Dec 14, 2020

Tim Barnes is a great example of a hardworking rural American who proves that combining passion, hard work and dedication pays off. Tim lived out the childhood dreams of many, playing football at the collegiate and professional levels before returning home to his rural roots.

Tim began playing football in the third grade and his love for the sport only grew throughout the years. Growing up, he listened to the Mizzou Tigers while working on the farm with his dad and brothers. He applied himself in school and practice, earning a full ride scholarship to the University of Missouri to play on the team he grew up dreaming of playing for. While at MU, he earned a degree in American history with a minor in communications. After graduating, he entered the NFL, playing for the St. Louis Rams before moving with the team to Los Angeles and ending his career with the San Francisco 49ers.

After his time with the NFL, Tim returned home to raise his family near his hometown and run the family farm. Days that were once full of practices and game film are now full of row crops and raising cattle. Today, Tim continues to share his passion for football as the offensive line coach for a local high school.

Hear more from Cliff and Tim as they discuss strategies for brands to effectively reach a rural American audience. They also discuss the importance of accountability, the value of preparation, the rewards of dedication and how rural roots run deep, no matter the location.

Listen to this episode of OUTdrive now!

What you'll learn:

• Effective strategies for understanding your audience, knowing where they are spending their time and crafting messages to connect with your audience in meaningful ways
• How Tim lived out the childhood dreams of many young athletes, growing up in a small town and working his way up to play football professionally
• An inside look into the daily lives of rural Americans and opportunities for brands marketing to rural America
• Understanding the rural American mindset and core values that can be attributed to success, no matter the industry
• Tim’s thoughts on team sports and the importance of accountability and responsibility
• The importance of holding yourself accountable, knowing your role and always striving to do the right thing to the best of your ability
• The importance of doing your homework, being prepared and asking questions
• More about the science, timing and methodology that impacts rural Americans involved in production agriculture
• Life lessons and guiding principles that Tim has learned throughout life and continues to live by
• More on what Tim loves about the rural American lifestyle and why he decided to return to his roots to raise his family here