This video is part 1 of Celebrating MAGNET's 40th Anniversary: Forging The Future campaign.
From a basement startup to a global name in precision calibration tools, Ralston Instruments is proof that innovation, grit, and a strong sense of purpose can take you far—especially when you're grounded in Northeast Ohio.
Founded in 1968 by Doug Ralston, the company had humble beginnings. Doug began by selling pressure switches, but what really caught attention was a simple tool he developed to demonstrate them: a hand pump. Turns out, the hand pump outshined the product it was meant to support—and the rest is history.
More than five decades later, Ralston Instruments is still rooted in Northeast Ohio, growing stronger with each generation. As CEO Griffin Ralston shares in our recent conversation, “It’s been a great place to raise a family, to grow a business. We have great employees, hardworking people who help grow the business with us.”
A Product That Works as Hard as You Do
Ralston's customers—from field technicians to engineers—choose their tools for one reason: they make hard work easier. Whether it’s a quick and accurate connection to a pressure or temperature instrument or reliable, traceable data collection, Ralston products are built to perform.
Their gear is rugged, reliable, and precise—designed to meet high standards of durability and accuracy in tough outdoor conditions. But the company’s true value proposition goes beyond tools. It’s about enabling people to do their job faster and more effectively, so they can get home to dinner sooner. That’s a purpose anyone can get behind.
Culture That Builds Success
At the heart of Ralston’s success? It's people. “I’m most proud of our team,” Griff Ralston says. “It’s really because of them that we’ve been successful.”
Ralston fosters a culture that emphasizes work-life balance, collaboration, and fun. They’re not just building instruments—they’re building a workplace where people want to stay and grow. Every year, they rally around a “BHAG”—that’s Big Hairy Audacious Goal in business speak—and the current one is bold: $50 million by 2040.
A Growth Partner in MAGNET
Reaching big goals takes more than vision—it takes the right partners. That’s where MAGNET comes in.
Ralston turned to MAGNET to help unlock the next level of growth, and the results speak for themselves. In just five years, they’ve increased headcount by more than 40% and experienced robust growth across sales, marketing, engineering, and operations.
“MAGNET has helped us put the tools in place to make growth possible,” Griff explains. “They helped make some of the black box things—things we didn’t quite understand—more clear. Then they helped us find the right people and resources to get it done.”
Making Life Easier—for Everyone
Ralston’s core purpose is simple and powerful: make life easier. Whether it’s improving internal systems, designing better tools, or supporting employees and customers alike, that north star keeps Ralston Instruments moving forward with heart.
At MAGNET, we’re proud to work alongside a company that’s not just engineering great products, but building a legacy of people-first innovation. Check out the video below for our conversation with CEO Griff Ralston.
