Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikki Allmann
Hi Nikki, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey has been anything but easy, but every challenge has made me who I am. Growing up, my parents worked in construction, so we moved a lot—one year, I attended four different schools in four different states. That forced me to learn how to adapt quickly. I became a chameleon, figuring out how to fit in while keeping my core identity intact. At the time, it felt like survival, but later, I realized those skills would serve me well in the military and, eventually, in my work with the Workout Warriors Foundation.
I moved out on my own at 17, right after graduating high school. I was working as a forklift driver in a carpet mill, trying to go to college at the same time, but bills needed to be paid. Eventually, school had to take a backseat. After about a year, I moved into customer service and sales at the carpet headquarters. It felt like progress, but I still didn’t see a real future for myself.
My sister and her husband were both in the Air Force, and they saw something in me that I didn’t. My sister—who had taken on more of a parental role because my mom worked constantly—was always tough on me, but she believed in me. She and my brother-in-law told me I had more to offer and encouraged me to join the military. I hesitated, but I trusted them, so in April 2001, I enlisted as an air traffic controller.
In 2004, after having my son, I transitioned into the paralegal career field, where I stayed until I retired in 2022. Over those years, I deployed multiple times to combat zones, and those deployments changed me. War changes you. I saw things I could never unsee, and I carried the weight of those experiences long after I came home. But it wasn’t just what I faced overseas—it was the silent battles that followed me home.
Mental health struggles became a part of my life, and for a long time, I didn’t acknowledge them. The military teaches you to push through anything—pain, exhaustion, loss—but that mindset doesn’t prepare you for the emotional and mental toll. I battled anxiety, depression, and at my lowest point, I questioned if I even wanted to keep going. I’ve lost friends to suicide, and at one point, I almost became one of them. That’s not easy to admit, but it’s important to talk about.
What saved me was realizing that I wasn’t alone. I had people who cared, even when I couldn’t see it—my husband, my four kids, my closest friends. They stood by me even when I felt like I was drowning. They reminded me that I mattered. And I learned that asking for help isn’t weakness—it’s strength.
That’s a big reason why I started Workout Warriors. I know what it’s like to feel broken, physically and mentally. I’ve had 29 surgeries, and there’s still a possibility I could lose my leg. I also know what it’s like to feel like you have to fight alone. I don’t want anyone else—especially veterans and adaptive athletes—to feel that way. Whether it’s through fitness, mental resilience, or just knowing someone cares, I want them to feel supported.
Throughout my career, I had great leaders and not-so-great ones. The best leaders cared about their people. The worst ones only cared about promotions and paychecks. That contrast shaped my leadership style—I was tough when I needed to be, but my Airmen always knew I had their backs. That same mentality carries into everything I do now. Whether it’s in the gym, through my foundation, or just being there for someone who’s struggling, I want people to know they matter and they never have to fight alone.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth or easy ride, but I’ve come to believe that nothing worth having in life ever is. I often joke with my husband that if we ever did anything the easy way, it would be a miracle. One of the biggest obstacles I’ve faced is personal: I give a lot of myself to helping others, which is incredibly rewarding. However, when confronting my own demons, remembering to set boundaries and take care of myself is just as important—and I’m still working on that part.
Another significant challenge has been transforming my ideas into action and spreading the word about our mission. As a donation-based nonprofit, securing funding has been difficult. Many businesses and companies prefer to donate to high-visibility organizations, making it challenging for newer nonprofits like ours to gain support. Financial sustainability is a common hurdle for nonprofits, as they often rely on external funding sources that can be unpredictable. 
Building a strong organizational structure and creating measurable impact are also critical challenges for new nonprofit startups. Developing effective processes and demonstrating success are vital for attracting support and ensuring long-term sustainability. 
Despite these obstacles, I remain committed to our mission, continually seeking ways to overcome these challenges and make a meaningful difference.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am currently the co-owner of Warrior Axe CrossFit and the founder of the Workout Warrior Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans, military personnel, first responders, and athletes with limiting factors regain their independence. There are many incredible nonprofits out there doing amazing work, but a few things set the Workout Warrior Foundation apart.
First and foremost, we are 100% volunteer-based—no one takes a paycheck. Our sole mission is to help warriors, not collect a salary. We all understand that by working without financial compensation, we are able to help one more hero. Every dollar we raise goes directly to supporting those who need it most.
The second thing that makes us different is our approach. We’re not here to compete with other organizations or reinvent the wheel—we’re here to reach more people. We take an “even better than” approach, meaning that when someone comes to us, we focus on finding the best possible solution for them. If that means connecting them with another nonprofit that is better suited to their needs, then that’s exactly what we do.
I know that in the nonprofit world, many organizations feel like they’re “fighting” for the same pool of money. But I also believe that it takes a village to raise a baby, just like it takes a network of different resources to truly support a hero. Our mission isn’t just about what we can do—it’s about making sure the people we serve get the help they need, no matter where it comes from. At the end of the day, that’s what matters most.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was a lot like I am today. I was active in sports—basketball, track—and while I was a good student, I definitely had a rebellious streak. Procrastination seems to be part of my nature, and my ADHD has always made it a bit of a challenge to stay on track. I constantly have a million ideas buzzing around, and I always need that voice of reason to rein me in when things get too chaotic. I’m not shy about speaking my mind—thanks to my mother for that one—and I’ve always had a tough exterior that’s hard to break. But once you’re in my inner circle, you’ll find that I’m loyal to a fault. All of these traits have played a significant role in shaping who I am, fueling both my drive and my ability to overcome obstacles.
Pricing:
- Donations can be made @www.workout-warriors.org
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.workout-warriors.org
