A Foundation of Expertise (1935–1950)
Blackmore and Glunt was founded in 1935 by Joseph J. Blackmore, but our roots in the industry go back even further. Joseph came from a long line of pioneers; his grandfather was a charter member of ASHVE (now ASHRAE), and his father was a leader in national radiator manufacturing. This deep family legacy in thermal dynamics gave the firm a foundation of technical credibility from day one.
Originally starting as a sole proprietorship, Joseph represented premier manufacturers such as Bell & Gossett, McDonnell & Miller, and Dole Valve Co. When World War II limited civilian construction, the firm pivoted to support industrial mobilization. This shift was a defining moment, expanding our expertise into complex industrial fluid handling, centrifugal pumps, and heat exchangers.
Home office in St. Louis, MO
The Formation of a Partnership
During the post-war construction boom, the firm evolved from a vendor into a technical consultant for architects and engineers. In 1948, Gordon Glunt, a mechanical engineering graduate from Purdue University, joined the team. His technical precision complemented Blackmore’s market insight, leading to the formal incorporation of Blackmore and Glunt in 1950.
Regional Expansion and Leadership
Over the following decades, Blackmore and Glunt pursued a strategy of methodical growth to serve the industrializing Midwest. The firm established a permanent presence in Kansas City (Lenexa, KS) in 1960 and expanded into Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1985.
During this era, the company successfully transitioned to its second generation of leadership. Under the stewardship of Cy Blackmore (President 1985–1999) and John Glunt (President 1999–2019), the company modernized its operations and strengthened its industry ties. Many of the firm’s principals have served as presidents of local ASHRAE chapters and the Fluid Handling Representatives Association (FHRA), reinforcing the company’s reputation as a leader in the field.
The McNevin Acquisition and Western Strategy (2023)
In October 2023, Blackmore and Glunt significantly expanded its geographic reach by acquiring the assets of the McNevin Company, a Denver-based representative founded in 1962. By integrating the McNevin team, including Eugene and Mike Mitchell, Blackmore and Glunt successfully bridged its Midwest operations with the Mountain West. Today, the firm provides specialized engineering support and equipment across a territory stretching from the Ohio Valley to the Rocky Mountains.
