Lifegard Aquatics builds aquatic habitats and life support systems for aquariums, ponds, fountains, water gardens, aquaponics, hydroponics, fish farms, professional landscapers, and irrigation specialists. THE HISTORY OF LIFEGARD AQUATICS
The 40s-50s
Before Their Was Lifegard Aquatics, There Was Rainbow Plastics
In the 1940s, a small company called Rainbow Plastics was started inside a small shack in El Monte, California at the "End of the Santa Fe Trail." Two former railroad workers—Dan Price and Carl Presby—started transforming Lucite blocks on a lathe into steering wheel k***s for the automotive industry which were very popular at this time in America. They took that entrepreneurial spirit and began molding a variety of different products using plastic resins in every color under the sun. This practice is what inspired the men to call their company "Rainbow" Plastics. The 60s-70s
The Next-Generation of Rainbow Plastics and the Origins of Lifegard Aquatics
Ken Price, the son of co-founder Dan Price, joined Rainbow Plastics after graduating from college. Ken is credited with expanding the company's injection molded products beyond the automotive trade and into every imaginable category. Ken developed a line of products for the booming pool and spa industry which he branded Lifegard. After designing the first multiple chamber cartridge filter for swimming pools, Ken used the same principles and downsized them to accommodate aquariums in the growing pet industry. This adaptation evolved into the mechanical, chemical, ultraviolet sterilizer, and heater modules that make up Lifegard's most recognized product line. The 80s
A Marine Biologist and Future Co-Owner is Hired
Neal Dulaney joined Rainbow Plastics in 1987 after graduating from the University of California Santa Barbara's Marine Science Institute with a degree in Aquatic Biology. Neal had many years of experience caring for ornamental fish and other captive species in aquariums for the retail trade. Neal set out to elevate Rainbow's aquarium division to the national stage. Even though "Lifegard" was originally conceived as the brand name for the company's pool and spa products, it seemed like a good fit for the aquarium trade as well. It was officially adopted as such and has remained so ever since. Neal expanded Lifegard's product offerings by adding various filtration and maintenance solutions. One popular product line Neal introduced that are still best-sellers today are Quiet One® pumps. Neal added more products to help people living the aquatic "life" style care for their outdoor ponds and water gardens. Commercial-grade pumps and filters were specially built to service aquaculturists like fish farmers and hatcheries. With a deep catalog of successful and reliable aquatics products, Lifegard grew to become a respected name in the industry. Neal recognized the importance of spreading that message through advertising and trade show appearances. Lifegard hired more sales representatives and established national and international distribution channels to sell and support their products around the globe. The 90s
The End of the Rainbow and Another Future Co-Owner is Hired
In 1996, Neal was introduced to Sadiq Mehdi, a recent Corporate Finance and Economics graduate from the University of Illinois. Sadiq was working at an accounting firm in Chicago when Neal offered him a position at Rainbow to create a website and employee training materials. Sadiq accepted Neal's offer and quickly became proficient in technical sales and new product development. Sadiq was promoted to Comptroller of Rainbow Plastics and was responsible for a rapid expansion of the aquatics division in the 90s. Sadly, Ken Price, son of founder Dan Price and the man responsible for starting Rainbow's aquarium line of products, passed away at the early age of 55. In 1998, the Price family sold Rainbow Plastics to PacFab Inc., a division of Essef Corp., a leading supplier of swimming pool and water treatment equipment. The 00s
Pentair Acquires, Then Sells Lifegard to Neal and Sadiq
In 2002, Essef Corporation was acquired by Pentair Inc. Water Technologies Group. Pentair was an international multi-billion dollar product development and manufacturing company. During this time, Rainbow Lifegard Aquatics became Pentair Aquatics. Pentair chose to exit the aquarium, pond, and aquaculture business in 2008. They sold their assets and all registered brand names (including Lifegard®) to Neal and Sadiq. The duo immediately re-named the company Lifegard Aquatics, Inc. and opened new offices and a warehouse in Cerritos, California. Their partnership has proved to be a comfortable alliance with Neal focused on outside sales and Sadiq on the inside supervising the business end.
2008-Present
Lifegard Aquatics Relocation, Innovation, and Diversification
One thing both men have in common is that they are hands-on product developers and Sadiq in particular continues tinkering on products to make them better even years after they are introduced. Together the partners have introduced many new products featuring patented technologies that did not exist in the aquarium hobby before they introduced them under the Lifegard banner. On March 19, 2019, the governor of California issued a stay at home order to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health and well-being of all Californians. The next day, Neal and Sadiq were handed the keys to Lifegard Aquatics' new 22,000 square foot headquarters in Santa Fe Springs, CA. The facility is rather unique because, in addition to office and warehouse space, there is a slick showroom at the entrance. This allowed the building's previous owners from Hotchkis Sport Suspension to proudly display the race and muscle cars they fabricated on site for customers right when they walked through the door. Today that showroom is used as a central meeting hub staff for staff and to display Lifegard's impressive collection of fish tanks, vivariums, and other aquarium products as well as highlight Lifegard Lighting products, which are the company's non-aquatic LED lighting solutions for residential and commercial applications.
