Larry Wombles is the Chief Executive Officer of Paso Robles Tank, Inc. and a leader in the steel tank construction industry with decades of hands-on experience in fabrication, coatings, project management, and organizational leadership. Larry began his career in the United States Marine Corps, where his work ethic and resilience took shape at an early age. Shortly after boot camp—at just 17—he learned he would soon become a father and made the decision to transition into civilian life to support his growing family.
Larry entered the tank industry with Advance Tank, building flat-bottom storage tanks and standpipes. After suffering a major injury in 1989 that resulted in ten surgeries, he returned to the field determined to continue doing the work he loved. In 1994, he joined Trusco Tank as an entry-level estimator under the mentorship of Carl Pape, learning estimating the traditional way—by hand, with paper and pencil. Between 1994 and 1999, Larry expanded his expertise into project management, engineering coordination, and financial operations as Trusco transitioned through several ownership changes including AstroTech, ITEQ, and CBI.
Larry later joined Superior Tank Company, where he continued to build his leadership and operational experience until 2006. In June of that year, Larry and eight colleagues purchased Paso Robles Tank Inc. and West Coast Industrial Coatings Inc., establishing a foundation for long-term independent growth. On January 1, 2011, the group formed Associated Construction and Engineering, Inc. (ACE), which owns Paso Robles Tank (PRT), Central States Engineering (CSE), and Advanced Tank Construction (ATC). Throughout years of expansion and change, Larry’s operating philosophy has remained consistent: Safety + Quality = Productivity.
Under Larry’s leadership, ACE has broadened its capabilities significantly, now offering tank foundations, site piping, site grading, tank fabrication, shop coatings, field erection, field coatings, and—following the acquisition of certain assets and intellectual property of Ultraflote LLC—aluminum dome roofs, internal floating roofs, and seal systems. Larry’s next strategic focus is developing long-term tank maintenance programs that extend lifecycle performance for tank owners.
Larry’s professional journey has coincided with profound personal challenges. He is a three-time cancer survivor and has undergone 21 surgeries, yet continues to lead with optimism, grit, and gratitude. He credits his success to an exceptional team that has supported ACE’s growth for more than 24 years. Larry is especially proud to watch his two sons not only mature into strong businessmen, but step into leadership roles running PRT and ATC, while he enjoys the rewards of watching his grandchildren grow.
Larry’s life philosophy reflects both experience and perspective: Life is too short to be unhappy. Live fully, love deeply, experience the moment, and choose joy. Family should always come first—and work will still be there tomorrow.
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