Meet Ben Hillman: Co-founder & COO

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ben Hillman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ben, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
People. Their stories. Their many different perspectives and approaches to building businesses. Their creativity. Their ability to create projects that ultimately require other people in order for them to flourish and develop further. I have been most fortunate to learn and experience businesses of all types, including different geographies, industries, and sizes. From seafood exporters in Latin America, to professional services in the United States, and creative solutions providers in Europe, the one common denominator, which has always served as a key source of inspiration, has been the people – that essential human component – that makes up these ventures and makes them relevant and real. 

What should our readers know about your business?
Virgen extra’s experience, talent and geographic reach are some of the elements setting the business apart. Since 2006, the company has worked throughout the world, from Hong Kong to Ecuador, and approximately a dozen other countries, with offices in Madrid, Spain, and West Palm Beach, Florida (USA). Our team’s understanding of cultural idiosyncrasies, as well as universal themes in the world of communications give way to competitive advantages and greater value-add to our partners. Arriving to this point is far from easy or simple. Selling ideas, which is ultimately what so many professional services companies do, particularly ideas pertaining to communication and the need to engage audiences both rationally and emotionally, can be highly challenging. In our experience, it is vital to understand what and how we do, but arguably what is most important is to understand why we are doing it. Understanding why we work helps align and focus our efforts in a comprehensive way, maximizing our efficiencies as a group and driving greater comprehension of what we are able to achieve for our clients. Along the way, we have learned countless lessons. Our lesson is made out of professionals with decades of experience in the field of advertising, brand communications and creativity, thus making ti challenging to narrow down some of the lessons. One lesson that comes to mind pertains to the criticality of managing expectations. When we manage our clients expectations effectively, we are able to give way to more fruitful and dynamic working relationships. We’d like the world to know that business can be purposeful, highly engaging, and meaningful. As previously stated, most businesses are made up by people, and people are fascinating for countless reasons, including their stories. We serve to tell those stories in compelling and impactful ways; ways that can even make business a beautiful thing.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Lunch at Restoration Hardware followed by a lovely walk down the stunning neighborhood of Rosemary Square (where you can also get some fun shopping in). Lunch / dinner at any of the wonderful restaurants throughout West Palm and Palm Beach, including Buccan, Imoto, Pizza al Fresco, Cafe Sapori, Avocado Grill, Pistache, Hullabaloo, High Dive, and Pura Vida. Visit the Norton Museum. Explore Antique Row. Rent a bike at Royal Poinciana Plaza and take a stroll down the Palm Beach trail. Relax at any of the world famous beaches located in Palm Beach. West Palm Beach and Palm Beach are full of exciting actives and people.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My business partners, Sebas & Isma. In addition to being a significant source of inspiration, their leadership, development, mentorship and support has been imperative in my own ability to grow both professionally and personally. I am most grateful for having partners who, in addition to their talent and brilliance, are deeply human, honest and empathetic. Naturally, many successful projects are upheld and enabled by an entire ecosystem of support, including family and friends, which is undoubtedly the case in my experience.

Website: www.virgen-extra.com
Instagram: virgen_extra_branding
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/virgen-extra/?viewAsMember=true