Billy Wilson Howard Junior
Board of Directors Howard Industries
Billy Wilson Howard Junior is a highly respected businessman and philanthropist known for his significant contributions to the lighting and transportation industries. As the founder of Howard Lighting and a key figure in Howard Industries, Billy's visionary leadership has shaped the growth of these companies, making them leaders in their respective sectors. His career, marked by a commitment to excellence and innovation, continues to influence the business world and his community.
Entrepreneurial Beginnings with Howard Lighting
In 1994, Billy Howard Junior founded Howard Lighting, a company that grew into a $60 million business under his leadership. Howard Lighting, based in Laurel, Mississippi, offers a wide range of lighting products, including energy-efficient LED fixtures, retrofit lamps, and ballasts. The company also provides a selection of legacy lighting fixtures, such as fluorescent and HID products. Through his dedication, Billy ensured that Howard Lighting became known for its high-quality products and ability to adapt to the changing demands of the lighting industry.
Billy served as the president of Howard Lighting for 28 years, overseeing the company's expansion with two manufacturing facilities and a regional distribution center in Los Angeles. His focus on innovation and product development has ensured that Howard Lighting remains at the forefront of the lighting market. The company continues to upgrade its products to meet new standards and provide cutting-edge solutions for its customers.
Leadership at Howard Transportation
Billy’s leadership journey began in 1989 when he became president of Howard Transportation. Billy ran the company's operations for over two decades, managing a fleet of 250 trucks that delivered long-haul flatbed transportation services to manufacturers in the eastern United States. His leadership was instrumental in the company's growth, and he helped position Howard Transportation as a key player in the industry. Before his presidency at Howard Transportation, Billy held the position of Regional Sales Manager and Vice President of the 3-Phase Transformer Division, where he developed the skills that would later contribute to his success as a business leader.
Digital Innovation with Howard Industries
In 2013, Billy Wilson Howard Junior took on a new challenge by founding the Howard Industries Center for Digital Innovation in Santa Monica, California. The center fosters creativity and technological development, offering a collaborative space for internet startups. The first major project launched from the center, Slance.com, provides a platform for students to gain paid work experience while pursuing their education. This initiative reflects Billy’s belief in the power of technology to drive change and his commitment to supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Billy’s work in the tech industry was recognized when he was named to Mississippi’s Business Journal’s Top 40 Under 40 list, an honor given to professionals who have made notable contributions to their fields and communities. This recognition underscores his continued impact on the industry and his drive to push the boundaries of innovation.
Contributions as a Board Member at Howard Industries
In 2022, Billy was appointed to the board of directors at Howard Industries. As a board member, he oversees the company's long-term strategy, governance, and financial management. His experience managing large-scale operations and his deep understanding of risk management have been key assets to Howard Industries. Billy’s involvement ensures that the company remains on track to achieve its goals and continues to grow in a competitive market.
Philanthropy and Community Service
Billy is deeply committed to giving back to his community, using his time and resources to support various charitable causes. He has volunteered at the Ocean Park Community Center (OPCC) homeless shelter, which provides housing and services to low-income and homeless youth. Billy is also involved with the Claire Foundation in Santa Monica, offering support for adults recovering from substance abuse. His charitable donations include contributions to the Midnight Mission, the St. John’s Episcopal Church, and Tunnel to Towers, an organization that helps families of fallen first responders.
In addition to his financial contributions, Billy has been an active member of the Arts Alliance of Walton County and has served with Rotary International for nearly 40 years. His dedication to community service extends to his role as a youth soccer coach, where he mentored young players for over 16 years.
Family Life and Personal Achievements
Howard Junior was born in Birmingham, Alabama, and has lived in ten states. He resides in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, with his wife of 41 years. Together, they have raised three daughters, all excelling academically. Billy is proud of his daughters, who have all graduated summa cum laude from prestigious universities, including Mississippi State University and Wake Forest University.
Billy’s oldest daughter, Mary Alice, graduated magna cum laude from Pepperdine Law School. His middle daughter, Leslie, earned both a Master’s in Neuroscience and an MBA. His youngest daughter, Ellie, will graduate from Wake Forest University and attend law school. Billy is also a grandfather to two grandchildren, Oliver and Isla, who live in London.
When he’s not spending time with his family, Billy enjoys an active lifestyle, including boating, snow skiing, and hiking. His love for the outdoors allows him to stay physically fit while enjoying the beauty of nature.
Billy Wilson Howard Junior's career and life story testify to his leadership, innovation, and dedication to giving back. From founding Howard Lighting and overseeing its growth to his contributions to digital innovation and community service, Billy has impacted the business world and his community. His vision, commitment, and dedication to excellence continue to inspire others and will serve as a legacy for future generations.
Entrepreneurial Beginnings with Howard Lighting
In 1994, Billy Howard Junior founded Howard Lighting, a company that grew into a $60 million business under his leadership. Howard Lighting, based in Laurel, Mississippi, offers a wide range of lighting products, including energy-efficient LED fixtures, retrofit lamps, and ballasts. The company also provides a selection of legacy lighting fixtures, such as fluorescent and HID products. Through his dedication, Billy ensured that Howard Lighting became known for its high-quality products and ability to adapt to the changing demands of the lighting industry.
Billy served as the president of Howard Lighting for 28 years, overseeing the company's expansion with two manufacturing facilities and a regional distribution center in Los Angeles. His focus on innovation and product development has ensured that Howard Lighting remains at the forefront of the lighting market. The company continues to upgrade its products to meet new standards and provide cutting-edge solutions for its customers.
Leadership at Howard Transportation
Billy’s leadership journey began in 1989 when he became president of Howard Transportation. Billy ran the company's operations for over two decades, managing a fleet of 250 trucks that delivered long-haul flatbed transportation services to manufacturers in the eastern United States. His leadership was instrumental in the company's growth, and he helped position Howard Transportation as a key player in the industry. Before his presidency at Howard Transportation, Billy held the position of Regional Sales Manager and Vice President of the 3-Phase Transformer Division, where he developed the skills that would later contribute to his success as a business leader.
Digital Innovation with Howard Industries
In 2013, Billy Wilson Howard Junior took on a new challenge by founding the Howard Industries Center for Digital Innovation in Santa Monica, California. The center fosters creativity and technological development, offering a collaborative space for internet startups. The first major project launched from the center, Slance.com, provides a platform for students to gain paid work experience while pursuing their education. This initiative reflects Billy’s belief in the power of technology to drive change and his commitment to supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Billy’s work in the tech industry was recognized when he was named to Mississippi’s Business Journal’s Top 40 Under 40 list, an honor given to professionals who have made notable contributions to their fields and communities. This recognition underscores his continued impact on the industry and his drive to push the boundaries of innovation.
Contributions as a Board Member at Howard Industries
In 2022, Billy was appointed to the board of directors at Howard Industries. As a board member, he oversees the company's long-term strategy, governance, and financial management. His experience managing large-scale operations and his deep understanding of risk management have been key assets to Howard Industries. Billy’s involvement ensures that the company remains on track to achieve its goals and continues to grow in a competitive market.
Philanthropy and Community Service
Billy is deeply committed to giving back to his community, using his time and resources to support various charitable causes. He has volunteered at the Ocean Park Community Center (OPCC) homeless shelter, which provides housing and services to low-income and homeless youth. Billy is also involved with the Claire Foundation in Santa Monica, offering support for adults recovering from substance abuse. His charitable donations include contributions to the Midnight Mission, the St. John’s Episcopal Church, and Tunnel to Towers, an organization that helps families of fallen first responders.
In addition to his financial contributions, Billy has been an active member of the Arts Alliance of Walton County and has served with Rotary International for nearly 40 years. His dedication to community service extends to his role as a youth soccer coach, where he mentored young players for over 16 years.
Family Life and Personal Achievements
Howard Junior was born in Birmingham, Alabama, and has lived in ten states. He resides in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, with his wife of 41 years. Together, they have raised three daughters, all excelling academically. Billy is proud of his daughters, who have all graduated summa cum laude from prestigious universities, including Mississippi State University and Wake Forest University.
Billy’s oldest daughter, Mary Alice, graduated magna cum laude from Pepperdine Law School. His middle daughter, Leslie, earned both a Master’s in Neuroscience and an MBA. His youngest daughter, Ellie, will graduate from Wake Forest University and attend law school. Billy is also a grandfather to two grandchildren, Oliver and Isla, who live in London.
When he’s not spending time with his family, Billy enjoys an active lifestyle, including boating, snow skiing, and hiking. His love for the outdoors allows him to stay physically fit while enjoying the beauty of nature.
Billy Wilson Howard Junior's career and life story testify to his leadership, innovation, and dedication to giving back. From founding Howard Lighting and overseeing its growth to his contributions to digital innovation and community service, Billy has impacted the business world and his community. His vision, commitment, and dedication to excellence continue to inspire others and will serve as a legacy for future generations.
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