Lukas Gilkey

Lukas Gilkey is the Founder and CEO of Hometown Hero, a company based in Austin, Texas that specializes in hemp-derived products, particularly gourmet edibles.12 Here's a comprehensive overview of his background and career:

Professional Experience

Hometown Hero: Gilkey founded Hometown Hero in 2015 along with his friend Lewis Hamer.2 The company focuses on creating high-quality, plant-based goods, with a particular emphasis on hemp-derived products. Under Gilkey's leadership, Hometown Hero has grown significantly, now offering products in about 6,000 stores nationwide and shipping to customers in 46 different states.3

Previous Roles: Before founding Hometown Hero, Gilkey held several leadership positions in various companies:

• President at CloudHashing - A PeerNova Company (2013-2014)
• Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Operating Officer at Aston Marketing Group (2010-2013)
• Operations / Marketing Manager at Timeshare Lifestyle (2007-2010)
• Founder and President of Audio Junkies / Garage Junkies (2006-2009)1

Military Service

Gilkey served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1999 to 2003 as a Telecommunications Specialist. His experience in the military, particularly witnessing the challenges faced by fellow service members, significantly influenced his later business decisions and philanthropic efforts.12

Education

He studied Computer Engineering and Marketing at the University of South Florida from 2003 to 2007.1

Business Philosophy and Mission

Gilkey's approach to business is deeply rooted in giving back to the community, particularly to veterans. Hometown Hero donates a portion of its profits to nonprofit organizations that support veterans in need. In 2022, the company donated $100,000 to veterans charities.23

Product Focus and Quality

Under Gilkey's leadership, Hometown Hero has become known for its high-quality cannabis edibles. The company emphasizes product safety and transparency, conducting third-party lab tests for all their products. They source their hemp from a small farm outside Austin and manufacture their products in a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certified facility.23

Advocacy and Industry Involvement

Gilkey is actively involved in discussions and advocacy related to hemp and cannabis regulations. He has participated in Texas Senate Committee Hearings on Delta-8 and engages in conversations with law enforcement about the evolving landscape of hemp-derived products.45

In summary, Lukas Gilkey is an entrepreneur with a diverse background in marketing, operations, and technology, who has leveraged his experiences to build a successful company in the hemp-derived products industry while maintaining a strong commitment to supporting veterans.