In conversation with Silvan Hilti

26.05.2026
Company:
HWZ AG
Joined the company:
01.03.2016
Position:
Field Sales Representative / Deputy Managing Director, HWZ
Education/training:
Apprenticeship as a carpenter, further training as a technical sales representative, a diploma in business administration (HF), and further training leading to a CAS in Key Account Management.
Place of residence:
Ostermundigen/BE

You work in field service at HWZ and have already worked for one of our other companies. What advantages do you see in our ecosystem?

A big advantage - especially in the field and in direct customer contact - is that we can serve our customers quickly and easily. We offer many solutions directly in-house, be it cutting, delivery or other services. This makes us efficient and flexible, which our customers really appreciate.

Which areas are you currently responsible for and what does a typical working day look like for you?

I look after the whole of German-speaking Switzerland, with a few exceptions. We don't have a classic field service routine. There are months when I spend a lot of time travelling and weeks when I mainly work in the office. Our customers don't expect weekly visits; it's more important to be in constant contact and available so that I can be on site quickly if necessary. My working day is therefore very varied and often spontaneous.

At work: Silvan has an eye on the benefits of our complete solutions.
The sun and the lake: Silvan stand-up paddling.

It is important to you to have a good balance to your everyday working life. Has this always been the case or has this attitude developed over time? What exactly does your balance look like?

At the beginning of my career, I was very focussed on work. Over time, however, other priorities have developed for me - especially since becoming a father. Today, finding a balance is very important to me: spending time with my son, outside in the playground, in nature or doing things together. In summer, I particularly enjoy stand-up paddleboarding. A career is important, but it's also important to be satisfied with what you have beyond that.

What helps you to stay calm and focussed in hectic or stressful phases?

Quite simply: staying calm and not letting emotions get the better of me. I then try to prioritise and assess what really needs to be done by the same day or what can be done on other days.

In summer, you like to spend time at the Maiensäss in Graubünden. What do these days look like for you?

We have a holiday home there in the mountains, which we visit at least once a summer - more often if possible. From there, we go on excursions, go hiking or simply enjoy the peace and quiet. The region offers many beautiful hiking trails and is perfect for switching off.

Switch off, take a deep breath, enjoy: Time in the countryside.
This is Silvan's world: sun meets mountain ridge - and the lake smiles.

You once mentioned that you like to experience sunrises. What does this moment mean to you? Are there any other rituals that are important to you in your everyday life?

I consciously get up early to experience sunrises. The silence and tranquillity in these moments give me a lot. It's hard to describe, it's about how the world slowly awakens and the warmth returns with the first rays of sunshine - it's simply impressive. Several times a year, we also plan hikes specifically so that we can experience sunrises.

What originally made you decide to become a carpenter?

I always knew that I wanted to do something manual. What particularly fascinated me about the carpentry profession was the teamwork - building something together and having a visible result at the end.

Despite your work, you have continued to train yourself. What motivates you to keep on developing?

After my apprenticeship, I wanted to develop further and had the time to do so. My goal was to switch to field service. That's why I just started and thought about what added value it would bring me for the future with every training course. You learn something new at every training course and can always take something away with you.