Today we have another great episode lined up for you. He and I got connected via Facebook earlier this year, and it’s been a massive blessing for me.
He has supported me and my mission, while serving others and finding ways to give back for he asks for anything in return.
I had the opportunity to be on his podcast last month, and it was a blast. You are going to learn a ton from him, and his story. I can’t wait.
He is a first responder advocate, #1 best selling author, Christian, master connector, and promoter of others.
My guest today is Richard Kaufman. He is the Host of the Vertical Momentum Resiliency Podcast, and also known as the #ComebackCoach. He also has a coffee company called Vertical Momentum.
He has offered ALL of our listeners a FREE 1-hour coaching/strategy session. Be sure to click the social links below to get connected with him.
Richard Kaufman originally hails from Belleville, NJ. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1986-1988. Richard had a temporary break in service, and continued to serve in the Army National Guard from 1991-2012 in the following states: NJ, PA, and SC. One of the missions of his unit was to support Operation Enduring Freedom. Richard was medically retired after 23 years of service.
During his career, Richard had three Military Occupational Specialties. He served as a 19k (M1 Armor Crewman), 19D (Cavalry Scout) and an 11B (Infantryman). As a M1 Crewman, Rich worked as part of a team to operate armored equipment and fire weapons to destroy enemy positions. His role was to operate tanks and amphibious assault vehicles to engage and destroy the enemy. As a Calvary Scout, he would be the lead on platoon reconnaissance and security missions. As an Infantryman, Rich led infantry teams in military operations, providing tactical and technical guidance to subordinates in the accomplishment of their duties. Richard left the military at the rank of Sergeant.
In his civilian career, Richard worked for 3 decades at GNC. Like most veterans, Rich worked his way up at the company. He has always been passionate about helping people and fitness. He started as a salesperson, assisting customers in recommending products for a variety of health and fitness goals. Through hard work and perseverance, Rich was promoted as General Manager at GNC in Hackensack for several years. Rich was responsible for assisting customers in finding the right supplements for their needs and worked closely with new customers to help them understand the importance of supplements.
Like many other veterans, Rich is no stranger to some of the struggles that are experienced by veterans that have served. He had his struggles with substance abuse addiction, traumatic brain injury, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Recently, Rich celebrated 32 years of sobriety. Having come back from drug addiction, alcoholism, and homelessness, he now helps people struggling with depression or any other health/fitness or addiction related issues. Recently, he suffered a minor setback with his sight and became partially blind. He did not let that situation slow him down one bit as he dedicated himself to other ventures.
In the community, Rich is known as “The Comeback Coach”. Rich is also the author of the book, A Hero’s Journey From Darkness to Light. He also is the host of the 8th most listened to veteran podcast online, Success Your Why, Powers Your How. There he interviews a myriad of guests ranging from business leaders, entrepreneurs, and other prominent figures to talk about their unique journey and struggles. He is pushing the #todayIdecide campaign, a campaign focused and assisting people with mental health struggles.
Richard, thank you for your service to our country and your continued service to others!