Paragon Industries L.P. has a rich history dating back to 1948. Ceramic enthusiast Frances Darby, with the support of her husband, laid the foundation for the company by creating one of America's first electric kilns.
In 1981, John Hohenshelt, Sr., then Vice President of Manufacturing at Tonka Toys, acquired the company, ushering in a new era of growth. Under his leadership, Paragon expanded significantly, evolving from a small garage workshop to a +70k square-foot manufacturing facility in Mesquite, Texas.
Since joining Paragon as President in 2013, Todd Lokash has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a clear vision for the company's future. Recognizing the immense potential for growth, he acquired ownership of Paragon in 2023, paving the way for a new and exciting chapter.
As the new owner, Todd is leading Paragon into a new era of innovation and excellence, with a strong focus on modernization, customer service, product design, and reinvention. His goal is to create even better products that cater to the evolving needs of hobbyists, professional makers, and industrial clients across the globe.
Paragon's commitment to quality and reliability has earned a loyal following worldwide. Some of our kilns have been in operation for over [number] years and continue to perform flawlessly, making them a common sight in workshops, studios, and hobby centers around the globe.