Setting the safety standard since 2003
Disruptive Innovation.
Expertly Crafted.
We get the job done.
As a leader in the protective gear market, it’s our mission to raise the standard of safety by providing customers with the highest level of service and produce the most innovative, highest performing and top-quality products on the market.
Our History
Big Time Products is the leading provider of personal protection and work gear products.
BTP was founded in 2003 by two hardware industry executives who set out with a singular mission: build a better work glove. The company launched with one product, the industry’s first high-performance work glove. What started as an idea bloomed: BTP is now the largest supplier of personal protection products and work gear.
BTP has a broad portfolio ranging from knee pads, tool belts, jobsite storage and work gloves that deliver innovative solutions to the Home, Automotive and Hardware industries. BTP’s products are available in most major retail stores in North America under the AWP, Digz, Firm Grip, Gorilla Grip, Grease Monkey and McGuire-Nicholas brands. Additionally, BTP operates a dynamic private label division, creating products for major retailers across the globe.
The Hillman Group of Cincinnati acquired Big Time Products in 2018, expanding its portfolio of product solutions for both DIY and pro customers. Both companies share a culture of customer focus, service, and passion for innovation. Founded in 1964 and headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Hillman is a leading North American provider of complete hardware solutions, delivered with industry best customer service to over 26,000 customers. Hillman designs innovative product and merchandising solutions for complex categories that deliver an outstanding customer experience to home improvement centers, mass merchants, national and regional hardware stores, pet supply stores, and OEM and Industrial customers. Leveraging a world-class distribution and sales network, Hillman delivers a “small business” experience with “big business” efficiency.
Experience + Knowledge + Global Footprint = Value in Product and Service
Our Focus
It all starts with the consumer. We’ve built recognizable brands that deliver exceptional products through a customer-focused culture, disruptive innovation, value-driven operations and supply chain, ground-breaking brand development, visionary marketing, and exceptional customer service. We do our job, so you can do yours.
The company’s high-quality products like gloves, wearable tool storage, jobsite storage and kneepads, as well as outstanding customer service and award-winning packaging have had a dramatic impact on the industry.
A Passion For People
Any successful business is only as strong as its foundation. Big Time Products is built on a strong foundation of remarkable people and our shared passion to grow, develop and inspire. By providing our employees with the tools to win, we create a culture of results and transparency that celebrates success and fosters creativity. Inspiring and maintaining the entrepreneurial spirit the company was founded on is what our company culture is all about.
Innovation That Breaks Barriers
We’re tearing down the barriers. At Big Time Products, we leverage internal and external resources to establish a constant flow of fresh ideas, information and effective communication.
Combining over 100 years of collective experience, our internal design group includes three industrial designers and five graphic designers, all with full prototyping and graphic mock-up capabilities. We’re focused on investing in raw talent and new product development.
Working with internal and external firms is the equivalent to a contact sport – the more people you touch, the more impact you have. This is our philosophy and why we heavily immerse ourselves in consumer research. The process starts with the end user and because of this, we get on the job site, conduct qualitative and quantitative research and test our products in every situation so that whether you are a mechanic or a weekend warrior, we have the right products for anyone who needs to get the job done. At the end of the day, we want to be able to say ‘we know’ not just ‘we think’ – we’re not guessing, we’re doing the research and putting in the work to find the problem and identify a solution. It starts and ends with the consumers.
Big Time Products’ robust roadmap, with disruptive innovation and constant refreshes, creates excitement and delivers value to the consumer.
Blended Marketing
Big Time Products engages with consumers and trade outlets by combining cutting-edge digital marketing strategies with tried and true traditional techniques. We believe in holistic programs and marketing that consists of clear, concise brand and product messaging. We communicate with the consumer through a blended marketing approach that involves digital marketing, gorilla marketing, national advertising and communication as well as grassroots marketing. This strategy enables us to leverage all sides in order to effectively connect with consumers.
Working with internal and external firms is the equivalent to a contact sport – the more people you touch, the more impact you have. This is our philosophy and why we heavily immerse ourselves in consumer research. The process starts with the end user and because of this, we get on the job site, conduct qualitative and quantitative research and test our products in every situation so that whether you are a mechanic or a weekend warrior, we have the right products for anyone who needs to get the job done. At the end of the day, we want to be able to say ‘we know’ not just ‘we think’ – we’re not guessing, we’re doing the research and putting in the work to find the problem and identify a solution. It starts and ends with the consumers.
Big Time Products’ robust roadmap, with disruptive innovation and constant refreshes, creates excitement and delivers value to the consumer.
Optimizing Operations and Supply Chain
With over 500,000 square feet in distribution centers in the United States, Big Time Products has expanded its bandwidth to establish a global footprint. Each distribution center is integrated with customer logistics and innovative packaging assembly lines equipped with full in-house quality control.
First-Rate Customer Service
From shipping the first glove to The Home Depot to the 800,000 retail partners we service globally, we are passionate about our customers. We pride ourselves on exceeding customer expectations and we achieve this through meeting the requirements and eclipsing the metrics. With three sales offices around the country, Big Time Products drives customer business via turn-key promotional displays and our 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. Our goal is to provide exceptional customer service and innovating product designs – every day.
Cutting-Edge Brand Development
With over 100 years of combined experience, our global team has a full range of 3D design and rapid prototyping capabilities. By leveraging a global footprint, we are able to utilize our resources for seamless development that drives speed and quality in order to achieve 24-hour product development. This expert team offers insight-driven designs and concepts which help us to achieve our quality products.
Our internal resources include industrial designers, engineers, product development, quality control and sourcing. We utilize our internal testing labs to ensure we are using the right material for the right solution. Every detail is examined, and no stone is left unturned. We don’t settle for anything less than the highest quality material and superior design and innovation.
“It’s hard to beat the person who never gives up” – Babe Ruth
