PRESIDENT

Cary Ostera, CPMR, is not only a sixth-generation Texan, but he is also a native Houstonian. After graduating from Houston Robert E. Lee High, he studied at the University of Houston. He soon then started his career in the plumbing industry in 1983 by accepting an entry position with a business that he knew nothing about, a manufacturer's representative. After a few years, Cary moved to another firm, notably McEwen & Bennett, which was an icon of a professional representative in its era.  It was here that he learned the foundation and principals that are necessary for a successful sales agency. When McEwen & Bennett decided to close in 1986, Cary was employed by another gentleman to help build and manage a new agency.  The agency quickly matured and grew at an average rate of 23% annually.  The company was producing six million in sales when Cary resigned to form his own firm along with Del Stair, Alliance in June 1991.

PROACTIVE STEPS FORWARD

Originally named South Texas Sales Company, Alliance has been a success story from the beginning.  Cary, the President of Alliance has been responsible for leading Alliance from the original two employees to a firm that employs over twenty-five people with over twelve salespeople, two distribution centers and coverage in six states.

MANUFACTURERS TAKE NOTICE

In the summer of 2001, Cary earned his certified professional manufacturers representative designation.  This certification was earned over three years with a rigorous course produced by the Manufacturers Research Education Foundation(http://www.mrerf.org/ ) taught at Indiana University.  Cary is one of the first plumbing representatives in Texas to garner this distinction.

BALANCING ACT

Keeping up with the demands of a sales agency is not easy. Cary reflects back on his roots in the Boy Scouts and his family that have provided the strong moral compass to always do the right thing. When not covering the territory or volunteering with troubled kids in the Katy area, he and his wife, Wendy, attempt to keep up with their children which are all very active. His hobbies are: Travel, the Houston Texans, aviation, old American Muscle cars and firearms.