Meet Robert H. Bolton | Special Events Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Robert H. Bolton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Robert H., what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
In June 1997, I was Director of Special Events and Special Projects at my alma mater, Morehouse College. I had been a part of the Executive Administrative Team since August 1988. A new vice president of development was hired and he issued termination letters to the entire department and wanted everyone to reapply for their positions, I decided, not to apply and took my termination letter, applied for unemployment and decided to launch my event management and public relations company — Bolton & Company, now known as R.H. Bolton, Inc. Needless to say, Morehouse College became the first client that I signed.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
R.H. Bolton, Inc. specializes in event management and creating signature events primarily for academic institutions and non-profit organizations. We have produced hundreds of events for numerous clients. We have had the honor of working with many colleges and universities since our inception– Morehouse College, Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse School of Medicine, Bethune-Cookman University, Johnson C. Smith University, Wiley College, Agnes Scott College, SUNY Old Westbury, Knoxville College, and Harvard Business School. We have helped to produce presidential inaugurations, fundraising galas, conferences and seminars. Additionally, we have planned and executed high profile projects and events for the late Congressman John Lewis, Former Mayor Shirley Franklin, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., National Bar Association, National Football League, Urban League of Atlanta and SCLC, to name a few.

We have been blessed, to get amazing referrals and repeat customers. I always say that you are only good as your last event. We pride ourselves in striving for excellence and being open and honest with our clients.

All of our success can be attributed God!!! We network. We put the work in. We put in long hours. We make sure that we are accessible to our clients. We love what we do, and we have fun.

As far as projects there are two that I am most proud of — Morehouse College “A Candle in the Dark” Gala (I helped to establish the gala in 1989). It has honored hundreds and raised millions of dollars for scholarships) and the Celebration of Life Services for Congressman John Lewis, a five-city pilgrimage honoring his life and legacy, allowing millions to pay their respect during the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Here is the List…. My plan to is to get it all in…

Oh Give Thanks!!!
Cascade United Methodist Church, a great place to worship–traditional flair.  Great preaching and wonderful music.
Elizabeth Baptist Church, a great place to worship–contemporary flair. Great preaching and wonderful music.

Places to See!!!
– Visit The King Center to pay homage of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
– World of Coca-Cola
– Dwarf House and Chick-Fil-A Headquarters
– National Center for Civil and Human Rights
– Centennial Olympic Park
– College Football Hall of Fame
– Historic Herndon Home Museum, 15-room house built by Atlanta businessman Alonzo Herndon, who was born a slave and became Georgia first black millionaire,
– Atlanta University Center, see the nation’s largest consortium of HBCU’s.
– The High Museum
– Six Flags Over Georgia

Places to Shop!!!
– Lenox Mall
– Phipps Plaza
– Avalon
– North Georgia Premium Outlets

Get our Grub On…
– Oreatha’s At The Point
– Natalie’s and Bianca At The Point
– Rumi’s Kitchen Colony Square
– Boxcar at Hop City
– Good Azz Burgerz (Lee & White Food Hall)
– Gocha’s Breakfast Bar
– Paschal’s Restaurant & Bar

Etc.
Colony Square for Movies

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would definitely like to give a Shoutout to my wife, Tammy, for her unconditional love and support. When I started my company in 1997, I underestimated the amount of time it would take to go from conversation to proposal, and from contract to check. I literally ran out money and Tammy, who was my girlfriend at the time, gave me $5,000 to hold me over until I received my first client check.

In addition, I am grateful for long client partnerships, some have lasted 25-plus years (Henry M. Goodgame, Morehouse College and Dr. Michael L. Lomax, UNCF and Dillard University).

Website: https://rhboltoninc.com