A Man, a Motorcycle and a Mission
The Beginning
Original Fink's Store
One day in 1966, Michael “Henry” Fink drove by a vacant service station up for sale on the corner of West Main and Scribner in New Albany, Indiana. He had an idea. Being a motorcycle rider himself, it was hard to find parts and the wholesale houses wouldn’t sell to the general public. So, Henry bought the building and got in the parts business. Soon thereafter, he was a dealer for Kawasaki motorcycles. When asked, “why motorcycles,” Henry stated simply that he needed to ride to forget the memories of combat.
Korea 1951-1952
Henry Fink in a Foxhole (Korea)
Henry was drafted into the Army on Thursday, April 5, 1951 – the same day that the Rosenberg’s were sentenced for treason. After Basic Training, he left for Korea on November 22, 1951 – Thanksgiving Day. In July of 1952, Henry was wounded in combat. He received the Purple Heart in November 2004. The very lengthy delay in his receiving the Purple Heart was resolved with federal law was changed to allow recognition of those wounded or killed in peace actions.
1953-1966
During this time, Henry sold pool tables across the Midwest. He lived part of the time down in Nashville, Tennessee in a boarding house. Henry recalled riding back to Nashville after a weekend visit in Indiana on his motorcycle. The owner of the boarding house told him to leave… didn’t want motorcycles parked out front or have a boarder who rode bikes.
1966-1977
Expanded Fink's Kawaski Store
Motorcycle parts and Kawasaki motorcycles caused the business at 202 W Main Street to expand. A steel frame building housed the Kawasaki dealership.
According to Henry, word of mouth advertising was all that he needed back in the day. Henry pretty much ran the show back then, helped by his brother on a part-time basis.
Finks Racing
During this time, Fink’s sponsored a racing team. The bike, driven by John Samways, came in fourth or fifth one year at Daytona. John still stops by the store today on occasion to visit.
1977-1988
In 1977, Kawasaki decided that they wanted a “bigger” dealer in the area so they bought Henry out. Henry still held the lease to the building (which would later turn out fortunate). Kawasaki was to forego the use of the name “Fink’s” but they never did. Not to be daunted, Henry opened up a motorcycle parts store on Market Street simply called “Fink’s.”
Perseverance and patience paid off. In 1988 the dealership went out of business. Since Henry still owned the building at 202 West Main Street, he moved the motorcycle parts store back.
1988-Now
Times have changed, people have grown older, but one thing has remained constant on the corner of West Main and Scribner. That is the “essence” of Henry Fink. Running a business now versus forty some years ago still presents its challenges. The key is to find the right combination of products and sell them at the right price.
Henry said that the perception of motorcyclists has changed dramatically over the years. Back in the 60’s, the impression was that all bikers were outlaws. Even if your doctor or lawyer rode, he’d keep it to himself, said Fink. Now a day you’ll see lawyers, doctors, police officers and firefighters riding. He’s seen the attitude towards women riders change too. Back then, any woman associated with motorcycles had a less than stellar reputation. Today, lady bike riders are much more prevalent and make up an increasing market segment.
Fink’s has supplied quality motorcycle parts to the grandchildren of some of Henry’s original customers. Henry’s philosophy on customer service is to treat everyone as respectful as you can. You can feel that presence when you walk into the store today – a true sense of community.
Henry continued to ride motorcycles up until about five years ago. He recalls his first bike being a Harley – back in the fifties. During the dealership years, he rode a Kawasaki and in the latter years a Harley Dresser. He still has his motorcycle license! He recalls when he decided to start wearing a helmet. It was one rainy day when he rode across the K&I Bridge and looked down.
Henry Fink (2010)
Henry doesn’t spend as much time in the store as he used to do. He and his motorhome recently made a trip to Florida and he’s looking to venture out more in the near future. He said his primary function at the store now is to be “a pain in the butt” and to let someone else mind the “day to day” business since there are so many more items at the store to choose from! Folks come by to chat or tell a joke or simply to talk shop.
Henry’s business advice, “Remember, you can’t satisfy everyone all of the time, but you can at least try.”
