Russell Molina

About the presenter

Russell Molina (’89), one of Sam Houston State University’s newest Distinguished Alumni, has built a remarkable career as a Houston business leader, inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit of his grandparents, founders of Molina’s Cantina. After graduating from Dulles High School in Sugar Land, Texas, Molina earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing from SHSU in 1989. During his time as a Bearkat, he was active in Sigma Tau Gamma and the Interfraternity Council, becoming a first-generation college graduate and student leader. Molina began his professional journey as an entry-level accountant at Senterra Real Estate Group before joining Houston-based Woodco Fund Management in 1991, where he advanced from analyst to president. In 2002, he purchased Custom Rubber Products, a 41-year-old manufacturing company serving the oilfield industry. Over the next decade, he grew revenue from $3.3 million to over $50 million and expanded the workforce from 42 to more than 350 employees before selling the business in 2012.

His entrepreneurial ventures continued with ownership in Colorado’s awardwinning Gore Range Brewery and active service on boards such as Bravo Vail Music Festival, Eagle County Sheriff’s Office Budget Task Force, and local schools. Returning to Texas, Molina has supported organizations including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Houston, Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, and the Fort Bend County Fair.

In 2023, he chaired the bicentennial celebration of the Texas Rangers, honoring their legacy statewide. Today, Molina leads multiple businesses, including PPI Security, Superior Trophies and Buckles, Rewards, THS Ranch, and The Hat Store. He also serves as chair of the Sam Houston University Foundation and sits on the executive board of the Texas Business Leadership Council.

SHSU proudly recognizes Molina as a 2019 College of Business Administration Wall of Honor inductee and recipient of the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award.