Only 19 and already a millionaire

MESA, Ariz. -- While most teenagers are worried about soaring college costs and a job, a 19-year-old Mesa man is running his own limousine business and hoping to expand.

Billy Jinks started Lexani Limousines, with a little help from his parents, four years ago.

"It was my idea, but obviously I didn't have the credit, so it was their financial backing," said Jinks. "I started with one car and just grew up with referrals and word of mouth and now have 27."

Just out of high school, Jinks has an impressive fleet.

"Sedans, BMWs, Mercedes, Cadillacs, SUVs, limousines, Hummers, Navigators, Escalades, vans, mini-buses, party buses, a little bit of everything."

Jinks said his business is worth more than $1 million and, "This year, we're already on our way, halfway to between doubling and tripling, at the rate we're going."

He believes he's successful because he works hard and pays attention to detail. -- "having water and newspaper in the car for the client, knowing what their likes are, what radio station they like, little things like that."

Jinks ran his company -- "planning, booking runs" -- while getting through high school.

"I did a lot of ride-alongs when I was younger because it was fun with the drivers," he said. "That's what I like to do."

He said he works 12 hours a day, seven days a week.

"As long as you really dedicate yourself and do what you love, anything's possible," he said.

On the Net:

• lexanilimo.limowebdesigns.com