Hill Builder Awards & Owners Meeting
May 14, 2026 | Saint Paul, Minnesota
Recognizing Builders Who Rarely Get Recognized
On May 14th, Hill Capital will host the first-ever Hill Builder Awards & Owners Meeting. This is a private gathering to recognize founders and business owners building enduring, values-driven companies.
Most recognition in entrepreneurship rewards early momentum or visible scale. It overlooks the builders who are growing real businesses, creating enterprise value, leading teams, and doing it without much external recognition.
This event is for them.
Nominations & Invitations
This is a curated, invite-only event, limited to Hill Capital shareholders, Ambassadors, and selected nominees.
The primary way to attend is through nomination.
Nominate a founder or business owner who deserves recognition
Or put your own name forward
Selected nominees—and those who nominate them—will receive invitations to attend.
If you want to be in the room, start with a nomination.
The Awards
Each award reflects how we define value creation at Hill and the principles we believe matter most. A full overview of the awards can be viewed here.
Magnetic Vision Award
Recognizes a founder who creates alignment and attracts resources through clearly articulating a compelling long-term vision.
David Graff Ambassador Award
An Ambassador who gives first inside the Hill community. This award is named in honor of David Graff, one of the earliest and most impactful Hill Ambassadors.
Community Builder Award
For an owner or ecosystem leader who actively strengthens the broader founder community.
The Owner Award
For founders who build enterprise value through discipline, retain meaningful ownership, and prioritize long-term value over short-term optics. These are true owners—often majority or fully owned—who make capital-efficient decisions to build durability and optionality.
Empire Builder Award
Named in honor of James J. Hill, the original “Empire Builder.” This award recognizes an owner who has scaled intelligently and sustainably to create enduring value.
Event Overview
The day brings together a select group of founders, operators, and members of the Hill community for an afternoon of connection and recognition.
11:00 – 1:00
Hill Capital Annual Meeting (Hill Owners Only)
1:00 – 1:30
Guest Arrival & Photography
1:30 – 2:00
Welcome & Introductions
2:00 – 2:30
Featured Speaker: Mike Rolih, Founder of GoRout
2:30 – 3:45
Hill Builder Awards
3:45 – 5:00
Reception & Community
The Setting
The event will be held at The Avalon in Saint Paul, the restored James J. Hill Reference Library—and the original birthplace of Hill Capital.
Built on long-term thinking, this space now hosts a new generation of builders doing the same!