Tom Kokinchak

“The first car I ever restored was a 1900 Skene Tiller Steer Car. I put so much work into it; the end result was especially beautiful.”

What’s your role at M. S. Herman & Company?

I’m the guy that reworks or makes all the parts, from bolts to crankshafts. What I find so satisfying about my work is that every day is different. You wouldn’t think of parts manufacturing as artistry, but it is. I enjoy the challenge and working with the team to make the cars whole and functional.

How did you come to work at M. S. Herman & Company?

I’ve known Mark Herman since high school. And I had been making steam engines since I was a kid, which is how I learned to machine parts. I took drafting at Abbott Tech High School in Danbury, Connecticut and from there spent many years in the drafting field. Mark contacted me and asked me to make some parts for a Stanley car he was restoring, and here I am.

What was your favorite project?

I have two. The first was the first car I ever restored. It was a 1900 Skene Tiller Steer Car. I put so much work into it; the end result was especially beautiful. My second favorite was a 1913 Stanley model 87. We took it back to its owner, who drives it often and displays it in his wonderful collection in Michigan.