A Little About Us
Finest Auto Trim Inc. is a family-owned and operated business that’s been around for more than 60 years! Darin and Carmen Sorenson have owned the business since 2004. Darin’s parents, Oscar and Dell, owned the shop for almost 40 years. They had purchased a struggling business with the goal of turning it around while providing high-quality work for the Grand Forks and surrounding area. In the ’70s & ’80s, this industry was busy with typical seat repairs, “Ming” coating on the exterior of vehicles as well as undercoating to prevent rust.
Darin grew up helping out at Finest Auto Trim as a teenager and working at other local businesses. He attended UND majoring in Engineering. He will joke about how he didn’t get a degree there, but he did find Carmen. After realizing he had the skills and ability to do upholstery work, he started working here full-time in 1996. By working so many years in this business, he has seen all types of vehicles and worked on some pretty unique ones. Over the years, the upholstery industry has changed and evolved with technology. A great example of that is when Darin saw a need in the area with so many people enjoying area lakes & water sports, so he started making custom boat covers. Now he makes boat covers 9 months of the year. One thing remains a constant and that is repairing automotive seats, which we do on a daily basis.
Carmen grew up in the small town of Tower City, ND, which is located about 15 miles east of Valley City. She also attended UND and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology…and met Darin. She has worked at local businesses as well as having the opportunity (and busy job) of staying home with their 3 children for a few years. They have 2 daughters, Jordyn & Alex, and a son, Brody. All 3 are now adults & have graduated from college. Jordyn, Alex & her husband (Riley), all live & work in the Fargo area. Brody was recently married (to Madison) & is currently living near Minneapolis. The family also enjoys going to the lake, hunting, fishing and spending time with family & their furry family members, Pepper, Jersey & Beau.
Our Mission
We strive to provide the Grand Forks area with the highest-quality automotive and marine upholstery work including auto interior restoration, custom boat cover & boat interior repair as well as custom covers at affordable prices. For us, we’re not doing our jobs right if you’re not totally satisfied with your repairs.
Meet the Team
Darin - Owner & Lead Interior Specialist
He is the industry leader in the Grand Forks area. He has over 30 years of experience. He is the master behind the patterning table and sewing machine. He has an eye for detail and truly is a jack-of-all-trades, which is helpful in this business. Each vehicle is different and each project needs special attention. Darin is the guy you need to talk to if you have a unique upholstery project.
Carmen - Owner & Office Manager
Carmen started working at Finest Auto Trim when their youngest child started school. She wears many hats at the shop. She can give you an estimate on your project, order your parts, help you pick out colors & designs or schedule your appointment. She isn’t shy about showing you the many options you have for your upholstery projects. She’s been known to suggest a pop of color to any project!
Brody - Interior Specialist
Brody grew up in this business watching his dad & grandpa. As he got older, he started helping out when he could, mostly during the summers or during larger projects. After graduating from college, he has been working here while he is not playing baseball. He inherited the jack-of-all-trades gene, so this is a good fit for him, for now. He recently married Madison & lives in the Minneapolis area, but helps out when he can.
Brett - Interior Specialist
Brett started working here in 2021. He grew up in Grand Forks & is a local Fire Fighter. He works here when he isn’t fighting fires or saving people. He is a “car guy” through & through, so he is a great fit for this line of work. He’s got a great sense of humor and keeps the shop in a great mood. We appreciate his automotive knowledge, attention to detail & willingness to take on unique projects. He & Katie are enjoying married life with their dog, Suka.
Daniel - Interior Specialist
Daniel is our newest employee. He started in the spring of 2025. He is willing to take on any project we throw at him. He is a fire fighter as well, so when he is not fighting fires and helping people, he helps us out one day a week. He also does handy-man projects in his spare time. He is originally from California, but fell in love with a local gal who has kept him here. He and Maria are enjoying married life as well.