Who Is Thomas ‘Tom’ Hill? ESI CEO’s ‘Nazi Salute’ at Boise Event Sparks Controversy
Social media has been buzzing with outrage after a video surfaced showing Thomas Hill, the CEO of Engineered Structures, Inc. (ESI), allegedly performing a gesture resembling a Nazi salute during a private company event. The incident, which took place at ESI’s annual State of the Company gathering in Boise, Idaho, quickly went viral, drawing criticism from all corners.
So, who exactly is Thomas ‘Tom’ Hill, and what led to this controversy? Here’s everything you need to know.
What Happened at the ESI Event?
A video posted on Reddit captured Thomas Hill standing on stage in front of a presentation that featured former President Donald Trump shortly after his inauguration. In the footage, Hill taps his right hand on his heart twice before raising it at an angle—a motion that bears resemblance to a historical Nazi salute. The video was titled, “President (?) of ESI Construction in Boise does Nazi salute at company conference.”
As expected, the backlash was immediate, with social media users and local Idaho residents condemning the gesture. The viral clip ignited discussions about corporate responsibility, political commentary, and workplace culture.
Thomas Hill’s Response
Following the uproar, Hill issued a statement via email, attempting to clarify the intent behind his actions. He described the moment as a failed attempt at humor and parody rather than an actual salute.
“Unfortunately, my recent attempt at humor and parody fell short and is being used by others to unfairly judge me and, more importantly, our amazing company and its people. At the beginning of our annual State of the Company event, I briefly commented on the election and, as part of a political skit, mimicked Elon Musk and President Trump’s signature dancing. I did so as a commentary on the craziness of our political environment and nothing more. Without a doubt, I unequivocally reject any association with hate groups and/or hate toward any group of people. I sincerely regret that my actions offended anyone or could be taken so out of context.”
Despite his public apology, many remain skeptical about his explanation. Critics argue that even if it was intended as humor, such a gesture is highly inappropriate, especially from a CEO leading a major company.
Who is Thomas Hill?
Thomas Hill is the CEO and co-owner of Engineered Structures, Inc. (ESI), one of Idaho’s largest construction firms, based in Meridian, Idaho. The company has played a key role in high-profile projects, including work for Boise State University, St. Luke’s Health System, and the Idaho Transportation Department.
According to official business filings with the Idaho Secretary of State, Hill is listed as a co-owner of the company, giving him a significant stake in its operations.
Thomas Hill’s Age & Net Worth
As of 2025, Thomas Hill is 55 years old. With decades of experience in the construction industry, Hill has built an impressive financial portfolio. While his exact net worth remains undisclosed, industry estimates place it in the range of $45 million to $50 million.
His wealth primarily stems from his role at ESI, where he has overseen major projects that have expanded the company’s influence across Idaho and beyond. However, this recent controversy could have potential repercussions on his business relationships and future projects.
Final Thoughts
Thomas Hill’s ‘Nazi salute’ controversy at ESI’s event serves as a reminder of how quickly actions—intended or not—can escalate in the digital age. Whether this was an ill-advised joke or something more troubling, one thing is clear: corporate leaders must be mindful of their actions and the messages they send, both in public and private spaces.
As this story unfolds, it will be interesting to see how ESI, its employees, and the broader business community react to this situation. Stay tuned for more updates on the fallout and any further statements from Hill or the company.
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