Billy, you have a powerful story. Why don’t you give us some background on how you got to where you are today?
My name is Billy Hockenhull, I am 31 years of age. I was born in Detroit Michigan, and moved to Montgomery Alabama when I was 17. I joined the military after High School. I am currently still serving and Active in the Army. I have been in the armed forces for about 12 years. I also joined the Montgomery Police Department back in 2015. In addition, I also received my Real Estate license from the school of Martin and Fellows in Montgomery AL. and I went on to become a licensed Realtor. I feel I have had an exciting life! When COVID hit, it pushed me to create Luxury Men LLC because there was a demand for men’s grooming products in my area that just was not being fulfilled. When I first started my business, I came out with one of the first male grooming vending machines in the United States. I set it up in Eastdale Mall in Montgomery AL, directly across from a barbershop. It is a self-sufficient machine, so I can make money without having to be there. I check on it periodically and make sure the vending machine is running smoothly. Once I finished the vending project, I felt like I wanted to introduce Luxury Men to the world; not just the Eastdale Mall. I then started my online e-commerce business on Shopify. (www.luxurymenllc.com)
Billy, tell us a bit about your trending, men’s grooming products business luxurymenllc.com
I started a minority owned/veteran owned business called Luxury Men LLC which is an online store that sells male grooming products and accessories. We feature products such as electrical razors for men. These razors can be used by bald men wanting to keep up with their bald look. We also sell Deluxe Beard Kits. The kits include wash, conditioner, balm oil, a comb, a brush, scissors, a razor case, a travel bag, beard bonnets, wave brushes, and Durags. Luxurymenllc.com products are priced reasonably and affordable to everyone. Our website is www.luxurymenllc.com
Once I graduated from basic training, I came home and started living the military life. Things were going well for me, however I started seeing a lot of things going on in the community that I didn’t agree with between the police and the citizens. In 2015 I joined the Montgomery Police Department in order to make a difference, and to give people in my community a different way of thinking of police officers. I wanted to show people that police officers are not all toxic. I also wanted to enlighten the current police officers that not all people they encountered residing in high crime areas were criminals.
It was a struggle every day being a police officer because a lot of people were set in their ways on how they viewed others. However I didn’t let that stop me. I continued to teach, mentor and train within the community with high hopes that the much needed change in my community would eventually come. A few years later I was offered an Active Guard position with the military and I accepted it. After traveling the world for about 2 years, COVID hit and shut the world down. During the shutdown I decided to make the best out of the situation and I came up with a business plan. Once COVID restrictions started to ease, I launched Luxury Men LLC.
Billy, what makes you good at what you do?
I always have been good with my hands and I was fortunate enough to have a lot of common sense growing up. I got my first job when I was 12 years old working at a service station. I was responsible for the landscaping, pressure washing, stocking, maintenance, and cleaning. I would do it all; and at the end of the day when I went home exhausted, I knew God had given me a drive like no other. I continued to work on that drive throughout my life. I felt like I just kept getting more and more focused. When I was 20 years of age I held down 3 jobs at the same time while having no car. I worked all 3 jobs so I could save the money to purchase a car. I was inspired and even more driven after I purchased my first vehicle. I went on to have about 20 cars in my life to date. I have always valued hard work and I am tenacious.
My dad told me about Real Estate and I fell in love with it. I went on to have multiple properties and AirBnB’s. I am still striving for more. Luxury Men LLC is one of my greatest accomplishments because I turned a childhood vision into reality.
Billy, what is your best piece of advice for readers?
Never give up! I was a young kid from Detroit Michigan, born and raised. I struggled growing up, but I didn’t let where I came from determine my future. Sometimes you have to act on faith when nothing is there and just pray that God is going to be there to catch you.
Speaking of success Billy, what does that word mean to you?
Success is the status of having achieved and accomplished an aim or objective. Being successful means to me that one has been successful in reaching their sought after goals.
What is next for you Billy?
The plan is to expand luxurymenllc.com into beauty supply stores, Walmart, Target, Costcos, and Sam’s Club. I also strive to partner with my city to give back to charitable programs.
To Connect with Billy Hockenhul:
Facebook– Luxury Men
Instagram– luxurymenllc
Website-www.luxurymenllc.com
