My 40 Year Dash
The son of a farmer, husband and father of 5, and branch owner of Fortress Insurance Services (Ames, IA) - Tim Hibbing - recounts his first 40 years of life from the farm to church, school to work, marriage to family and a little beyond. Tim’s stories wonderfully capture a midwest upbringing and experiences that may seem ordinary at first glance, but become something much more as each chapter unfolds. A little more about Tim: Tim Hibbing is the dedicated Branch Manager at Fortress Insurance Services, located in his hometown of Ames, Iowa. With a career in the insurance industry spanning nearly two decades since his graduation from Iowa State University in 2005, Tim brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to serving his community. Prior to joining the agency side, Tim honed his skills at Nationwide Insurance, where he successfully supervised a top-performing call center unit. This foundation allowed him to transition seamlessly into his current role, where he has since written over 20,000 insurance policies across a wide range of needs. Known for his helpful and responsive approach, Tim is highly regarded by his clients for his ability to find them better insurance rates and provide exceptional service. His dedication to client satisfaction has also earned him the distinction of being a Dave Ramsey Endorsed Local Provider for insurance.
Listen on:
Episodes
Tuesday May 06, 2025
Tuesday May 06, 2025
The first year of high school involved the usual routines and first encounters. An unexpected connection led to meeting some older students, including a talented athlete. And a casual invitation opened the door to a new activity, a departure from previous plans. As the seasons changed, I found myself drawn in a new direction, towards a different kind of challenge.
Tuesday May 06, 2025
Tuesday May 06, 2025
My first high school track practices were intense, a real step up from anything I'd done before. The training was demanding, and the weather didn't always cooperate. We pushed through some truly brutal workouts. Despite the initial shock, I found myself improving and competing in meets. That first season was a challenge, but it also showed me a new side of my athletic abilities and where my focus might be heading.
Tuesday May 06, 2025
Tuesday May 06, 2025
High school cross country started before classes even began, with tough practices and weekend runs. The season was challenging, but I had some surprising races. That fall also brought my first job, juggling work, sports, and church, which made for a packed schedule and relying on rides from friends. It was a busy introduction to high school life.
Tuesday May 06, 2025
Tuesday May 06, 2025
Working at Hy-Vee provided a steady routine and a sense of belonging. I enjoyed my coworkers and felt supported by the managers. During track and cross country seasons, the store became a familiar and encouraging place. Then, the return of a talented teammate sparked a new level of motivation and competition in my running.
Tuesday May 06, 2025
Tuesday May 06, 2025
Summer after freshman year was busy with work and the excitement of getting my driver's license. Having more freedom and spending time with older friends became a big part of my life. While I continued with cross country, my priorities were starting to shift with all the new experiences.
Tuesday May 06, 2025
Tuesday May 06, 2025
Junior year track was defined by a demanding new coach and early morning runs. The season became focused on big competitions like Drake Relays, where my teammate and I both did well. The state meet was a tough but rewarding end to the year. It was a year of pushing limits and achieving some key successes.
Tuesday May 06, 2025
Tuesday May 06, 2025
State track meets were a big deal, a chance to see everyone compete. I enjoyed watching my teammates after my own races. One teammate had a stunning performance in the high jump, and another had a thrilling anchor leg in a relay, with an exciting end to the meet.
Tuesday May 06, 2025
Tuesday May 06, 2025
The end of the track season brought a mix of farewells and anticipation for the future. Some teammates were moving on, while others, like me, were looking ahead to the next running goals. Our new coach had a different approach to summer training to build endurance. A memorable conversation with that coach that summer really shifted my perspective on my running potential. Between training, working more hours, and other jobs, it was a busy summer.
Tuesday May 06, 2025
Tuesday May 06, 2025
Track camp at ISU felt surreal, being so close to home yet living in a dorm. The heat was relentless, and the competition was immediate. A surprising rivalry emerged, pushing me in unexpected ways. Beyond the grueling runs, a brief, chance meeting with another athlete made the intense week worthwhile.
Tuesday May 06, 2025
Tuesday May 06, 2025
The cross country season roared to life, fueled by a summer of intense training. Each race felt like a battle for the top spot. Would victory remain just out of reach? A surprising invitation to another school's homecoming dance added an unexpected layer to the already intense season. The burning desire to finally break through and claim first place only intensified with each meet.