Contact: Ross Timyan, Owner, 616.292.6754, [email protected]
Grand Rapids – Ross Timyan, owner of Crystal Clean Auto Detailing, was awarded the 2011 Young Entrepreneur of the Year by the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce at May 18’s EPIC Awards. EPIC stands for Entrepreneurial, Progressive, Innovative andCollaborative. The event recognized businesses and individuals that support the community, demonstrate growth, are innovative, and have worked with others as mentors and collaborators.
Crystal Clean Auto Detailing began when Ross started selling vehicles on eBay at 15 although, it wasn’t officially established as a company until 2007 when they opened their first location off 28th Street in a two stall garage. During the three and a half years since Crystal Clean has grown and expanded into a thriving organization servicing over 30 automotive dealership accounts as well as thousands retail customers in the local Grand Rapids area. They have moved twice since then with the latest expansion a little over one year ago at 3413 Eastern Ave SE, into a 40,000 Sq. Ft. former factory that has been renovated into a detailing warehouse. Crystal Clean currently employs 40 people and had revenue in 2010 over $900,000. Crystal Clean was named a winner for the Innovation Michigan Award in 2010 because of its vehicle photography studio and its “airport valet” service. Last November, Timyan was selected by Grand Rapids Business Journal as the youngest member of its 40 Under 40 Business Leaders.
The vehicle photography studio was one of the first of its kind and represented a breakthrough with dealer customers because it put used cars into a studio-like environment, versus the crowded and sometimes weather-affected setting of a car lot, where such photos often are normally taken. “It’s very convenient for the dealership customers because before the car gets back on the lot, the photos of it are already online” said Timyan.
Their innovative “Airport Valet Service” has given customers a convenient option to have their vehicle detailed while they are away on a trip with no parking fees, sometimes the savings in parking costs can cover a big chunk of the detailing cost. This unique service gives us a competitive advantage over our competition and has lifted the reputation and awareness of our detailing services to the general public.