Life Time Tae Hoon Jhin Industry Award Winner
Mitchell McKinney was born in Alcoa, TN on August 13, 1938, but grew up in Cincinnati, OH along with four sisters and two brothers. As a teenager, he worked many jobs including selling newspapers, shining shoes, washing cars, selling firewood and even at one point he sold wigs, which may have been a precursor to his future career. Mitch graduated from Central High School and attended the University of Cincinnati for two years with a major in Marketing. Mitch has been married for over 40 years to his wife, Linda, and they have five children—four daughters and one son, and four grandchildren (three girls and one boy).
Mr. McKinney has 46 years of experience in the health and beauty aid industry. He began his career as a salesperson with Johnson products Company in 1968. Within a year he was promoted to District Manager, managing sales personnel in seven states. After eight years Mitchell left Johnson Products Company and became the National Accounts Manager for Deluxol Laboratories, where he had the responsibility of all national accounts and major distribution in the U.S.
He continued his career at Pro-Line Corporation as District Manager, where he was responsible for Midwestern sales. This position required test market selection and implementation, as well as corresponding analyses and recommendations. Upon leaving
Pro-Line, Mr. McKinney accepted a position as the Director of Sales for M & M Products Company, makers of the “Stay Soft Fro” product line. During Mr. McKinney’s two year tenure with M & M, sales increased from approximately $3.5 million to $28.5 million. Mr. McKinney set up retail, professional and national accounts to help facilitate this growth for M & M Products.
The next venture he embarked upon was a joint venture with his son, Mitchel III—MGM Brokerage Company. MGM operated successfully for six years as a manufacturer’s rep firm,
specializing in ethnic health and beauty aids products. The company distributed products for major hair care product manufacturers, including SoftSheen, American Beauty Products, W&W Pharmaceuticals, J & M Products, etc. In 1988 the McKinney’s developed and marketed a new line of hair care products named “Enka.” The professional line enjoyed great distribution in major beauty supply stores and beauty distributors in major markets.
Mitchell began his career with House of Cheatham in 1994 when he came aboard as Vice President of Sales. His responsibilities included a new product line—including sales, marketing,
merchandising, distribution and introduction of new products to the line. Additional responsibilities entailed setting up new distributors, chain accounts and beauty supply outlets. Further duties included in this position were hiring and training of manufacturing reps, establishment of territories, goals and quotas for each rep and performance evaluation—set up monthly deals for sell-through programs and evaluation of business costs.
While with Cheatham, one of Mitch’s key accounts for over 20 years was Jinny Beauty Supply, with 10 major distribution centers across the country. In 1994, that relationship started with only four items being sold and now Jinny Beauty is selling over 120 items from House of Cheatham.
The international market proved to be a very profitable part of business as well, while Mitch continued with House of Cheatham. With the assistance of international reps, accounts were opened in South Africa, Netherlands, Germany, England, France, Dubai and a host of other countries that keeps growing constantly.
Mr. McKinney spent 46 years in the health and beauty care industry and has related how rewarding his experience has been. He is extremely grateful to have been blessed with good health to this point and looks forward to dedicating more time to his Creator and family.
