Sun Devil 100 honoree builds auto business rooted in trust and community

The Sun Devil 100 Class of 2025 features six exceptional alumni-led businesses based in California that collectively generated $615.1 million in revenue during the 2023 fiscal year.

Meet Kevin Emamian, one of the outstanding alumni recognized in this year’s class.

Kevin Emamian graduated from Arizona State University in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies, inspired by the words of former President Barack Obama who delivered the commencement address that year.

During a time of economic uncertainty, former President Obama urged graduates to find something they’re passionate about and build off that for a successful career. Resonating deeply with Emamian, this message would soon help shape the course of his professional journey. 

Today, Emamian is the CEO and co-founder of The Haus Auto, a California-based auto maintenance company that specializes in BMW, MINI Cooper and Rolls-Royce vehicles. He is a three-time honoree of the Sun Devil 100, an ASU Alumni Association program recognizing the top-performing, alumni-led businesses across the globe.

For Emamian, the Sun Devil 100 honor is both a recognition and a source of inspiration. He especially enjoys hearing from current ASU students on entrepreneurial panels, where he finds ingenuity in their energy and ideas, and connecting with fellow alumni entrepreneurs.

“It means a lot to me to see what other business leaders are trying to achieve, along with the goals they are trying to reach and the drive that’s behind it,” Emamian says. “It’s very motivating, and I’m so blessed to be part of it.”

The Haus Auto is now a thriving business, but Emamian’s path to entrepreneurship wasn’t always straightforward. After graduating, he landed a job in private jet sales, which brought him back to his hometown of Los Angeles. Through a family connection, he transitioned into car sales at a local dealership, where he developed critical industry knowledge and eventually met his future business partner.

In 2015, after scouting locations to bring his entrepreneurial vision to life, The Haus Auto officially opened its doors. From the beginning, the company focused on specialized service – a deliberate strategy to serve a niche market of customers who wanted high-quality care without relying on costly dealership services. For more than a decade, The Haus Auto has served this community right in Emamian’s own backyard.

“Los Angeles is the city I grew up in. It means the world to me to help my neighbors and people in the community,” he says.

Through years of diagnosing and repairing similar vehicles, The Haus Auto has developed a reputation of excellence, backed by warranties and a customer-first mindset.

“I stand by my products and my technicians,” Emamian affirms.

While automotive technology continues to evolve, Emamian and his team meet each new challenge with a mindset of learning and preparation. Newer vehicles typically aren’t seen until after their manufacturer warranties expire, usually around the two-year mark, giving Emamian’s team time to adapt.

“Some manufacturers don’t make it easy, but we’re able to overcome it with continuous research and training,” he says.

With passion and community at its core, The Haus Auto continues to drive forward as a business rooted in trust and the values that once inspired Emamian at ASU. 

To learn more about the Sun Devil 100 or view the Class of 2025 official revenue rankings, click here.