Thirty Under 30: Molly Hillebrand

By NKBA Staff

Sometimes, a businesses has a feel-good story and a smart, go-getter employee who makes it happen. At Pittsburgh, PA-based Don’s Appliances, that person is Marketing Manager Molly Hillebrand. Not only is the 26-year-old at the forefront of her company’s creative, digital, and media initiatives — which have increased sales 30% and enhanced brand image — but she also oversees all philanthropic efforts and has led Don’s Appliances to become the first appliance retailer to partner with Whirlpool Corporation on its “Feel Good Fridge” program.

“Feel Good Fridge” was created to help fight food insecurity in a sustainable way with a network of refurbished refrigerators that contain fresh, free food for anyone in need. Don’s Appliances, the tri-state region’s largest independent appliance retailer with 12 locations, has pledged to donate a portion of all Whirlpool Corporation refrigerators sold back to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank to fund the food the Pittsburgh community needs. Philanthropy is just one aspect of her job that Molly finds rewarding. “I love that I get to combine hands-on relationship-building with creative and strategic work, which keeps every day exciting and unique,” she says.

Molly, a third-generation employee of the family-run company, says the word “determined” best describes her. It’s certainly evident in her credentials. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Business Management and an MBA with a Certificate in Project Management from Robert Morris University, the latter earned in just one year while also working full-time.

“Balancing work and school pushed me in the best way, and those experiences really sharpened my time management, resilience, and strategic thinking,” she says. “It’s something I look back on with a lot of pride because it proved to me that with enough drive, you can make big goals happen.” Molly also has a certificate from the University of Pittsburgh’s Entrepreneurial Excellence Program and serves as Secretary/Treasurer of NKBA’s Pittsburgh Tri State Chapter, where she’ll transition to President in 2026.

Inspired as a child by her dad, who worked to build Don’s Appliances to its current status, and by discovering her own passion for marketing as an adult, Molly made her dream job happen. “It’s been amazing to combine my family’s legacy in the industry with my own professional journey,” she says. Outside of the appliance realm, Molly loves visiting new restaurants to try different foods and unique cocktails and reading a good romance novel, especially while relaxing outdoors during summer. “Traveling is another passion of mine, as I enjoy discovering new places and experiences,” she says, calling an international marketing course in college to Belgium, Paris, and Nice for two-and-a half weeks “the best vacation I ever took.”

What’s next for Molly? “My life’s must-do list includes eventually getting married, starting a family, and perhaps one day having a second home by the beach,” she says. “I also want to travel as much as possible, embracing new experiences and cultures along the way. Life is full of opportunities to explore, connect, and create lasting memories, and I want to make the most of every one.”