Groveland Twp.- After 38 years of working in the insurance industry, the last 20 years as the owner of the State Farm agency here, Connie Brewer is retiring at the end of this month.
‘I have been so blessed over the years to have worked for a good company and to have come to Ortonville to open my business,? Brewer said. ‘I have had many clients over the years and many good memories.?
Brewer never expected to have a career in insurance. She attended college for three years to be a teacher, but took a job 38 years ago as an executive secretary with State Farm in Alpena. She later moved to Saginaw for a promotion as a State Farm insurance adjuster and when she made the decision to stay in the insurance business, moved to Mt. Pleasant to finish her degree at Central Michigan University.
‘You never know where you’ll end up,? said Brewer, who was promoted to a State Farm office in Waterford before applying for agency ownership and landing the Ortonville gig when Howard Grovesteen retired. Some of her original customers are still with her at the State Farm Ortonville office, 125 N. Ortonville Road.
Over the years, Brewer has doubled the clientele she started with.
‘I like the challenge? it’s much more difficult than I thought,? she said. ‘There have been a lot of changes in the industry, and State Farm has taken on a lot more products. There’s the responsibility of running your own business, but it’s a good business and more stable than others when it comes to the economic climate. People still want to protect their property.?
State Farm remains the largest insurance company for auto and homeowner’s insurance in the United States.
Brewer has enjoyed living and working in Ortonville for the past two decades.
‘This is a good community? wholesome, hometown middle America is nice, but 38 years is enough,? she said. ‘I thank all of my clients from the bottom of my heart and wish them all the best.?
Brewer plans to travel in her retirement and spend more time with her daughter and grandchildren in Florida.
State Farm will continue to have an office here to serve clients? needs. Jeff Felix is the new agent stepping in to care for the State Farm customers in the Ortonville area, and Jane Clancy and Tina McKechnie will stay on at the office located at 125 N. Ortonville Road.