Coakley Bros. Co. was started in 1888 by Neil Coakley Sr.'s two great uncles, Charlie and Bill Coakley. Their first warehouse was located at the site of which is now the Riverside Theater. At the time, there were only two forms of transportation into the city - boat and rail.

Commodities would ship to the city in trunks and crates. Coakley Bros. would then pick them up at the terminals and deliver the parcels around the city to merchants and households using coach and buggy.

In 1906, for extra revenue, Coakley Bros. ran sightseeing tours along Lake Drive (see photo). Charlie and Bill Coakley would use their flat beds for deliveries during the week and, on weekends, attach seats to them for the sightseeing passengers.

In 1933, Coakley Bros. became an agent for Allied Van Lines, a new full-service long distance transportation company. Today, Coakley Bros. is considered one of the highest quality service agents throughout Allied's national system.

After Bill and Charlie Coakley passed away in 1939 the company was run by Neil Sr.'s father, Charlie Coakley. In 1978, Neil Sr. purchased the remaining stock from family members to become the sole proprietor of Coakley Bros. Co.

In 1973, the Records Retention division was started. Today, this division prides itself on being the largest record storage company in Milwaukee.

The first porta-rack was designed in 1978 by Neil Coakley Sr. This transportation device eliminated the need to use boxes on commercial office and plant moves and is today used universally throughout the industry.

In 1982, a fulfillment division was begun to handle the distribution of technical publications worldwide. Today, this division, known as Coakley Tech, has grown to become a company of its own. It is a full-service digital print and distribution company, which also offers CD ROM duplication, web-site management and publication management.

In 1998, Peggy Coakley, daughter of Neil Coakley, started the Modular Furniture Installations division.

Today, Peggy Coakley is the Chief Executive Officer of Coakley Bros. and Coakley Tech. She represents the fourth generation of Coakleys to lead the company. Headquartered at 400 South Fifth Street in the Third Ward, Coakley Bros. Co. owns five buildings encompassing one million square feet.

Coakley Bros.' employees have moved homeowners and businesses safely and efficiently for over 100 years. Experience and a permanent, full-time workforce sets Coakley Bros. apart from the rest. Whether you are moving across town or across the globe, moving your business or your home, the staff at Coakley Brothers provides safe and economical transportation.

In addition to moving people and businesses, Coakley Bros .' latest technologies and services will help you better manage processes and daily tasks. Modern facilities, technologically-advanced computer and record-keeping systems, office furniture installation and an expert staff, all make it easier for customers to manage their businesses, their storage and their local and long distance moves.

Call Coakley Bros. today for a free estimate or to receive more information about how we can be of help in your moving process.