Michael Simmons, a Team Leader here at Xcellent ATL, began his career here just moments before a global shutdown. The twenty-two-year-old entrepreneur joined the team in February of this year, and is wrapping up the year with just as much enthusiasm and drive as his first day. The Atlanta native always dreamt of becoming a business owner and professional boxer.
After graduating from high school, Simmons joined the US Navy, an experience to which he credits all of his success. “I am a very proud Navy veteran,” says Simmons, “it was the greatest experience of my life. I earned lifelong friends and the mental resilience that I didn’t have before. As a junior recruit, you have to prove yourself. You have to prove that you have a strong mind, an ability to adapt and be an asset to a team. Active duty taught me to wait, take a breath, take a moment, and think. I learned to do my part on a team and have integrity. I learned that everything comes to light, so do your best today.” It’s no secret that active duty can be one of the most challenging situations mentally, physically, and spiritually. How did he get through it? What is his advice to others in his shoes? “Fight your mind; it will stop you to protect you — that’s survival. Work with what you have until you get more. Don’t overthink but be ready for life’s curveballs. Your actions decide your life.”
Exactly how much of this experience did Michael Simmons bring to his career here at Xcellent ATL? You gain pieces of yourself from experiences like that, and those pieces never leave you. “All of my greatest accomplishments come from my time in the Navy,” says Simmons, “I was able to travel around the world and meet so many new people, and accordingly, those social skills have helped me tremendously in this career. I am only twenty-two, and I have traveled to seven different countries; I’m proud of that.”
The natural extrovert pulls inspiration from all around him: his fellow veterans, colleagues, and mentors. Most of all, Michael Simmons is inspired by his family. “I am inspired by people who came from nothing and made their way in the world,” says Simmons, “I learned that from my parents; they are my greatest inspiration.
They taught me that success is the ability to give. I want to have everything I need, so I can be in the position to give to others.”
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Michael Simmons brings so much to the Xcellent ATL team, from his drive to others’ encouragement; every part of him is an asset. “I am an extrememly hard worker and never settle for less,” says Simmons, “I strive to be the best at whatever I do. I have a strong desire to learn and grow. I am also very competitive. I think that comes from my time as a boxer before the Navy. Boxing gives you a strong desire and hunger to win.”
Where will Michael Simmons be in five years? The short answer is, anywhere. “I want to become my own boss; that is my passion,” says Simmons, “I want to be able to give, give, give. I hope to continue boxing, even on a non-competitive level. In five years, I hope to own my own clothing brand, which is something not everyone knows about me! I want to invest in homeless shelters and support small businesses and teams nationwide.” If there’s one thing we’re sure of, it’s that Michael’s going to make a difference.
