by Chandler Eckert and Xypher Pino

Award-winning entrepreneur, author and transformational speaker Gary Hartfield visited Greensboro College on March 18 to discuss his new book, “The Journey to Success: A Blueprint for Winning in Business & Life.”

Born in DeFuniak, Florida, Hartfield paved his way to success through community work, strong leadership and determination. Hartfield is a graduate of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, earning his bachelor’s of science in electronic engineering there. He received his master’s in business administration from the University of West Florida.

Hartfield excels in business work, particularly in the nonprofit realm. He serves as the CEO for Serenity Village Insurance and Consulting, Empower Florida Inc. and various residential group homes throughout Florida: organizations that provide services and assistance to the elderly and developmentally disabled.

Among Hartfield’s numerous accomplishments and endeavors, one project he is extremely proud of is the creation of the TOBA Leadership Institute. This program is designed to equip young black individuals with the tools and resources they need as community and board members. Over 100 participants have graduated from the program since its launch in 2020.

During the social issues that emerged during the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Black Lives Matter Movement, Hartfield played a crucial role as a social justice advocate. He partnered with numerous local and national partners as he founded the All Hart Foundation in response to all the racial tensions surrounding the murders of individuals such as George Floyd, Brionna Taylor and many more.

The Office of Student Inclusive Excellence of Greensboro College organized this event for Hartfield to come to Greensboro College for students to learn about his story and how they can succeed in life. The Collegian spoke with Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Juliet Lowery, had this to say about Hartfield and what his visit means to Greensboro College and its students, “At Greensboro College we expose students to opportunities that enhance their academic and cocurricular experience. Hartfield combines his passion and purpose to pour into the next generation. We thank him for sharing the lessons from his journey. This is another steppingstone as we prepare students to graduate ready for anything. “

“The Journey to Success: A Blueprint for Winning in Business and Life” is a practical guide on how to close the gap between where individuals are currently at and where their dreams lie. “Use the power of social capital in your journey to success,” Hartfield mentioned in his talk. He states that we all have interests, passions and a purpose that could be, and should be, converted into a way of making profit. Doing so allows us to have the life we want to live which in turn, enables us to impact many other lives and benefit our communities greatly.

A student asked Hartfield about the inevitability of failure and how he personally learned from it, to which Hartfield responded, “Failure is an inherent part of the process. I lost my sister less than a day after closing a major deal with her. Life’s trials, tribulations and adversity are always going to show up. Always go hard, always do better, whatever comes your way.” Hartfield’s journey in life has not been easy, but this has not stopped him from chasing his dreams and impacting the lives of others. His story inspired numerous students that attended the event, with many looking forward to reading his new book as a result. Sophomore Chandler Eckert had this to say about Hartfield, “He was very well articulated and made sure we knew that he was there to help us. I love how he made a point to inform us of the troubles he prevailed from and explained his success.”

As Hartfield stated, “This was more than just a talk. This was a meaningful exchange about the power of social capital and how relationships, trust and community can open doors that talent alone sometimes cannot.” On behalf of the Greensboro College community, The Collegian would like to express its gratitude to Gary Hartfield for visiting our campus and helping the student body be stronger and more confident to tackle the future.