Meet Dr. Demoine Kinney

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dr. Demoine Kinney. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dr. Demoine below.

Hi Dr. Demoine , so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

There have been many times in my life where I was the only one in the room that looked like me and at first it was difficult for me. It was difficult because I grew up in a small town called Dillon SC and I always had my family there. I joined the Air Force and was in the Information Technology arena and was often times the only one in the room. After the Air Force I became a Government Contractor and operated as a Program Manager where I was more times than not the only one in the room. I learned to not be afraid to speak up because what I have to share is valuable and important to the mission. There were times when I was a little nervous to speak up but I had to do it anyway because in my arena it could cost lives. I have also learned the importance of listening more than I talk because there are a lot of problems that you could be the answer to when you listen. So I would always strategize how I could be an answer to the problems that I heard about which allowed me to be effective and successful in my field. Now I own multiple companies and all we focus on is being effective, impactful and memorable so we can have success every day.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I am originally from Dillon, SC, but I now call Atlanta, GA, home. I wear many hats – actor, comedian, saxophonist, business owner of multiple companies, and a disabled veteran. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, I pursued my passion for film and television by attending film school, which turned out to be a great decision. Even during my military service, I was actively involved in shooting commercials, movies, and TV series, as well as performing stand-up comedy weekly – unless I was deployed or on temporary duty (TDY). I stayed so busy with creative projects that most people didn’t even realize I was in the military.

Along the way, I began building businesses that aligned with my natural talents, creating a foundation that allowed me to do what I love without relying solely on performance checks. Performing is my passion – I’d do it for free if I could, but having a family makes that a little tricky. My business ventures span entertainment, consulting, research and development, training and development, real estate, and even the funeral industry. These pursuits reflect the things I’ve been passionate about since childhood. I’ve always been a big dreamer, but I believed in putting action behind those dreams to bring them to life. Some of my family called me a “man-child” because I started working at 11 and never stopped. I’ve had a sharp focus from a young age, and that drive has shaped the path I’m on today.

Professionally, I’m dedicated to adding value across my industries by mentoring and coaching others. One of my mentors taught me that true legacy isn’t found in buildings but in the people you help along the way. I take that to heart by striving to duplicate my knowledge and skills in others. My organization, Social Justice and Peace Networking Inc., is launching several new services in Conyers, GA, this year to support impoverished families and children in areas like training, development, work force development, food security, veterans housing, VA benefits, Veteran support groups and more.

Looking ahead to 2025, I’ll be hosting a concert series featuring tribute shows to the R&B, Neo-Soul and Gospel genres starting in March. Additionally, I plan to expand my consulting and coaching efforts in cryptocurrency, blockchain, AI, program management, and government contracting. Lastly, In 2025, Kinney Mortuary Services is proud to announce plans to open our first crematorium. This expansion reflects our commitment to serving more families with compassion and dignity during their time of bereavement. By offering cremation services directly, we aim to provide greater convenience, care, and personalized options to those we serve.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

For me, the most important factors have always been my Dream, Drive, and Determination. I’ve been a big dreamer since I was six years old, but my drive has always matched those dreams. I remain determined to see them through. When it comes to knowledge, I firmly believe that learning as much as possible about the industries I’m involved in is essential. To excel at anything, you must dedicate yourself to study and growth. My favorite book says Study to show thyself approved and the beauty of this process is that you’re not studying to prove anything to others – you’re doing it to show yourself and God that you are prepared and equipped to take on the work.

My faith in God has played a significant role in my life, especially after a near-drowning experience that I will never forget. I remember fighting for my life in a swimming pool, and when I couldn’t fight any longer, I saw a man walking through the water to pull me out. That moment reminded me that I am here for a purpose, and I’m determined to live with intention and meaning.

My advice to others is simple: stop trying to fit in and start discovering your true self. True self-discovery often happens in solitude, away from the noise of the crowd. There were times I had to step away for days, months, or even years to reconnect with myself and find my purpose. I recommend starting your day with meditation before checking your phone or emails. When you pray, ask God for guidance instead of creating your own agenda. I also keep a daily to-do list and encourage others to do the same. By dedicating focused time to your tasks, you’ll be amazed at the sense of fulfillment and accomplishment you feel once everything is completed.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

When I think of my parents, a few important lessons stand out—never give up on yourself, trust God in all things, stay calm even in stressful situations, and always dream big. My father passed away when I was six, but one memory remains vivid. On the day he died, he took me to his job and proudly showed me two brand-new diesel trucks he had purchased to start his journey as an owner-operator. His ambition and drive to build something lasting left a lasting impression on me.

My mom kept my sister and me grounded in faith by bringing us to church regularly. Even when we didn’t always enjoy it, the experiences and lessons shaped us. I saw firsthand how hard my mom worked—often holding down two or three jobs to keep food on the table and bills paid. One memory stands out: we were down to our last can of food, and though she hadn’t eaten, she made sure my sister and I had something to eat.

One of the greatest lessons she taught us was to trust God above all else. She believed that without His guidance and provision, we wouldn’t have made it. She also instilled the importance of staying calm in difficult situations, reminding me that panicking only makes things worse. I remember once, while frying french fries, I left the kitchen for just a moment to use the restroom. When I returned, flames were shooting from the stove. In a panic, I grabbed the pot, threw it outside, and unknowingly started a fire in our backyard that quickly spread to the neighbors’ yards. I called my mom, expecting her to be furious, but her only concern was my safety. “Are you okay?” she kept asking. “I’m not worried about the house or yard as long as you’re safe.”

That moment taught me the value of life over material things. The lessons I learned from my parents continue to guide me today, and I pass them down to my own children, hoping they, too, will carry these values forward.

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