Tyler Hilker
If I am a puzzle, these are some edge pieces.
I enjoy shaping perspectives and systems in order to overcome challenges and make the most of opportunities. I'm often addressing alignment issues, scratching itches, and learning how to slow down faster.
I've got an amazing wife, four incredible kids, two dogs, and a few cats.
I'm one who hopes in Jesus but struggles greatly to consistently live into that reality; I'm thankful for grace and small wins.
E/INFP // Enneagram 9w1 // Clifton: Adaptability, Strategic, Ideation
As the VP of Strategy at Crema — a design & technology consultancy in Kansas City — I help find, shape, and unlock opportunities for people, teams, and products.
Ideas I come back to often
Collect the dots; connect the dots
A simple phrase to remind myself that both mindsets are required for great work.
Organizational Overhead
The cost of working in or with any organization. Politics, processes, systems, technology, etc.
Distribution multiplies distribution
As a product adds users, it will field exponentially more and a broader variety of requests to meet the needs of said users.
Side Projects
- gryd — A deceptively simple, progressively difficult tapping game
- vrbl — Like Boggle, but harder
- d3c0d3 — Speed CAPTCHA
- OpenSea — Photography NFTs
- Glitch Reality — Generative NFT collection
Things I Like
Levi's 511 jeans
Comfortable enough for any kind of work.
Diner-style mugs
The right size (300ml of coffee with 20g of grounds), sits well in your hands, and has nice insulative properties. The collection is large and ever-growing.
OXO Pourover
Pour the water all at once and find the filters anywhere. The plastic is great for home and camping.
Leuchtturm Classic Notebook
Outstanding paper feel. The gray dot is perfect: supportive for structure, but not so visible that it interrupts freeform sketches.
Speaking
- Lightning session at Miro's Distributed '23
- Podcast interview with Devin Henderson
- Guest speaker for Rockhurst University's entrepreneurship program
- Guest speaker for UMKC's Innovation Center
- Mentor and speaker for the Kansas City Fellows program
- Advisor for De Soto School District's CAPS program
Notable Travels
- 42 US states — mostly road trips with friends or family
- 2018 — 6,070 miles, 30 days, family of 6, 14 nights in a tent
- 2020 — Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Mt Rushmore, Badlands
- 2023 — Great Sand Dunes, Grand Canyon, Black Canyon of the Gunnison
- 2024 — 4,400 miles; Phoenix, Joshua Tree, Yosemite, Santa Cruz, SF, Lake Tahoe
- Midwest brewery trip — 4 friends, 4 days, 8 states, 13 breweries, many different beers (mostly tasters, I promise)
- Thailand — teaching English to native Thai teachers
- Philippines — supporting non-profit work at a university in Iloilo
Oreo Reviews
A running list of varieties I've evaluated.
Remarkable
Space Dunk, Blueberry Pie, Apple Pie, Rice Krispy Treats, Kettle Corn, Birthday Cake, Fruity Crisps, Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake, Carrot Cake, Jelly Doughnut, Cotton Candy, Caramel Apple, Maple Crème, Neapolitan, Strawberry Frosted Donut, Chocolate Hazelnut, Piña Colada, Pumpkin Spice, Brookie-O, Apple Cider Donut, Gingerbread, Blackout Cake, Churro
Not my favorite
Mocha Caramel Latte, Easter, Love, Rocky Road Trip, Mystery/Fruity Pebbles, Cookie Butter, Fireworks, Toffee Crunch, Cherry Cola, Peanut Butter, S'Mores, Watermelon, Cookies & Creme, Peeps, Java Chip, Coca-Cola