Meet Tim Hardin of Dream Hustle Records

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tim Hardin.

Hi Tim, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
From playing piano at age two to leading five churches in worship every Sunday, my journey spans gospel revivals, six albums, mission trips, and a thriving record label. Now as a husband, father of five, and podcast host, I am stepping into a new career calling chapter as lead pastor-still chasing the call to inspire through music and ministry. From Detroit streets to Arizona pulpits and now leading spiritually in Iowa.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, and raised in Arizona. My life has been steeped in music, ministry, and service to others. Introduced to the piano at just two years old by my great grandmother, my gift was nurtured through four years of classical training and countless hours singing in the church choir, honors band and marching band at school. Summers in Detroit kept me connected to my roots attending vacation bible school, while my formative years at a private Christian school in Arizona deepened my faith and discipline.

By 22 I became minister of music serving five different churches in three different cities every Sunday in what I affectionately called the “the gospel rodeo.” Over the course of a decade, I volunteered regularly playing and even preaching (while pastors were away) for church services, uplifting patients at Banner Heart Hospital where I was awarded volunteer of the month and bringing music to nursing homes. My calling has taken me far and beyond Arizona, with mission trips to Haiti, Nogales, and Mexico City. I also attended college at Mesa Community college and studied biblical studies at Grand Canyon University.

In 2010 I traveled with Grammy gospel award winner Daniel Winans, and in 2015 I interned with R&B star Tyrese during the release of his Black Rose album. In December of 2018, I founded Dream Hustle Records in Phoenix, Arizona- signing 15 artists, helping three release their own albums while working together in the studio every Sunday for one year, and producing music videos in Phoenix and Las Vegas. I even took my entire label team to Los Angeles for the BET Music Awards. As a recording artist myself , I have released three impromptu piano albums in 2024. I also hosts the Dream Hustle Records Podcast, where I share music, interviews, and inspiring stories from the industry.

Ordained since 2016, I am also the author of “The 12 Hard truths about money. How to make 58k in 4 months” offering practical wisdom on faith, family and finance. Today I serve as chaplain and campus pastor at Good Neighbor Society in Iowa providing spiritual care to over 400 residents, tenants, staff and their families, and next month I will also step into the role of lead pastor at Colesburg community church with 88 members registered on role. Married and a proud father of five, I continue my lifelong commitment to inspiring others through music and ministry.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
“It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I lost my father when I was 22, went through some legal troubles that made holding a steady job difficult, and experienced the pain of divorce after infidelity on her part. At one point an ex-girlfriend stabbed me in the hand splitting a tendon in my finger, and I honestly feared I’d never play piano again. I’ve faced anger management and therapy, survived three car accidents one was a head on collision by a drunk driver. I even filed for bankruptcy a decade ago. But every one of those hardships taught me discipline, humility, and faith. They pushed me to grow, to heal, and to channel my energy into music, ministry, family and serving others. Those struggles gave me the resilience I needed to lead, create, and be of service today.”

As you know, we’re big fans of Dream Hustle Records. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I started Dream Hustle Records because so many artist would ask me to help them in the studio, but the songs never seemed to get finished or released. I wanted to change that- I wanted to help bring music to life. My specialty is composing and producing music instantly, right on the spot, which means artists walk away with something real and tangible.

I’m known for my no-nonsense approach: I work hard, stay creative, and get the job done. What truly sets me apart is that I built this business 100% debt free-without lenders, rich parents, or financially invested business partners. I’m especially proud of our 20/20 project where we set out at the end of 2018 to sign 20 artist and drop 20 albums by December of 2020. We ultimately signed 15 artist and released 3 albums before COVID slowed the momentum, but the vision and drive behind it remain a cornerstone of our brand. We collectively have dropped 3 albums before COVID and 3 albums after COVID totaling six albums.

Today, Dream Hustle Records is focused on the next chapter-landing sync deals and scoring music for indie projects, movies, streaming platforms, and TV shows. We’re here to create timeless, impactful music that moves people and fits perfectly in the moments that matter most.

How do you think about luck?
I’ve been extremely blessed to have had so many opportunities and gifts to come my way. I truly believe God’s hand has guided me through each one. From my parents putting me in private school and buying me a piano with lessons at ten years old, to working and volunteering at church, those early investments shaped who I am. A chance encounter led to meeting and working with Grammy Award-gospel winner Daniel Winans both in and out of the studio-and building friendships with his sons. Later, I had the privilege of interning with Tyrese, which expanded my perspective on the music industry. Over time, I’ve built a vast network of studio quality musicians, singers, producers and studio owners, and I’ve been featured on countless radio podcast interviews. I consider myself incredibly fortunate-not just for the career milestones, but for the friendships, connections, and testimony that came with them.

Pricing:

• TBD based on clients specific budget and needs

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamhustle.records/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dreamhustle.records/about/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/19229828/admin/dashboard/
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@DreamHustleRecords
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/dream-hustle-records-phoenix