California Repair Shop Owner Recognized by Alma Mater in Arizona

Kevin Emamian, owner of a Mini Cooper and BMW repair shop in Sherman Oaks, California, was honored by his alma mater, Arizona State University (ASU), for launching a successful, fast-growing business, reports the Santa Monica Daily Press.

Following the loss of an athletic scholarship due to an injury, Emamian found ASU and was enamored with its campus. Now, his business, the Haus, has two locations in Sherman Oaks, with this year marking the brand’s 10-year anniversary.

ASU’s annual awards program recognizes the fastest growing organizations led or owned by an alumnus by inducting them as members of that year’s graduating class. Companies are judged on significant percentage increase in gross sales and revenue from the past three years, and are eligible to place in one of three financial tiers, ranging from $250,000 to $10 million-plus.

After seeing his best friend receive that honor back in 2022, Emamian became determined to achieve the same. He was nominated last year, placing 16 in the $250k-$1.99 million tier. 

To qualify for a second consecutive year in a higher tier, a business must demonstrate a specific rate of growth. This year, the Haus came in at number 30 in the $2 million-$9.99 million tier out of over 40 competitors.

“I think it might be a little while before I’m able to compete in the top category,” Emamian told Santa Monica Daily Press with a laugh. “But it is truly an honor to be acknowledged by my university, which takes pride in nurturing both current and future entrepreneurs.”