Kyle was raised in Bay City, Michigan and graduated from the University of Michigan with a BA in Political Science and History in 1989. He subsequently earned his Master’s degree in Management from Troy University with a concentration in Leadership and Organizational Behavior. 

 He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve in 1985 and then after graduating from the University of Michigan, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant and assigned as a Logistics Officer.  He has served around the world and has participated in numerous operations including:  Operation Fiery Vigil in the Republic of the Philippines; Joint Guardian as the first U.S. peacekeepers into Kosovo;  Avid Response providing disaster relief following an earthquake in Turkey; Operation IRAQI FREEDOM in Iraq;  and OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan. 

Colonel Nickel has been awarded the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with 2 Gold Stars, Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Gold Star, Humanitarian Service Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon.  

 In 2016 Kyle retired from the Marine Corps at the rank of Colonel. Since retirement, Kyle has spent time in retail management and providing Supplemental Insurance to small businesses with AFLAC.  In 2021, Kyle found his calling by supporting individuals in pre-planning their funeral arrangements.  Kyle supports funeral homes in Livonia, Farmington Hills, Canton, and Northville. 

 Kyle currently resides in Farmington Hills and has two adult children, Megan a technical writer for Lockheed-Martin in Marietta, GA and Nathan a civil engineer in Virginia Beach, VA.