Dino Joseph Guilmette, born in 1978 in Cranston, Rhode Island, is an American businessman, former athlete, and family man known for his resilience and versatility. He holds an MBA in Finance from the University of Rhode Island and has built a career as a bar owner and entrepreneur after an early start in sports and boxing, where he earned the nickname “Big Bully.” Dino gained wider public attention through his relationship with Shayanna Jenkins, the former fiancée of the late NFL player Aaron Hernandez. Despite facing financial setbacks and public controversies, he has managed to rebuild his business ventures and focus on his role as a devoted father. This article explores the full story of Dino Guilmette, his early life, education, athletic background, career growth, relationship with Jenkins, legal challenges, and his estimated net worth in 2025, giving readers a complete and factual look at the man behind the headlines.
Quick Bio: Dino Guilmette
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dino Joseph Guilmette |
| Date of Birth | 1978 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 46 years old |
| Place of Birth | Cranston, Rhode Island, USA |
| Hometown | Cranston, Rhode Island / Los Angeles, California |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Education | MBA in Finance, University of Rhode Island |
| Profession | Businessman, Bar Owner, Former Boxer |
| Known For | Relationship with Shayanna Jenkins (Aaron Hernandez’s fiancée) |
| Father | William Guilmette |
| Mother | Donna Guilmette |
| Siblings | Eight siblings |
| Children | Mia (from previous relationship), Giselle (with Shayanna Jenkins), Avielle (stepdaughter) |
| Marital Status | In a relationship (unconfirmed as of 2025) |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches (approx.) |
| Weight | Around 85 kg (187 lbs) |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Hazel |
| Net Worth (Estimated 2025) | $1 million – $5 million |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Zodiac Sign | Not publicly known |
| Current Residence | Rhode Island, USA |
| Nickname | “Big Bully” (from his boxing days) |
Early Life and Family Background
Dino Guilmette was born in 1978 in Cranston, Rhode Island, into a large and close-knit family. His parents, William and Donna Guilmette, raised nine children, with Dino being one of eight siblings. Growing up in Cranston, Dino learned the values of loyalty, hard work, and discipline early on. His family placed great importance on sports and education, helping him develop a strong sense of teamwork and competition. From a young age, Dino showed a passion for athletics and fitness, often spending time playing sports with his brothers. The supportive yet disciplined environment shaped his ambitious mindset, giving him the determination and entrepreneurial spirit he would later use in his business career.
Education and Athletic Beginnings
Dino attended local schools in Cranston before pursuing higher education at the University of Rhode Island, where he earned an MBA in Finance. His strong academic background helped him later as a business owner and entrepreneur. Before completing his degree, Dino briefly attended the University of Florida, where he played football and even shared the field with Aaron Hernandez. Sports played a major role in his personal development. Football taught him the values of perseverance, leadership, and teamwork. These lessons later influenced his approach to business and life, making him both mentally tough and goal-oriented.
Boxing Career
After his football years, Dino Guilmette turned his focus to boxing, joining Rhode Island’s amateur boxing scene. Known by his nickname “Big Bully,” he gained recognition for his aggressive style and determination in the ring. One of his most talked-about matches was against Louis Savastano in 2017. While he never turned professional, Dino’s boxing career gave him local fame and helped him build confidence and public recognition. Eventually, he retired from boxing to focus on building his businesses, but the discipline and toughness he learned from the sport became a permanent part of his personality.
Business Ventures and Career
Dino Guilmette began his entrepreneurial journey in the late 1990s, establishing several bars and hospitality ventures in Rhode Island. His businesses focused on nightlife and community entertainment, attracting locals and tourists alike. However, his road to success wasn’t smooth — financial struggles led to bankruptcy filings in 2005 and 2014. Rather than giving up, Dino used his MBA knowledge to rebuild, manage debt, and recover his reputation. Over time, he diversified his ventures and expanded into new business areas, showing resilience and financial acumen. Today, his business background remains the cornerstone of his estimated multimillion-dollar net worth.
Modeling and Acting Attempts
In addition to business, Dino explored modeling and acting in the early 2000s. He registered with One Model Place, a platform for aspiring models, and appeared in small-scale fashion and commercial projects. He also took part in local theater and short films, experiences that reflected his confidence and adaptability. Although these ventures did not evolve into a full-time career, they showed Dino’s willingness to explore new challenges outside of sports and business. Eventually, he shifted focus back to entrepreneurship, where he found long-term stability.
Relationship with Shayanna Jenkins
Dino Guilmette met Shayanna Jenkins in 2017, about a year after the death of her fiancé, NFL star Aaron Hernandez. Both came from New England and shared common values around family and perseverance. Their connection quickly grew stronger, and in 2018, they welcomed their daughter, Giselle Guilmette. Dino also embraced the role of stepfather to Shayanna’s older daughter, Avielle, from her relationship with Hernandez. The couple’s relationship gained media attention due to Shayanna’s public past, but they largely kept their personal life private. Their bond represents a story of healing, love, and resilience in the face of public scrutiny.
Family Life and Children
Family is the center of Dino Guilmette’s life. He has three daughters — Mia, from a previous relationship, Giselle, with Shayanna Jenkins, and Avielle, his stepdaughter. Dino takes pride in being a hands-on father who values discipline, support, and love. Despite facing media attention, he strives to provide a stable and nurturing home for his family. He rarely shares personal moments publicly, preferring to protect his children’s privacy. Those close to him describe Dino as a devoted father who puts family above fame or fortune.
Legal Issues and Controversies
Like many public figures, Dino Guilmette’s life has had its share of controversies. At 18, he was arrested for felony assault involving a dangerous weapon, and in 2005, he faced additional charges for assault and resisting arrest. More recently, in 2022, Dino was named in an ongoing Rhode Island investigation related to a mob-run drug ring, though no conviction has been proven. These incidents have affected his reputation, yet Dino has worked hard to move forward and rebuild his image. He maintains a private lifestyle and focuses on his businesses and family, steering clear of further public controversy.
Financial Challenges and Recovery
Dino’s entrepreneurial journey was not without financial hardship. He filed for bankruptcy twice — in 2005 and again in 2014 — due to business losses. However, rather than allowing these setbacks to define him, he treated them as lessons in financial management and resilience. With time, Dino rebuilt his credit, managed debts, and re-established his ventures successfully. His story demonstrates the realities of entrepreneurship — facing failure, learning from it, and coming back stronger.
Public Scrutiny and Media Attention
Dino’s relationship with Shayanna Jenkins brought significant media coverage. Many reports linked him indirectly to financial controversies surrounding Avielle’s trust fund — claims that were never proven. The media’s portrayal of Dino often contrasts with his reality as a quiet, family-oriented businessman. Despite the spotlight, Dino avoids social media and public appearances, focusing instead on personal growth and stability. His handling of public attention reflects maturity and a preference for privacy over fame.
Net Worth and Income Sources
As of 2025, Dino Guilmette’s net worth is estimated between $1 million and $5 million. His primary income comes from his bars, hospitality businesses, and other local ventures in Rhode Island. Although his financial history includes setbacks, Dino’s persistence has allowed him to rebuild his fortune. His wealth reflects years of hard work rather than celebrity exposure. Unlike many public figures, Dino leads a modest lifestyle, investing in his family and business rather than in luxury.
Lifestyle and Personality
Dino Guilmette is known for his grounded and disciplined lifestyle. Fitness remains a major part of his routine, a habit carried over from his athletic background. He spends most of his free time with his daughters and avoids the spotlight. Friends and associates describe him as loyal, focused, and protective — someone who prefers action over attention. His calm personality and dedication to family define his current life more than his fame or controversies.
Current Status (2025 Update)
As of 2025, Dino Guilmette is 46 years old and continues to reside in Rhode Island, though he occasionally visits Los Angeles for business. His relationship status with Shayanna Jenkins remains private, as they both prefer to keep their family life out of the media. Professionally, Dino continues to run his hospitality ventures and explore new investment opportunities. Despite rumors and past controversies, he maintains a relatively low profile and focuses on stability and fatherhood.
Legacy and Public Perception
Dino Guilmette’s story is one of perseverance and reinvention. From athlete to entrepreneur, he has shown the ability to overcome setbacks and stay dedicated to his goals. While his past controversies have shaped public perception, many see him as a self-made individual who prioritizes family and growth. His legacy lies in his determination to rebuild after failure and to maintain integrity in a world often driven by appearances.
Conclusion
Dino Guilmette’s life combines sportsmanship, entrepreneurship, and personal resilience. From his upbringing in Rhode Island to his career as a businessman and father, he has experienced both challenges and triumphs. His journey reflects strength, adaptability, and the importance of learning from hardship. Despite legal troubles and public curiosity, Dino continues to lead a life centered on family, discipline, and rebuilding. His story is a reminder that success isn’t about perfection — it’s about persistence and the will to rise again.
(FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Dino Guilmette?
Dino Guilmette is an American businessman, former boxer, and entrepreneur from Cranston, Rhode Island. He became widely known due to his relationship with Shayanna Jenkins, the former fiancée of late NFL player Aaron Hernandez. Beyond his personal life, he is respected for his business ventures and athletic background.
2. How old is Dino Guilmette?
Born in 1978, Dino Guilmette is 46 years old as of 2025. He grew up in Rhode Island and continues to live there while managing his businesses. His age reflects decades of experience in both sports and entrepreneurship.
3. What does Dino Guilmette do for a living?
Dino is primarily a businessman and bar owner based in Rhode Island. He has also worked in the entertainment and hospitality industries, drawing from his MBA in Finance. His career showcases his ability to balance business acumen with hands-on leadership.
4. What is Dino Guilmette’s net worth in 2025?
As of 2025, Dino Guilmette’s estimated net worth ranges between $1 million and $5 million. His wealth comes mainly from his hospitality ventures, previous athletic work, and smart financial management. Despite past challenges, he has maintained financial stability.
5. Was Dino Guilmette a boxer?
Yes, Dino Guilmette competed in amateur boxing circuits in Rhode Island, earning the nickname “Big Bully.” His strength, discipline, and fighting spirit gained him local recognition. The lessons from boxing helped shape his resilience and determination in later business ventures.
6. Who is Shayanna Jenkins, and what is her connection to Dino Guilmette?
Shayanna Jenkins is the former fiancée of the late football player Aaron Hernandez. She and Dino began dating in 2017 and later had a daughter together named Giselle. Their relationship brought Dino into the public eye, though he prefers to live privately.
7. Has Dino Guilmette faced any legal issues?
Yes, Dino has faced some legal challenges in his past, including assault-related charges and later involvement in an investigation in 2022. However, no convictions have been proven in recent years. Despite these controversies, he continues to focus on rebuilding his personal and professional life.
8. Where does Dino Guilmette live now?
Dino currently lives in Rhode Island, though he has also spent time in Los Angeles for business and family purposes. He maintains a relatively private life focused on raising his daughters and managing his ventures. His home base remains close to where he was born and raised.
