Billy Wilson Howard Junior Male • United States of America

Billy Wilson Howard Junior is a well-respected entrepreneur and philanthropist whose career has profoundly impacted the lighting and transportation industries. In 1994, he founded Howard Lighting, a company that flourished under his leadership and reached $60 million in revenue. Today, he continues to influence the industry as a board member of Howard Industries, a multi-billion-dollar corporation with several key divisions, including Howard Transportation, Howard Lighting, and Howard Technology.

Billy’s career began in 1989 when he became president of Howard Transportation. For 22 years, he successfully managed the operations of a fleet of 250 trucks, delivering long-haul flatbed transportation services throughout the eastern United States. His leadership helped the company build a strong and reliable reputation within the transportation industry. Before assuming the leadership role at Howard Transportation, Billy gained valuable experience as Regional Sales Manager and Vice President of the 3-Phase Transformer Division. These roles provided the foundation for his future ventures in business and leadership.

Billy’s entrepreneurial journey took another significant step forward in 1994 when he founded Howard Lighting in Laurel, Mississippi. Over 28 years as president, Billy grew the company into a leading provider of energy-efficient lighting solutions. Howard Lighting operates two large manufacturing facilities in Mississippi, totaling half a million square feet, and maintains a regional distribution center and sales office in the Greater Los Angeles Area. The company offers a comprehensive range of products, including LED fixtures, lamps, and ballasts, many of which meet the stringent energy efficiency standards set by the DesignLights Consortium (DLC).

Howard's leadership emphasized continuous innovation and product development at Howard Lighting. Under his direction, the company stayed ahead of industry trends, consistently introducing new products to meet the market's changing demands. Billy’s strategic approach to product improvement and customer satisfaction was crucial in establishing Howard Lighting as a leading player in the lighting industry.

In 2013, Billy Howard Junior expanded his entrepreneurial reach by founding the Howard Industries Center for Digital Innovation in Santa Monica, California. He led the center for nearly seven years, where it became a creative hub for internet startups and technology solutions for Howard Industries. The center’s first major initiative, Slance.com, provided students with paid work experience while allowing them to continue their academic studies. Billy’s vision for the center reflected his commitment to helping young professionals gain valuable industry experience while pursuing their education.

As a board member of Howard Industries, Billy plays an active role in shaping the company’s strategic direction. Howard Industries, which includes Howard Technology, Howard Lighting, Howard Medical, Howard Power, and Howard Transportation, relies on Billy’s expertise to guide its future growth. Since joining the board in 2022, Billy has contributed to the company’s long-term strategy, financial stewardship, and risk management efforts, helping to ensure its continued success in an ever-evolving business landscape.

Billy’s commitment to philanthropy and community service is evident in his extensive involvement with charitable organizations. He has volunteered his time and resources to several causes, including the Ocean Park Community Center (OPCC), which assists homeless and low-income youth, and the Claire Foundation, which offers substance abuse treatment and sober living services. Billy’s charitable giving also extends to the Midnight Mission in Los Angeles and Tunnel to Towers, an organization that provides mortgage-free homes to the families of fallen first responders and veterans.

In addition to his financial contributions, Billy has been actively involved in numerous organizations over the years. He is a long-time member of the Arts Alliance of Walton County, Florida, and Rotary International, where he has been part of the organization for nearly four decades. From 1996 to 2012, Billy served as a volunteer youth soccer coach, taking on leadership roles within the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), where he was a head coach, referee, and board member.

Billy is also a proud father of three daughters who have achieved academic excellence. Two of his daughters graduated summa cum laude from Mississippi State University, while the third graduated from Wake Forest University. His eldest daughter, Mary Alice, graduated magna cum laude from Pepperdine Law School, while his middle daughter, Leslie, earned a Master’s in Neuroscience and an MBA. His youngest daughter, Ellie, will soon graduate from Wake Forest University and plans to pursue a law degree at the Wake Forest School of Law.

The family has always been a central focus for Howard Junior. He is also a proud grandfather to two grandchildren, Oliver and Isla, who live in London with Mary Alice. Billy and his wife will celebrate 41 years of marriage in February, a testament to their strong and enduring relationship.

In his free time, Billy enjoys maintaining an active lifestyle. He enjoys boating, snow skiing, and hiking, which help him stay physically fit while offering the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. His appreciation for nature and the outdoors reflects his belief in the importance of balance and health.