Monack’s Service Station Hits 60-Year U-Haul Milestone

Jun 28, 2019

Many of the most notable accomplishments in life begin with doing a small and simple thing.

Art Monack Jr., of Monack’s Service Station and U-Haul Dealership, knows a thing or two about notable accomplishments. His store, which opened in 1958 in the southwestern Pennsylvania town of Charleroi, celebrated 60 years of serving U-Haul customers.

Art Monack Sr. was the owner from 1958 to 1996, when he passed the reins to his son. Monack Jr. noted that consistency, hard work and customer service helped the business reach this milestone.

“My most important job”

As Monack reminisced on 60 years of U-Haul service, he spoke to some of the changes that have occurred.

Monack Jr. and dad
Monack Jr. and Monack Sr. “back in the day.”

“When my father first became a U-Haul dealer, the only thing we had was trailers,” Monack reflects. “After a while, we started renting trucks as well.

“We didn’t have a computer back then, so we did everything on handwritten contracts. We would take inventory by hand. So when computers became more widespread, it was an incredible thing to see the inventory and everything else on the screen instead of a piece of paper. U-Haul has continuously improved and grown as time has gone on.”

Now, even though he works alone, Monack goes above and beyond to assist every individual walking through his doors.

Adds Monack: “The first step to success as a U-Haul dealer is simply to be here. Be available to help out each and every individual who may be in need of your assistance. Simply put, it can’t happen if you’re not here. Even though I’m the chief cook and bottle-washer here, so to speak, serving the customer will still always be my most important job.”

Monack in front of white truck
Monack carries on the proud legacy of service that was originally started in 1958.

Bob Bourgeois, owners representative for U-Haul Company of Pittsburgh, saw Monack’s impact in person. While speaking with a French-born elderly woman at his location one day, Bourgeois was impressed to learn that Monack had helped her move 20 years earlier — and she still recalled the high quality of service she received.

“Art’s community wholeheartedly embraces him and his U-Haul dealership,” Bourgeois shares. “Thanks to him, members of the Monongahela Valley have an essential service that helps them to be mobile.”

Dedication to his customers

Chris Woodward, the U-Haul area field manager for Charleroi, describes Monack as a “go-getter.”

“Art’s an extremely friendly and knowledgeable person,” Woodard says. “After 60 years, he knows so much about (U-Haul) that I look forward to visiting and learning from him. At the same time, he has this inspirational drive to constantly better himself.”

Customer service representative Merle Baker at U-Haul Moving and Storage of Greensburg had the privilege of collaborating with Monack. In addition to being Monack’s area field manager for several years, Baker helped refinish Monack’s 1962 NHRA record-winning Corvette. Although Monack, a former drag racer, doesn’t drive it anymore, it stands as a testament to their friendship and teamwork.

“Art Monack Sr. was one of my best dealers,” Baker says. “Today, Art Jr. continues to go above and beyond to serve his customers and their needs.”

More articles like this one…

What’s New

U-Haul to Ring in 80th Anniversary as Moving Season Gets Started

U-Haul to Ring in 80th Anniversary as Moving Season Gets Started

U-Haul® will symbolically kick off “moving season” on Friday with the ringing of the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange. The ceremony will also mark the start of a special summer for the do-it-yourself moving and self-storage leader, which is celebrating 80...

U-Haul Food Drive Benefits Arizona Nonprofit St. Vincent de Paul

U-Haul Food Drive Benefits Arizona Nonprofit St. Vincent de Paul

Team Members donated more than 2,500 pounds of food and water during a recent food drive at U-Haul® headquarters in Phoenix to support local charity partner St. Vincent de Paul. SVdP, with the help of partners like U-Haul and caring volunteers, makes a tremendous...

Northern Exposure: U-Haul Trucks Reach Remote Alaskan Town of Craig

Northern Exposure: U-Haul Trucks Reach Remote Alaskan Town of Craig

U-Haul “8 for 80” Dealer Series In celebration of our 80th anniversary in 2025, we are highlighting eight small businesses serving as U-Haul dealers who have teamed with us to bring DIY moving products and services to their communities. These dealers may be old or...

The U-Haul Toy Hauler: Will My Large SUV or Truck Fit?

The U-Haul Toy Hauler: Will My Large SUV or Truck Fit?

With certain limitations and exceptions, here is just a sampling of the vehicles that can be towed by the U-Haul Toy Hauler trailer that would not fit on the U-Haul Auto Transport: BMW X7Cadillac EscaladeChevy AvalancheChevy Silverado 1500-3500Chevy SuburbanChevy...

Humble Design San Diego Helping 500th Family Escape Homelessness

Humble Design San Diego Helping 500th Family Escape Homelessness

Turning empty residences into furnished homes in San Diego County since 2018, Humble Design has a 98% effectiveness rate for their clients breaking the cycle of homelessness Humble Design, a U-Haul charity partner since 2016, is about to celebrate a milestone that is...

An Intern’s Account: Participating in the 21st Annual Pat’s Run

An Intern’s Account: Participating in the 21st Annual Pat’s Run

U-Haul® Public Relations intern Kailash Garcia-Delaney experienced his first Pat’s Run on April 12 in Tempe, Ariz., one of many Team Members to do so as part of the Company’s ongoing sponsorship of the Pat Tillman Foundation and the Tillman Scholars program. Here is...

U-Haul Offers Flood Relief across Greater Cincinnati and Louisville

U-Haul Offers Flood Relief across Greater Cincinnati and Louisville

U-Haul® is offering 30 days of free self-storage and U-Box® container usage at 21 facilities in southwest Ohio, northern Kentucky and southern Indiana to residents impacted by severe flooding in the region. The Ohio River crested above 60 feet due to recent storms,...