My Story 

After earning a degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Illinois, I began my career with LG Seeds, where I worked for seven years. My father, Emanuel Ulrich Jr., and his brother founded an insurance agency in the late 1960s, and when he retired in 1999, I was honored to step into the business. My father was the most loyal and honest man I’ve ever known, and his example of integrity continues to guide me every day.

I served in the agency my father and uncle founded for 17 years before branching out independently. In 2016, I purchased the Shannon Insurance Agency, followed by Donley Insurance in 2017. Most recently, in the fall of 2024, we bought our own building in downtown Tremont — a milestone that represents growth and a home for the relationships we’ve built with clients and our community.

VaLinda’s career has shifted from full-time nursing to part-time nursing. She also spends two days a week helping care for our grandson. In addition, she remains very active with volunteer work and helps care for our parents as they age. Her compassion and dedication continue to shine in each of these roles.