Idaho’s Beloved ‘Dan the Man’ Retires as Domino’s Driver After $170K Crowdfunding Success for His Kindness

Dan Simpson, a Domino’s delivery driver from Idaho, has decided to hang up his delivery hat after a heartwarming act of kindness led to an unexpected windfall. Thanks to the generosity of strangers, more than $170,000 was raised, allowing the 68-year-old to retire earlier than he ever imagined.

Known affectionately as “Dan the Man” in his hometown of Boise, Simpson expressed his astonishment at the turn of events. “I woke up this morning and saw $163,000 in my bank account. What a retirement gift!” he exclaimed to KTVB Idaho on Friday. Donations have since reached an impressive $171,375.

Simpson’s journey to viral fame began in March when a doorbell camera captured a simple yet touching gesture. While delivering pizzas, he noticed the store had run out of Diet Cokes, so he used his own money to purchase them for a customer. This act was caught on camera, and the customer, Brian Wilson, was so moved by Simpson’s thoughtfulness that he offered to repay him. “Oh, you don’t need to. It’s a good tip,” Simpson humbly replied.

The video quickly gained traction online after Wilson shared it on TikTok, amassing millions of views. Inspired by Simpson’s kindness, Wilson launched a GoFundMe campaign, which far exceeded its initial target, marking a new chapter in Simpson’s life and career.

“Oh, you don’t need to. It’s a good tip,” he told customer Brian Wilson, who offered to reimburse him for the beverage.

The video spread quickly online after Wilson posted it on TikTok, drawing millions of views and prompting him to launch a GoFundMe campaign that far exceeded its original goal.

“What Dan didn’t know is that my wife and I are both visually impaired, so running out to the store for a ‘quick’ pickup is not something that is simple or easy for us,” Wilson told the Idaho Statesman at the time.

“What may have seemed like a tiny inconvenience to solve on his end actually made a huge difference on ours.”

Longtime delivery driver Simpson, who also worked for the Idaho Department of Agriculture, said he’s now ready for a slower pace.

“I’m ready for normal again,” he told KTVB Idaho. “I got up today thinking, well, I’ll never get another phone call for an interview.”

Instead of splurging on his funds, Simpson said he plans to keep things simple and “buy a decent van.”

He hopes to travel back roads, take photographs and possibly head to the coast.

Simpson also spoke openly about his past, including struggles with addiction and time in prison.

“I got in a lot of trouble with drinking and drugs,” he said. “When I got out, I said, ‘That’s it.’ I knew I’d never drink again.”

He said he has been sober for nearly 24 years and worked multiple jobs after his release.

“Ever since I stepped out of prison, I’ve basically worked two jobs and worked hard and tried to do the right thing,” he said.

Now financially stable, Simpson said he wants to help others dealing with addiction.

“Maybe get them grounded in something that doesn’t make drugs and alcohol necessary in their life,” he said.

Despite retiring, he plans to keep delivering pizzas on weekends.

“So thank you, Boise. Thank you, Treasure Valley,” Simpson said. “You made my life quite a little bit easier.”