Celebrating Father's Day

When Michael Nichols was a little kid growing up in Daytona Beach, Florida, the sport of NASCAR was something he picked up by osmosis. He didn’t just take in the sport because he lives 10 miles from Daytona International Speedway, he was consumed by it. So, like any father would, Mike Nichols leaned into his son’s passion.

The NASCAR Whiz Kid was born. The Twitter handle has grown to over 1,400 followers, is loved by the stars of the sport, and features one iconic profile photo of Michael and Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Michael Nichols became this bowtie-wearing, NASCAR-loving, encyclopedia for that sport that belied his age. Ten years later, now a rising high school senior, his love of the sport has only grown.

In June 2022, Mike Nichols took a job at Group 1001 as the Chief of Sponsorship and Activation leading the efforts around all the company’s sponsorship portfolio. Michael was excited because his dad was now running a department that included close ties to NASCAR, IndyCar, and Formula 1.

Their bond has only grown. Michael has had the chance to attend IndyCar races in St. Pete and Indianapolis, NASCAR events in Daytona and South Carolina, and even had the chance to go to a Pacers basketball game.

“My dad is someone I’ve looked up to my whole life,” said Michael, who is starting to look at colleges. “I want to study motorsports business and I honestly want to have a job very similar to what my dad has today at Group 1001.”

Michael has already started thinking like his dad, too. Michael was the one who came up with one of the activations that the Gainbridge team executed this year. When the father and son were talking about Throwback Weekend at the famous Darlington Speedway, it was Michael who recommended the Mario Andretti paint-scheme. It turned out to be a hit.

“We’ve always bonded over NASCAR because Michael has loved the sport more than anything since he was little, but this job has allowed me to peel back the curtain and show him more of the business of the sport,” said Mike, who manages a team of six people at Group 1001. “Seeing Michael pursue the business of motorsports gives me great joy and I’m sure one day he’ll replace me, maybe even at Group 1001. And although my daughter, ZZ, isn't a motorsports enthusiast, hopefully, she will follow my lead to pursue a career wherever her passion takes her.”

And he’ll probably still be sporting his checkered-flag bowtie.

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David Crull’s job by day is recruiting new talent. He’s a Senior Recruiter at Group 1001 in the Human Resources department. This summer, he’s adding another new piece to his growing family so this Father’s Day is even more special. His wife, Lindsey, is due in August with their third child. They currently have a three-and-a-half-year-old son, Shepherd, and a 21-month-old daughter, June.

David has worked at Group 1001 for a little over a year. One of his passions is health and wellness. He’s an avid runner that has completed four marathons, including the Carmel Marathon this year and six half marathons.

“I love working for a company that believes in the physical well-being of its employees,” said David. “I have a growing family, so my health and being there for my family is important to me. Having access to the onsite gym and personal trainers is a huge benefit. Plus, seeing the company lean into things like the Corporate Challenge is exciting and motivating.”

David was a key contributor during the Indiana Sports Corp Corporate Challenge last year and plans on participating again this year.

Additionally, with the birth of his third child right around the corner, David is looking forward to taking advantage of Group 1001’s generous Parental Leave benefit.

“It’s important for me to work for a company that allows me to provide for my family, but also be present when they need me the most,” said David. “Adding a third child to our family is going to be a big adjustment. Thankfully, Group 1001 prioritizes a healthy balance between work and life. They provide extended, paid leave for parents who add children to their families. This extra time away will be critical to establishing our new normal as a family of five.”

And maybe one day, he’ll recruit his kids to be running partners.

Happy Father’s Day to everyone.