Meet Brian Bistagne

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brian Bistagne and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brian, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My family has been in the auto industry for almost 80 years. Bistagne Bros. Body Shop was established in 1946, one of the longest lasting family owned businesses still standing in Glendale, CA.

I wanted to create my own lane within the industry, and offer services of automotive protection using materials that my family has yet to explore among all the decades they’ve been in business. The goal was to offer my services and installs at the highest level of standards, and relate to the automotive community by backing it with a last name that has been at the foundation for almost a century.

Therefore, Mint Auto Films was established in 2023.

Having over 15 years experience at the Body Shop, I have observed numerous protection film installs that never really seemed up to our standards. Simply put, I sought to learn as much as I could about the new materials. Quickly becoming certified by one of the most reputable manufacturers, and I believed that I could put out a product that people can trust, servicing high end cars in our community.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My business specializes in restoring and protecting the condition of high end vehicles. The materials that I use are top in their class, and I believe in their performance. In todays economy and market, vehicles are proving to be a huge asset. Protecting their integrity proves to add value during their lifespan, whether they be garaged collectables or daily drivers.

I am the third generation at Bistagne Bros Body Shop. Over all the years involved in this industry, you quickly learn that it is an art on so many levels. The goal always seems to be chasing perfection. There will always be challenges to exceed expectations and keep raising the bar. Once you become familiar with how valuable the level of “perfect” is in the automotive industry, you gain more appreciation for the art itself. A lot of pride and man hours go into it as many may know, and none of it is ever as easy as it seems. The proud moments come when the customers or clients recognize the level of the craft, maybe even vocalizing their appreciation, or sending you referrals.

Personally, my path into the auto industry made a few stops along the way. As a kid I was fortunate enough to have a father who was interested in baseball. I took to the sport at a very young age, and was obsessed. Actually the truth is, I wanted nothing to do with the whole auto scene, I wanted to be a professional baseball player. Lucky enough to have support from my parents, I was able to pursue this path as long as I could. After four years of college baseball, including two college world series tournaments, I ended up playing ball at professional levels for almost a decade. Unfortunately after the passing of my parents due to illness, I decided to hang the cleats up, and come help the family back in the auto industry.

There were numerous life lessons that I took from the baseball field, that directly related to life and my business endeavors. Taking risks, believing in yourself, and bouncing back from failures always seem to be at the top of the list no matter what industry you’re in.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Huge shoutout to my family who is always nothing short of supportive through every adventure. Unfortunately my parents have passed away, but they deserve the most credit for setting an example at home and in the community. Developing our mindsets to pursue goals, stay motivated, and treat others as you would want to be treated.

Website: https://mintautofilms.com

Instagram: @mintautofilms

Facebook: Brian Bistagne