Steven Gillhouse is an active participant in various community initiatives, experiences that have enhanced his leadership style and business approach.
Throughout his career, Steven has volunteered extensively with organizations like Habitat for Humanity, DuPage PADS, and Pelotonia, an annual ride dedicated to cancer research funding. These experiences have deepened his commitment to empathy, community focus, and long-term relationship-building, qualities he brings directly into his professional role as Vice President of Sales at Cornerstone Building Brands.
His involvement in the “Sleep Out Saturday” event, which raises awareness for homelessness through DuPage PADS, particularly influenced his perspective on social responsibility in business. By leading community-focused events, Steven has learned the importance of authentic connection and trust—values that he has carried into his work with clients and team members.
Beyond volunteering, Steven Gillhouse‘s dedication to personal fitness through hiking and golfing has also had a positive impact on his career. Staying active provides him with the mental clarity and resilience needed to manage high-pressure situations and maintain a balanced, focused approach to his goals. Additionally, his commitment to continuous learning and growth—most recently through professional development courses—reflects his belief in lifelong improvement. Through these multifaceted experiences outside of work, Steven has cultivated a leadership style that is both compassionate and strategically driven, empowering his team to succeed while fostering a client-focused, community-oriented approach to business.
Steven, you’ve been involved in a lot of community work outside of your career. How has that shaped your approach in the workplace?
Volunteering has been a big part of my life, and it’s had a profound impact on how I lead. Working with organizations like Habitat for Humanity and DuPage PADS has taught me the importance of empathy and understanding others’ perspectives. In sales, it’s easy to focus only on metrics, but community work reminds me that it’s about people. Building relationships based on trust and genuine care is something I carry into every interaction with clients and team members.
What have you gained from participating in events like Pelotonia, which raises funds for cancer research?
Pelotonia is an inspiring event that combines physical endurance with a strong mission. It reminds me of the importance of setting challenging goals and working toward something bigger than myself. Professionally, it’s translated into resilience and long-term thinking. When faced with challenges in sales, I find it helpful to think back on the endurance needed for events like Pelotonia—it’s a good reminder that persistence and dedication always pay off.
How do your fitness activities like hiking and golf contribute to your career success?
Fitness is essential for my focus and mental clarity. Hiking lets me unplug and think strategically about both big-picture goals and immediate challenges. Golf is a mental game, similar to sales—it’s about patience, precision, and learning from every shot. Both activities remind me of the importance of setting goals, whether it’s improving my swing or leading a team to hit new targets.
Is there a lesson from these experiences that you apply directly in your leadership role?
Absolutely. The biggest lesson is the importance of preparation and adaptability. With volunteering and fitness, things don’t always go as planned—conditions change, or the goalposts move. In sales, we experience similar shifts, so staying prepared while being adaptable has been critical.
You’ve also been involved in the “Sleep Out Saturday” event. How has that influenced your approach to leadership?
The “Sleep Out Saturday” event, which raises awareness for homelessness, has deeply influenced how I see leadership. Spending even a night exposed to those conditions fosters a sense of humility and empathy. It reminds me that people come from different backgrounds and challenges that may not always be visible. This experience helps me be a more compassionate leader, understanding that my team members may face personal struggles. I strive to create a supportive work environment where everyone feels valued and understood.
What role does family play in shaping your professional outlook?
Family is at the core of who I am and significantly impacts my approach at work. Balancing a career with family time teaches me patience, understanding, and resilience—all qualities I bring to my leadership role. Spending quality time with my family reminds me to create a healthy work-life balance for myself and encourages me to support it for my team as well. I think it’s essential to lead by example, showing that we can be successful while also making time for what matters outside of work.
Do you think continuous learning plays a role in your growth, both in and outside of work?
Absolutely. Learning isn’t just about formal education; it’s about staying curious and open to new perspectives. I try to learn from every community initiative or event I participate in. Whether it’s new ways to engage people or insights into team dynamics, these experiences enrich my understanding. In sales, the landscape is always evolving, so bringing this mentality to the workplace keeps me adaptable and proactive in finding innovative solutions for my team and clients.
Read more:
From Habitat to Pelotonia: Steven Gillhouse’s Journey in Giving Back