Avant-garde Consulting and Professional Services, LLC - Crystal River, Florida

Ronna Detrick

Steven's extensive experience in the United States Air Force is only part of what qualifies him for significant leadership opportunities. Relevant background, yes. High-caliber training, yes. Significant skill-set, yes. But more, character, integrity, and heart.

He deserves to be considered as a candidate for any position that needs leadership, insight, vision, and heart; even more, he deserves to be hired.

I am certain that his presence within any organization or team will change it completely, powerfully, and in ways you've only begun to imagine.

G Welsh

It's certainly my privilege to recommend Steve Hilsdon, not only as a co-worker, but as a person who had the honor of working for him for several months and closely watching his capabilities.

I've known Steve now for nearly ten years, and can say without hesitation he is an inspirational leader capable of truly leading change in any organization. In my time working with Steve, I have come to the conclusion that he is one of those people that lead from the HEART, as well as the head; he wakes up every day with the burning passion to do great things. He is a rare breed indeed these days in a world where people have forgotten to "walk the talk." In Steve's case, not only does he walk it, he actively looks to provide an inspirational example to others on a daily basis.

Finally, his ability to effectively work across organizations, from the line employee to senior management is a testament to his ability to "manage by walking around." In fact, Steve could never possibly star in an episode of "Undercover Boss," as it's doubtful anyone in his nearly 600-member organization wouldn't immediately recognize him!

Mike Milcic

Rarely in life does one experience a leader of Steven Hilsdon’s integrity; honesty; heartfelt compassion as I had the privilege of for my last 18 months of my 31 year U.S. Air Force career. Seldom did I witness an officer receive the respect and adoration from both the enlisted and officer ranks. His ability to lead by example is a testimony in itself and his devotion to those working for him is second to none.

In addition, his ability to maintain a positive attitude in some of the most despondent situations a work environment offers is genuine. With his “can do” spirit , enthusiasm, and passion;; there wasn’t anything he couldn’t accomplish and the individuals working for him flourished in their performance as well. He has the uncanny ability to mediate difficult situations, projects, obstacles, and create a constructive outcome while meeting the missions' objectives.

In closing, I would never hesitate to recommend a quality individual such as Steven Hilsdon having the character traits that is sorely missing amongst many of today’s leaders. Finally, he has the ability to equally balance life; that being faith, family, friends, and co-workers.

Joe Redwine

Steve "Cujo" Hilsdon delivers results. He is one of the finest motivators of teams and people I have experienced in my professional career. He is a leader among leaders, both professionally and in his commitment to community service. Once he sets the vision and strategy, he and his teams deliver results and value second to none. Steve lives and leads to serve. Just as he developed and mentored young officers and airmen throughout a stellar USAF career, he continues to develop this nation’s strategic leaders of tomorrow as a business chief executive and a leadership instructor/coach. Cujo was one of the finest military officers I served with, and he remained humble and true to himself and his service even as he advanced through the command chain. His character, integrity and commitment are the foundation of who he is, and the foundation of everything he does.

Floyd Ford

Several months ago I first met Steve. In a very short time I recognize that he had traits , knowledge and experience that was special. His compassion for sharing the Word was unique. His ability to apply God’s Word to human failings was extraordinary. As it turn out these traits were instrumental in guiding our organization through some trying and difficult times. Thank you Steve for making a difference one life at a time.

Tabatha Bennett

I had the honor to work with Colonel Steve Hilsdon and he was a remarkable leader. He cares about the people under him while keeping focused on meeting the mission requirements. He was always extremely professional and had vision and foresight to act in the mission's best interest. I would work for him at the drop of a hat and I would hire him for his leadership insight anytime.

Christina Ananthakrishnan

As someone who is not military, I can say I've never met anyone in my career who inspires and motivates a team more than him. He walked into a brow beaten team, low on morale and high on wanting a change and he asked us to try new things. He fostered trust with our team in a very short time. He is sincere, he genuinely cares about people and as a result built up our confidence. We felt we could conquer the world with COL H leading us through unknown and sometimes stormy waters. Although terms like efficiency, value, and metrics are important in gov't, those terms really belong with technology and engineering. Instead of pounding us with .."We need to be more efficient!" COL H begged us to ask the right questions... "what is good work"? "And are we doing it"? He highly respects the human element and social dimensions of taking a good team ...to a team that found their way back to high fiving, laughing in the hallways, no longer fearful of sharing innovative ideas and overall good karma -- this is what leaders are made of. -Christina