Joey Kimball’s Story and His Autism Mustang
If you have ever been to Kimball’s Hands on Detailing and Auto Accessories, I would bet that you have met Joey. Joey is our 20-year-old autistic son. When Joey was born in February 2003, we knew that he was a special addition to our family. Joey was born with a cleft lip and about 6 months later he underwent his first surgery to repair his cleft lip. Not long after we knew that Joey had some special needs. We knew as parents that Joey was autistic, the problem was the doctors wouldn’t give the diagnosis. This was an ongoing battle.
For years Joey went to so many doctors. When Joey was around 12, he went to a neurologist to address his seizures. It was then that we met one of the most amazing pediatric neurologists, Dr. Koran. Within 5 minutes of talking with us and with Joey, she asked when Joey was diagnosed with autism. This appointment was a blessing. Within a couple of months, Joey finally received the autistic diagnosis and was soon afforded the services he so needed.
On Joey's 18th birthday, he was given 30% of the company and became a owner of Kimball’s Hands On Detailing and Auto Accessories. In 2021, he graduated High school and went to work at the shop full-time. Around that same time, we had posted on social media that Joey would love to get apparel from other detail shops throughout the country. We were all so surprised by the detail community. Nobody allowed us to buy any apparel, they all just started sending him shirts, hats, hoodies, stickers, and much more. To date, Joey has well over 200 shirts in his closet and wears them often. People in our community come to see what shirt he is wearing and hear where it came from.
Activities Joey has participated in:
-PYF - Peninsula Youth Football - helping at Kody’s practices with setting up equipment, cheering on the team, helping put away gear, etc.
-KPMS Wrestling - Joey was a manager for the KPMS Wrestling team
- Peninsula Youth Wrestling - Joey wrestled on the KPMS Wrestling team for 2 years
-PHS Unified Basketball - Joey played on the PHS Unified Basketball team, which unites kids with and without intellectual disabilities.
-Night to Shine Dance - Joey has done the Night to Shine Dance for the last few years, which is a dance that is held nationwide for students and young adults with disabilities.
-Donut Fridays at Kimball’s - Joey assists with setting up Donut Fridays at the shop every week for the local ET&T, CTP, and Special Education classes at the local high schools in Gig Harbor
-Tacoma Tigers baseball team - Joey participated on the Tacoma Tigers baseball team, which was a baseball team for young adults with disabilities
Joey’s achievements:
- PHS Student of the Quarter
- 4.0 student in middle/high school
- Graduating from High School
- Becoming a business owner at Kimball’s
- Getting his very own car
-Nominated for Paint Assassins Inspiration Award
-Member of the IDA
Joey’s Mustang!
One day in 2021, Joey came out of his room and he had this picture of a bright red, 2014 Mustang and said he wanted it. It was fate because that same Mustang was for sale at our good friend's car lot. Kody, Joey, and I loaded up and we went to look at it. We purchased the car for him and brought it home the same day. Joey will never be able to drive but this car gives him a sense of responsibility and is a great tool for his autism. To date, we have redone the car with an autism theme wrap. For Joey's birthday this year, he got the new wheels he has been wanting and our team did a full paint ceramic coating package for him.
The Autism Mustang holds so much meaning to not just Joey, it means a lot to the community of Gig Harbor and the detail community. This car represents every special person in this world. We built this car for all of them. The autism Mustang will start its journey this year to many car shows to spread autism awareness. If you are out and about, stop by to say hello to Joey and hear about his car.
#yourefired
Check out Michael Drivers coverage on Joey and the Kimball's Team spreading awareness in Gig Harbor Community and Beyond!!⬇️