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About us

The Beginning of

Our Story

Chris’ love of the detail industry began as a teenager on Chicago’s south side. He detailed his mother’s orange Pinto for the use of the car and detailed other cars to make money for dates.

Thirty years later, there are a great many teenagers that could benefit from exposure to and training in the detail industry.

Reaching back for Chicago’s youth and giving back to the detail industry has been a driving force for Chris Evans for many years. A dream he discussed many times with his close friend and confidante, Robert Wrasman.

Chris is gone now but his legacy will live on through The Chris Evans Foundation and Training Institute.

Plans are currently underway to make his lifelong dream a reality.

Comprehensive Training
Job Placement Assistance
Entrepreneurship Support
Industry-Relevant Curriculum

The Christopher Evans Foundation aims to educate individuals in best practices in Detailing, Vehicle Appearance Improvements, and Safety on the job site, with a focus on at-risk youth and returning citizens in Chicago’s South and West sides.

Our foundation prepares them for entry-level employment or the opportunity to become entrepreneurs while addressing the understaffed and rapidly growing $14 billion detailing industry.

We strive to expand the qualified vehicle appearance workforce to meet the nationwide demand for detailers and service providers, ensuring a sustainable solution for years to come.

Join us in supporting our mission to empower individuals, enhance communities, and create economic opportunities through education and training.

Donate today to make a lasting impact on the lives of at-risk youth, returning citizens, and the future of the detailing industry.

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Chris has worked in the various parts of the industry such as:

  • Operations Consultant for Voss Chevrolet
  • Manager/ Consultant for Total Recon Solutions to gain the Tesla account
  • Operation Consultant for Russell Fischer car wash
  • Regional Operations Director for Pronto Wash
  • Lead Detailing Trainer for Majestic Solutions
  • Consultant to Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum

Our Management Team

Lorenzo Louden
Chairman of the Board
See Bio
Robert Wrasman
Volunteer Trainer
See Bio
Jacqueline Hawkins
Member
See Bio
Bernice
Berry
Member
See Bio
Mike
Rhimes
Member
See Bio
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Help put Chicago’s at risk youth to work, satisfying the staffing needs of todays Detail Industry!

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Lorenzo Louden was born in Little Rock Arkansas but grew up on the west side of Chicago, Illinois. He was raised in the foster care system until he was 14yrs old. Lorenzo grew up on the streets and endured a lot of hardship as a young teenager. As an adult, he believed that his past did not have to dictate his future, so he strived to be the best he could be. During a 17-year stay, courtesy of the Illinois prison system, he gained 4 degrees, including a bachelor’s degree in business. In 2005 Lorenzo started a non-profit organization called Tower of Refuge, dedicated to aiding, and assisting returning citizens. For the 10 years following, he and his team worked diligently to ensure that these individuals had the services and support they needed to make a smooth transition back to society. The organization had a 96% success rating over that 10-year period. Lorenzo, a noted motivational speaker, that had positively influenced the lives of hundreds of detainees, is also the published author of “A Soldier’s Redemption”, an autobiographical account of his life as a gangster. With a string of hugely successful entrepreneurial ventures in his wake, Lorenzo is currently the owner and CEO of Illini Construction & Waterproofing LLC and will provide governance and oversight to the Foundation as Chairman of the Board. Until Chris Evans passed away, Lorenzo was his highly respected, long-standing friend and mentor.
Robert (Bob) Wrasman, a forty-year veteran of the Detailing Industry, will serve as Senior Training Instructor & Industry Tech Support for the Foundation. Bob has many years of extensive hands-on knowledge in Detailing, expertise with both hard & soft paints and Bodyshop work. His many years in detailing product sales, provided him with extensive brand knowledge. His expertise and accomplishments have allowed him to work on some of the world’s most expensive quality cars and museum collections. Bob has been a member of the IDA (the International Detailing Association), for 9 years, achieving the status of industry Recognized Trainer. For years, Bob was an influential part of the Clark County D.A.R.E. Release Program. This program allowed detainees to learn and work in the detailing industry, servicing the county’s fleet, on a day-by-day basis in exchange for time being commuted off their sentence. This hugely successful program, not only taught inmates a new employable skill, but reduced their sentences saving tax-payer dollars, and significantly increased the value of fleet vehicles going to auction. Bob, a dedicated husband, and family man, widely known across the Detailing industry, serving as a friend and mentor to many, and father figure to a select few, will be a valued addition to Foundation operations.
Jacqueline Hawkins-Evans, former business partner and widow to the late Chris Evans, born, raised, and educated in London, England, will serve as Chief Executive Officer of the Chris Evans Foundation. She is a former law student, that holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and looks forward to completing her MBA. Over the past 25 years she has worked in multiple business sectors from health management, to finance, hospitality to non-profit. During her career, Jacqueline has served as a Business Consultant, a Workforce Development Chief Program Officer, and Grant Specialist for the State. Establishing the foundation and advancing its mission reflects the culmination of Chris’ life’s work and goals, a true labor of love.

Bernice Berry is a seasoned and accomplished professional in the automotive industry with a profound understanding of the automotive world, she has emerged as a trailblazer and leader. Throughout her career, Bernice has played pivotal roles in various aspects of the industry, from design and efficiency to marketing and sales. Her relentless pursuit of innovation and customer satisfaction has earned her a reputation as a visionary and results-driven executive.

Beyond her professional achievements, Bernice actively advocates for diversity and inclusion within the automotive industry. As a mentor and advocate, she strives to inspire and uplift aspiring individuals, to pursue successful careers in this industry.

With a portfolio of achievements and a passion for automotive excellence, Bernice continues to shape the automotive industry and pave the way for a brighter, more innovative future.

Tinting initially was a necessity to put food on the table. Then it became a passion.  She shares her passion and skills.  Sharing her story helps motivate others by showing them how she came out of poverty with 2 children in tow.  
Bernice is very excited about the opportunity to expand on what she is doing now but at a grander scale.  Educating others on how to grow their business and skill level. Selling and closing more to increase their profit margin. 

Bernice has been in the auto industry for over 32 years, tinting over 3,000 vehicles. She is the Owner Operator of Pure Luxury Tint and Detailing Training Studio, where she is training others how to install Tint, paint protection film and vinyl wrap. In 2021, Bernice received the first award in the US for Female Detailer of the Year.

Mike has 16 years of experience which began as a dealership detailer, later graduating to a detail shop of his own. He has trained alongside Robert (Bob) Wrasman, Global Trainer for Car Brite and Chris Evans at multiple training events including one at The Gilmore Museum. Mike is the Co-Founder of Detailers of the Round Table, the Owner/Operator of Famously Fresh Detailing, and the Managing Detailer of Frontline Shine Inc. Mike is a member of the IDA (International Detailers Association), where he is recognized as a Certified Detailer and is Skills Validated. He is a Car Brite Brand Ambassador and a member of the training team. He is an Authorized Detailer of Sonax and a former National Trainer and Midwest Regional Rep for Liquid Armour Protective Coatings. Mike continues to demonstrate his commitment to the industry sharing his knowledge as a trainer, drawing on his years of experience and business savvy. He spends his spare time with his four children Addy, Karter, Kinsley, and Braedyn, his family, at local car shows or fishing.