Looking back on his long career, Darryl Tinges realizes how great it is to live in a small community.
The Fairbury insurance agent with COUNTRY Financial officially retired July 31 after 44 years in the business. Tinges’ father started as an agent in 1968 and was a crop hail adjuster prior to that for a few years.
“Many of my clients have had someone from my family for over 50 years,” Tinges recalled with a smile.
Tinges said he will never forget all of the clients he has served and he appreciates the confidence they placed in him.
“I just kind of feel that it’s time to slow down and start walking for a change so we are going to transition into retirement.”
Changing technology is one of the biggest changes Tinges has noticed throughout his career. Back in the day, there were endless stacks of papers and a van was even used to store auto, farm and home insurance applications.
“It’s just a whole different world out there than when I started,” Tinges observed.
While much has changed, the insurance side is pretty much the same as agents such as Tinges continue to be there for clients. He said it has been a pleasure to represent COUNTRY as the company has treated him well.
“When my daughter was in first or second grade, they asked her what her dad does and she said she knew he helps people when something bad happens,” said Tinges who felt it was a fitting description.
Area native Danny Schahrer is carrying on the insurance torch for Tinges as he is the new COUNTRY agent in Fairbury effective this month. The Schahrer name is no stranger to the insurance business as Danny’s father, Jim, was a longtime agent for COUNTRY in Forrest until he passed away eight years ago.
Schahrer recalls Tinges reaching out at that point seeing if he had an interest in possibly taking over Jim’s Forrest office.
“I said Darryl I’ll just stop you right there – going into the insurance business is not in my plans, I’m not going to do it,” noted Schahrer.
Yet, here he is eight years later taking over Tinges’ office instead. Schahrer has worked at the corporate office in Bloomington for just over four years where he worked as an adjuster before transitioning to Fairbury. Schahrer enjoys working in the insurance field since he gets to help others.
“My goal is to just be there for the people that are in the midst of those tough situations.”
As for Tinges’ future plans, he plans to help his son on the farm and spend time with his grandson.
“Hopefully, I can spoil him quite a bit,” Tinges admitted.
Tinges hopes to stay active and jokes that he may even look at his wife’s “honey-do” list.
COUNTRY Financial hosted a retirement party for Tinges and a welcome reception for Schahrer at the Indian Creek Country Club in Fairbury Friday evening. Guests were treated to dinner and had the chance to register for prizes.
The agency remains at 319 West Locust Street in Fairbury with the same office staff of Cil Nagel and Joann Slagel. The phone number is 815-692-4361.
