We’re looking forward to introducing you to Toby Swager. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Toby, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
We had the opportunity to help develop a Disc Golf Course in Goodlettsville. It opened August 28 and I have been enjoying playing the course. I’ve also enjoyed talking with people who I meet at the course.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Toby Swager has been a resident of the Goodlettsville area for over 20 years. During that time he has served at local churches like Victory Assembly of God and Living To Go Church. He is currently on staff at New Springs Assembly of God in Madison, Tennessee. In 2010, following the Nashville Floods, Toby took the experience he had working with volunteers in the church and transferred it to disaster response and volunteer coordination. Over the 14 years since, he has responded to more than 30 disasters, both locally and nationally, coordinating volunteers as he assists communities to recovery in the months following tragedy. He currently serves as Executive Director of Walking With Swager, a local nonprofit that serves in many capacities, including GoodWorks, the volunteer coordination arm of the organization. He and his wife, Tracy, raised their daughters, Bria and Lexy, in the Goodlettsville area, both graduating from Beech High School.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
In 2006, a tornado went through Goodlettsville. It tracked through our neighborhood as it continued northeast toward Gallatin. Many of our neighbors were affected, some devastatingly so, but our home didn’t receive any damage. That weekend, we took food to the crews working to help our neighbors begin the recovery process. There were so many different types of people working together for the good of strangers. None of the societal divisions mattered. Everyone was willing to serve those impacted and to serve alongside everyone else. There was no division. It was a community coming together to serve unconditionally out of a heart of love for fellow man.
I wondered why this was not the norm? Why did it take a disaster to bring unity to the community?
I decided to try to make what seemed extraordinary in the moment the norm for our community.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There have been times along the way where opposition or difficulty, sometimes lack of resources, have caused me to consider giving up. Ultimately, in those moments, we tend to see the most amazing things happen. Unexpected provision comes, obstacles are removed or another way of approaching the challenge presents itself. If we keep moving forward, even minimal movement, we see things come together in profound ways.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
We believe the community is stronger when we all come together to serve others. Unconditional service to others is the key to overcoming many of the divisions we see in our society.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
When I am not trying to be someone else. When I am content to serve my role, I find peace. When I pursue the role and responsibility, even what others have, it is hard to find your stride. Simply put, when i run the race I am meant to run, I find peace in even hardship.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.walkingwithswager.com
- Instagram: @good._.works
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/walking-with-swager/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/walkingwithswager
