Hinton’s path began after his 1978 graduation from Northwest Missouri State University. Following a five-year stint at Nabisco, he entered the liquor industry in 1988, joining Missouri’s largest distributor. He climbed the ranks from wine salesperson to state operations manager, earning a reputation for fostering collaboration between warehouse and sales teams. His career peaked as a regional director managing operations across 20 states, an experience he cites as his professional highlight.

In 2016, Hinton shifted to retail by acquiring Gomer's Fine Wine and Spirits. Despite broader industry declines in alcohol consumption, the store has maintained strong performance and earned accolades, including being named the best liquor store in Kansas City by The Pitch. Hinton attributes his leadership style to the influence of his college baseball coach, a philosophy he applied both in the boardroom and on the field, where he eventually earned a spot on an All-World senior softball team at age 60. He currently plans to transition ownership of his business to his son within the next five years.