OUR JOURNEY
Understanding the origins of a journey is crucial to charting its course and reaching our destination. Every great journey begins with a starting point, providing us with valuable insights into how it all began. By exploring the roots and foundations, we gain a deeper understanding of the path ahead, enabling us to navigate with clarity and purpose.
A Beacon for Fort Dodge
Ryan Smith moved to Fort Dodge in 1987 and entered the 3rd grade in Fort Dodge Community Schools, graduating in 1997. After attending the University of Northern Iowa, he returned home and joined Kingsgate Insurance, which his parents, Ed & Denise Smith founded in 1990. He became President of the company in 2017. As the President of Kingsgate Insurance, he has helped grow and expand the organization by specializing in transportation, construction, and workers’ compensation. His primary focus is to provide practical solutions to businesses in the areas of fleet, construction, and employee safety. Since starting a family, with his wife Jessica, he has been active in coaching youth sports for almost a decade. He as done so with Athletics for Education and Success and the Fort Dodge Rec Dept. Through that experience and the desire of the entire team at Kingsgate to impact their community in the most meaningful way possible they partnered with The Lighthouse Risk and Readiness Consulting Group to create the Fort Dodge Child Protection Initiative.
Project Owner - Ryan Smith
Kingsgate Insurance
Learn More About our Project Director and Team
Visit them on their website https://www.kingsgateinsurance.com
" Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." — Ralph Waldo Emerson
Our Journey So Far
Teamwork
The Steering Committee
Ryan Smith,
Kingsgate Insurance
Roger Porter,
Fort Dodge Community Schools
Charles Clayton,
Athletics for Education and Success
Mindy DeBaun,
United All-Stars
The journey ahead encompasses a comprehensive nine-month exploration of the community, delving deep into its resources, environment, and experiences of childhood in Ft. Dodge. This immersive endeavor aims to gather valuable insights, foster understanding, and promote positive change. By dedicating ourselves to this in-depth exploration, we aim to uncover the diverse facets of the community and pave the way for meaningful progress and empowerment. Together, we embark on a transformative journey of discovery and growth and creating a safer community for children.