--- title: "Veteran-owned Triple Nikel brand now in Kohl’s everywhere" description: "Triple Nikel more than a veteran-owned clothing line. Its unique threads have their own look, deviating from what we typically see." date: "2023-01-30" modified: "2023-01-30" authors: - name: "Jessica Manfre" job_title: "Coast Guard Spouse, Contributor" link: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/authors/jessicamanfre/" url: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-lifestyle/triple-nikel-brand-khols/" categories: - "Entrepreneurship" - "Military News" --- # Veteran-owned Triple Nikel brand now in Kohl’s everywhere ![triple nickel]() Triple Nikel is more than a veteran-owned clothing line. Its unique threads have their own look, deviating from what we typically see. It’s an advocacy and inclusivity-driven brand which just got even bigger with their recent launch in Kohl’s across the country. Founded by Ruben Ayala, [Curtez Riggs,]() Rod Graham and Christopher McPhee – all Army veterans – the business name has a special and historical significance. In an earlier interview with WATM, Ayala talks about its significance. “The idea came to me from our forefathers. All of the founders in the company, we all started as paratroopers in the 82nd Airborne Division. The [555th Parachute Infantry Battalion]() was the only Airborne unit that People of Color could serve in when the Army was segregated,” Ayala explained. A test unit during World War II, they went by the nickname ‘Triple Nickels.’ “It was only fitting to create a company that amplified stories of those who came before us.” In the years since its founding, Triple Nikel has gone on to see enormous success and popularity among the military community. In 2022, the veterans announced their line had been picked up by Kohl’s. ![triple nikel at kohls]() *Photo courtesy of Ayala and McPhee* “The launch was an organic evolution between Kohl’s and Triple Nikel. It was a classic Rocky story where one of the largest retail stores in America provided a young up-and-coming clothing brand an opportunity to tell its story to thousands of people,” Ayala shared. “The amount of work that it took to organize, plan and fulfill the initial order was tremendous. We made the conscious decision to do the work ourselves and became subject matter experts in product fulfillment. This by the way, is not normal!” After working tirelessly to make it happen, seeing the results of their efforts was like a dream. ![Three men are working at a wooden table in a warehouse setting. One man is operating a heat press machine to print on a dark gray t-shirt, while the other two observe. The table holds various items including a roll of clear packing tape, a clear plastic measuring cup, a tape dispenser, a pair of red and gray scissors, and sheets of brown paper. Shelves with hangers and boxes are visible in the background. The men are wearing black t-shirts with logos and text.]() ![Three men are inside a truck filled with stacked cardboard boxes. One man in a black shirt and pink shorts is taking a photo or scanning a box with his phone. Two other men, one in an orange shirt and the other in a cap, are handling a large box together. The truck's interior walls are wooden, and the ceiling is translucent, allowing light to enter.]() ![Two men smiling and posing for a selfie inside a warehouse. One man is wearing a red cap and an olive green t-shirt with a blue graphic, while the other is wearing a dark gray t-shirt with an eagle and the word "FREEDOM." Behind them are stacks of boxes wrapped in plastic, with visible brand names like "JERZEES," "GILDAN," and "DELTA." The warehouse has metal shelving and a high ceiling with exposed beams.]() “The first time I walked into Kohl’s and saw our apparel I was shocked. The really cool part was how Kohl’s used our Alwyn Cashe shirt for their lead Veterans Day model,” Ayala added. The Cashe graphic tee pays homage to the first African American to be awarded the Medal of Honor since the Vietnam War - posthumously. “Everyone who came into the store and saw the Veterans Day display had an opportunity to see Sergeant First Class Cashe. It was a true triumph. It was a validation that Triple Nikel is doing the right thing and having positive effects at a nationwide level.” How did the veterans celebrate this monumental success? More work. “Honestly, the celebration was minimal. We did not have a big party or anything like that,” McPhee laughed. “However, we received messages of congrats from our family and close friends. We gave each other high-fives and went back to work. Distributing 26,000+ apparel items to 600 stores across America is a big deal. So, we celebrated during the moment and humbly admired our work. Then, we opted to direct our energy towards executing our business objectives for 2023 and beyond.” From the beginning, Triple Nickel was determined to avoid utilizing the stigmatized visuals on their clothing. The guys were adamant there was no disrespect meant toward popular veteran-owned apparel companies, but they were firm in wanting a different approach. It’s paid off and the future for this unique company is bright. ![triple nikel team]() “For the future, we look forward to fulfilling another purchase order for Kohl’s and hopefully increasing our store distribution from 600 to 1200 stores. The 600-store distribution project was challenging. However, we gained a wealth of knowledge and cataloged a list of lessons learned that we are implementing in 2023 to refine our processes,” McPhee explained. “Hopefully, our 2022 partnership with Kohl’s will spark B2B relationships with other major retail stores like Target, Scheels or Buc-ee’s. Whatever the future has in store for us, Triple Nikel will be ready.” Just because the brand is now hanging up in Khol’s across the country, don’t expect their messaging and intent to change – only broaden and grow. “Triple Nikel is a creation born from the elements of music, community and love. We want to connect with our fellow active-duty service members, veterans and military families. Because we share the same passion for our country and the communities from which we came,” McPhee said. “We want to reach beyond the veteran community and connect with our civilian community leaders and supporters who believe in our nation’s military and share the same beliefs as Triple Nikel.” Ayala added to the plans.“What you can expect in 2023 and 2024 is more collaborations. Given we are former Green Berets, we have stuck with the adage of force multiplying. Our strategy is not a secret,” he said. “We are here to nation build and no one builds a better Army than a Special Forces Operator. Is Triple Nikel building an Army? Yes we are.” ![triple nikel design]() To learn more about Triple Nikel, [click here](). **Read more on WATM:** https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-tactical/how-to-choose-a-red-dot-for-your-shotgun/ https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-heroes/1208-foundation/ https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-lifestyle/find-your-battle-buddies/ https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-moments/triple-amputee-nick-kimmel/ ## Author Jessica is a clinical social worker, writer, and military advocate whose work for We Are The Mighty focuses on the lived realities of military service, especially the moments that come after the uniform comes off. Her writing centers on veterans, military spouses, and families navigating transition, identity, resilience, and healing, often blending clinical insight with deeply human storytelling. She covers leadership, service, community impact, and the cultural shifts shaping today’s military-connected population, frequently drawing from interviews with senior military leaders, influencers, and grassroots voices across the space. Beyond writing, Jessica serves as Director of MilSpouseFest and works as a Military Events Manager, leading national campaigns and large-scale events that bring military communities together. She is the author of Never Alone (Moody Publishers) and is currently developing her next book, After the Battle. When she’s not writing or advocating, Jessica can usually be found with a good cup of coffee in hand, tackling her ever-growing TBR, hiking with her dog, or spending quality time with her family. She is a proud military spouse of an active-duty U.S. Coast Guard member and draws inspiration from the resilience, humor, and heart of military life every day. ### Author social links [Facebook]() [Twitter]() [Instagram]()