In 2021, Austin Morelock stepped into the role of CEO and President of Calvary Industries, an Ohio-based family-owned company where he has worked for more than 13 years. His leadership continued through 2025, when he led the business in a dividend recapitalization with Mason Wells, a private equity firm. He remains active in his executive role as the company moves forward with this partnership. Mason Wells is a Midwest-based private equity firm that has raised $2.4 billion in aggregate across five independent buyout funds.
Calvary Industries was started in 1983 by Austin’s father, John Morelock, Jr. The company is a chemical manufacturing business that formulates and produces blended process chemicals for industrial use. Its product lines include industrial cleaners, conversion coatings, metalworking fluids, and waste treatment chemistries. In addition to making its own products, the company blends, packages, and processes customer-owned products in accordance with client specifications. Its materials are shipped in containers ranging from one gallon to bulk tank trucks.
The company’s headquarters are located in Fairfield, Ohio, and it also has a manufacturing site in Pineville, Louisiana. Calvary Industries also works with third-party distribution locations in California and Mexico. The Company has about 150 non-union employees and serves a broad customer base across several industries. These include appliance, architectural, automotive, contract manufacturing, food and beverage, general industry, heavy equipment, HVAC, metal fabrication, metalworking, military defense, paper and pulp, and pretreatment.
Austin’s professional path began after he graduated from university. He first worked for Groupon in Chicago before joining Calvary Industries as an outside chemical sales representative in Dallas, Texas. He held that sales role for a couple of years, gaining experience with customers and the chemical business. Later, he returned to Cincinnati, where he was born and raised, and became Director of Sales and Marketing. Over time, his role expanded, leading to his appointment as CEO and President.
The 2025 partnership with Mason Wells included investments from the Morelock family, Calvary's senior management team, and the private equity firm. Austin said the company had spent considerable time getting to know Mason Wells and had been impressed by the firm’s professionals, especially its cultural fit with Calvary. He also stated that, at this point in the company’s history, Calvary was pleased to work with a firm that invests in people, supports management, and has a strong network of industry resources to help with growth.
Mason Wells considered Calvary Industries a strong strategic fit due to its established market position, commitment to technical solutions, and consistent record of profitable growth. The goal of the partnership was to support and accelerate Calvary’s continued expansion while maintaining the service level and collaborative approach that have shaped the business.
In 2019, Austin received recognition through the “Products Finishing 40 Under 40.” This annual program honors emerging leaders under 40 who are making a meaningful impact in the surface finishing and manufacturing industries. The recognition points to leadership, innovation, and commitment among professionals, helping move the industry forward.
Austin Morelock studied at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, and graduated in 2011. During his time there, he participated in the Business and Investment Clubs. Before college, he attended Cincinnati Country Day School, a coeducational, college-preparatory private school in Indian Hill, Ohio. The school serves students from 18 months to 18 years and has spent 100 years preparing students for college and life.
Austin is also involved in giving back through the Juniper Tree Foundation and the Morelock family foundation. He serves as Vice President of the Cincinnati-based 501(c)(3) private foundation, which supports charitable, educational, and scientific endeavors. The foundation operates on an invitation-only basis and, as of 2024, has paid $415.1K in grants to 105 grantees.
The Foundation also partners with Back2Back Ministries, focusing on orphan care worldwide. Back2Back Ministries provides long-term, holistic care to vulnerable children and families around the world by addressing their physical, emotional, educational, and social needs to support lasting change.
Austin Morelock has three brothers, Jay, Tyler, and Josh. He married Shelbie Milam three years ago. Shelbie also grew up in Cincinnati, attended Miami University (OH), and currently works as a Senior UX Designer at Shipt, Inc., an American delivery service owned by Target Corporation.
Austin and Julie have a son, Miles, born in May 2024, and are expecting their second child, a daughter, in August. Away from his professional responsibilities, he enjoys traveling, hiking, and attending sporting events with family and friends.
