Meet TGRP – Jim Lockhart, Managing Director of Consulting Services
As managing director of consulting services, Jim is responsible for the strategy and vision of TGRP Solutions’ Consulting Services group—developing the roadmap, hiring consultants and much more. He’s been building and sailing the ship simultaneously, so to speak, but what does this “OG” TGRP consulting leader envision for the company’s future—and the future of consulting? And what’s he up to when he’s not doing that? Read on…
When did you join TGRP Solutions?
I joined TGRP in 2015 to do business development when we had just a few consultants on our bench and a big vision. As we’ve grown, I became the managing director over consulting to grow our brand as a trusted practice with very capable, experienced professionals.
Where are you from originally?
I was born and raised in Lakewood, Colorado, and went to Lakewood High School before heading to the University of Wyoming and Western State Colorado University for college.
You left a finance role in the homebuilding industry to join the world of accounting and finance placement and consulting. What was the impetus?
After starting my career in public accounting in southern California with EY, I found myself in commercial real estate, then homebuilding, but when the economy crashed, I got into business development for an accounting and finance consulting firm similar to TGRP Solutions. I then was hired to build a consulting group for another firm, and eventually I reconnected with Mark [Reister]. We’ve been growing our company and this Consulting Services group since!
What do you enjoy about your job?
I am a people- and service-oriented professional, so I enjoy the people most. I get to help people rediscover what they enjoy about accounting and finance and find work-life balance and meaning in consulting. That’s rewarding and fun.
What makes you believe in TGRP’s vision?
I believe in the services our consulting team provides. There’s always a need in the market for great professionals and we are fortunate to have a team of amazing people who are genuine, smart, and caring. I also have the support of a really great management team. Katie makes sure TGRP is running smoothly and Mark, our founder, is an entrepreneur with good intuition who trusts and supports his people.
Top five strengths as a manager?
Good listener, genuine, hardworking, methodical and pragmatic.
What’s your silly-but-real job title?
Chief Cat Herder
What do you do when you aren’t at work?
I’m almost an empty-nester, so I’m starting a new life chapter and rediscovering myself and what I like to do is on the agenda! I’m looking forward to stepping out of my comfort zone to try some new things and take on new adventures: travel, painting, fishing. When I have a day to myself, you will find me on the Epicurious app searching for the next amazing meal, getting together with friends, taking a ride on my motorcycle on a beautiful day. I love the outdoors and taking advantage of what Colorado has to offer – hiking, biking, and microbrewing (yes, a verb – it’s considered exercise if you do it at a brisk pace for longer periods!)
You’re a bit of a foodie. Top few foods or genres you’re loving right now?
I love a lot of foods, but right now I’m really liking Ramen, Italian and Asian fusion. And Mexican is always up there.
What are you passionate about?
My career has always been important to me, but family is first. Always.
Words to live by?
Progress not perfection.
Whatever you are, be a good one.
Appreciate what you have.
Helping people + your talent = purpose.
If you’re going through hell, just keep going.
How would your coworkers describe you?
Hopefully dedicated and consistent. Probably a little quirky – my humor is lost on most! As a former accountant, I get a lot of flak for my spreadsheets! So, they’d also probably say I’m pretty “by the book.” But I do color outside the lines from time to time.
Where do you predict TGRP will be 5-10 years from now?
We’d love to keep growing our consulting practice and have a presence in multiple markets. We’ll always continue to do strategic staff augmentation, but we’re focused on moving up the food chain into project management and eventually becoming an advisory practice with several different specialties and partnerships with different industries. I want “TGRP Solutions” to be a household name: it’s the place where accounting, people, passion, and solutions intersect.
