
However, thanks to a friend who works in the RETAIN project, he found his way to HDI and has found it an excellent fit.
“I’m very pleased with how things have gone thus far and the kindness I’ve received from everyone I’ve had the pleasure of working with,” he said.
Outside of his work at HDI, Hill is an avid musician and multi-instrumentalist. He comes from a musical family and has been involved in music in some way since his childhood.
“When I’m not working, I like making music and learning new instruments,” he said. “Music is my favorite thing. Inspiration is an incredible thing.”
Though he enjoys all instruments and genres, he’s mainly a percussionist with a taste for funk.
“Funk relies on the rhythm section a lot, potentially more than other songs. It’s the clever arrangements and syncopation that I enjoy most,” he said. “The loose nature of everything allows you to incorporate jazzy elements into your playing while keeping everyone rooted in the same syncopated figure, even if it only happens at the end of a phrase or section. There’s so much nuance with each style and they all shine in their own way.”
Through his work with HDI, Hill has found another thing to feel passionate about.
“I truly appreciate the opportunities I’ve been given so far and I’m proud to be a part of this amazing group,” he said. “I’m grateful for each and every person in our department.”
