A Message From Our Sr. Managing Director
Welcome, and thank you for visiting Montgomery Hassell.
Over the course of my career in operational and HR leadership, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside exceptional leaders across multiple industries. I’ve also seen firsthand what happens when leadership becomes inconsistent under pressure.
Much of my career was spent inside organizations facing real operational challenges — highly competitive industries, workforce instability, rapid growth demands, leadership pressure, and the ongoing challenge of building cultures people could trust during difficult seasons.
From the survival pressures experienced within domestic manufacturing to the growth constraints faced inside rapidly expanding organizations, one reality became increasingly clear:
Culture is relational before it is organizational.
Organizations often invest heavily in programs, initiatives, and leadership training, yet still struggle with turnover, disengagement, strained relationships, and accountability issues.
Employees experience culture through everyday leadership interactions — through communication, accountability, trust, consistency, and leadership behavior under pressure.
That realization fundamentally changed how I viewed leadership development.
In 2017, during a major plant turnaround effort at Marvin Windows, I was introduced to the Predictive Index. The behavioral insights were powerful, not because software fixes organizations, but because understanding people more clearly helps leaders communicate, coach, and lead with greater consistency.
The experience reinforced something I had already begun to believe:
People problems require people solutions.
The right tools matter. Hiring matters. Self-awareness matters. But sustainable engagement ultimately depends on leadership consistency and the quality of relationships leaders build throughout an organization.
Over time, those experiences ultimately led me to write The Narrow Path to an Engaged Workforce™ and develop Tailored Leadership — a scalable leadership standard focused on trust, accountability, and building cultures that hold under pressure.
Thank you again for visiting our site. I hope the ideas and resources shared here challenge, encourage, and strengthen the way you think about leadership and culture.
Our Mission
Our mission is simple. We want to be a strategic partner with like minded organization who recognize and value people as their greatest asset.
We assist clients to make the hiring process predictable and scalable, ensuring they hire the right talent as efficiently as possible.
We assist clients to reduce turnover, boost throughput, improve employee engagement, and enhance customer satisfaction.
Allow us the opportunity to share how a thriving and dynamic workplace can propel your organization to an “elite” status!
Our Story
Over a half century ago, two men from small communities in Franklin County, VA, went to work every day to provide for their families. Neither were educated but they were principled, honest, respectful, genuine, hard-working and servant leaders.
Montgomery Hassell was formed in honor of Edd Montgomery and Joe “Hassell” Prillaman. Edd was the Grandfather of Montgomery Hassell’s founder and President Gina Prillaman. Joe “Hassell” Prillaman was the father of Tim Prillaman, Sr. Managing Director.
Edd Montgomery (Right) - Ferrum, VA
Joe “Hassell” Prillaman - Henry, VA
Our Roots
Our logo symbolizes the Core Values and journey of Montgomery Hassell.
The Roots, though unseen, are vital. They represent the foundation and nourishment provided by Edd Montgomery and Joe "Hassell" Prillaman, making us strong and stable citizens, people, and professionals.
The Trunk, signifies the professional accomplishments of Gina and Tim Prillaman. It embodies their individual careers in Corporate America and as entrepreneurs, forming our core identity.
The vibrant Leaves and Branches symbolize our bright future (our children), representing growth, expansion, and longevity of a family owned business.
Each part of our logo reflects our history, identity, and aspirations, capturing the essence of Montgomery Hassell Inc.