The year was 1979 and Ralph J. Munguia was not prepared to start up a company; all he wanted to do was take a vacation. However, when his employer (who also happened to be his Uncle) refused to allow him time off to take a well-earned vacation, he was faced with a life-changing decision: take a vacation and come home unemployed or take a vacation and come home to start a business. Fortunately, he chose the latter and, thus, was born R.J.’s Soda Service, Inc.
Relying on Coca-Cola Fountain for contract work servicing and installing fountain equipment, Ralph soon established himself as someone who was willing to do just about anything to get the job done. Working solo and out of his home, he worked diligently to build his one-man operation.
As his reputation as a “go-getter” spread, so to did his business. Within six months he brought his brother Michael Munguia on board. In a year’s time his other brother, Anthony Munguia, joined them. With the addition of life-long friend, Gilbert Ortega, in 1983, the brain trust of the company was complete. The company incorporated in 1984 with Ralph, Michael and Gilbert serving as, respectively, President, Vice-President and Treasurer.
Establishing a company was one thing; maintaining a successful company has required a lot of hard work from everyone involved – from management to field and office personnel. R.J.’s Soda Service, Inc. attributes much of its success to their employees who over the years have made vital contributions to the company. Striving to maintain a feeling of “family”, each member of the team is valued as individuals and not just as an employee number. The long-lasting relationships of past and present employees are a testament to the warm atmosphere that welcomes everyone at R.J.’s Soda, Service, Inc. It is a philosophy that has echoed down from its founder.
Today, R.J.’s Soda Service, Inc. employs 52 people and is a well-known name in the beverage business. The company continues their long-time association with Coca-Cola North America, becoming the largest independent Hispanic sub-contractor for Coca-Cola Fountain. Branching out to include a CO2 distributorship in 1984, they have recently become distributors for Coca-Cola syrups, Trademark cups and lids. Their reputation has led them to develop working relationships with Cornelius, Servend, Wunderbar and other manufacturers. Well respected and highly regarded, Ralph, Michael and Gilbert have been called upon throughout the years for their experience and expertise, serving as trainers for the Coca-Cola Company as well as other companies in their related field.
The credo of R.J.’s Soda Service, Inc. has been the hallmark that sets this company head and shoulders above the rest: provide quality work at a fair price.
