[citation needed] Hillman grew up working his parents' farm in Burlington on Colorado's eastern plains.
After graduating from Burlington High School in 1985, he became a full-time sports editor, news reporter, photographer, and "jack of all trades."
After winning, he became the senator from the state's largest legislative district, covering 12 counties and more than 21,000 square miles (54,000 km2).
Hillman was appointed as Colorado's State Treasurer in June 2005 by Governor Bill Owens.
Hillman won and replaced United States Senate candidate Bob Schaffer as one of Colorado's three Republican National Committeemen.