The Founders Friends for life

Don Dobbins

Don grew up in rural Central Texas—the youngest of five. He was just 4 years old when his father died at 44, leaving his mother to raise five children on a $54 a month Social Security check, with no life insurance and no safety net.

Everyone learned to work young. Don landed his first sales job at age 8, selling newspapers on street corners and to local businesses. He also "pedaled" fresh donuts door-to-door from a basket on his bicycle, which he bought himself at the local Western Auto Store—offering a choice between a half-dozen or a dozen fresh donuts, unknowingly using the classic alternative close.

In the evenings and on weekends, he worked at the local bowling alley, setting pins for 5 cents a game. These early experiences taught him the value of hard work and the power of a positive attitude.

At age 28, while working with his brothers in their roofing company, Don met Bobby Brown at church—now a lifelong friend as well—who introduced him to the insurance business. 

Don ranked in the top 10 nationally in sales his first year and quickly moved into management, setting multiple sales records.

In December 1978, Don was recruited by Alan Witten to join TLC National Marketing Company. Over the years, he rose from Salesperson of the Year to a VP of Marketing before leaving in 2001. 

Don and Alan developed a lifelong friendship and later became partners in their own life insurance business.

Driven by a “never give up” mindset and a commitment to respect, honor, and honesty, Don co-founded The Way True Life Solution—a company built on faith, integrity, and a passion for helping others.

 Alan Witten

From his early years in Lawton, Oklahoma, Alan Witten always had a passion for sales. He began his career at Sears, starting as a shoe salesman and quickly rising through the ranks to become a department manager. He eventually made history as the youngest store manager in the company at that time.

Alan later transitioned into life insurance, joining Combined American Life Insurance Company. Though initially labeled “most likely to fail” during training, Alan’s persistence, positive attitude, and tireless work ethic led to great success as both a sales representative and manager.

It was at Combined American where Alan met a lifelong friend who would later invite him to be the first salesperson, manager, and trainer for TLC National Marketing Company.

Alan accepted the opportunity and helped launch TLC in 1975. The company grew into a multimillion-dollar enterprise, and Alan played a critical role in that growth.

During his time at TLC, Alan met Don Dobbins, another lifelong friend and colleague. The two worked together for many years before leaving TLC in 2001 to partner in their own life insurance business.

Alan poured his passion, energy, training skills, and work ethic into helping build the business into what it is today.

Though he is deeply missed and loved, his legacy and impact live on—and if he were here, we know exactly what he’d be saying: “That’s what I’m talking about!”