Meet Nathan Galan

We were lucky to catch up with Nathan Galan recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Nathan, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

I get my resilience from my childhood upbringing. Growing up as the second oldest of five, with a God fearing grandmother who became our steadfast anchor, I learned resilience not through lessons, but through survival. We didn’t have much, but we had her. She wasn’t just a grandmother; she was the lifeline that pulled us through every hardship, making the impossible seem possible. Food stamps, public transportation, government assistance, Salvation Army handouts—these were the threads that wove our existence. But my grandmother never let us feel poor in spirit. She worked tirelessly, stretched every resource, and somehow, her love and sacrifice were enough to fill the cracks in our foundation. Watching her, I grew up fast—my childhood had to make room for responsibility, for maturity, for a sense of urgency. I saw how hard she fought for us, and I knew I would fight with that same fire, not just for survival, but to create a life where my own kids, or anyone I loved, would never have to struggle the way we did. Resilience wasn’t just a trait I inherited—it was the blueprint of my life

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

My name is Nathan Galan, and I’m a 37-year-old, God-fearing man born in Reading, Pennsylvania, raised in Lakeland, Florida, and now living in Tampa happily married to the love of my life Jessica Galan. I’m the second oldest of five, raised by my grandmother after losing my father when I was 15 and growing up without my mother temporarily from the age of 10 to 21. Life didn’t hand us much, but my grandmother, a woman of unshakable faith, made sure we never felt the weight of our struggles. We were raised on food stamps, public assistance, and public transportation, and for a long time, it felt like we were just trying to survive—just trying to make it.

When I was 10, we made the bold decision to leave Pennsylvania and move to Florida, seeking a better future. Growing up in Polk County wasn’t easy, but it gave me hope. I found that hope in education and sports, especially football. It was my way out, my only escape from the circumstances I was born into.

By the grace of God, I graduated high school as valedictorian with a 4.3 GPA, and I became the first in my family to attend college. I earned a scholarship to play football at Eastern Illinois University, and after graduating, I followed my passion for coaching and teaching. By the age of 25, I was the youngest head coach in Florida.

But life, as it often does, had a way of humbling me. A DUI and a stint in jail forced me to stop and reevaluate my life. It was a “coming to Jesus” moment—a wake-up call where I realized I had been squandering my potential. I knew God had bigger plans for me, and it was time to rebuild.

That turning point was the start of my entrepreneurial journey. I moved to Tampa and met Chris Bossio, a barber who owned two barbershops that embodied professionalism and respect in a way I’d never seen in the industry. His influence pushed me to leave my career in teaching and coaching behind to become a licensed barber. I won’t lie, I was nervous. People ridiculed me, and barbering was seen more as a hustle than a career. But I took the leap—and I’m so thankful I did.

Fast forward seven years, and I’m living a life I once thought was impossible. I’m now a six-figure earning barber, Hiring Director for Headlines Barbershops, a traveling educator with Tomb45, a six-figure barber mentorship coach, a consultant for Pie Accounting, and the proud owner of *I Grind Different LLC*—a brand that’s more than just a name, it’s a mentality. It’s about challenging people to rise above their circumstances and take ownership of their future.

What excites me most is using my story to inspire others. Whether you’re a barber, stylist, small business owner, single parent, or someone who feels like the odds are stacked against you—I want my journey to show you that it’s possible to overcome anything and build the life you’ve always dreamed of. My mission is simple: I want people to hear my story, believe in themselves, and take action toward their own dreams, no matter where they come from or what they’ve been through.

As I look ahead to 2025, I’m energized by the incredible opportunities for growth and expansion on the horizon. I’m eager to elevate my speaking platform to new heights, reaching more people and making a deeper impact. At the same time, I’m fully committed to scaling the 6 Figure Barber Mentorship program, empowering barbers to build six-figure businesses and unlock their true potential. Beyond that, I’m determined to expand I Grind Different (igrinddifferent.com), inspiring and motivating even more individuals to pursue their passions relentlessly. And with Tomb45, I’m excited to travel more, sharing my expertise with barbers across the country, and leaving a lasting legacy in new cities.

One of the biggest milestones for myself is coming up with Tomb45 and that is *Education With Purpose Part 2*, an incredible educational event in Tampa at the JW Marriott on February 16th. I’ll be serving as the emcee for the day, where we’ll release Tomb45’s first clipper/trimmer in partnership with BabylissPro. It’s going to be a day full of top-tier educators covering everything from business structure for barbers to faster cutting systems, advanced shear cutting techniques and much more.

Every step of my journey has been about growth, overcoming obstacles, and using my success to help others do the same. I believe that everyone has the power to change their story, to rise above the challenges they face, and to build a life they never thought possible.

And the best part? I’m just getting started.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back on my journey, there are three qualities that were most impactful in getting me from where I started to where I am now: **resilience, faith-driven focus, and the ability to learn and adapt**. These have been the cornerstones of my growth, and they’re what I would encourage anyone starting their own journey to focus on.

1. **Resilience** – The Ability to Keep Going When It Gets Hard
Resilience isn’t just bouncing back from adversity—it’s about finding the strength to keep going even when the world feels like it’s pushing you down. For me, resilience came from growing up in difficult circumstances and constantly feeling like I was fighting against the odds. From the loss of my father, my mother’s absence, to growing up on food stamps and facing adversity in school and sports, there were plenty of moments where giving up seemed like the easier choice. But I learned early on that life isn’t about avoiding challenges, it’s about how you respond to them. Every setback was just a setup for a comeback.

**Advice for the Early Journey:**
– **Embrace setbacks**: Don’t let failures define you. Learn from them. Failure is often the best teacher.
– **Build your mental toughness**: Develop small habits that push your limits daily. Whether it’s waking up early, tackling a difficult task, or making hard decisions, start building your mental toughness little by little.
– **Stay persistent**: Keep going when others might give up. Resilience is not about avoiding pain—it’s about having the courage to face it and keep moving forward.

2. **Faith-Driven Focus** – Believing in a Bigger Purpose
The second quality that has shaped my journey is faith-driven focus. My grandmother instilled in me the importance of keeping faith at the center of everything I do. When I lost my father and my mother was absent, it was faith that gave me the strength to keep going. Later, when I hit a rough patch and faced jail time, it was that same faith that helped me see that I was meant for something bigger. I realized that God had a purpose for me that I had been ignoring, and once I aligned my focus with that purpose, everything began to change.

**Advice for the Early Journey:**
– **Find your ‘why’**: You need something greater than just the pursuit of success to keep you going. Whether it’s faith, family, or a vision of who you want to become, make sure you have a higher purpose.
– **Trust the process**: There will be moments of doubt, and it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. Keep your faith and trust that everything you’re going through is part of the plan.
– **Surround yourself with like-minded people**: My grandmother was a guiding light in my life. Find mentors, friends, and supporters who share your values and can remind you of your purpose when the road gets tough.

3. **The Ability to Learn and Adapt** – Constant Growth and Evolution
The third game-changing skill for me was the ability to learn and adapt. Life threw so many curveballs my way, but each time I found a way to pivot. When I first started in education, I never imagined I’d transition into barbering, but I was open to learning new skills, even when I didn’t know how it would turn out. From switching careers to learning the ins and outs of business and mentoring, I had to embrace the discomfort of change and grow with it. This skill has been critical—especially in business, where things are constantly shifting, and adaptability is key to surviving and thriving.

**Advice for the Early Journey:**
– **Be a lifelong learner**: Never stop learning. Take courses, read books, seek mentorship, and stay curious. Every skill you develop is an investment in your future.
– **Embrace change**: Change can be uncomfortable, but it’s necessary for growth. The more open you are to adapting, the more you’ll evolve as a person and a professional.
– **Learn from others**: Surround yourself with people who are where you want to be. Learn from their experiences, and be open to constructive feedback.

In the end, it’s not the degree or the circumstances you’re born into that determine your success—it’s your mindset and your willingness to grow. **Resilience**, **faith-driven focus**, and the **ability to learn and adapt** will carry you through the toughest times. But don’t just wait for these qualities to develop on their own—actively nurture them in your life, and they will shape the success you’re striving for.

My advice? Get started now. Whatever your passion or dream may be, take that first step—however small it may seem—and never stop moving forward. You’ll learn as you go, and trust me, the growth you’ll experience along the way will be worth every moment.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

The Bible has been more than just a book to me—it’s been a lifeline. Its wisdom has grounded me when I was drifting, provided the courage to push forward when I felt like I couldn’t, and reminded me that God’s strength is always available when my own falls short. Through every challenge, the Bible has given me the strength to rise again, and I hope these scriptures can do the same for you. Keep leaning on His promises, and remember that with Him, nothing is impossible.

1. **“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13**
This verse has been a cornerstone of my faith and resilience. Growing up with limited resources and facing seemingly insurmountable odds, I often felt overwhelmed. But this verse reminded me that I am never alone in my struggles. With God’s strength, there’s no obstacle too big to overcome. Whether it was excelling in school, navigating the challenges of becoming a first-generation college student, or making the leap into an entirely new career in barbering, this verse gave me the confidence to trust that I could handle anything—because it’s not about my strength, but about His.

**Impact:**
– **Advice:** When you’re in the thick of a struggle, remember that your strength doesn’t come from you alone. You’re capable of more than you think when you place your trust in God. Lean on Him for the strength you need to move forward.

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2. **“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11**
This verse has been a constant reminder that even when life doesn’t make sense, God’s plan is always greater than any immediate hardship or setback. When I faced my DUI, the jail time, and the moment where I felt like I was at rock bottom, I clung to this promise. It reminded me that even in my mistakes, God wasn’t done with me. I had a future. I had a purpose.

**Impact:**
– **Advice:** When you hit a roadblock, it’s easy to feel lost. But trust that your setbacks don’t define your future. God’s plans for you are bigger than your mistakes. Stay faithful, stay hopeful, and trust that He’s guiding you toward something greater.

3. **“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” – Psalm 23:1**
This verse was especially powerful during my younger years when we didn’t have much. We relied on government assistance, lived in crowded apartments, and struggled to make ends meet. But despite all that, I always felt like we had what we truly needed. God provided for us—whether it was food on the table, shelter, or strength to keep moving forward. This verse taught me that, even in times of scarcity, God will always provide. We may not get everything we want, but He gives us everything we need.

**Impact:**
– **Advice:** If you’re in a season where things seem scarce or you’re struggling to make ends meet, remember that God knows what you need, and He will always provide for you. Trust in His provision, even if it doesn’t look like what you expected.

4. **“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6**
This verse spoke to me during the times when I had to make tough decisions, like leaving coaching behind to pursue barbering or stepping away from what I thought was a safe path to explore something completely new. It’s so easy to want to control everything and rely solely on our own logic. But God asks us to trust Him, even when we don’t understand the “why” or the “how.” As I’ve grown, I’ve learned that sometimes stepping into the unknown with faith leads you exactly where you need to be.

**Impact:**
– **Advice:** When faced with tough decisions, especially when the path isn’t clear, trust that God’s plan is bigger than your understanding. Don’t rely solely on what you can see—trust in what you cannot see and take steps in faith. Your journey will unfold as it should.

5. **“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1**
This verse became my lifeline during some of my toughest moments. When I faced unexpected setbacks, from losing my coaching job to hitting rock bottom, this verse reminded me that I was never truly alone. God is always there, not just as a distant observer but as an ever-present help in our struggles. In my lowest moments, when I didn’t know where to turn, I found peace in knowing that God’s strength was my refuge. It gave me the courage to rebuild, to trust that no matter what came my way, He would be right there by my side.

**Impact:**
– **Advice:** When life throws you into the storm, turn to God as your refuge. Know that He is not only aware of your struggles but is actively present, ready to help you through them. Find strength in Him, especially when everything else feels shaky.

These verses have been more than just words to me—they’ve been lifelines. They’ve grounded me when I was drifting and provided the courage to push forward when I felt like I couldn’t. Through every challenge, the Bible has given me the strength to rise again, and I hope these scriptures can do the same for you. Keep leaning on His promises, and remember that with Him, nothing is impossible.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/natemotivates
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_natemotivates/
• Facebook: Nathan Galan
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@_Natemotivates
• Other: Personal Brand igrinddifferent.com

Image Credits

tomb45
I grind different llc
babylissprobarber