Dennis McKinley is an American entrepreneur, media personality, and business leader whose career spans branding, lifestyle ventures, entertainment, and strategic investment. Born in Detroit and later establishing his base in Atlanta, McKinley has built a diverse portfolio of businesses — from hospitality and franchising to fashion and digital content — all while maintaining a high-profile presence on reality television. He first entered the broader public consciousness through his work as CEO of Detroit Equities, a branding and investment firm overseeing ventures like CRU Lounge and The Original Hot Dog Factory that merge hospitality, culture, and community commerce.
McKinley’s entrepreneurial journey embodies a blend of hustle and creativity, marked by his ability to identify cultural trends and translate them into business opportunities. Beyond brick-and-mortar ventures, he has engaged in fashion, real estate, and entertainment, including credits on screen and work behind the camera as a producer. His personal and professional life intersected briefly with mainstream media when he appeared on The Real Housewives of Atlanta and its related spin-offs during his engagement to cast member Porsha Williams, with the couple’s journey and co-parenting of their daughter Pilar “PJ” McKinley featured as part of the series narrative.
Known for his strategic mindset and cultural savvy, McKinley continues to expand his business footprint while engaging in creative collaboration, lifestyle branding, and media production. Whether mentoring emerging brands, exploring new hospitality concepts, or navigating family life in the public eye, he brings an entrepreneurial lens that bridges commerce and community.