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.
Episodes

Tuesday May 06, 2025
Chapter 21: Homecoming 1999 (Part 1)
Tuesday May 06, 2025
Tuesday May 06, 2025
Despite a frustrating series of finishes in cross country, my social life was taking an unexpected and fun turn. New and unforeseen experiences at Homecoming were in store. Balancing this with cross country made for an interesting start to the season. ... and this is only "part 1"!

Tuesday May 06, 2025
Chapter 22: Homecoming 1999 (Part 2)
Tuesday May 06, 2025
Tuesday May 06, 2025
Senior year cross country was intense, marked by a strong rivalry that pushed me. A surprising win boosted my confidence and an unexpected dance invite, from a future track star, added another memorable element to the season. Now, with the team united and the state meet looming, the season felt like it was building towards something truly significant.

Thursday May 08, 2025
Chapter 23: The Bell Lap
Thursday May 08, 2025
Thursday May 08, 2025
The state cross country meet wasn't just a race; it was the culmination of years of training and a final chance to leave it all on the line. The pre-dawn breakfast and the long drive buzzed with nervous energy. The race was a blur of effort, the roar of the crowd a physical presence, as I pushed through the pain, driven by the desire to make my last high school race count. The day was a mix of personal accomplishment and team pride, a fitting close to my high school cross country career.

Thursday May 08, 2025
Chapter 24: Time to Grow Up
Thursday May 08, 2025
Thursday May 08, 2025
The end of senior year track was a whirlwind, balancing final races with graduation and future plans. But as the track shoes came off, and the promise of summer began, a surprising conversation sparked a completely new direction. The finish line of one race became the starting line of another.

Thursday May 08, 2025
Chapter 25: Moving Out
Thursday May 08, 2025
Thursday May 08, 2025
My new journey began with a simple poster board and a desire to connect. Despite being just seventeen, I found that enthusiasm was contagious. Surprisingly, I also found myself with a part in the youth group band! Balancing this new adventure with moving into a house near campus and starting college created a whirlwind of new experiences. While navigating classes and a part-time job, I discovered the surprising reality that sometimes, the most impactful journeys start with the most unexpected roles.

Thursday May 08, 2025
Chapter 26: Moving Back In
Thursday May 08, 2025
Thursday May 08, 2025
College took a backseat when I discovered a powerful calling: leading youth. Suddenly, I was more coach than student, more mentor than classmate. This unexpected path, filled with laughter, challenges, and the raw energy of teenagers, ignited a passion I never knew I had. It wasn't the college experience I imagined, but it was undeniably where I was meant to be.

Thursday May 08, 2025
Chapter 27: Put Me in, Coach
Thursday May 08, 2025
Thursday May 08, 2025
My entry into coaching wasn't about the wins; it was about the connections. Alongside a coach with a champion pedigree, I mentored a group of ragtag runners, finding sparks of potential and unexpected friendships. But my post-college life took another surprising turn when I became the unlikely manager for a band of college musicians. It was a chaotic, inspiring mix of youthful energy and the unexpected harmony of different worlds colliding.

Thursday May 08, 2025
Chapter 28: New Mentors
Thursday May 08, 2025
Thursday May 08, 2025
Pat wasn't just a mentor; he was a constant in my life's narrative. As he embarked on a new chapter, I found myself navigating unexpected turns – from the intensity of coaching to the chaotic world of band management. Though his absence left a void, the unexpected friendships and opportunities that arose painted a picture of growth and change, all anchored by the unwavering support of my dad. It was a reminder that even as one powerful influence departs, new ones can emerge in surprising ways.

Thursday May 08, 2025
Chapter 29: Final Days as a Bachelor
Thursday May 08, 2025
Thursday May 08, 2025
My twenties unexpectedly became a proving ground, not just for coaching church sports but for navigating the messy terrain of early adulthood. Community connections deepened, but romantic pursuits often led to comical missteps. Balancing these romantic fumbles with the demands of college and youth work created a uniquely relatable, and often humorous, journey of finding my way.

Thursday May 08, 2025
Chapter: 30: How I Met Your Mother
Thursday May 08, 2025
Thursday May 08, 2025
A boring class held an electrifying surprise. An unexpected connection sparked, defying my usual guarded approach to relationships. Deep conversations hinted at a shared future, and meeting my family felt like the start of something significant. Even with distance on the horizon, a powerful bond had formed, promising a story far more riveting than any classroom lecture.