Charles "Nick" Nickell

Hi!  My name is Nick and here is my story.   I’ll begin with my name…my given name is Charles, but my parents always called me “Nick”.  So Nick Nickell it is!

 

I met my wife Dana in my 4th year of college (while at the U.S. Naval Academy) and she was a sophomore in high school.  Yes, I robbed the cradle!  From that first “blind” date I knew she was the one, and we have been married more than 45 years.  She is a very patient lady!

 

After graduation from the Naval Academy I spent the next 8 years as a navy nuclear officer, operating nuclear propulsion plants on the sea and on land (strangely enough). The next 30 plus years were spent constructing and operating nuclear projects for the Department of Energy.  More recently I participated in a small business (ProRoofing) startup with my wife Dana and two of my sons.  That was a very satisfying experience for me.  

 

Dana and I moved to Buford, Georgia 2 years ago to be closer to our 4 grandchildren, but never imagined that we would develop relationships as close as we had with our South Carolina friends of more than 30 years.  God has blessed our transition to the greater Atlanta area by bringing us into the fellowship of a wonderful church, including a loving and encouraging small group with 4 other couples.

 

I met Gary Smith at our church and he invited me to visit Iron Forums in early 2023.  I immediately knew this was where God wanted me to be.  I look forward to learning about new ways to serve Iron Forums and the young business leaders that I meet.

 

I love playing golf, as it provides a physical and mental challenge every time I swing the club.  Golf can also be a terrific way to meet and learn more about other men, both young and old.  I tell people that I took a 30 year time out from golf to raise a family of 3 boys and a girl.  Since they are now adults (some with their own kids), I’ve come back to golf.

 

Here is my crazy family at our recent beach vacation.