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Dennis Mckinley

Dennis McKinley is an American entrepreneur best known for his relationship with media personality and actress Porsha Williams. Beyond his association with the entertainment industry, McKinley has built a career in the business and hospitality sectors.

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Background and Education

Dennis McKinley was born on July 25, 1981, in Detroit, Michigan. He earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Michigan, laying the foundation for his entrepreneurial endeavors.

Entrepreneurship and Business Ventures

McKinley is the founder and CEO of Detroit Equities, a company focused on investing in lifestyle brands and startup ventures. Under this umbrella, he operates several businesses, including Cru Hookah Lounge and The Original Hot Dog Factory, which has expanded to include multiple franchise locations across the United States.

His most recognized food venture, The Original Hot Dog Factory, features a variety of gourmet hot dogs, with the Detroit Coney Dog—a hot dog topped with chili, shredded cheese, and diced onions—as a signature item. Additionally, his business interests span into the mobile food industry, offering accessible dining options through food trucks in select cities.

Public Profile and Relationship with Porsha Williams

Dennis McKinley gained wider visibility in the public eye through his relationship with Porsha Williams, best known as a former cast member of Bravo’s reality series The Real Housewives of Atlanta. The couple began dating in 2017.

On October 1, 2018, McKinley proposed to Williams after planning an elaborate and romantic engagement. He rented a venue and arranged a helicopter ride for Williams, culminating in a proposal surrounded by candles and flower petals. R&B singer Lil' Mo performed “4 Ever” during the occasion, making the moment even more memorable.

Fatherhood and Family Life

The couple welcomed their daughter, Pilar Jhena McKinley, on March 22, 2019. They later introduced her to a broader audience during the television special Porsha’s Having a Baby, which aired on May 12, 2019. Since her birth, both McKinley and Williams have shared glimpses of their journey as first-time parents via social media and television appearances.

Relationship Challenges and Growth

McKinley and Williams faced significant relationship challenges following public revelations of McKinley's infidelity, which was addressed during the twelfth season of The Real Housewives of Atlanta. In 2020, the couple chose to attend couples therapy in hopes of repairing their relationship. During these sessions, McKinley discussed his struggles adapting to fatherhood and expressed regret for his actions. He cited anxiety about the major life transition and his inability to communicate his fears effectively as reasons for his missteps.

Williams, in turn, was candid about the experience of navigating personal betrayal under public scrutiny. She conveyed that while the process was deeply personal and challenging, she remained focused on doing what she believed was best for her family. Despite differing opinions from the public and media, Williams has maintained a commitment to setting her own path without undue concern for outside judgment.


Quick Facts
Birth Date: 3 Nov, 1976
Age: 43 yrs
Occupations: American football player
Birth Place: Kosciusko
Education: Weir High School
Gender: Male
Description: American football fullback
Net Worth 2021: 10 million
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Last Modified: Jun 5 2025
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