BIOGRAPHY
Entrepreneur • Promoter • Teacher • Graphic Designer
You may never meet a more absolute personification of “hustle” than Dennis Wilson Jr. He is the founder and CEO of Mrdwilson Limited Corp., a New York State MWBE-certified company in printing, graphic design, and event planning; co-owner of Thee W Studios with his wife, Rhonda; and owner of The Oakk Haus Nightclub, a nightlife destination for Buffalo’s urban professionals. He balances these ventures while serving as a certified teacher in Social Studies (7–12) and Printing (7–12) in the Buffalo Public Schools.
Born and raised in Buffalo, Dennis attended Turner/Carroll High School before graduating top of his class at Riverside High School. He went on to play Division I basketball at Canisius College (now University) under coaches John Beilein and Mike MacDonald, earning both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Canisius.
His entrepreneurial journey began in 2001 with King of Spades Graphics, and in 2007 he expanded into promotions with Mrdwilson.com (now Mrdwilson Limited Corp.). In 2011, he revitalized a troubled neighborhood bar into The Oakk Room Restaurant, which for 14 years served as Buffalo’s hub for urban professionals. In 2025, he transitioned the concept into The Oakk Haus Nightclub, a modern, upscale downtown venue.
Dennis also founded Panoramic Magazine in 2019, which highlighted successful professionals with Buffalo roots until the COVID-19 pandemic shifted his focus. His signature events — the Miami Nights All White Affair and The Presidential All Black Affair — are among the region’s largest upscale gatherings, attracting thousands annually. He has also organized group travel experiences to major U.S. and international destinations including New York, Washington D.C., Detroit, Miami, Charlotte, Las Vegas, London, and Cancun. A proud Buffalo Bills fan, Dennis is known for his game-day spirit and community-building tailgates.
Awards & Recognitions
Over the past 15 years, Dennis has been honored by numerous organizations, including:
Buffalo Black Achievers Awards (honoree)
Buffalo Urban League / Urban League Young Professionals – Entrepreneurial & Community Leadership Recognition
Buff City Awards 2022 – Man of the Year
Buffalo Business First Power 100 Business Leaders of Color, 2025
Dennis Wilson Jr. Entrepreneurial Spirit Award (Empower716 Young Entrepreneurs of Color), an award named in his honor
Additional acknowledgments from civic, business, and media outlets celebrating his entrepreneurial and cultural impact
In 2016, Dennis married Rhonda Wilson (formerly Williams), founder and president of Buffalo Black Nurses Inc. Together, they co-own Thee W Studios, a creative photography and multimedia space. As a power couple, they remain committed to building a legacy of entrepreneurship, culture, and community empowerment in Buffalo and beyond.
The Oakk Haus Nightclub
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The Oakk Haus officially opened in May 2025. Created to enhance the nightlife offerings in downtown Buffalo; the Oakk Haus is a by product of the Oakk Room Restaurant. Getting back to his roots as an event promoter and curator, Mr. Wilson is leading the way in upscale event creation. Work hard, play hard is Dennis' model in life. Stop by the Oakk Haus to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Mrdwilson Limited Printing & Graphic Design
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MRDWILSON Limited Corp is a minority owned and operated company that has provided Complete Graphic Design, Brand Identity, and Print Solutions for large and small businesses throughout the United States and Canada for the past 15+ years. We specialize in high quality designs and a unique ability to capture an audience. Our goal is to create a one stop shop to assist companies in becoming more effcient.
Thee W Studios
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As a photography and content creation studio, we strive to provide our clients with everything they need to create the content they want. From our LED color changeable lights to our multiple rooms to shoot, we pride ourselves on providing the best possible environment for our clients to create
