Finken

Company Overview

In 1961, Wilfred F. Finken, or Wif as locals call him, launched Finken Companies, a family-owned business. Starting as StaSo-Soft, a water conditioning business in Melrose, MN, it acted as an independent dealer. In 1969, Wif and a business partner bought Culligan Water in Sauk Centre, further expanding their market influence.

The year 1976 marked the company's entry into plumbing, leading to the rebranding as Wif Finken's WaterCare and the adoption of the WaterCare franchise. This expansion included increasing storefronts and launching a new location. Thomas G. Finken, Wif's son, took over in 1995 and intensified growth by buying out various competitors. Tom not only increased the number of locations but also branched into heating and cooling, spas, coffee services, underground sprinkler systems, and plumbing.