Finken operates as a comprehensive home services provider in Minnesota, combining two sister companies—Finken Aqua Systems and Finken Plumbing, Heating & Cooling—under one roof. Established in 1961 by Wilfred F. Finken in Melrose, Minnesota, the company has grown from a small water conditioning business into a regional powerhouse serving residential and commercial clients throughout Central Minnesota. With headquarters at 3423 County Road 74 in St. Cloud, Finken delivers integrated solutions for water treatment, plumbing, HVAC services, and even spa installations, positioning itself as a one-stop shop for whole-home comfort and water quality needs.
The company's water treatment division, Finken Aqua Systems, addresses Minnesota's diverse water quality challenges through comprehensive filtration and purification solutions. Their services range from basic water softening systems to complex problem water treatments targeting contaminants like arsenic, nitrates, iron, and PFAS. Beyond equipment installation, they operate a full-service water delivery business offering five varieties of bottled water, over 100 types of brewed beverages, coffee services, and water softener salt delivery directly to customers' doors. This combination of treatment solutions and delivery services creates recurring revenue streams while meeting various hydration needs for homes and businesses.
Finken Plumbing, Heating & Cooling tackles the mechanical side of home comfort with 24-hour emergency service availability. Their plumbing services encompass everything from routine drain cleaning and fixture installations to complete remodeling projects and sewer line repairs. The HVAC division handles furnace and air conditioning installation and repair, boiler services, heat pumps, ductless mini-split systems, and specialized solutions like in-floor radiant heating and garage heaters. This comprehensive service menu allows them to work with builders on new construction while maintaining existing systems for homeowners and commercial clients.
The company's evolution reflects strategic growth through both organic expansion and acquisitions. After starting as StaSo-Soft water conditioning in 1961, Wilfred Finken acquired Culligan Water in Sauk Centre in 1969, then dropped the franchise model in 1976 to become Wif Finken's WaterCare. When Thomas G. Finken took over in 1995, he accelerated growth by acquiring multiple competitors and diversifying into new service lines including underground sprinkler systems and spa sales through their Clearwater Spas division. This acquisition-driven strategy has allowed Finken to consolidate market share while expanding their technical capabilities.
Customer testimonials consistently praise Finken's service quality and professionalism. One reviewer highlighted their Pentair water softener installation, noting the technicians' knowledge, care for property, and timely completion with excellent follow-up. Another customer expressed satisfaction with both the system quality and "AMAZING customer service," specifically mentioning installers John and Bill for their neat, tidy work. These positive reviews align with the company's stated commitment to customer satisfaction, though their Better Business Bureau profile shows they're not BBB accredited, which some customers might consider when evaluating service providers.
The workforce at Finken reflects the diverse skill sets required for their multi-faceted operations. Current job openings include Class B CDL drivers for their delivery routes, HVAC installers, customer service support representatives, and various technical positions. The company promotes "industry leading benefits, favorable hours, and collaborative culture" as employment advantages. Their emphasis on hiring skilled technicians across multiple trades demonstrates the operational complexity of maintaining expertise in water treatment, plumbing, HVAC, and delivery services simultaneously.
Innovation and technology adoption feature prominently in Finken's service delivery approach. They've partnered with Aqua Systems to implement transparent pricing models and non-commissioned water specialists, addressing common consumer frustrations with high-pressure sales tactics in the water treatment industry. Their industry-leading seven-year warranty on parts and labor, provided in writing, exceeds typical coverage periods and demonstrates confidence in their installation quality. The company also stays current with emerging technologies like Bryant mini-split systems and advanced water testing for parameters including pH levels, iron content, and water hardness.
Community involvement forms a significant part of Finken's corporate identity, with the company donating over 3,000 gallons of water to charity events since 2015. Their contributions support community races, school and church events, fire departments, and various nonprofits throughout Central Minnesota. The SCHEELS Earth Day Run represents one of their signature sponsorships, where they've provided over 750 gallons of water for hydration stations for 16 consecutive years. This community engagement strategy builds goodwill while providing practical support for local events requiring water services.
The technical expertise required for Finken's diverse services shows in their comprehensive water testing protocols, which evaluate hardness, softness, iron levels, and pH to customize treatment solutions. Their plumbing division handles both traditional repairs and modern installations including tankless water heaters and high-efficiency fixtures. The HVAC team manages everything from basic furnace maintenance to complex heat pump installations and indoor air quality improvements through duct cleaning and air purification systems. This technical breadth requires ongoing training and certification maintenance across multiple trade specialties.
For Minnesota homeowners and businesses seeking integrated home comfort solutions, Finken presents a compelling option with over 60 years of local experience and comprehensive service capabilities. Their evolution from a small water conditioning dealer to a multi-faceted home services company demonstrates adaptability and business acumen. While the lack of BBB accreditation might concern some customers, positive reviews and long-standing community presence suggest reliable service delivery. The combination of water treatment expertise, round-the-clock plumbing and HVAC services, and commitment to community involvement positions Finken as a significant player in Minnesota's home services market, offering the convenience of single-source solutions for multiple home comfort needs.






Business address
Finken
3423 County Road 74,
St. Cloud,
MN
56301
United States
Contact details
Phone: 320-258-2005