In 1979, Hinsey opened his highly respected professional painting company suitably named Hinsey’s Pro Paint. Shortly thereafter he found himself in a position where he was asked to teach Custom Painting at Ivy Tech. Bad Dad Custom Motorcycle Finishes opened early in the year 2000 as a small division of Hinsey's Pro Paint. Bad Dad started as an outlet for combining creativity and a passion for motorcycles through custom motorcycle painting.

To say that Hinsey’s company has experienced impressive development in the past few years would be a gross understatement. With over 350 new users to their website each day, the creativity exposed by Hinsey and his crew of highly capable men and women has been the perfect formula for success and yes…education.

Of the nine employees of Hinsey’s Pro Paint and its Bad Dad division, six are current or past students of Ivy Tech Community College. “Ivy Tech students have a much better work ethic,” Hinsey explains of his desire to continually hire Ivy Tech students. It was clear while interviewing Hinsey that he respects his team and is incredibly proud to be a part of giving them an avenue to develop their creativity, practical experience and team building skills.

Stephen Wiggins, Matt Anderson, Teresa Bodle, Ana Jack and Jacob Hinsey are the current and past students Hinsey considers to be some of the key members of his Bad Dad family. The pride he feels for each employee is obvious and understandable as you get to know each individual.

Wiggins, a current student, is acquiring his certification in Automotive Repair Technology and feels that he is learning a great deal through the practical experience Bad Dad is providing.

Anderson, also a current student and candidate for certification in Automotive Repair Technology, enjoys being able to do this type of custom paint work.

Bodle began her education at Ivy Tech in 1985. Due to various life events, she was led back to school a year and a half ago and found she was close to completing an associate degree in business administration. Bodle was a member of a local Harley Davidson owners group and was desiring some custom work done on her own motorcycle (2000 Electric Glide), which led her to Hinsey and Bad Dad’s inaugural development of their wide back end style. She is also the Region Director for ABATE (American Bikers Aimed Toward Education) of Indiana, which is a not-for-profit, safety, educational, charitable and advocacy motorcyclist organization. Its aims are to promote safety, protect rights and help others.

Jack, who begins her education with Ivy Tech this summer, plans on earning an associate degree in mathematics and will continue her educational pursuit, desiring a bachelor's degree. With a smile on her face she beams as she explains how much she likes working with Hinsey and the rest of the team.

Hinsey’s son, Jacob, has finished his education at Ivy Tech and, by the time this article goes to press, will be at Officers Training School for the United States Marine Corps in Quantico, VA. He will return to the area this fall where he intends on finishing a bachelor's degree in business administration at Tri-State before returning to Quantico for six more months of training.

As you can see, the members of the Bad Dad family have their sights set on education and careers. It’s no wonder why Hinsey is so proud of them.

To learn more about Bad Dad, you may visit their website at www.baddad.com or call them directly at (260) 407-2000. They are located at 630 High Street in Fort Wayne, Indiana.