Stubb’s Wrecker Service has new owners who want to build on its 51-year legacy in Covington by growing and expanding its services.

Sarah and James Collins Jr. have purchased the business from Sam Harrison. The Collinses are friends of the Harrison family, and James Collins had accompanied Harrison on some towing jobs.

James Collins had recently retired from the Sheriff’s Department and needed work. Harrison’s retirement gave the Collinses an opportunity to own a business.

"We figured we’d buy the business and this will be our lives, and that’s just what we did," said Sarah Collins, who serves as the dispatcher for the business.

Simon Shelnutt (of Shelnutt Garage) briefly ran Stubb’s. When the Collinses made the purchase, Shelnutt kept the garage. This left the Collins with the Stubb’s name and number.

"We are no longer associated with Simon Shellnutt or the old Stubb’s garage," Sarah said. "We’ve had a lot of people who still think Shellnutt is a part of Stubb’s, but he’s not. We are an independent, family-run business."

The business is operated out of the Collins’ home. Along with the usual towing services offered, the company also has a roadside assistance van, giving them the capability to provide fuel, fluids, tire changes, jump-starts and minor repair work to stranded drivers.

The Collinses also want to acquire a facility in Newborn within the next two months. A garage would enable Stubb’s to operate as a full-fledged shop, allowing them to perform tune-ups, oil changes, repair and maintenance. They also want to eventually offer paint and bodywork services.

"We’re hoping to get bigger with the new shop," Sarah Collins said. "Some people might think because Sam has retired, the business isn’t around anymore, but we’re still here."