Michael A. Hillman II: From Military Veteran to Author and Entrepreneur Building Businesses Through Creativity
Ross: It’s an honor to have this conversation with you. I believe sharing more about your literary career and journey will provide value for a lot of people. I want to start this interview off by asking: What motivated you to join the military?
Michael: My motivation for joining the military was to better my future and to have the opportunity to reach others and show them that anything is possible: temporary pain for long-term gain. When I joined the military at 20, I was a little lost and didn't know what I wanted to do with my life, but since joining, it has been the best decision I have ever made. The friends I have made, who have become a family, the adventures and experiences that I would not trade for anything in this world.
Ross: At this point in your career, you have written several books. What motivated you to make Decisions and Choices your first book?
Michael: I was working in construction, doing small videos on Snapchat giving just small relationships and family advice, and one of my friends said you should do a book, so I decided to write one to show my family and friends that no matter who you are, you can do something. It was challenging at first because I did not know how I wanted to format it. I went through about four to five variations, and I went from 15-20 chapters to just 10 because I felt like I was losing the purpose of the book.
Ross: You’ve shared many messages throughout your career in Decisions and Choices and through your children’s book. What are the biggest takeaways you want people to take from your books?
Michael: I wanted to show that anything is possible; you don’t have to be a high-profile person to write one. Write from your heart and what explains you as a person. Decisions and choices show that no one is perfect in your life, whether it's family, friends, or relationships. If you are happy, don’t let outside sources influence your decisions; make the best choice for you. When it comes to HBCU Hillman and Campus Life, it’s just to highlight college life. Black History Icons shows the history and contributions African Americans have made to the world.
Ross: You have books in several different genres. What are your thoughts on eventually writing a memoir?
Michael: I have one memoir-style book; it’s about my first four years in the military because I hit the ground running once I joined. I was in basic training in March 2011, and I was overseas in Afghanistan in October that same year, and I went right back over in 2013. And in that time, I learned a lot about myself. I grew as a person and as a man because being away from family and in a completely different environment meant it was just the 29 other people with one real mission: everyone comes home.
Ross: You have inspired me with your entrepreneurial endeavors in the literary realm and beyond it. Could you please share more about your endeavors with your 3D business and vending machine business?
Michael: When I was younger, my brothers and I had a snow removal business in Chicago. So, for me, I have always had a business mindset. During COVID, I was on YouTube looking for a profitable business I could start, and I researched for about three months before deciding to get my LLC and start Houston Vending. I had 10 machines all around the Houston area, and it was fun. My 3D printing business came about while I was scrolling Facebook; I spent about three months researching the best printer and processes, and I realized I could do this because I live in a creative space. I knew I could thrive in this because it was in four areas I knew well: Military, Anime, Sports, and once I pledged Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. I knew I could do great. 3D printing has become more fun than anything, helping me decorate people's homes and create gifts from just an idea or even a picture.
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