WHO WE ARE
It is often said that necessity is the mother of invention and in the case of First In Nutrition, truer words have never been spoken...
First In Co-Founders Jonathan and Anne Montgomery first met on the job as Firefighters entering Paramedic orientation with Hillsborough County Fire Rescue back in 2009. What started as a shared enthusiasm for fitness, pretzel M&Ms, and a passion for helping people blossomed into sharing a life and career together and everything that comes with it.
The highs of helping people in their times of need. Waking up each day with the desire to make a difference. The camaraderie and community from the brotherhood and sisterhood that the fire service is built on. And a sense of satisfaction that comes from being a part of something truly bigger than oneself.
But with those highs came some lows that are faced by many in the field. The constantly elevated stress from dealing with tragedies during 24-hour shifts. Sleep disturbances from answering alarms after midnight. And the long-term ramifications of steadily increasing body weight and declining health markers across the board as the years went by.
Despite being active and having a passion for fitness there always seemed to be something missing. 5 years and an extra 50lbs brought with it thyroid issues, sleep apnea, and pre-hypertension for starters as well as an overwhelming feeling of disgust and unhappiness with what I saw in the mirror and I knew something had to change.”
Fortunately, the solution was found in something simple. Something that was already a big part of our lives and of the lives of our brothers and sisters at the department…
Food!
Learning to fuel our body properly gave us the ability to combat many of the negatives we experienced from the long stressful shifts and the lifestyle that came with it, as well as allowed us to create a balance in life both on and off the job.
It also lead to some dramatic physical and performance changes as well. Not only improving our health and appearance, but also our ability to perform our mission on the job and be an asset to our crews as opposed to a liability.
By taking the passion we had for helping others when called upon and applying that same passion to taking care of ourselves we found what was missing and the success we were after. It was as simple as that.
To call leaving the fire service to embark on this journey a transformative and life changing experience would be an understatement.
But even more so were the changes found as a result of this process that ignited my passion and made it my mission to share this experience with others who may find themselves on a similar path. A path that leads to obesity, declining health, frustration, and despair.
Every measurable metric from health markers, to body composition, to endurance, and strength has improved from measuring and managing my intake.
But more importantly than that are the changes I found in areas that aren't so easily measured...
My mindset, my relationship with food, my relationship with others, and how I feel about myself. All off which extend beyond the scale and off the plate into a massive appreciation for what truly matters most: Happiness, longevity, and quality of life.
Jonathan Montgomery - Co-Founder of First In Nutrition, Former Firefighter/Paramedic HCFR
One of the most difficult things about leaving the fire service for me, was the fear of not having that sense of community, of being part of a team working for something larger than myself.
My journey has been filled with highs and lows, great days and some not so awesome ones… but the one thing that has remained consistent is support. Knowing that no matter what, I have an entire family of people behind me to help when I need it.
Measuring and managing my food is a big part of it, but what has given me the MOST benefit is being part of a team and a family. All of us striving for the same common goal… to simply be better as a whole.
I found that not only do I look better and feel better, but mentally and emotionally I am truly happy!
I owe so much of who I am to the family of people behind me, and sharing that with others has absolutely become my passion, day in and day out.
Anne Montgomery - Co-Founder of First In Nutrition, Former Rescue Lieutenant HCFR
Being able to help ourselves enabled us to better help others and we wanted to share that feeling with those close to us.
Our mission soon shifted from one that served ourselves to one of serving others. To be able to help our own avoid the traps of instant gratification and the coping mechanisms that they traditionally turned to.
Food no longer needs to be something to fear or to use as a way to cope, but instead can be used as a way to get better. To be better.
To become Fit For Duty and Fueled for Life.
Life is about doing what needs to be done and taking care of yourself in a way that will allow you to accomplish that mission. Everyone deserves to be their best so that they can give their best to others, and we are here to help.
Having found methods that work for those in some of the most extreme conditions, First In is confident that everyone can benefit from this freedom and extends our mission to supporters, civilians, friends, and family as well as those whose jobs and lives depend on it.
Fortunately, the solution was found in something simple. Something that was already a big part of our lives and of the lives of our brothers and sisters at the department…
Food!
Learning to fuel our body properly gave us the ability to combat many of the negatives we experienced from the long stressful shifts and the lifestyle that came with it, as well as allowed us to create a balance in life both on and off the job.
It also lead to some dramatic physical and performance changes as well. Not only improving our health and appearance, but also our ability to perform our mission on the job and be an asset to our crews as opposed to a liability.
By taking the passion we had for helping others when called upon and applying that same passion to taking care of ourselves we found what was missing and the success we were after. It was as simple as that.
To call leaving the fire service to embark on this journey a transformative and life changing experience would be an understatement.
But even more so were the changes found as a result of this process that ignited my passion and made it my mission to share this experience with others who may find themselves on a similar path. A path that leads to obesity, declining health, frustration, and despair.
Every measurable metric from health markers, to body composition, to endurance, and strength has improved from measuring and managing my intake.
But more importantly than that are the changes I found in areas that aren't so easily measured...
My mindset, my relationship with food, my relationship with others, and how I feel about myself. All off which extend beyond the scale and off the plate into a massive appreciation for what truly matters most: Happiness, longevity, and quality of life.
Jonathan Montgomery - Co-Founder of First In Nutrition, Former Firefighter/Paramedic HCFR
One of the most difficult things about leaving the fire service for me, was the fear of not having that sense of community, of being part of a team working for something larger than myself.
My journey has been filled with highs and lows, great days and some not so awesome ones… but the one thing that has remained consistent is support. Knowing that no matter what, I have an entire family of people behind me to help when I need it.
Measuring and managing my food is a big part of it, but what has given me the MOST benefit is being part of a team and a family. All of us striving for the same common goal… to simply be better as a whole.
I found that not only do I look better and feel better, but mentally and emotionally I am truly happy!
I owe so much of who I am to the family of people behind me, and sharing that with others has absolutely become my passion, day in and day out.
Anne Montgomery - Co-Founder of First In Nutrition, Former Rescue Lieutenant HCFR
Being able to help ourselves enabled us to better help others and we wanted to share that feeling with those close to us.
Our mission soon shifted from one that served ourselves to one of serving others. To be able to help our own avoid the traps of instant gratification and the coping mechanisms that they traditionally turned to.
Food no longer needs to be something to fear or to use as a way to cope, but instead can be used as a way to get better. To be better.
To become Fit For Duty and Fueled for Life.
Life is about doing what needs to be done and taking care of yourself in a way that will allow you to accomplish that mission. Everyone deserves to be their best so that they can give their best to others, and we are here to help.
Having found methods that work for those in some of the most extreme conditions, First In is confident that everyone can benefit from this freedom and extends our mission to supporters, civilians, friends, and family as well as those whose jobs and lives depend on it.
WHAT IT MEANS TO BE FIRST IN:
First in, first due, initial unit on scene… All of these terms are synonymous and describe a particular situation. No matter the branch, department, or section of service using them, these terms carry a hefty amount of weight.
The first on scene to assess the threat, to see the action, and develop the plan that will impact not only yourself and your immediate crew but every other unit responding as well as influence the entire operation is a huge responsibility. Being able to confidently answer the call, complete your tasks, fulfill your obligation, and live up to the responsibility of being ready to be first in is what the job is all about.
Being fit for duty and fueled for life doesn’t just apply to those who choose to serve, but to any and all of those around them as well. The families who provide support at home, the friends who provide friendship and relief from some of the most stressful of situations, and for anyone looking to improve and experience the quality of life becoming your best can bring.. Simply being a good friend, good parent, good partner… this all contributes to being First In.
First In is more than the patch on your sleeve, the rank you’re assigned, or your station in life. It is a choice to accept nothing less than your best and a commitment to improving and getting better every day. Not out of ego or accomplishment, but out of desire to be your best so that you may give your best to others.
Whether it is on deployment, on patrol, in the fire house, or at your home First in applies to us all. To our families. Our friends. And to ourselves. It is not only our right, but our responsibility to be the best we can for those who depend on us and to ensure we remain fit for duty, fueled for life, and ready to be First In.
First in, first due, initial unit on scene… All of these terms are synonymous and describe a particular situation. No matter the branch, department, or section of service using them, these terms carry a hefty amount of weight.
The first on scene to assess the threat, to see the action, and develop the plan that will impact not only yourself and your immediate crew but every other unit responding as well as influence the entire operation is a huge responsibility. Being able to confidently answer the call, complete your tasks, fulfill your obligation, and live up to the responsibility of being ready to be first in is what the job is all about.
Being fit for duty and fueled for life doesn’t just apply to those who choose to serve, but to any and all of those around them as well. The families who provide support at home, the friends who provide friendship and relief from some of the most stressful of situations, and for anyone looking to improve and experience the quality of life becoming your best can bring.. Simply being a good friend, good parent, good partner… this all contributes to being First In.
First In is more than the patch on your sleeve, the rank you’re assigned, or your station in life. It is a choice to accept nothing less than your best and a commitment to improving and getting better every day. Not out of ego or accomplishment, but out of desire to be your best so that you may give your best to others.
Whether it is on deployment, on patrol, in the fire house, or at your home First in applies to us all. To our families. Our friends. And to ourselves. It is not only our right, but our responsibility to be the best we can for those who depend on us and to ensure we remain fit for duty, fueled for life, and ready to be First In.
"I finally found a program that not only gave me a successful way to manage my nutrition, but a simple and guilt free way to do it.
At 43 years old, I’m in the best health of my life and I’m working to continue getting better each day with the continued support of the team and all the members of First In Nutrition."
Steve Bogle - Driver/Engineer, Paramedic, Hazmat/Technical Rescue Specialist - HCFR, First In Nutrition Coach.
The nutrition process I’ve learned over the last three years working with Jonathan and First In has been truly eye opening. Having been one to try every “diet” out there, I have finally been taught a nutrition process that actually works and is completely sustainable.
I have given up no foods. I have lost a significant amount of body fat and more importantly, I have easily kept it off. My blood work, while not terrible to begin with, has improved enough at my last two physicals for the Dr’s to ask how I’ve made the improvements, what supplements I’m taking, etc, which always gives me a good laugh.
This has easily been one of the best decisions I’ve made in regards to my health and fitness.
Adam Gagliardi - Firefighter/Paramedic, Swiftwater/Technical Rescue Specialist, First In Nutrition Coach.
"I finally found a program that not only gave me a successful way to manage my nutrition, but a simple and guilt free way to do it.
At 43 years old, I’m in the best health of my life and I’m working to continue getting better each day with the continued support of the team and all the members of First In Nutrition."
Steve Bogle - Driver/Engineer, Paramedic, Hazmat/Technical Rescue Specialist - HCFR, First In Nutrition Coach.
The nutrition process I’ve learned over the last three years working with Jonathan and First In has been truly eye opening. Having been one to try every “diet” out there, I have finally been taught a nutrition process that actually works and is completely sustainable.
I have given up no foods. I have lost a significant amount of body fat and more importantly, I have easily kept it off. My blood work, while not terrible to begin with, has improved enough at my last two physicals for the Dr’s to ask how I’ve made the improvements, what supplements I’m taking, etc, which always gives me a good laugh.
This has easily been one of the best decisions I’ve made in regards to my health and fitness.
Adam Gagliardi - Firefighter/Paramedic, Swiftwater/Technical Rescue Specialist, First In Nutrition Coach.
READY TO PUT YOURSELF First?
Join the First In Field Notes email list and we will hook you up with something awesome to keep you on the path to progress! A copy of Tips From the Trenches: Secrets to Becoming an “Overnight” Success... a book featuring tools, tricks, and testimonials from those who have walked the walk. Members of the First In Family!
Testimonials were given freely and service members did not receive any preferential treatment, discount, or other benefit due to the nature of their service, rank, or position and in no way are the views or beliefs of any branch of the armed forces or uniformed services.