mary mckenzie henkel
Mary Henkel (b.1910 d. 2001) was a lifelong resident of Winchester, Virginia. She studied at the Parsons School of Interior Design in New York and later at Winchester Business School. She, her husband Carroll H. Henkel, and John Harris established the Henkel Harris Co. in 1946. Harris soon sold his share to them, and Mary and "Henk" together persevered to develop their company from a very small start to its present highly respected position in the furniture industry.
Tragically, Carroll died in 1969, leaving Mary to pilot the growing and successful company on her own. By her industry intelligence and "grit," and by meticulously following his principles, she carried it onward to even greater prominence. Their son Bill was able to assume the presidency in 1982 and Mary became chairman of the board.
Mary Henkel was elected to the Board of Directors of the Southern Furniture Manufacturers Association (now AFMA), the first woman to receive such an honor. She has established scholarships for students interested in careers in the furniture industry including the Carroll H. Henkel Memorial Scholarship Fund at North Carolina State University. She is a director of The Bernice Bienenstock Furniture Library in High Point.
Mary's sincere desire was that everyone remember that it was her own and Carroll's drive, business ability and will to succeed together that created their company and led to its leading position in the furniture industry today. Any honor bestowed is shared as teammates, best friends and loving partners.