Meet Mike Millner | Nutrition Coach & Owner of Peak Optimization Performance (POP)

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mike Millner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mike, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I have never done well working for someone else. But I always went through life thinking I just needed to check the box because that’s what you’re “supposed” to do. Ultimately, I found myself working in the industry that I was passionate about (fitness and nutrition) but not being able to coach or teach in a way that aligned with my own values. It was such an internal struggle because here I was making good money doing what I wanted to do but feeling morally misaligned with the way my employer wanted me to coach. That relationship didn’t end well but it was the best thing that ever happened to me. Once I was forced into a sink or swim moment, it felt like a world of possibilities opened up and a giant weight was lifted off my shoulders. I realized I could do things my way and truly help people the way I always wanted to.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business is called Peak Optimization Performance or POP for short. We are a nutrition coaching company that specializes in a truly personalized approach to creating a lifestyle that supports the goals of our clients. What sets us apart is that we understand the psychology of our clients and begin their process by digging into their personality characteristics. Most nutrition programs treat their clients like a number. It’s all about the physical process. Counting calories, step counts, workouts, etc. Of course, the physical stuff matters but without having the mental side in place, the physical results don’t last very long. The growth we’ve experienced has been anything but easy. The diet industry preys on our desire for quick results and unsustainable methods run rampant. For individuals to commit to a lifelong solution, it’s not easy. Humans love instant gratification. We don’t promote a quick fix. We don’t take shortcuts. We help our clients play the long game so they can reach their goals and never worry about losing them.
We’ve stayed consistent in our message and I think what helped us overcome the challenges we faced was the results our clients have experienced and continue to experience. We have a higher success rate than any other program that I’m aware of. We not only transform bodies but we transform lives. That’s what I’m the most proud of. Our clients come to us because they want to look better and feel better but they end up being amazed at how our program helps them in every other area of their lives. Improved relationships, more confidence, performing better at work, feeling more fulfilled, etc.
I’ve learned that as long as we stay in alignment with our messaging and how we treat our clients, we’ll keep impacting more lives. Connection is extremely important to us and it’s not always easy to scale the one on one human connection model but we won’t sacrifice what makes us unique for the sake of more dollars.
Our brand stands up for the individual and I’m extremely proud of that.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live outside of Philadelphia so I’d take them into the city for sure. Philadelphia is full of art and history so it’s a great place to walk around and soak in the sights. Personally, I’d want to show them Love park, the art museum (also known as the Rocky steps), and Independence Hall (where the liberty bell lives). We could grab some drinks at Independence Beer Garden and then head for some food around 13th and Sansom. I’d be willing to bet that the 1-2 block radius around that area has more incredible restaurants than anywhere else in the country. My choice would be Double Knot for some sushi. And of course, Philly is the best sports city in the world so if any of the teams were playing, I’d have to take my friend to a game.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
It would be impossible to pinpoint just one person. I have to start with my grandfather who passed away about 1 month before I started my own business. In fact, I named my business after him (we called him Pop-Pop and my business named is POP). Anyway, he was such an instrumental mentor in my life. Not just the way he impacted so many lives through his work but how he made every single person he encountered feel like the most important person in the world. Through all of his success, he always gave back to others and supported causes he believed in. And regardless of how busy he was, his family was always a priority. I also have to mention my parents who have always supported me and been there for me through all the ups and downs of my life. My partner, Melanie, has been my biggest champion and is quietly the brains behind everything I do.
On the business side of things, I’ve had a couple of integral mentors. First, Christian Thibeadeau who opened my eyes to a way of honing my craft that allowed me to stand out in a very crowded space. And lastly, Jason Phillips, who has been a mentor, coach, and friend since day 1. I would not be where I am today without him.

Website: www.neurotypetraining.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/coach_mike_millner

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PersonalityDiet