Andy Robinson was 23 years old and on his second deployment to Iraq when a roadside bomb hit his truck in 2006. Three Marines in the vehicle died on impact. Robinson was thrown hundreds of yards, sustaining a broken neck, ribs, and legs, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.

On Tuesday, July 28, Robinson stood before a room of Northeast Cobb business owners at Piedmont Church and asked them a question: Who do you need to become to get past what's holding you back?

Robinson, founder of Georgia-based LFG Mindset Consulting, delivered the keynote at the Northeast Cobb Business Association's monthly luncheon. His presentation, titled "Your Next Level Is a Choice," drew on his own path from a military hospital bed to a college degree, a career in finance, and eventually a coaching practice serving entrepreneurs, sales professionals, and veterans.

He told stories of relearning to drive, building a career, and raising a family after injuries that could have defined the rest of his life, according to the NCBA's recap of the event. He challenged members to name the specific mindset barriers keeping them from their next step.

One attendee, quoted in the NCBA recap, said: "I loved the engagement and energy today! This was my favorite luncheon so far. The speaker was great, and I almost teared up during his story."

The luncheon followed the association's standard format: a catered meal from Adriane's Delectables, Robinson's keynote, and a networking round where members introduced themselves and their businesses.

What's next

The association's next luncheon is Wednesday, August 19, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Piedmont Church. Entrepreneur Jim Beach will present "A New Way to Look at Entrepreneurship." Beach, a McGraw-Hill bestselling author and former Georgia State University business professor, grew his first company to more than 700 employees without outside capital. Registration is available at northeastcobbba.com.

Mickey Mellen is scheduled to present "5 Pillars for Digital Success" on Wednesday, September 16.