A Tribute to My Dad...Finish Line: Past, Present, and Future

[Dawn@FinishLine]

I was only 12 when I met my dad. Most people meet their dad much sooner I suppose. He married my mom and for the most part filled a role that was left void in my life for many years. He taught me about cars, how to shoot, how to drive, how to fish, how to love and respect speed and power, manners and etiquette, paid for my wedding and walked me down the aisle. Yeah… I’m a girl.

I was about 14 or 15 when he first pulled this strange thing I soon learned was called a chasis into our garage. He told me to just watch and wait and I would see. So I watched and waited and boy did I see. Enzo built his first cobra right there in our one car garage in South Florida with a zero lot line property. He would arrive home from work every day at 6pm after an hour drive through heavy downtown traffic and head straight to the garage. Weekends were the same. Watching that car come together was impressive I’ll admit, but Enzo's attention to detail was even more impressive. When a part would arrive he wouldn’t just install it. He would inspect it, study it and quite often improve upon it. Perfect it even. And if they didn’t have the part he wanted or could afford…..then he made it himself.

I remember when it was finally done (knowing full well now that they are never really "done") and we would go to shows. I rode my motorcycle alongside his Cobra. I am not sure what was worse for my mom (Paula)…..riding with Enzo or watching her daughter ride alongside her, knowing full well that we would both crave speed at some point along the way.

I remember Enzo helping so many other people in the cobra community at shows and on forums during that time and I remember his frustration that the parts and support weren’t available as readily as they could be. He talked for years about changing that in the Cobra industry. And then, when I was 21…..he did it. It started right there in our garage with just a few parts…just like his first cobra did. And I saw that same attention to detail and that same commitment to improvement.

Finish Line moved from our garage to a warehouse where it still is today. Within a few years and Enzo put his stamp of excellence on the Cobra community. He helped lots of guys build their cars. Not the fun way by getting in there and rubbing elbows during the build. But rather by sitting on the phone and spending hours helping guys who needed it and by investing and stocking more and more parts so they would be accessible in one place. Many great years went by like this. I was always always impressed.

Almost 5 years ago Enzo was diagnosed with aggressive cancer. Many of you remember. At that time I also had a 9-year old son (Enzo’s grandson) who was also battling aggressive cancer. CJ told his poppa Enzo when he was diagnosed, “Welcome to the club that no one wants to join.”

Many of you on the forums reached out and encouraged our family and Finish Line during that time. Thank you. Two years later it was bitter sweet when my son CJ was declared a survivor in remission while Enzo’s battle ended sadly and differently. That was three years ago.

My mom (Paula) and other family members have tried to keep Finish Line going ever since. Recently, I came in to help my mom make some hard decisions that many business owners have to face after losing their owner, leadership and hard times. There were several options available to her. Some of which would have done nothing to benefit the cobra community but it would have benefited mom. She could sell and walk away with money in her pocket and peace that she did her best. That option was on the table. But she didn’t do that….because of you!

She looked at all her options and said, “I want to give the inventory to the car community at a reduced rate. So guys that want to build can build. Guys who have been waiting and dreaming of buying those parts can do it now.” And she started big! Way bigger than even I expected. 50% OFF ALL inventory! It was her way of saying thank you for being customers and supporters of Finish Line all these years especially when she had to step out and taker care of her dying husband, its founder. It was her way of looking out for you guys and not just herself as we discuss the future of Finish Line in the industry.

So, for those of you that have expressed your deep thanks for the sale, thank my mom, Paula. For those of you that are frustrated with the process, don’t worry… you will be able to get it at full price very soon from another vendor who may get it to you faster and with less mistakes. For those of you that are enjoying being able to get parts and customize your cobra the way you want…..thank my dad….Enzo. He made this all possible.

As for Finish Line…. we honestly don’t know yet. After talking with so many of you during this sale we are rethinking its future. Most of you beg us to stay and it has made us rethink that maybe the cobra community still needs us more than we realized. We are deciding what that would look like. What parts would be a must to carry and make available to you. How to still do it with excellence but alleviate mom at this stage in her life. We want her to be free to enjoy all her hard work and not sitting in a warehouse from 6am to 7pm anymore. So enjoy the sale and we will let you know what we decide after. We welcome your opinions.

[legenmetals]

Thank you.

[Mr Jody]

Originally Posted by Dawn@FinishLine

....He taught me about cars, how to shoot, how to drive, how to fish, how to love and respect speed and power, manners and etiquette, paid for my wedding and walked me down the aisle.....

Yes....he wasn't just someone you called Dad, he was indeed your Dad. What a wonderful tribute Dawn.

[my427cobra]

Beautifully said Dawn. Your life has been blessed and will continue that way with the attitude and love you express.

Thank you and Paula for your committment to our hobby.

Greg

[Varmit]

Outstanding, very very touching.

[HealeyRick]

Dawn,

As a non-Cobra owner, I only made one purchase from FinishLine, but I remember it clearly. I was interested in using the 289 Cobra lift-for-reverse shift lever on my T5 transmission but wasn't sure it was the correct height for my Austin-Healey. When I called and spoke to Enzo, he politely told me to hold on while he got one out of stock and took the measurements I needed to determine the lever would work. That little bit of customer service made a big impression on me and even more later when I learned Enzo was battling cancer at the time. It seems sort of trivial, but his kindness came through on the phone that day.

Wishing your family the best in whatever road you take.

[Murky781]

Whatever decision you and your family make, may it bring you the happiness you deserve and enrich your lives the way your family and their business have enriched the cobra community. Thank you

[rodneym]

Class act, all the way. There aren't many in this hobby.
Best of luck with either decision!

[crenbbf]

Originally Posted by Murky781

Whatever decision you and your family make, may it bring you the happiness you deserve and enrich your lives the way your family and their business have enriched the cobra community. Thank you

I couldn't have put it better myself

It sounds like you and Enzo were in the same position then as I am with my my son regards the Cobra journey.

Big difference is you guys have done all the hard work for us.

If you decide not to continue that's great you have done more than your fair share to help many a build journey.

If you decide to carry on rest assured you will be helping many many more

All the best to you and your mum (mom) and of course all at Finish Line

Kiel and Duncan

[KirkV]

Thank You a very nice tribute...... I have to sit down tonight and order a few things at 50% off

Thanks Again

[mln385]

What can be said......you and your mom are a class act!!! You are appreciated don't ever forget it! Wish you the best for the future where ever it leads you and the decision you make.

[Buzz]

Sometimes the greatest gift you can give a parent is to remember them with love and appreciation for all they did, tried to do and hoped to do for you while you were growing up. That was a touching and beautiful tribute to Enzo. He was a good man and was more than fair in my dealings with Finishline.
Paula we also know to be a great person, and you, by your writing appear to be the same. A family of good people deserves to be happy, so do what is best for you. The Cobra community has been better for your participation, and we appreciate all that you've done. Give Paula a huge hug for us all and keep in touch, whether you decide to keep Finishline going or not. Thanks again and all the best.

[Jamo]

Dawn...your Dad has a great daughter that does him honor.

[twobjshelbys]

Originally Posted by rodneym

Class act, all the way. There aren't many in this hobby.
Best of luck with either decision!

After reading Dawn's post I was trying to think about what I would write. I can't say it any better than this.

Best.

[mickmate]

Hey Dawn however it pans out Enzo told me his drafting table is your sons drawing board ;-)
Best to you all with the decision, from a customer, vendor and friend of Finishlines.

[eschaider]

Your commentary was both elegant and heartfelt Dawn.

Your father was one of those special men that really made a difference. You and your Mom are chips off that old block. Thank you for being there for so many of us to lend that helping hand.

I could not agree more with your observation about liberating your Mom from the day to day business so she can enjoy her retirement years. Whatever your family's decision with respect to the future of Finishline it is infact yours and no one else's.

I do think it would be wonderful to see Finishline transcend your Dad's lifespan sort of a fitting tribute and not unlike the Shelby operation transcending Shelby's lifespan.

All the best, whatever you folks decide and thank you once again for always being there ...


Ed

[Bernica]

What a great tribute. I can say that Enzo and Finish Line have been there for me on many occasions. For that and everything you all have done for us, Thank You. I'm sure Enzo is looking down and beaming with pride.

God Bless.

[Ron61]

Dawn,

That was a great tribute and one well deserved. I first ordered from Finishline way back in the early 90s or late 80s and talked to your Father about some things that I wasn't sure of. He went out of his way to help me and one thing didn't fit so he took it back with no problem and sent me the next size which did fit. I hope that you will decide to stay open, but either way I wish you and the whole family all the best and God bless all of you.

Ron

[Sailfish]

A very personal and classy eulogy for a classy guy. You've done him proud. For selfish reasons I hope that Finishline continues. Regardless, all the best to you and your family.

[Dennis Mosley]

What Sailfish said!!!!