PRESIDENT

Cary Ostera, CPMR, is a sixth-generation Texan and native Houstonian. After graduating from Houston Robert E. Lee High School, he continued his education at the University of Houston before beginning his career in the plumbing industry in 1983. Entering the business with no prior experience, Cary quickly developed a passion for the manufacturer’s representative model and the relationships that drive it.

After gaining early experience, Cary joined McEwen & Bennett, a highly respected agency known for its professionalism and industry influence. It was there that he built a strong foundation in the principles required to operate a successful sales organization. When the firm closed in 1986, Cary helped launch and manage a new agency, which quickly experienced significant growth, averaging 23% annually, and reached $6 million in sales before he ultimately made the decision to pursue his own vision.

In June of 1991, Cary co-founded Alliance alongside Del Stair. Originally operating as South Texas Sales Company, Alliance has grown from a two-person operation into a respected manufacturer’s representative agency with over fifteen employees, ten sales professionals, and a distribution center in Houston. As President, Cary has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s growth, culture, and long-term success.

Widely regarded as exceptionally knowledgeable in the plumbing industry, Cary is known for his attention to detail and the long-standing relationships he has built over decades. His hands-on leadership style sets the tone for the organization as he is deeply committed to developing his team, mentoring the next generation, and staying actively involved in the field whenever possible.

In 2001, Cary earned his Certified Professional Manufacturers Representative (CPMR) designation through the Manufacturers Research Education Foundation, completing a rigorous three-year program at Indiana University. He remains one of the first plumbing representatives in Texas to achieve this distinction.

Outside of work, Cary credits his upbringing, including his time in the Boy Scouts, for instilling a strong moral compass and commitment to doing the right thing. He is actively involved in the Katy community, including volunteering with local youth. In his free time, Cary enjoys traveling, following the Houston Texans, aviation, and classic American muscle cars.