Fastener Professional of the Year

The Fastener Professional of the Year award was created by NFDA to honor individuals and companies that make a substantial positive impact on people’s lives. 

The award recognizes:

• Individuals from a fastener distributor or supplier company who make exceptional contributions to their companies and to the industry
• Partners or consultants who demonstrate exemplary support of the fastener industry

Membership in NFDA is not a requirement to be selected for the Fastener Professional of the Year award. Self-nominations are acceptable, or nominations can be submitted by others.

The deadline to nominate someone for the 2026 award is February 6, 2026.

Past Recipients

2025

Mark Shannon
Press Release

2024

Marc Strandquist
Memorial Press Release

2023

Carmen Vertullo
Carver Engineering and Manufacturing
San Diego, CA

 2022

Tim O’Keeffe
G. L. Huyett
Minneapolis, Kansas

2021

Jim Derry
Field
Machesney Park, Illinois

 Virtual Tribute Video 

2020

Don Nowak
Falcon Fastening Solutions
Charlotte, North Carolina

Virtual Tribute Video 

2019
Kevin Queenin
Specialty Bolt & Screw
Agawam, Massachusetts

2018
James Ruetz
AIS
Franksville, Wisconsin

2017
Robbie Gilchrist
Capital Marketing
High Point, North Carolina