Tag Archives: Christian Rinaldi

Roundup: State Soccer Champs, George Barrett & Brian Keane’s Music, Brian Claar’s Golf …W

Posted on November 17, 2025 | 4 comments

The Staples High School boys soccer team wrote their name into the program’s storied 67-year history book yesterday.

The Wreckers’ convincing 3-0 victory over Greenwich marks their 13th state championship since 1965. They became only the 7th Staples team to win the coveted double: state and FCIAC (league) crowns.

Gabe Duque knocked in Gabe Hellmann’s corner kick in the 15th minute. Dylan Shackelford’s header finished Adriano Carpi’s long free kick 15 minutes later. Adrian Rossoni added the third strike in the second half, from Noah Rossoni.

The win was accomplished with the trademarks coach Liam Witham’s squad has shown all year: great skill on the ball, a variety of offensive threats, airtight defense, high soccer IQ, speed, physicality, tremendous energy, passion and pride.

Congratulations to Westport’s newest champions! They’ve made generations of alumni proud, and inspired new generations of young fans.

The 2025 “LL” (extra large schools) state champs.

Head coach Liam Witham (right) with the trophy. (Photos/John Walker)

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And speaking of state soccer champions: George Barrett (who won those titles at Staples in 1971 and ’72), Brian Keane and a kick-ass band wowed a full Westport Library crowd yesterday.

The Staples High School Class of 1973 and ’71 graduates (respectively) have intriguing musical careers. Barrett has returned to performing and songwriting — his first love — after a long stint as a healthcare executive. Keane is a Grammy-winning producer.

Barrett shared tunes from his recently released album, along with creative covers of popular tunes. His homecoming was a rousing success.

They were joined by — among others — Barrett’s brother Dan, a classically trained cellist, and angel-voiced Sarah Gross.

They played for over 2 hours, following a Q-and-A with longtime music theater director Ben Frimmer.

Barrett — who performed at the Bitter End prior to his Library appearance — and Keane donated all proceeds to the Westport Library. (Hat tip: Les Dinkin)

George Barrett (center), Brian Keane (left) and bandmates, at the Westport Library. (Photo/Susan Garment) 

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Brian Claar is perhaps the greatest golfer in Staples High School history.

The 1976 graduate earned PGA Tour Rookie of the Year honors in 1986. In 2006, he became a PGA Tour Champion rules official. He retired last week.

The tour’s social media feeds were filled with praise. “The definition of integrity and organization,” one commenter wrote.

“One true gentleman,” another said. “The tour won’t be the same without you.”

Congratulations, Brian, on your service to your sport — and on your retirement.

Now you’ll have plenty of time to play golf! (Hat tip: Tom Kretsch)

Brian Claar

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Speaking of sports: The Staples boys and girls swimming and diving teams have a new scoreboard.

They say: “We are grateful to the Board of Education, superintendent of schools Tom Scarice, principal Stafford Thomas, athletic director VJ Sarullo, Westport Publici Schools CFO Elio Longo and director of facilities Ted Hunyadi, and girls swim captain’s parent Jodi Harris for their leadership in securing funding.

“This upgrade will greatly improve the quality and reliability of our meets, and it means a great deal to our athletes and coaches. We appreciate your commitment to our program, and your support for our swimmers and community.”

A message on the new scoreboard.

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Sustainable Westport is all about the environment. As part of their work, they advocate for, educate about, and promote recycling.

In all its forms.

This weekend, in conjunction with the Senior Center, they collected medical equipment. It will be passed on to the Wheel It Forward program.

For 2 hours, donors dropped off wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, commodes and more, at the Westport Woman’s Club.

It was used — but still quite usable.

And — in these days of soaring medical expenses — very, very welcome.

A small selection of donated used medical equipment.

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Christian Rinaldi — the Westport teenager who runs CK Mobile Car Detailings, offering superb, attentive and very professional services (washing, polishing exteriors, scrubbing interiors, steam cleaning, shampooing carpets and seats, and more) — has earned raves from customers.

Now he’s offering 25% off, for “06880” readers.

Email ckcardetailings@gmail.com, or text 203-725-4695 — and just mention “06880.”(Click here for the CK Mobile Car Detailings website. Click here for a story on Christian and his business.)

Christian Rinaldi (right) and Kyle Dulak, making another car shine.

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Speaking of cars: Rowene Weems spotted this car at the Post Road West/Wilton Road intersection — and managed to get a great photo of it.

(Photo/Rowene Weems)

I’m not sure if the owner will take care of Christian Rinaldi’s mobile detailing offer (item above).

But if he does, Christian will make it look even spiffier than this.

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Yesterday — for the second time in a week — we enjoyed a rainbow over Westport, without rain.

Michael Mossman spotted this one,

(Photo/Michael Mossman

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We’ve featured plenty of trees, filled with autumn foliage, as recent “Westport … Naturally” photos.

This one zooms in on just a couple of them. John Maloney’s shot shows that New England leaves are as pretty up close, as they are in a panorama.

(Photo/John Maloney)

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And finally … with a nod and a bow to the Staples boys soccer team’s powerful win (story above):

(Another glorious weekend in Westport. As always, you can read all about it — and everything else — here on “06880.” If you enjoy this  hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Entertainment, Library, Sports, Staples HS, Totally random

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Young Entrepreneurs Make Mobile Car Care Shine

Posted on July 17, 2025 | 5 comments

The last time we checked in with Christian Rinaldi and Kyle Dulak, the Westport teenagers were running a thriving car detailing business.

They washed, polished exteriors, and scrubbed interiors (including steam cleaning, and shampooing carpets and seats, among many other services).

They used a foam cannon and pressure washer — not a hose — and earned raves from customers.

They still do all that — and much more. Since that story ran, they’ve gone into overdrive.

 

Christian Rinaldi (right) and Kyle Dulak, showing off their work. (Photo/Ryan Allen)

Christian — who founded CK Mobile Car Detailings — has upped their game by training with Steven Vitaliani of Fairfield’s Auto Spa. He has taken his mentor’s generous help to heart.

(Steven just wants to help young people, Christian says. And, he points out, the Auto Spa is on-site in Southport, while Christian and Kyle travel to customers’ homes.)

Christian and Kyle now offer 3 packages: Bronze, Diamond and F1 (click here for details).

Add-on options include engine bay, black trim and/or leather restoration, and paint correction.

The pair have an extensive checklist. They double-check every item, making sure nothing is missed.

“I’ve learned a lot of business skills by communicating with customers,” Christian says.

It shows. When he came to my condo — wearing his CK-branded shirt — he handed me his business card, clearly explained the process, and asked if I had any questions.

I know many Westport companies that could hire Christian to teach employees about customer service.

A customer recently asked, “Can you just make it look nice?”

Of course, Christian replied. But, he said, he and Kyle are committed to cleaning every crevice.

Christian works on the interior of my car …

Christian knows that his prices are higher than some car washes, which also offer detailing.

But, he says, he has invested thousands of dollars in equipment.

In addition, he notes, “they don’t maintain their materials.” He handwashes every thing — including buckets — with hot water and soap, every night. He uses a special detergent for his towels.

Christian refills all his chemicals regularly. He says he has learned a lot about math, working with dilutions.

He uses top-grade products for everything — and eco-friendly, safe cleaning solutions.

… and the exterior. When he was done, he got rid of all the soapy water.

Customers are delighted with CK’s services. “They really like and respect our work,” Christian says. “That means a lot.”

He and Kyle are hustling. They work hard for their money. They pour some of it back into their company. Materials are expensive, and Christian recently bought a large crate that keeps everything organized.

Some of Christian’s earnings may go toward his next business venture: his own wrapping and tinting shop.

But for now, it’s all detailing, all the time.

No job is too big, or too small. Every one gets the same professional attention,  from very professional teenagers Christian Rinaldi and Kyle Dulak.

(Click here for the CK Car Mobile Car Detailings website. All bookings are done online.)

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Posted in Local business, Teenagers

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Christian & Kyle: Teens Detail Their Lives

Posted on October 30, 2024 | 5 comments

Christian Rinaldi and Kyle Dulak pay attention to detail.

The Staples High School seniors have all the usual responsibilities: academics, sports, social lives.

But they also run CK Car Detailings. Since the summer they’ve washed, polished the exteriors, and scrubbed the interiors, of over 70 vehicles.

Virtually all of their customers have been delighted. (One was not — even after they returned a second time. But that was her issue. She didn’t even have access to water for them.)

Christian Rinaldi (left) and Kyle Dulak, on the job.

Car detailing is more than a job for the longtime friends. It is their passion.

“It’s almost therapeutic for me,” says Kyle.

“I wake up Saturday morning ready to detail,” Christian adds. “It doesn’t feel like work. I’m happy. And I’m doing it with my best friend.”

(Being a teenager, Kyle once slept through his alarm. Christian drove over and walked into his room to wake him.)

The business was Christian’s idea. His father has a Mustang, and Christian has always been a car guy. “They’re inanimate objects, but they bring me a lot of happiness,” he says.

He bought a Golf, and went to work: modified exhaust, down pipe, window tints, bucket seats. He paid for it all himself.

The money comes from his and Kyle’s hard work. Their interior detailing includes taking out the mats, vacuuming, removing stains, steam cleaning, shampooing carpets and seats, then wiping the steering wheel, dash and windows.

A very clean interior … 

They use a foam cannon and pressure washer — not a hose — on the exterior (including of course the wheels and rims).

Christian and Kyle bought all their equipment themselves. This is very much their business. They have figured it out, all along the way.

They watch “countless” YouTube videos on detailing, and have gone to the library.

… along with one shiny exterior …

In the beginning, they practiced on family cars. They still use those vehicles to test new materials.

The boys guarantee 100% satisfaction. “If you want a touch-up, or we missed a spot, we’ll come back to you,” Christian says.

They’ve learned a lot. For example: Minivans are the toughest vehicles to clean, because they’re used every day to haul kids.

They learned the importance of pleasing their customers, too. Happily, Christian says, “people respect our hustle. We get a lot of tips.”

They do hustle. They work 3 days a week after school — and after Christian’s soccer and Kyle’s basketball practice. They’ve done up to 8 cars on a weekend.

One night this summer, they worked until 11.

… and another.

“I’m a big car guy,” Christian — who is Staples’ varsity goalkeeper, and hopes to open his own garage one day — says. “I want to learn all about them.”

Kyle — a basketball player who also draws and plays guitar — notes, “Making a dirty car spotless, you feel good about yourself.”

“To a lot of people, their car is their second home,” Christian says. “It’s where they spend a lot of time. Our customers give us permission to get inside that home. It’s a big responsibility.”

Tires and rims are looking good.

It’s easy to bash the work ethic of today’s teenagers, or to say “kids don’t know what it’s like to have a real job.”

It’s also easy to excuse them for not working; hey, they’ve got too much on their plate already.

Christian Rinaldi and Kyle Dulak prove otherwise.

Just ask them for details.

(Christian and Kyle charge $65 for a sedan or coupe, $85 for an SUV or minivan, and $100 for a truck or commercial van. They also offer add-ons, like headlight and black trim restoration, ceramic coating with 2-year protection, engine bay renewal, odor removal, and shampooing seats and carpets.

(You can email them at ckcardetailings@gmail.com, call 203-725-4695, and follow them on Instagram: @c_kdetailing.)

Engine bay renewal is one of my great options.

(“06880” often highlights impressive teenagers, and local businesses. Sometimes they intersect. Please click here, to help us continue this important coverage. Thank you!)

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Posted in Local business, Staples HS, Teenagers, Transportation

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