Protégé buys Perfect Auto Finish detailing shop in Roselle
While growing up, Kevin Traver would often watch as Gary Kouba detailed and worked on his cars in the driveway down the street.
Through the years, Kouba served as a mentor to Traver, now 24. About two months ago, Traver bought Kouba's business, Perfect Auto Finish in Roselle. The full-service detail shop operates at 954 W. Lake St.
When Traver was in high school, he helped Kouba detail cars. After graduating from Lake Park High School, he went on to DeVry University. Kouba helped him get a job at Fox Valley Motor Cars where he detailed high-end cars in an effort to better learn the industry.
He then followed Kouba, who works full-time for freight broker CH Robinson. Kouba was running Perfect Auto Finish on the side.
"Gary told me he was going to sell the business. I was interested," Traver said.
Traver said it's a perfect fit. "I was familiar with his process."
The entrepreneur said he's different than his competitors because of the quality control aspect. "I do all the work myself. I know it's being done right," he said.
He added that he uses a synthetic paint sealer that lasts about six months. Many shops use waxes that last about a month.
A full detail, including the interior, exterior, wheels, leather, carpets and engine cleaning is $225.
He also sells a line of cleaning products on this Web site, www.perfectautofinish.com.
Traver also plans to follow in Kouba's footsteps in offering seminars about how to take care of cars and why detailing is important. He'll also give tips for people who want to do their own detail work.
Traver said he has always been interested in cars. He owns a black 1997 Camaro SS show car that he bought when he was 17.
Traver resides in Carol Stream with his wife, Karla, who works at Coldwell Banker.
For more, call (630) 947-2090.
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