Petra Automotive Products
Headquartered in Cypress, TX (Houston – the energy capital of the world)
Petra Automotive Products is a minority-owned business specializing in high-quality automotive maintenance products and services. Since its founding in 2010, Petra has combined decades of industry expertise with a commitment to innovation, performance, and exceptional customer service.
Our Vision
To be recognized globally as a leading supplier of high-quality automotive products and programs for both OEM and aftermarket sectors.
Our Mission
For Our Customers:
To design, manufacture, and deliver only the highest quality products. We collaborate closely with technicians, engineers, and procurement teams to develop programs that support their distribution networks and enhance customer satisfaction.
For Our Employees:
To cultivate a workplace that empowers individuals to grow personally and professionally. We are committed to integrity, honesty, mutual respect, and rewarding excellence. Together, there are no limits to what we can achieve.
Petra
Automotive Products
Headquartered in Cypress, TX (Houston – the energy capital of the world)
Petra Automotive products is a manufacturer specializing in high-quality automotive maintenance products and services. Since its founding in 2010, Petra has combined decades of industry expertise with a commitment to innovation, performance, and exceptional customer service.
Our Vision
To be recognized globally as a leading supplier of high-quality automotive products and programs for both OEM and aftermarket sectors.
Our Mission
For Our Customers:
To design, manufacture, and deliver only the highest quality products. We collaborate closely with technicians, engineers, and procurement teams to develop programs that support their distribution networks and enhance customer satisfaction.
For Our Employees:
To cultivate a workplace that empowers individuals to grow personally and professionally. We are committed to integrity, honesty, mutual respect, and rewarding excellence. Together, there are no limits to what we can achieve.
Our vision & mission
Our Vision
To be recognized globally as a leading supplier of high-quality automotive products and programs for both OEM and aftermarket sectors.
Our Mission
For Our Customers:
To design, manufacture, and deliver only the highest quality products. We collaborate closely with technicians, engineers, and procurement teams to develop programs that support their distribution networks and enhance customer satisfaction.
For Our Employees:
To cultivate a workplace that empowers individuals to grow personally and professionally. We are committed to integrity, honesty, mutual respect, and rewarding excellence. Together, there are no limits to what we can achieve.
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meet the Team
ARNOLD J GACITA, SR
President & CEO
ARNOLD J GACITA, SR
President & CEO
Arnold Gacita is the President and Founder of Houston-based Petra Automotive Products, Inc., one of the fastest-growing chemical companies and a trusted brand throughout the United States and 44 countries. From an early age, Arnold, who emigrated to the U.S. from Cuba when he was seven months old, learned two important lessons: you shouldn’t take anything for granted, and you have to outwork everyone else. As a child, his grandfather, who left behind a successful grocery store and meat market in Cuba, told him, “No matter what position you have, do something; if you see a broom, pick it up and start sweeping.” He learned his work ethic from seeing his Father work 14-16 hour shifts as a painter for an oil tools company. An entrepreneur from an early age, Arnold worked in the streets after school and in the summers, selling a variety of products – from furniture his grandfather and uncle built to snow cones.
Arnold honed his entrepreneurial skills at Wynn’s, a performance polymers division of the publicly traded Illinois Tool Works, Inc. when he went to work for a local distributor and turned it into the #1 Wynn’s distributor in the U.S. After Arnold developed a goundbreaking sales method based on relationship-building and selling programs rather than just products, Wynn’s took notice, bringing him in-house and promoting him from business development manager to national sales manager to director of sales and marketing for the Americas Group of Wynn’s.
Gabriela Argueta
Vice President of Finance & Administration
Gabriela Argueta
Vice President of Finance & Administration
Gabriela Argueta, a native of Houston, Texas, is a seasoned business professional with a strong background in finance, administration, and corporate operations. She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Houston and began her career at Raytheon Engineers in Houston, TX where she gained valuable experience in a high-tech, fast-paced environment.
Driven by a passion for organizational growth and culture, Gabriela transitioned into the automotive industry, eventually finding her place at Petra Automotive Products. Nearly since the company’s inception, she has served in multiple leadership roles, helping to shape Petra into the innovative and value-driven organization it is today.
Currently serving as Vice President of Finance & Administration, Gabriela is instrumental in upholding Petra’s core values and ensuring its foundational culture is not only preserved but actively nurtured. Her strategic vision and dedication have made her a vital part of Petra’s leadership team.
Outside of her professional life, Gabriela is a proud mother to two wonderful daughters, Alyssandra and Victoria, who inspire her every day.
Arnold Gacita, Jr
Vice President of Sales & Marketing
Arnold Gacita, Jr
Vice President of Sales & Marketing
Arnold Gacita Jr. serves as the Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Petra Automotive Products, a leading manufacturer of premium automotive chemicals and service solutions. With over a decade of hands-on leadership in the automotive aftermarket, Arnold Jr. is recognized for driving national sales performance, developing strategic OEM and dealership partnerships, and elevating Petra’s brand presence across North America and beyond.
Arnold Jr. began his journey at Petra from the ground up, gaining a deep understanding of the industry by working across departments before stepping into a leadership role. Today, he oversees a sales network spanning thousands of dealerships, service centers, and distribution partners. Under his guidance, Petra has expanded its footprint into new markets, strengthened its OEM relationships—including with Hyundai, Genesis, and Stellantis—and built a reputation for high-quality training, service, and support.
His strategic vision combines product innovation with field execution, ensuring Petra’s partners are equipped not just with superior products, but with the tools and training to drive profitability and customer retention.
Greg Hewgill
Director of Research and Development
Greg Hewgill
Director of Research and Development
Greg is new to Petra Automotive Products, having recently worked as a consultant for lubricant and fuel additive companies. Prior to consulting, Greg was the Senior Director for R&D at Lucas Oil Products. Greg has a broad background in lubricants and applied chemistry, having worked in advanced composites, production research (Oil and Gas) and finished lubricants and fuel additives. Greg holds several U.S. patents. As a proven innovator and problem solver, Greg brings decades of experience to Petra Automotive Products and its customers.
Zack Land
Warehouse & Operations Manager
Zack Land
Warehouse & Operations Manager
I take great pride in overseeing the core of our operations. I manage all production on our oil line, lead our product blending and the manufacturing of high-quality products, and work alongside an exceptional warehouse team. I also coordinate all shipping and receiving, ensuring everything moves efficiently and accurately through our facility.
I hold myself and my team to the highest standards because I believe precision, accountability, and pride in our work are what set us apart. Our goal every day is to deliver rock-solid performance—every shipment that goes out reflects the effort, care, and quality we commit to every single day.
Crawford Murray
Regional Sales Manager,
Central US
Crawford Murray
Regional Sales Manager, Central US
Seasoned Regional Sales Manager with expertise in team leadership, territory expansion, and strategic account acquisition. Proven track record of delivering results through high-impact negotiations, relentless work ethic, and exceptional closing skills. Skilled at building high-performing sales teams, managing complex territories, and securing new business opportunities. Holds a degree in Business Administration and Management, combining academic knowledge with real-world success.
Mike Burns
National Account Sales
Director
Mike Burns
National Account Sales Director
With years of experience in the automotive industry, Mike Burns has established a strong track record of success with leading organizations, including Petra Automotive and Shell/Pennzoil. As National Accounts Director, Mike plays a key role in advancing Petra’s vision through his extensive work with top automotive manufacturers, distributors, and dealership groups.
Throughout his career, Mike has built lasting relationships with many of the industry’s most respected automotive companies. Known for driving growth, forging strategic partnerships, and consistently delivering results, Mike brings deep industry expertise and a broad, influential network to every opportunity.
Tohru Hattori
Business Manager – Asia Pacific & the Middle East
Tohru Hattori
Business Manager – Asia Pacific & the Middle East
Graduated from California State University, Fullerton. Joined Wynn’s in 1989 leading Asian business and collaborated with European counterpart for industrial products. Under ITW, established China sales office and sales team, collaborated on establishing a plant in China and also managed two more ITW brands for the region. Joined Petra Automotive in 2013 for International businesses in Asia Pacific, India, the Middle East and Europe.
Michael Haider
Business Development
Manager
Michael Haider
Business Development Manager
Michael Haider is a results-driven sales and business development executive with over a decade of experience driving growth across the automotive industry. With a proven track record of leading high-performing teams and capturing new revenue streams, Michael has successfully built national account programs and expanded market share in highly competitive sectors.
From revitalizing underperforming territories to securing multi-million-dollar accounts with major players like GM, AutoNation, Firestone, NAPA, Bridgestone, and Penske, Michael understands the unique needs of the dealership landscape. His expertise lies in crafting innovative sales strategies, streamlining sales operations, and forging strong partnerships that deliver measurable ROI.
At ITW Professional Automotive Products, Michael personally generated over $30M in new customer sales, spearheading growth in large dealership groups and establishing a blueprint for national sales success. He later replicated similar results at AGS Automotive Solutions by introducing nationwide strategies and landing key aftermarket accounts.
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