Billy Wilson Howard Junior

Billy Wilson Howard Junior is a distinguished entrepreneur who has significantly contributed to the lighting and transportation industries. In 1994, he founded Howard Lighting, which grew rapidly under his leadership to achieve million in revenue. Today, Billy serves on the board of directors for Howard Industries, a billion company with multiple divisions, including Howard Lighting and Howard Transportation. Billy's career began in 1989 when he was appointed president of Howard Transportation. He managed the company for 22 years, overseeing a fleet of 250 trucks that provided long-haul flatbed transportation services across the eastern United States. Billy’s leadership helped Howard Transportation become a key player in the transportation industry. Before taking the reins of Howard Transportation, Billy worked as the Regional Sales Manager and Vice President of the 3 Phase Transformer Division, experiences that were instrumental in shaping his future endeavors. Billy’s entrepreneurial journey took another significant step when he founded Howard Lighting in 1994 in Laurel, Mississippi. He served as president for 28 years, leading the company to become one of the leading manufacturers of energy-efficient lighting products. Howard Lighting operates two major manufacturing facilities in Mississippi, totaling half a million square feet, and a regional distribution center and sales office in the Greater Los Angeles Area. The company’s extensive product line includes LED fixtures, lamps, and ballasts, many of which meet the latest DesignLights Consortium (DLC) energy efficiency standards. In 2013, Billy Howard Junior expanded his business focus 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 hub for nurturing internet startups and developing technology solutions for Howard Industries' various divisions. The center’s first major project was the launch of Slance.com, a platform designed to provide students with paid work experience while helping them further their education. Billy’s vision for the center exemplified his belief in fostering innovation and providing young professionals with growth opportunities. As a board member of Howard Industries, Billy continues to shape the company’s long-term strategy and direction. Howard Industries encompasses several divisions, including Howard Technology, Howard Lighting, Howard Medical, Howard Power, and Howard Transportation. Since joining the board in 2022, Billy has been involved in the company’s governance, financial stewardship, and strategic decision-making, helping guide the company to sustained growth and success. Billy’s commitment to community service is reflected in his generous contributions to various charitable organizations. He has volunteered at the Ocean Park Community Center (OPCC), which assists homeless and low-income youth, and the Claire Foundation, which provides substance abuse treatment and sober living services. Billy has also made significant donations to organizations such as the Midnight Mission in Los Angeles and Tunnel to Towers, a nonprofit that provides mortgage-free homes to the families of fallen first responders and veterans. Additionally, he has supported religious organizations like St. John’s Episcopal Church in Mississippi and Christ the King Episcopal Church in Santa Rosa, Florida. Billy has been involved in his community for many years, not just through charitable donations but also by volunteering his time. He has been a member of the Arts Alliance of Walton County, Florida, and has spent nearly four decades as a member of Rotary International. From 1996 to 2012, he also volunteered as a youth soccer coach, serving as a head coach, referee, and board member for the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO). His involvement in youth sports highlights his dedication to helping young people develop skills, values, and leadership qualities to serve them throughout their lives. Billy is also a proud father to three daughters, each of whom has achieved academic excellence. Two of his daughters graduated summa cum laude from Mississippi State University, and the third graduated from Wake Forest University. Billy’s eldest daughter, Mary Alice, graduated magna cum laude from Pepperdine Law School, while his middle daughter, Leslie, earned both a Master’s in Neuroscience and an MBA. His youngest daughter, Ellie, is set to graduate from Wake Forest University and plans to pursue a law degree at the Wake Forest School of Law. Family is central to Billy’s life, and he also enjoys being a grandfather to two grandchildren, Oliver and Isla, who live in London with Mary Alice. Billy and his wife are approaching 41 years of marriage, a testament to their strong partnership and the foundation they’ve built together. In his free time, Billy enjoys staying active with hobbies such as boating, snow skiing, and hiking. These outdoor activities help him maintain his physical fitness while providing a sense of adventure and relaxation. His passion for the outdoors underscores his belief in maintaining a healthy balance between work, family, and leisure. Billy Wilson Howard Junior’s life and career are marked by his dedication to excellence, innovation, and service to others. His leadership at Howard Lighting and Howard Industries, his commitment to philanthropy, and his deep devotion to his family reflect the values that have guided him throughout his life. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of business leaders and community-minded individuals.