Our Story - Family Owned Since 1961

Welcome to Hillyer Sales. For over 60 years, our family has been guided by a simple, unchanging truth: business is personal, and relationships are everything. We are a people-first company dedicated to making life easier for construction and design professionals by connecting them with ideal architectural product solutions.

Here is how three generations of the Hillyer family grew a single salesman’s vision into the trusted Southeast representative firm we are today.

 

Part 1: The Foundation – Hillyer Sales (1961)

In 1961, our grandfather, Robert Hillyer, set out with a simple vision: to supply local manufacturing with the highest-quality tools backed by personal, dependable service. He founded Hillyer Tool Sales, specializing in high-grade industrial bits, sockets, and tooling.

Robert believed that a business was built on trust, handshakes, and look-you-in-the-eye honesty. Driving from shop to shop, he earned a reputation for being a human helping a human, always willing to lend a helping hand. His work ethic and dedication to building genuine relationships laid the rock-solid foundation for everything the Hillyer name stands for today.

Part 2: Growth & Evolution – A Second Generation Expands the Horizon

As American industry evolved, so did we. Robert’s sons, Barry and Bruce Hillyer, joined the family business, bringing fresh energy and a shared commitment to serving people first. Working alongside their father, they mastered the trade while looking for new ways to solve complex problems for their clients.

Recognizing a shifting demand in the market, Bruce took a bold step forward by founding Hillyer Architectural Products in the late 2000’s. This expansion allowed the company to pivot into an entirely new market serving the design and construction industry. Together, Barry and Bruce transitioned the company into a multi-faceted sales agency, proving that while products might change, the value of a trusted, long-term relationship never does.

Part 3: The Legacy Continues – Relationships Over Transactions

Today, Hillyer Architectural Products is proudly led by the third generation: Bruce and Barry’s sons - Reynolds and Barry. Having grown up in the business, we carry forward the same core values of integrity, responsiveness, and authenticity that Robert championed back in 1961.

We aren't interested in quick sales; we are here to be your credible partner for years to come. We approach every project with a "Honey Badger Mindset"—possessing the grit to push through setbacks and find the right answers. We aren't afraid of big challenges; we willingly bite off more than we can chew, and then we chew like hell until the job is done right.

By combining decades of inherited industry expertise with active listening, the third generation ensures that Hillyer remains the most trusted architectural products rep firm in the Southeast. We bring great designs and quality materials together, helping you build impressive, long-lasting buildings in our communities.

Why Work With Hillyer?

  • We Listen First: The right solution only presents itself after we fully understand your specific project challenge.

  • We Act with Urgency: Your time is valuable. We provide swift, clear communication and timely answers so your project never stops moving.

  • We Focus on the Benefit: We don't just sell product features. We focus entirely on how our materials will help achieve your building design and solve your real-world problems.

  • We Stand Behind Our Word: We give advice we truly believe in and only represent products we completely back.

"Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand." — Philippians 2:4