Cal-Tex History
Cal-Tex began as the collaboration of two friends who met while serving in the Navy. Ronald Rago operated a business that sold undercoating products to dealers in California, and Gary Osborn had a similar business in Texas. They formed and incorporated Cal-Tex in 1983, and combined their existing companies. Ron retired from Cal-Tex in 2006. Gary still actively participates in its day-to-day operations.
Cal-Tex acquired several chemical formulas in the 1980s which became the basis for additional exterior and interior sealant/protectant products. Further growth occurred in the early and mid-1990s with the acquisition of other chemical suppliers. Through the years, Cal-Tex has grown from servicing a handful of dealers with one product to supporting thousands of dealers nationwide with over 40 products.
The five key members of the executive team have over 80 years of combined experience with the company. This dynamic group of industry veterans fosters a fun, values-based culture built around passionate dedication to Cal-Tex’s core purpose and its core values – Compassion, Humility, Integrity, Forgiveness and Teamwork.
In 2006, most of the company’s stock was sold to create an Employee Stock Ownership Plan. Initially, the Cal-Tex ESOP Trust owned 87% of the company. Cal-Tex purchased an additional 10% of its stock in 2010, which increased employee ownership to 97%.
Cal-Tex introduced a new product line, EnviroGuard NG™ (The Next Generation) in 2010. This new product line was specifically designed to meet new requirements for water-based automotive sealants, as well as set a new standard for protection and friendly application. This line has been accepted enthusiastically by the marketplace, and along with the ResistAll®, ShadowMark®, and ATP® product lines, it positions Cal-Tex for continued success as the premier provider of automotive protection products in the industry.