Written by guest contributor Kiva Akoto
Bobby Lockhart enrolled in coaching with me, Kiva Akoto, Small Business Development Coach at Operation HOPE in Memphis (HOPE Inside powered by Truist Bank – Crosstown Concourse/Uptown Branch), initially seeking guidance on launching a small product-based business. At the time, he was exploring ideas in the hair care space and was looking for clarity on how to move forward. However, through his participation in the Small Business Development Cohort and exposure to broader entrepreneurial strategies, his vision evolved beyond a single product into building a sustainable business infrastructure.
Through coaching, Bobby was introduced to foundational business development strategies, including formal business structuring, branding, and operational systems. He fully engaged in the program and further expanded his perspective by attending the HOPE Global Forums 2025 gathering in Atlanta. This experience became a turning point, helping him transition from simply exploring ideas to building a scalable enterprise. With guidance and the resources gained through the program, Bobby established Lockhart Legacy Group, LLC, secured his EIN, implemented business banking, and developed brand assets and systems to support long-term growth.
As a result of his progress, Bobby moved from theory to full implementation. He successfully self-published his first book through Amazon, developed 20 voice-narrated workbooks, and built a premium digital platform supported by modern tools and AI-powered systems. He also secured federal trademarks for UNSTUCK: Rise and Build™, Power • Love • Discipline™, and PLD™, solidifying the foundation of his brand. Notably, he accomplished this while maintaining a full-time leadership role in healthcare operations, demonstrating discipline and commitment throughout the process.
Bobby shared, “Operation HOPE helped me move from having ideas to building a real structure. The coaching and exposure to broader entrepreneurial thinking gave me the clarity and discipline to go from exploration into implementation—and to build a platform designed to help leaders get unstuck, create clarity, and turn vision into systems.”
Through coaching and the structure provided by Operation HOPE, Bobby has transformed his mindset from simply starting a business to building a legacy-driven enterprise designed to grow and serve others. His work now focuses on empowering leaders to move forward using AI as a strategic resource, while maintaining human leadership at the center. Today, his business is fully structured, actively growing, and positioned for long-term impact—personally and professionally.
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