This is an official Bekins photos of Tom Olney. Tom was Vice President Bekins West Coast Region in the late 60s. Tom took early retirement in the 70s to pursue his passion in art. His 1st painting sold for more than the amount of his 1st pay check from Bekins in 1945.

The Chuck Blore Company

Chuck wrote the "Bekins men are careful quick and kind" jingle.

Tom Olney, a dynamic motivational speaker, is delivering a pep talk to the Kansas City Bekins Salesmen. Dan Bryant, President of Bekins Moving and Storage, is listening with approval to Tom. Tom turned the Kansas City Operation into one of the most profitable Bekins offices in the country. This photo was taken about 1960.

Tom Olney is inspecting a packing job, Pasadena CA, 1950.

I think this 1955 article is self explanatory. Tom Olney's great leadership skills were recognized early by Bekins.

Thomas B. Olney (left) was manager of Bekins Moving & Storage Company, Kansas City 1958-1964.

Dave Olney adds: That's Wilbur Hoppe, KCMO Warehouseman and my mentor in the middle, and Whitey Hembree, KCMO Dispatcher. Hoppe taught me everything about the technical aspects of the moving business including how to efficiently load vans and "pile" furniture for highest densities.

Tom Olney retired from Bekins Moving Storage Company in 1970 as West Region General Manager. Tom began as a storage clerk at Bekins December 1945 at the Bekins Grand Ave wharehouse, Los Angeles.

After Tom Olney received his 1st pay check from Bekins, he cashed it later that day. Shortly after he was robbed at gun point of his pay. This after surviving combat with the 46th Armoured Infantry Division in the Hurtzgen Forest--World War II.

We will be posting Tom's histories, stories, photos and links about Bekins Moving and Storage Company as he remembers them. If you have any photos or personal histories about Bekins Moving and Storage company that you would like to contribute to this blog please email them to Kurt Olney k.olney2@cox.net