Galen Shields

Resident of McPherson since 1974 Agent since 1974 State Farm Claims Representative 5 years Graduate of McPherson College with a BS degree is Business Administration. Happily married since 1967 and the first of two generations of State Farm Agents.

My interest in cars started while quite young. In fact perhaps prior to grade school. I can remember my first cars being packed in cereal boxes and I collected and altered by lowering and putting paper fender skirts on them. These cars were hot wheel size, plastic and the forerunner of things to come. The model car craze came along and I painted, altered and built many of them most notably a Corvette, Chrysler, Impala, Pontiac and others. That was during ages of Jr. High and early High School in the 50's and 60's. I loved cars and always yearned for the day I could have my own car to to drive, but that would not come during High School or even early college days, as our middle class family could not afford a car for the kids. Being an athlete, my after school hours were spent in practice rather than holding down a part time job to earn car purchase money. So no money meant no car for me. That didn't mean I no longer loved cars as the late 50's and early 60's meant the Tri-Five Chevies and early Impalas and GTO of the 60's were popular and seeing them on the street was torment to this young lad. I knew one day I could afford one of my own, but I had to prepare educationally to land a job that would make that possible.

My college days were in preparation for life ahead, but I had no idea what I wanted to do except it needed to involve cars some way. It's funny I never became a body repair tech, or mechanic or car salesman, but I didn't end doing that. Rather my degree in Business Administration opened doors to State Farm Insurance Company as an Office employee in the Auto Co. 1968 began my life long career with State Farm which is now in it's 53rd year. Little did I know I would work for the original company an entire career and although connected to the automobile, it became more administrative that hands on.

I still love the automobile and especially enjoy insuring and inspecting the classics that come my way. Oh and by the way, I do have a favorite car, that 1965 Buick Riviera Gran Sport, gold and white you see running around town on nice days. Yes, I owned some fun cars including a Corvette, GTO, El Camino SS, Silverado SS, Monte Carlo SS, other Rivieras in my day and I'll always wish for at least one more. That will never end.

Although cars have been my early love, I love my family, church, community, golf buddies, Jayhawks, Royals and Chiefs as well. I love the freedom enjoyed secured by the sacrifices of our military that has made us free.

Lastly, I love people and people have been what has kept me in the insurance business all these years. Relationships are very important to each of us in this office.