Stanley T. “Tom” Hibberd, III, and his then future wife, Wendy, were students of Hal’s in 1Elizabethkillough3 at Springfield High School in Pennsylvania. It was this relationship with Hal along with the foundation’s work to make Media, PA, a Fair Trade town, that drew Tom to the foundation board. What Tom likes most about the foundation is its “uniquely optimistic idealism and heartfelt empathy.” Tom was and is a powerful force in our Fair Trade work keeping us moving at fast speed. He is Mr. Enthusiasm, for which we are most grateful every single day! Counter to what he writes below, he is indeed very cool! Here’s more on Tom:
Favorite book: Hawaii, read it in 8th grade and was hooked on Michener and down on missionaries.
Favorite children’s book: Green Mansions.
Childhood ambition: To be considered cool. Never achieved it.
Indulgence: My enthusiasms.
Biggest challenge: Living up to expectations.
First job: Lawn mowing as a kid, but started insurance at 19 with Reliance Insurance Company as a trainee between sophomore and junior year of college.
Last job: Insurance broker.
Soundtrack of your life: “People”
Animal friends: Cats, dogs, and squirrels.
Mission statement: To live a full life without too many regrets and very few “coulda, woulda, shouldas”, appreciative of the opportunities afforded me. I want the epitaph to reflect that I knew how to live, enjoy life, and did so with enthusiasm.
Favorite foods: I don’t discriminate much.
Couldn’t live without: Stimulation of interaction with people.
Sweet or salty: Can be either. My impatience is salty.
Earliest childhood memory: Playing in dirt with toys at new home site.
Pet Peeve: Negativity.
Most unusual gift given: Drag race for Mother’s Day.
Most unusual gift received: One half of a birthday cake.
Passionate issue: Religion and its hypocrisy.
Proudest accomplishment: The unique extended family and all the experiences we’ve enjoyed with them. A lifetime filled with great memories.
Favorite comedians: Jon Stewart, Chris Rock
Perfect Friday night: Sometimes, at least in the winter, it’s staying home by the fire after being out almost every other evening in the previous week.
Last splurge: Vacation from my almost retired vacation.
Thanks for sharing your story, Tom!