Technology has improved, and the wrecker trucks look different, but since 1955 Manhattan Wrecker Service has stayed true to its heritage. Manhattan Wrecker Service has always been known to tackle the impossible with prompt, professional service. No job too big, no job too small.

 

The family business continues to provide a vital service to the Manhattan community. Manhattan Wrecker Service was started in 1955 by Amos and Grace Brock. As the only towing company in the area, the company was small with Amos (Grandpa) doing most of the service calls while Grace (Grandma) handled the dispatching and bookwork. Their daughter, Jan (Brock) Gillmore (my mother) grew up working for the company and helped it grow. They built a very respected business, and in 1971 Amos and Grace Brock sold the company to their nephew, Robert (Bob) Brock.

 

Bob and his wife Carolyn, continued the business operations in the same tradition that it was started. Business success and growth continued. Additional employees were needed, and the company introduced its first "semi" wrecker, used in the towing and recovery of semi-trucks and trailers. The family tradition of prompt and professional service continued in the growing Manhattan community. In 1983, I (Todd Gillmore) started working for Manhattan Wrecker Service as a dispatcher and driver.

 

On January 1, 1990 I (Todd Gillmore) bought Manhattan Wrecker Service from Bob Brock. My mother (Jan) and I continue operating the family business. Prompt and professional community service paid big dividends, and the business has added more employees and substantially increased the fleet of wrecker trucks. Dedication to the community can be seen daily from driving the 1930 Model-A wrecker in local parades to assisting KSU at athletic events.

 

The family tradition continues on.