I was born in Niles, Michigan on September 15th, 1948, under the name Robert Allen Brown. My mother sold me at the hospital for $200 to a family named Havener. Ray Nichols bought me back for an undisclosed amount and raised me under his last name. He adopted me and I received the name Robert Allen Nichols.

We worked on engines when I was young, and it stuck with me all my life. I had high academic skills, but mechanical things interested me more. I left school in 1964 and went to work for Niles Lawn and Garden. Then the Niles Employment Office initiated a small engine business program at LMC in Benton Harbor, Michigan in 1968. I completed that program in 1970 while working at Evans Agriculture in Berrien Springs, Michigan.

I worked for the city of Buchanan and Gambles Hardware Store part-time. During this time, I met my wife, Jackie, who I have been married to for 52 years. We have two daughters, four grandsons, and one great granddaughter. My wife and family encouraged me to further my education. I completed high school in 1975 and went to work for Veldmans in South Bend, Indiana and started taking serious training in small engines. I have since become a Master Service Technician (MST) in Briggs & Stratton, Equipment and Engine Training Council (EETC) Master, Kohler Expert, Kawasaki and Honda factory trained, and trained in several other factory schools. I have thought about my business for several years. I want my legacy to create a successful business for my family to continue.