Business owner celebrates 35 years in Hemet

When State Farm Insurance agent Valerie Tichy-Drummer opened her office in Hemet Feb. 1, 1986, she was hopeful for a long and successful career, she said. Thirty-five years later, a look back at the journey showed her just that. Tichy-Drummer said she was attracted to the insurance industry because of her desire to help people, make a good living and have independence. Although she worked her way through college at Mt. San Jacinto College and the University of Redlands as a secretary for Skyline Homes, she said State Farm Insurance was her first and only career job. “When I started, there were very few women insurance agency owners,” she said. “I think any business owner has to be risk tolerant; my checks to this day vary, unlike an employee who has guaranteed income.” Tic