4805 Dakota Street SE
Prior Lake, MN 55372
(952) 447-5286
Fax: (952) 447-5298
http://www.priorlakeshell.com
Very few people bring as much history to automobiles and automotive service as Prior Lake’s Tom Flink. In addition to being the steadfast owner of Prior Lake Shell for 25 years, he’s owned and operated multiple locations for other companies going back as far as fifty years. The man knows cars and service like few others.
His aptitude for mechanics began while growing up as a teenager in Fergus Falls where his dad owned an automobile repair shop. It was watching and working alongside him that brought about his considerable mechanical skills. Then there was a stint in Germany for the U.S. Army where he was a crew chief in a helicopter unit. It was upon his discharge in 1967 that he returned home and began pumping gas at a Philips station and ultimately was made manager.
He went on to meet his wife, Suzanne, and to own two Amoco stations in Eagan during the 1980’s, raised a son and daughter and subsequently become blessed with two grandchildren. The years passed and in 2009 he announced the sale of his Prior Lake Shell to a major oil company with the intent of moving to Arizona. His family had other ideas and persuaded him to walk away from the deal to sell and stay.
It’s apparent when talking with Flink today that his family helped him reach the right decision. He’s busy. In fact, he’s chosen to work upwards of 96 hours a week. “I do what I have to do,” he replied when asked about such long hours.
Prior Lake Shell is a full service auto destination. It has four service bays, a car wash, towing, propane refill station and a convenience store. In addition, he’s on top of keeping up with the complexity of today’s cars as he and his team work to say ahead of the service curve.
One might ask how a man who works such long hours is able to stay calm yet sharp minded. Not surprisingly, the answer can be found in cars. His car collection is impressive. Pictures of the cars are stylishly hung all over his office walls. He’s a proud owner of multiple collector/classic cars; including a beautiful 1937 Ford two-door custom. The condition of most is mint with a lot of time having been put into repair and restoration.
There’s a long history to Prior Lake Shell but even so, it’s history is not nearly as lengthy and interesting as is its owner.
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