In the early 1940s Ray F. Finch of Syracuse, New York was appointed by John Deere Company to become the General Manager of a new John Deere regional branch house in Baltimore, Maryland.  In addition to Ray F. Finch’s General Manager position in Baltimore, he held the position of Vice President of the John Deere Plow Company.

In 1945 with the help of Ray Finch, his son Alvah and his wife Catherine O’Brien Finch, the first John Deere Dealership was established.  This first dealership was located in the Grange Hall at Medford, Maryland on Route 31 west of Westminster.  Along with John Deere farm equipment: surge milkers, appliances, and other household items were sold.

In 1952 the Medford dealership relocated to John Street in Westminster, Maryland.  At that time, household appliances were deleted and the focus became sales and service of farm equipment.

Three years later, after completing services in the U.S. Air Force, William O’Brien Finch returned to the family business.  It was his leadership, energy and foresight that initiated the Finch Companies’ corporate growth into the next several decades.

The John Deere Company began manufacturing and marketing lawn and garden equipment in 1962.  These products quickly became an integral part of Finch Services.

Expansion continued in 1974 when the John Deere agricultural contract for Hanover, Pennsylvania became available.  Finch Services-Hanover was established and continued to market strictly agricultural products for the next 14 years.

In September 1981, Finch Services-Westminster located on Route 97, Littlestown Pike in Westminster, Maryland became the corporate headquarters.  Opportunities to expand in 1987 continued with John Deere’s introduction of golf course and specialized turf maintenance equipment.  Finch Services began promoting sales to golf courses, commercial, and governmental agencies in a six state area.

Finch Services-Eldersburg opened for operation in June of 1990.  This facility focused on servicing residential and commercial lawn and garden markets in southern Carroll County, Howard County and western Baltimore County.

Through the late 1980s and early 1990s the Finch Companies’ corporate growth was enhanced by the addition of a multitude of other major product lines and business diversifications.

In 1989 Finch Services-Hanover began to market Kubota’s full line of equipment.  In 1991, a full line of rental equipment was purchased and Finch Hanover expanded into the rental business and became a dealer for many construction products.

In 1993, the Finch Companies continued its diversification with the addition of Honda power equipment products in all three of the retail operations: Westminster, Hanover and Eldersburg.  In the same year, Finch Services-Hanover added the Melroe Bobcat Skid Loaders and Excavator lines.  In 1995, Finch Services-Hanover added the Cub Cadet product line and Cub was later added to the Eldersburg facility.

In 1990, the governmental and turf markets warranted opening a facility in Eastern Pennsylvania, just outside Philadelphia.  Finch Services-North Huntingdon, outside of Pittsburgh, was opened in July 1998 to serve the western Pennsylvania and West Virginia markets.  Finch Turf Equipment represents the single largest market and growth opportunity for the Finch Companies.

In January 2005, Finch Services purchased a John Deere consumer, commercial, and hardware dealership in Hanover, Pennsylvania.  The Hanover location now markets outdoor power equipment, agricultural and light industrial products, as well as hardware, stoves, and appliances.

Today, Finch Services continues to add, remove and service product lines as needed depending on local market conditions.

The Finch family has expanded into the business as well. In addition to William O’Brien Finch, sons Brad, Dann and Ray have been instrumental in initiating and managing the ongoing expansion and diversification of the company.

In January 2006 the various companies reorganized into two divisions; Finch Services, Inc. and Finch Services-Hanover Rental with the following Corporate Officers:

• Ray Finch – President

• Dann Finch – Vice President

• Brad Finch – Secretary and Treasurer

The Finch family has been blessed to have a dynamic group of Co-Workers and a talented management team which have enabled the corporations to experience many successes and achievements.  To our past and present Co-Workers, we are forever grateful.

The Finch Family