I'm a Pathfinder: Dallas Tibbs
Published on Jun 16, 2026
Dallas Tibbs’ journey began in Willow Wood, Ohio, where he was raised in a large, hardworking family.
The oldest of five, Tibbs graduated from Symmes Valley High School in 2008.
“I had a great upbringing, always supported by my family and encouraged to be the best version of myself,” he said.
From an early age, Tibbs says he learned the value of determination and grit.
He said, “My father instilled a competitive edge in me that remains a big part of who I am today. He used to say, ‘Can’t never done anything,’ whenever I would say, ‘I can’t do it.’”
That mindset, combined with hands-on work experiences, helped shape his work ethic and career trajectory.
Though he wasn’t initially drawn to academics, Tibbs says he discovered his passion through real-world experience. After working various jobs and realizing he wanted more, he made the decision to return to school—ultimately enrolling at ACTC.
“My father is a maintenance supervisor at Steel of WV, and my grandfather was a maintenance technician at the old Ironton Iron plant,” Tibbs said. “Growing up, I was the kind of kid who took toys apart to see how they worked. This sparked my interest in industrial maintenance, leading me to follow in their footsteps.”
After researching programs across the region, ACTC stood out.
“I chose ACTC because their Industrial Maintenance program was comprehensive and taught by instructors with extensive real-world experience,” he said. “Meeting an instructor passionate about industrial maintenance on my first day confirmed that ACTC was the right choice.”
He added, “The dedication of the faculty to pass on their knowledge really sets ACTC apart from other schools.”
Tibbs enrolled in ACTC’s Industrial Maintenance program in the fall of 2011 and graduated in Spring 2013. Despite balancing a full-time job, he says he excelled academically.
Shortly after graduating, Tibbs stepped into a role that aligned with his training, launching a career that would quickly gain momentum.
He started his career at Steel of West Virginia, but began a new chapter at Toyota West Virginia just over a year later, where he steadily advanced through the ranks because of Toyota’s commitment to employee development.
Today, he serves as the night shift Manufacturing Manager for one of the plant’s two engine assembly lines.
“At Toyota West Virginia, merit matters and opportunities are abundant,” he said. “Every day brings new challenges and learning experiences.”
Tibbs credits ACTC as a foundational part of his success, not only professionally, but personally.
“ACTC gave me a solid foundation without the burden of major student loan debt,” he said. “I paid off my loans within three to four years after graduating, something few college students can say.”
“The skills I gained made me a well-rounded maintenance technician and helped me advance within Toyota,” he added. “Since graduating, I married my high school sweetheart, and we have two sons. ACTC gave me the tools to build a life and provide for my family.”
Now, Tibbs is committed to giving back to the same program that helped launch his career.
“A few years ago, everything came full circle when I reached out to Mark [Smith, ACTC program coordinator of the Industrial Maintenance Technology program] to speak to his students as a way to give back,” he said. “He let me speak to his class one day and he invited me onto his advisory board for the program, and now I attend ACTC job fairs twice a year to recruit students for a company that can change their lives.”
For those considering ACTC, Tibbs offers a powerful message: “Don’t take this opportunity for granted. ACTC can change your life if you embrace what it offers. The school has the right people to teach and help you achieve your goals by building a strong foundation for your future.”
