Hi, I’m Michael Nichols, also known as SSgt Nichols… Marine, Veteran Advocate, Federal Retiree, Fitness Industry Leader, Entrepreneur, and a Southern boy originally from Louisiana. 

I wasn’t born into a military family or handed extraordinary talents. Growing up in a regular, middle-class family, I had to rely on hard work, discipline, and an unexpected drive to serve in the Armed Forces. 

What I discovered early on… 

Was the power of learning from others, which evolved into leading others, pushing through challenges, and turning adversity into strength. 

I had the honor of completing 22 years and retiring from Federal Service — 12 years with the Marine Corps and another decade with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). I concluded my active duty as a Staff Sergeant (SSgt, E-6) and later retired from the VA at the GS-12 level (O-3 equivalent). From transitioning young men into warriors as a Drill Instructor, to leading platoons in Iraq as a Platoon Sergeant & Platoon Commander, to processing Veteran’s Disability & Compensation claims at the VA, my passion has always revolved around serving, inspiring, and advocating for others. 

I never planned on having my platoon filmed in a boot camp documentary, writing books, leading in the fitness industry, or starting businesses to support the past, the present, and the future… 

But life has a way of changing your calling. A director was embedded with my platoon to film a Marine Corps Recruit Training documentary called “Ears, Open…” now known as “Black Friday – Dark Dawn.” That experience taught me the power of our stories, leading me to write “Prepare for Enlisted Boot Camp” to help others take their first steps in the military. 

Today, I serve as the Director of Military Operations for a Global Fitness Company, where we have helped over 500+ service members transition into fitness careers post-military service. Additionally, I serve as a Service Member Advocate by providing the support they need. 

The most important titles I hold are husband, father, and grandfather. I’ve been married for over 20 years, have three amazing kids, and two wonderful grandchildren. And while I’ve traded in my uniform, I continue to serve the Armed Forces as an influencer for “The Past. The Present. The Future.”—known to many as Staff Sergeant Nichols, or simply, SSGT Nichols. 

If an ordinary guy like me can do it, so can you. Let’s build something extraordinary together. 

P.S. The most life-changing decision I ever made was during my time as a Drill Instructor, when I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ. It was then that I truly found my identity in scripture: ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.‘ – Jeremiah 1:5. God Bless!