Men To Watch Awards 2026 honors Nathaniel Griffin

Nathaniel Griffin, or ‘Sarge’, as he is called by many in his field. Is a former US Army Sergeant and served as an Army Medic for over 17 years in the US Army Reserves. He is also a former healthcare provider and served in nursing homes and hospitals, and as an EMT. He is currently the owner of Sgt. Nate Fitness LLC, and has served as a fitness coach for the past 20 years. He has a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Leadership Development, and an Associates of Arts Degree in General Studies. He will be attending Temple University soon, to pursue a Master of Science Degree as an Athletic Trainer. He offers personal development coaching and guidance counseling through his Sgt. Nate Fitness LLC, Health/Wellness and Personal Development Services. He is also an Ordained Minister, and offers marital services, couple’s counseling and life coaching support.

He is the father of four adult children and 2 grandchildren. He has traveled throughout the US and toured Johannesburg, South Africa as a singer songwriter for over 33 years. He has 3

recordings to his credit on his owner NMM Records label. He has composed well over 200 songs and has performed with local groups and choirs. He sang the National Anthem at the July 4 th, 2000, Philadelphia Philly’s Game, performed on the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum during the passing of the Olympic Torch during the 2000 Winter Games, and even sang the National Anthem at his own graduation ceremony from Piece College in 2018.

He began studying martial arts at the age of 14 and went on to teach friends, fellow school mates and eventually, private and group training clients at his fitness studio. He grew up admiring the works of martial arts legend, philosopher, and actor, Bruce Lee. He studied his moves and vocal tone to the point of imitating him. From his fascination of this fighting legend, Nate, became enamored with Bruce’s philosophical approach to life. Having read many of his quotes and sayings, Nate began coming up with his own. He would use them in the form of wise quotes, inspirational analogies, and motivation stimulations at the end of his daily workout classes. His clients and students would attend many times just to hear what words of enlightenment he would share that day. Some were even disappointed when he didn’t share such words of empowerment. He would respond by saying, “When HE (God) gives it to me, I’ll give it to you. He believed all the words spoken should be inspired and not contrived or forced.

During the time of the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020. Nate began looking around to see what skills he hadn’t tapped into yet, that could better help him navigate through that painful season. He then realized he had years of quotes and post saved to his Facebook site. Finding them to be as powerful as the day he originally spoke them. He decided to publish them into what turned out to be his first of many more to come, books on self-empowerment.

He drew from his military training and religious upbringing, to provide words of instructions, direction, encouragement, enlightenment, and empowerment with a strong sense of military flavor. He understands many who will relate to the pages of this book.

Will be coming from a place of personal experience. And each person has to find within themselves, the courage and strength to move forward past failures, devastations, and losses long gone by. Knowing that it will not be an easy journey. But each person seeking to come to terms with the unexpectant occurrences of life. Must mount up like a soldier, suit up like a soldier, and develop the mental toughness of a solider and keep their focus on the task at hand and get the mission done. Soldier on, Hooah!