Glenn Kahl

Business

Glenn and his wife Mary Lou settled in Manteca in 1960 while he was in the US. Army, stationed at Stockton Airport with an aviation unit. He was to make his mark in the Manteca business community through photography and journalism.

The Manteca District Chamber of Commerce appointed him its secretary-manager after he was discharged from the army. It was a year later that he was hired by Manteca Bulletin publisher George Murphy to work as a news photographer for that paper. KahI had been employed as a public relations photographer for the airlines at Los Angeles International Airport prior to his military service.

After four years at the Manteca Bulletin he worked as a county editor for the Santa Paula Daily Chronicle, Editor of the Daily Press, Victorville, Bureau Chief, San Bernardino County News Service, and as a general assignment reporter to the San Bernardino Sun-Telegram. He was offered the position of news-editor back at the Bulletin in 1969 - a post he held until 1975.

Kahl went into business for himself in 1975. opening a portrait/commercial photography studio across the street from the Manteca Post Office. Four years later he moved his studio location to Yosemite and Lincoln Avenues where it operates today. He has photographed countless community events and individuals since coming to Manteca. He also serves as a publicist for his church. More importantly, are the students who learned about the business world working in his studio after school and on weekends.

He has been a serious contributor to the Manteca Historical Museum with pictures of the past - some that he has taken and others he has copied or restored for display during his 40 years in the community. Kahl likes to use Manteca as a backdrop for his portraits. Who has not seen him around town with his camera and tripod over his shoulder and a client in tow looking for the perfect background?

Community activities and awards include: Manteca Rotary Club, past president; Manteca Toastmasters, organizing charter president; Best Front Page award, The Manteca Bulletin; Rotarian of the Year 1991-92; Who’s Who in Business; and a Rotary International Governor's award for Outstanding Service to the Community.

Glenn and Mary Lou have three sons and a daughter: Steve, Scott, Sharon, and Tim - all college graduates and successes in their own vocations.