“I was taking engines apart before I could even pronounce the word ‘engineering’ correctly,” smiles Vitalii Tkachenko. Today, his name is known not only among professionals but also among entrepreneurs, environmentalists, and transportation policy experts. His journey is a story of how passion, discipline, and belief in one’s mission can turn a boy from Donetsk into a leader of an entire industry in the United States.
The First Steps: From Garage to Engineering Achievements
The future entrepreneur grew up in a family where cars were part of everyday life. Together with his father, he spent hours tinkering with old Soviet engines, learning each part and every system. This fascination quickly became a calling: Vitalii entered a technical college, then earned a degree in automotive engineering, and later a second degree in finance.
One of his early milestones came during a national engineering competition in Ukraine, where he won second place with a fully hydraulic three-wheeled vehicle. It was more than just a student project — it was proof of his engineering mindset and his ability to combine innovation with practical outcomes.
The American Chapter: Building a Nationwide Business
After moving to the United States, Vitalii did not take the easy route. He founded The Guaranteed Best Choice, a company that now generates over $5 million in annual revenue and operates nationwide. The firm specializes in restoring vehicles damaged in accidents or natural disasters, turning “written-off” cars into safe, certified, and affordable means of transportation.
Under his leadership, a network of 12 specialized subcontractor teams has been built: body repair experts, painters, electronics specialists, and diagnosticians. Vitalii calls them his “restoration orchestra,” where everyone plays their part, and together they create a “new life” for vehicles.
An Environmental Mission
For Tkachenko, business is not just about money. His philosophy is simple: “The greenest car is the one that already exists.” Manufacturing a new car leaves a massive carbon footprint, while professional restoration reduces emissions by 80–90%.
Each year, his company saves hundreds of cars from landfills, preventing millions of tons of waste from entering the environment. “We’re not just repairing metal,” he says, “we’re reducing emissions, creating jobs, and giving people access to affordable mobility.”
National Recognition
Today, his business spans more than 20 states. He collaborates with dozens of suppliers and service providers, holds all necessary licenses and certifications (including ASE and dealer licenses in Florida and Michigan), and has earned 100% positive feedback on national platforms like eBay Motors.
Vitalii is also an active participant in professional associations such as NIADA and FIADA, where his voice carries weight in shaping the industry’s future. He does not shy away from criticizing large auction houses, raising issues of mandatory arbitration, unfair contracts, and the lack of transparency in the market.
Looking Ahead
His plans are ambitious. Vitalii intends to create a national training and certification program for vehicle restoration specialists, shaping a new generation of engineers and craftsmen. He is also preparing legislative reform initiatives aimed at protecting independent dealers and increasing trust across the U.S. automotive market.
“I’m not building a business for the sake of business. I’m building a system that will work honestly, sustainably, and transparently for everyone — from the everyday consumer to the state regulator,” he emphasizes.
The story of Vitalii Tkachenko is more than the biography of a successful entrepreneur. It is an illustration of how engineering thinking, honesty, and persistence can transform an entire industry. From a garage in Donetsk to national recognition in the United States, his journey inspires and proves that even in such a complex and closed field as automotive, one can become a leader — if you have a clear goal and unwavering belief in your mission.
For more information about Vitalii Tkachenko’s work and projects, visit his company’s website: https://gbchoice.com/
Author: Jonathan Reynolds
September 19, 2025
