Kevin "Hillmer" Hillhouse: A Journey of Guns, Adventure, and Entrepreneurship

Kevin Hillhouse's story begins in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, where he graduated from Eureka Springs High School in 1987. After completing his education, he felt a sense of duty and patriotism and decided to join the military, serving his country with honor and dedication. Upon finishing his military service, he returned to northwest Arkansas, where his passion for firearms led him on a remarkable path.

Kevin's journey into the world of guns began when he joined a renowned Northwest Arkansas firearms company. Starting at the ground level, he worked hard, honed his skills, and displayed a natural talent for gunsmithing. His dedication and expertise did not go unnoticed, and he was eventually promoted to the position of Shop Manager. In this role, he proved his worth by designing and implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that significantly improved the efficiency and quality of production for the gunsmiths under his management.

In 2004, an opportunity arose that would change the course of Kevin's career. He, along with a group of skilled gunsmiths, helped established NHC, a respected firearms company. For the next few years, Kevin contributed his expertise and played a pivotal role in the success of NHC, solidifying his reputation as a master gunsmith.

However, his journey didn't end there. In 2009, Kevin decided to return to his previous gunshop, drawn back by his love for the company and the work it entailed. He continued to excel and remained an integral part of the team until his eventual retirement a few years ago. Throughout his tenure, Kevin shared his knowledge and experience with colleagues like Matt Riker and Jason Campbell, fostering lasting friendships and professional connections.

After retiring, Kevin sought a new adventure outside the world of firearms. He delved into the world of overlanding and built a robust vehicle to explore the vast landscapes of the United States, Canada, and even ventured to Alaska, reaching as far as the Arctic Circle. His journey enriched his life and deepened his understanding of the world.

However, Kevin's passion for entrepreneurship and small businesses remained alive, and recent discussions with his friend Lonnie Miller led to an exciting new chapter in his life. Lonnie approached Kevin about becoming part of the ownership team at Kings River Custom (KRC), a rising star in the firearms industry. Recognizing Kevin's invaluable gunsmithing experience, business acumen, and worldly knowledge, KRC eagerly welcomed him on board.

Now, Kevin Hillhouse finds himself at the helm of a new venture, Kings River Custom, where he continues to leave an indelible mark on the firearms community. As a driving force behind KRC, he empowers the team with his expertise, leadership, and vision for the future.

In both his professional and personal life, Kevin values the relationships he has built with individuals like Matt Riker, Jason Campbell, Lonnie Miller, and the Nance brothers, who have worked alongside him fine tuning their craft. With a lifetime of experiences behind him and an unwavering spirit of adventure, Kevin embraces his retired life with gratitude, passion, and enthusiasm for whatever lies ahead.