Thomas H. Hillery: Pursuing Practical Innovation Beyond the Big Screen

Thomas H. Hillery has a unique approach to both life and career that can be summed up by his personal mantra: “Persevere unto victory.” His work spans both the world of entertainment and practical technology. An inventor and manager at Starlight Production and Flexiphone/Digiflexx, he works to close the gap between complex ideas and everyday convenience.

A Diverse Foundation of Knowledge

Mr. Hillery’s approach to problem-solving has been heavily influenced by an extensive education. He first earned a Bachelor of Arts from Clark University, a private university in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1985, and then a Master of Liberal Arts in extension studies from Harvard University in 1997. This background, combined with his deep experience in financial planning and his knowledge of historical and cultural mythology, as well as entertainment trends, has given him a well-rounded perspective that informs all of his professional work.

Entertainment and Beyond

In the entertainment industry, Mr. Hillery has worked as an executive producer, director and writer for Starlight Productions. He has contributed to works such as “Project Solitude: Buried Alive,” “Looks Can Kill” and “Honey Trap.” While his creative work explores storytelling and production, his parallel focus on technology reflects a commitment to practical problem-solving. He explains his ongoing drive for invention by saying, “Technology is the best way to improve people's lives by adding to safety, comfort and convenience.”

Regarding his technological side, Mr. Hillery often focuses on solving common, often-overlooked inconveniences. His current projects include improving the maintenance of essential home safety devices and simplifying everyday processes, such as reducing the need for a homeowner to climb a ladder to change the batteries in a smoke detector. He is also involved in projects that aim to make recharging electric vehicles easier, since he believes it will encourage greater adoption of environmentally friendly solutions. 

A Mission to Succeed

The key to success, Mr. Hillery believes, is to emphasize quality over quick wins. “Being patient, being focused and having a big goal in mind without worrying about how long it takes you to achieve it.” He also advises others to learn from their history, whether that is family, neighborhood or country, and to always gather all information before deciding on a course of action. This careful approach is the same one he applies to long-term goals, including bringing various technological concepts to market to better advance public safety and health. 

Outside of professional life, Mr. Hillery remains committed to civic engagement and personal improvement. He has served three terms on the elected board of property tax assessors in Sudbury, Massachusetts. Most recently, he has been involved with the World Affairs Council and the Maheu Group. His hobbies include reading and participating in athletics. He is a member of the Harvard University Faculty Club and Harvard Clubs of Boston, New York City and Nevada.

Guided by perseverance and a broad knowledge base, Mr. Hillery continues to bring together creativity, discipline and practical innovation across entertainment and technology to find solutions that make everyday life safer, simpler and more meaningful.

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