Rex Daysh:
Building More Than Walls
A California Legacy Rooted in New Zealand Farming Ethics
Quality is Our Signature
This phrase is more than our motto. They are words that founder Rex Daysh has lived by for a lifetime.
Born in the idyllic landscapes of New Zealand farmland in 1945, Rex’s journey has been marked by resilience, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Growing up on a dairy farm instilled a powerful work ethic from an early age.
After high school, his diligence continued as Rex served on the police force for several years, gaining valuable experience in discipline, administration, and dealing with people from all walks of life.
During a brief stint in the corporate world, he discovered a natural affinity for wall construction while working a side gig for a retaining wall contractor. Within the year, Rex was running the entire company.
While managing a New Zealand transport business under the same ownership a few years later, Rex was asked to establish a retaining wall company in the United States serving a seven state region from California to Montana. He soon saw the potential of retaining wall construction in hillside terrain of the Bay Area. In 1986, Rex started his own retaining wall company – CalWalls – from a barstool at his kitchen counter.
To Rex, quality goes far beyond craftsmanship. It means always maintaining high standards with a hands-on approach, down to leaving the work site clean. Rex dedicated long hours to the field and meticulous planning, emphasizing the importance of integrity, relationships and exceeding expectations at every step of the process.
“Quality starts before we get to the job site,” he says, “Our reputation was built on going the extra mile, always doing 105% of what is expected.”
Under Rex’s leadership, CalWalls not only successfully navigated multiple economic challenges, the business pioneered groundbreaking innovations and grew steadily based on a remarkable foundation of multi-generational vendor and client relationships and decades-long staff longevity. Projects spearheaded by Rex, like the Sonoma Raceway, elevated the business and showcased their capability to produce strong, cutting-edge results as a team.
As the next generation assumes leadership roles at CalWalls, Rex remains an integral part of the company’s success, offering insight on design and operations as a valued member of the Board of Directors. He takes pride in the exceptional growth of the business and the talented team driving its advancement. His legacy serves as a testament to the power of dedication, honesty, and a steadfast commitment to excellence in all.
Let’s talk about your project.
Our team of experts is available to discuss your project objectives and solutions for your retaining wall needs at no cost or obligation to you.