About Me
AJ Kehl
Founder – Vanguard Performance Group
DBA: Peak Leadership Strategies
After 22 years of service in the U.S. Air Force—retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant and Fire Chief—I founded Vanguard Performance Group to continue doing what I’ve always done: lead with integrity, serve with purpose, and help others succeed.
Throughout my military career, I led fire protection teams across global missions, managed crisis operations, built high-performance cultures, and mentored hundreds of Airmen. That same commitment to excellence now fuels everything I do—whether I’m helping a family buy their first home, consulting with an organization to build stronger leaders, or standing on stage sharing lessons from the front lines of leadership.
Today, my work is grounded in three areas:
Real Estate
Helping veterans, public servants, and families find and finance homes in Las Vegas with honesty, clarity, and care.
Consulting
Partnering with leaders and organizations to drive performance, improve culture, and build systems that work.
Speaking
Delivering powerful keynotes and workshops that blend real-world experience with practical, actionable leadership insights.
My Mission
To serve with purpose, lead with authenticity, and elevate the people and organizations I work with.
My Values
Service Before Self – It’s how I led in uniform, and it’s how I serve now.
Clarity Over Complexity – Whether buying a home or leading a team, I believe people thrive when the path is clear.
Follow-Through Matters – I show up, do the work, and honor every commitment.
Growth Is Earned – I believe in continuous improvement—for myself and those I work with.
A Bit More About Me
I’m proud to call Las Vegas home, where I live with my family and continue to serve others in this new chapter. When I’m not working, you’ll find me coaching leaders, enjoying time outdoors, or staying involved with the fire service and veteran community that shaped me.
🏅 Recognition & Awards
Over the course of my 22-year career in the U.S. Air Force, I was honored to receive several awards that reflect not just personal performance, but the strength of the teams I led and the missions we accomplished together:
12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year – 2019
Recognized as one of the Air Force’s top enlisted leaders for exceptional performance, leadership, and service.
DoD Senior Fire Officer of the Year – 2017
Awarded at the Department of Defense level for excellence in command leadership, operational readiness, and innovation in fire service.
Air Force Innovator of the Year – 2016
Honored for creating and implementing high-impact process improvements that drove mission success and operational efficiency across the Air Force fire community.
Let’s Connect
Whether you’re looking for your next home, a trusted partner in leadership, or a speaker to motivate your team—I’d be honored to help.