Dino Guilmette: The Untold Story of a Rhode Island Entrepreneur and Former Boxer
Who is Dino Guilmette?
Dino Guilmette is a name that has surfaced in headlines for various reasons, from his amateur boxing career to his business ventures in Rhode Island. However, he is most widely recognized for his relationship with Shayanna Jenkins, the former fiancée of the late NFL star Aaron Hernandez.
Beyond the public eye, Guilmette is a multifaceted individual—a dedicated father, a resilient entrepreneur, and a man who navigates a life touched by both success and controversy. His story is one of ambition, family, and the quiet pursuit of a life away from the spotlight.
Early Life and Family Roots in Rhode Island
Born on August 11, 1978, in Cranston, Rhode Island, Dino Guilmette grew up in a large and close-knit family. As one of ten children to his parents, William and Dona Guilmette, he learned the values of hard work and discipline from a young age.
His upbringing was deeply rooted in the sense of community that Rhode Island offers. The family faced hardship, including the loss of Dino’s older brother, William Guilmette III, in 2016, an event that further strengthened their bond and resilience.
Growing up in such a large household meant that standing out required determination and effort. From an early age, Dino understood the importance of carving his own path, whether through sports, education, or eventually, business.
Education and Athletic Foundation
Guilmette pursued higher education with a focus on his future in business, earning a Master of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Rhode Island. This academic background provided him with a solid foundation for his entrepreneurial endeavors.
Before his business career, he was passionate about sports and even played college football. This athletic experience instilled in him a sense of teamwork and perseverance that would prove invaluable in both his personal and professional life. The discipline required in competitive sports translated seamlessly into his approach to business challenges.
The Boxing Years: From Amateur Rings to Local Recognition
Dino Guilmette made a name for himself in Rhode Island’s amateur boxing scene, where he was known for his aggressive and powerful fighting style. He earned nicknames like “Big Bully” and “The Ghost” for his formidable presence and elusive tactics in the ring.
He trained at Balletto’s Gym in Providence and participated in the 2017 “Brawl For It All,” a charity event where he faced a local rival, former baseball player Louis Savastano. The bout was more than just a fight between two competitors—it was a clash of personalities that had the local community talking.
Despite his passion for the sport, Guilmette never pursued a professional boxing career, choosing instead to focus on other ventures. The lessons he learned in the ring—discipline, mental toughness, and resilience—would serve him well in the business world and in navigating personal challenges.
Building a Business Empire in Rhode Island
As an entrepreneur, Dino Guilmette began his journey in 1997 by establishing his first bar. Over the years, he has built a portfolio of businesses, primarily in the sports and entertainment industries, becoming a respected figure in the local business community.
His path was not without challenges, as he faced financial setbacks and bankruptcies in 2005 and 2014. However, Guilmette demonstrated remarkable resilience, rebuilding his ventures and continuing to grow his business empire with a quiet, behind-the-scenes approach.
Unlike many entrepreneurs who seek the spotlight, Guilmette has maintained a low profile throughout his business career. He prefers to let his work speak for itself, focusing on building sustainable ventures rather than chasing headlines or social media fame.
Dino Guilmette and Shayanna Jenkins: A New Chapter
Dino Guilmette’s life entered the public spotlight in 2017 when he began a relationship with Shayanna Jenkins. Introduced by mutual friends, they formed a strong bond during a challenging time in Jenkins’ life following the death of Aaron Hernandez.
The connection between them was immediate and genuine. As Guilmette himself described it, they “just hit it off from the beginning.” This relationship represented a fresh start for both individuals, each carrying their own histories and looking toward a shared future.
In June 2018, the couple welcomed their daughter, Giselle, marking a new chapter for them both. Their relationship brought together a blended family, and Guilmette embraced his role with dedication and love. His father, Bill Guilmette, spoke warmly of Shayanna, calling her “a lovely young lady” and expressing hope that the couple would eventually marry.
Fatherhood and Family Life
Family is a cornerstone of Dino Guilmette’s life. He is a father to his daughter, Mia, from a previous relationship, and a loving stepfather to Avielle Janelle Hernandez, Shayanna’s daughter with Aaron.
Guilmette prioritizes his family’s privacy, keeping his personal life largely out of the public eye. He has focused on creating a stable and supportive environment for his children, navigating the complexities of a blended family with grace and respect.
The dynamics of a blended family are never simple, especially when one carries the weight of public scrutiny and a complicated history. Yet by all accounts, Guilmette has handled this responsibility with maturity, putting the needs of the children first and maintaining a sense of normalcy despite external pressures.
Navigating Controversies and Legal Challenges
Throughout his life, Dino Guilmette has faced his share of legal troubles. In his youth, he had encounters with law enforcement, including assault charges that resulted in probation. These events have been a part of his public narrative.
More recently, in 2022, he was the subject of a state police investigation into drug trafficking and was linked to alleged organized crime activities in Rhode Island. The investigation, which began in 2020, involved court-ordered wiretaps and resulted in multiple felony charges.
While facing these serious allegations, Guilmette has maintained a public stance of “no comment,” choosing to handle these matters privately through legal channels. The outcome of these cases remains a significant aspect of his ongoing story.
Life Beyond the Headlines
Dino Guilmette continues to lead a life focused on his family and businesses in Rhode Island. He maintains a low profile, avoiding the allure of fame and social media, and instead prioritizes stability and privacy.
With an estimated net worth between one million and five million dollars, his success is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit. Despite financial setbacks and personal challenges, he has consistently rebuilt and moved forward.
His story is a reminder that a person’s identity is not defined by headlines but by their actions, resilience, and commitment to their values. In an era where everyone seems to chase visibility and validation through social media, Guilmette’s choice to remain private and grounded stands out.
Whether remembered as a boxer, an entrepreneur, or as Shayanna Jenkins’ partner, Dino Guilmette represents something more fundamental—a man who continues to navigate life’s complexities with determination, building a legacy not through fame, but through the relationships he nurtures and the quiet strength he demonstrates daily.
