Tint World Torrance Franchise Owners Build Automotive Legacy Through Passion and Community Focus

Armin and Michelle Barandeh have transformed their lifelong passion for automobiles into a thriving business venture with the opening of Tint World® of Torrance, California. The husband-and-wife team relocated from Atlanta to establish what they describe as the South Bay area's only true one-stop destination for automotive styling and protection services. Their decision to pursue franchise ownership emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic when they began rethinking work-life balance and long-term goals.

The Barandehs utilized a franchise broker to explore opportunities, ultimately selecting Tint World after two rounds of options. Armin, a lifelong car enthusiast, recognized the business as an ideal match for his passions. After initial discussions with the corporate team including CEO Charles Bonfiglio, they committed to the franchise despite no available territories in their home state of Georgia. This led them to pursue nationwide opportunities, ultimately selecting California for its rich car culture and community appeal.

Armin Barandeh's automotive passion dates back to childhood, describing the business opening as a childhood dream realized. His enthusiasm for vehicles began with toy cars before he could talk and evolved into modifying vehicles with window tint, audio systems, and maintenance. This personal connection to automobiles informs the business approach, with Armin noting that every vehicle has a story and memories attached to it. His role focuses on day-to-day operations and customer service, ensuring quality standards meet enthusiast expectations.

Michelle Barandeh brings financial planning and analysis expertise to the partnership, managing the business's financial operations while balancing a full-time career. The division of responsibilities allows each partner to leverage their strengths, with Michelle handling financial analysis, payroll, compliance, and administrative functions. This complementary approach enables the business to maintain operational excellence while pursuing strategic growth objectives. Their collaboration demonstrates how shared vision and specialized skills can create a strong foundation for entrepreneurial success.

Tint World Torrance offers comprehensive automotive services including window tint, paint protection film, vehicle wraps, ceramic coating, paint correction, wheel services, detailing, and audio system installations. The business positions itself as exceeding customer expectations through its extensive service catalog and spacious, clean facility. Customer feedback has highlighted surprise at the operation's scale and variety of offerings, with many noting they previously traveled significant distances for similar services.

The business has established important partnerships with local dealerships, a strategic move that supports growth while demonstrating commitment to quality. These collaborations help position Tint World Torrance as a provider of showroom-quality work, building trust within the automotive community. The dealership relationships form part of a broader expansion strategy that includes plans for a second location in Huntington Beach. The Barandehs envision potential growth into new territories and vertical expansion into mobile, commercial, and marine services.

Community integration has been a priority from the outset, evidenced by the grand opening celebration that included a car show, ribbon cutting, giveaways, and support for spcaLA. The event incorporated both community engagement and cause-driven elements, reflecting the owners' desire to be seen as neighbors and community members rather than just business operators. Their involvement with local organizations including the Chamber of Commerce demonstrates commitment to regional economic development and collaboration.

The national Tint World brand provides distinct advantages through its warranty program that transfers across locations, addressing a common concern for mobile customers. This nationwide support system, combined with the extensive service catalog covering automotive, marine, and commercial needs, differentiates the franchise from local competitors. The business model appeals to both everyday drivers seeking vehicle protection and serious enthusiasts pursuing customization.

As parents and entrepreneurs, the Barandehs view their business as both a family legacy and community asset. They hope to inspire their daughter by demonstrating passion-driven work and creating opportunities for future generations. The business has already fostered strong employee relationships, with the owners noting celebrations of birthdays and family events together. This family-oriented approach extends to customer interactions, creating an atmosphere where automotive enthusiasts feel understood and valued.

The Torrance location's success demonstrates how specialized automotive services can thrive when combining technical expertise with genuine passion. The Barandehs' story illustrates the potential for career transformation through franchise ownership, particularly when aligning business opportunities with personal interests. Their planned expansion into Huntington Beach suggests confidence in both the Tint World model and Southern California's automotive market, potentially creating additional employment opportunities and service access for car enthusiasts throughout the region.