DARLINGTON - Tom and Patti Black, Agents of TRICOR Insurance on Main Street are getting ready to retire at the end of the year. The Blacks have been selling insurance since the mid-1990s. They started working for the House of Insurance, for Ben Krahenbuhl until August 2001, when TRICOR, owned by David Fritz, purchased the company. The Blacks had all kind things to say regarding both companies that they’ve had the pleasure of working for. In addition, the owners of both companies seem to have been positive experiences for the couple, as well.
Patti Black has been an agent for 28 years, beginning her service to the community in May 1995. Tom Black joined the insurance team in June 1996, and retires after 27 years. TRICOR Insurance works with clients who seek to purchase various types of insurance, such as Commercial, Farm, Business, and Personal Insurance. The Blacks are committed to providing personalized care, and have been successful as a result. They credit their largest success to the close relationships they hold with their clients, whom of which feel like family.
Patti Black says the number-one question she gets asked is if clients will be taken care of after their retirement. “Absolutely”, she engages with a smile on her face. The Blacks are confident that it will be a seamless transition, as they work with a very knowledgeable staff, who are preparing for their retirement. Clients of the Darlington TRICOR Insurance office already know the other staff members who actively work with the Blacks. As a result, clients can expect to receive the same honest care that they have over the years. In addition to Tom and Patti Black, there are four other agents that comprise the Darlington TRICOR team. They include: Ashley Riley, Personal Insurance; Dan Kieffer, Farm Insurance; Heather Buschor & Chelsea Wedig, both Business Insurance.
The couple, who have been together 51 years (43 years married), moved to Darlington in May 1994, when their three children were little. “They were in 5th grade, 3rd grade, and Kindergarden when we moved here,” Patti recalls, “and now we’re watching our grandchildren get involved in activities”. The Blacks, who have seven grandchildren, would like to spend more time with family, friends, and enjoy retirement life. When asked if traveling would be in their plans, they said they didn’t have any plans to go anywhere at this time, but would enjoy it at some point. Tom shared his favorite destination by saying, “Alaska. It’s gorgeous there. I would definitely go back to Alaska.” His face lights up in conversation as he recalled taking a cruise with Patti. He glanced over to his wife and office partner, who shared his sentiments about Alaska. She then states the possibly of traveling to Hawaii, but adds how important it is to spend time with each other.
When asked the challenges of working together and living together, both agreed that the biggest challenge was not taking their work home with them. Their closeness with clients, and involvement when situations arise, sometimes cause them to have to remind each other of the importance of leaving work at the office.
“The last day will be the hardest for us”, Tom Black states openly. As much as the Blacks are looking forward to retirement, its obvious their relationships with their clientele are important to both of them. They clearly care about people, most importantly their clients, who have trusted them over the years. In retirement, they look forward to sharing those same continued relationships in the community as they always have. If you see them out and about, feel free to ask them about their retirement. It sounds like they plan to stay busy. In their spare time, Tom and Patti lend their musical talents to the community by singing and playing piano/organ. You may have heard them during church service at one or more of the area churches, either at a funeral, wedding, or during Mass at Holy Rosary.
A retirement open house will honor Tom and Patti Black on the last business day of the year, Dec. 29 from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the TRICOR office, 320 Main St., Darlington. The community is welcome to stop in and share in the celebration.