Armin and Michelle Barandeh, the husband-and-wife team behind Tint World® of Torrance, California, have turned their lifelong passion for cars into a thriving business. In a recent Q&A, they shared insights into their journey, the importance of community, and their vision for the future.
Inspired by the desire for greater work-life balance during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Barandehs explored franchise opportunities. After two rounds of options, Armin instantly connected with Tint World. “As a car enthusiast that’s always built on, taken care of, and enjoyed spending time in and around cars, Tint World was the one-stop shop that would allow him to fulfill his passion and dreams,” Michelle explained. After speaking with CEO Charles Bonfiglio, they knew it was the right fit.
Initially based in Atlanta, they decided to relocate to California after touring the South Bay area. “Seeing so many car lovers in the Torrance and surrounding area, lots of automotive-related businesses and a welcoming community made us feel right at home,” they said. They moved cross-country to begin the location search and permitting process.
Armin, a lifelong car enthusiast, described opening the store as a “childhood dream” come true. “Cars have always been a big part of my life,” he said. “Every vehicle has a story, and memories are made with it. Taking care of your car is a way of keeping these memories alive.” Michelle brings her background in financial planning and analysis to oversee the store’s financial and administrative functions, while Armin manages day-to-day operations and customer service.
Tint World Torrance offers a range of services including window tint, paint protection film (PPF), wraps, ceramic coating, paint correction, wheels, detailing, and more. “We’re Tint World, but that doesn’t even begin to cover the variety of services we offer,” they noted. The store has received positive feedback from the community, with customers surprised by the shop’s size and cleanliness. Some guests had previously driven over an hour for similar services.
The Barandehs have established partnerships with local dealerships, a key part of their growth strategy. “Working hand in hand with long-standing local dealerships shows our commitment to quality and support,” they said. The grand opening celebration included a car show, ribbon cutting, giveaways, and support for spcaLA. “We wanted to display that we’re not just business owners, we’re your neighbor, your friend, your family,” they explained.
Looking ahead, they plan to expand into Huntington Beach. “We’d love to see where the brand takes us,” they said. “The options are endless from expanding into new territories to expanding vertically into mobile, commercial and marine branches.” As entrepreneurs and parents, they hope to build a legacy for their daughter. “We want to build something that sets our daughter up for success whether she follows our vision or uses it to find her own,” they stated.
Learn more about Tint World of Torrance at Tint World Torrance.
