C.H. Bull Company was founded in 1930 by Charles H. Bull as the San Francisco distributor for the Buda Company of Harvey, Illinois, manufacturers of gasoline and diesel engines, jacks and railroad equipment. During the early years automotive oil filters and friction materials were added along with a shop for wholesale automotive and truck brake shoe and drum work. The company was named one of the first representatives for the Young Radiator Company in 1934.

Son Charles E. Bull and Son-in-law Harry Sheppard joined the company in the late 1940’s following their World War II service in the Marine Corp and Navy. In 1956, founder Charles H. Bull died at the age of 76. He left the company a legacy of honesty and integrity in business and responsiveness to customer needs.