Reflecting on Fastener Fair USA: Insights from the YFP Expert Panel

This past May, Fastener Fair USA brought together professionals from all corners of the fastener industry for a spectacular event and our team at Eurolink was happy to be there. Among the highlights of the event in Cleveland was an expert panel session organized by Young Fastener Professionals (YFP), titled "Things I Wish I Knew When I Started in the Fastener Industry."

Eurolink FSS was honored to have our very own President & CEO, Craig Penland, participate as one of the esteemed panelists. Alongside him were Heidi Volltrauer from Volt Industrial Plastics and Robbie Gilchrist, President of Gilchrist Associates. The panel was skillfully moderated by Craig Beaty, President of YFP, who facilitated a dynamic and engaging discussion.

We are fortunate to have Craig at our headquarters in Greer, SC, every week to share his knowledge with the Eurolink team. However, we understand that not everyone gets to benefit from his expertise on a daily basis - maybe only monthly if you watch Craig’s vlog. To ensure that these valuable insights didn't get lost after the Fastener Fair ended, we've put together this blog for you. We hope that young professionals in the fastener industry, as well as seasoned veterans, can gain valuable knowledge from these discussions.

Not only do we have Craig’s notes from the panel, but panelist Heidi Volltrauer was kind enough to share her notes with the Eurolink team so that we could share them with you. Below are some amazing insights from Craig and Heidi:

Insights from Heidi Volltrauer: Wisdom from a Fastener Veteran

Heidi Volltrauer from Volt Industries Plastics also shared her journey and offered profound insights that resonated with many attendees. Take a look at what she shared:

It's Okay Not to Know Everything:

Heidi wished she had known that it's okay to say, "I don't know, but I will find out." When starting in the fastener industry, she often felt pressured to have all the answers, fearing it would reflect poorly on her. However, she learned that asking questions and seeking knowledge is crucial for growth.

Focus on Your Strengths:

Heidi discussed the importance of identifying one's strengths and focusing energy on those areas. While it's beneficial to have a broad understanding of various departments, specializing in areas where you excel can lead to higher contributions and personal satisfaction.

Keeping Up with Technology:

Similar to Craig, Heidi emphasized the need to stay updated with technology. The fastener industry has evolved significantly, and keeping pace with technological advancements is essential for staying competitive and efficient.

Networking and Communication:

Heidi highlighted the significance of networking and building relationships within the industry. Effective communication and discussing potential outcomes before making business decisions are critical for success. Networking not only opens doors but also provides valuable support and learning opportunities.

Balancing Fun and Productivity:

Heidi shared that learning to balance enjoyment and productivity during networking events is key. While socializing and having fun is important, it's equally crucial to make these interactions meaningful and beneficial for professional growth.

Heidi’s reflections bring to light the essential blend of knowledge, communication, and personal development that are crucial for success in the fastener industry. Her journey emphasizes that it’s not just about what you know but also about who you know and how you continue to grow.

Insights from Craig Penland: Lessons from the Heart of the Industry

When Craig Penland took the stage, it wasn't just as the President of Eurolink FSS but as someone who has truly lived and breathed the fastener industry. Craig brought a blend of humor, nostalgia, and profound wisdom that resonated deeply with both seasoned professionals and newcomers. He shared some incredible insight, check it out:

Embrace Technology:

Craig reminisced about starting in the industry back in 1995 when beepers and fax machines were the norms. He stressed the importance of embracing technology, sharing that today's landscape of automation and AI would have seemed like science fiction back then. Craig's advice to young professionals is to stay ahead of technological advancements, as they can be game-changers for business efficiency and customer communication.

Importance of Typing Skills:

One of the more humorous yet practical pieces of advice Craig shared was the importance of typing skills. He wished he had taken his high school typewriting course more seriously. Today, the ability to type quickly and accurately is indispensable, whether it's for drafting emails, purchase orders, or any other form of communication.

Hands-On Experience:

Craig's initial experiences in the warehouse provided him with a strong foundation in the fastener industry. He emphasized the value of being hands-on and understanding the nitty-gritty details of the products and operations. This kind of experience is invaluable and provides a deep understanding that can't be gained solely from textbooks or office work.

Cherish Face-to-Face Interactions:

While technology has revolutionized communication, Craig noted that nothing beats the value of face-to-face interactions. Whether it's connecting with clients over a cup of coffee or attending industry events, these personal connections build trust and lasting relationships.

Set Business Boundaries:

Craig highlighted the importance of setting boundaries to prevent burnout. In an industry that often demands constant connectivity, it's crucial to find a balance and ensure mental well-being. This approach not only helps in maintaining personal health but also enhances long-term productivity and job satisfaction.

To encapsulate Craig’s philosophy, it’s clear that he values the human element as much as the technical expertise in the fastener industry. He believes that embracing change, cherishing personal connections, and continuously learning are key to thriving in this ever-evolving field. It’s these principles that Craig carries into his leadership at Eurolink FSS, fostering a culture of innovation, resilience, and connection.

The Power of Young Fastener Professionals

The YFP panel session underscored the importance of mentorship, continuous learning, and resilience in the fastener industry. Some of the takeaways that the team at Young Fastener Professionals found most important included:

• Networking is Key: Building relationships within the industry can provide support and open doors.
• Embrace Continuous Learning: Always seek to expand your knowledge about fasteners, technologies, and industry trends.
• Find a Mentor: Guidance from experienced professionals can be incredibly beneficial, especially when starting out.
• Be Resilient: The fastener industry can be challenging, but perseverance and adaptability are essential for long-term success.
• Ask Questions: Never be afraid to ask questions to learn and grow.

Eurolink FSS: Your Trusted Partner in Metric Fasteners

At Eurolink FSS, we pride ourselves on being a reliable partner for all your metric fastener needs. With over two decades of experience, our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction sets us apart. Whether you're looking for hard-to-find metric fasteners or need expert advice, we're here to help.

We encourage professionals in purchasing positions to reach out and explore how we can support your metric fastener needs. Our team is dedicated to providing top-quality products and exceptional service, and the big thing is…we never no-quote.

Reflecting on the YFP panel at Fastener Fair USA, we're inspired by the shared experiences and insights from industry veterans like Craig Penland, Heidi Volltrauer, and Robbie Gilchrist. Their stories remind us of the importance of continuous learning, embracing technology, and building meaningful relationships within the industry.

Upcoming Events

Don't miss out on the opportunity to connect with us at upcoming events! We will be at the MWFA FSNTR Week '24 in August and the 2024 International Fastener Expo in Las Vegas in September. These events provide a fantastic opportunity to network, learn, and discover the latest in the fastener industry.

Plus…If you stop by our booths at these events, you can get your new 2024 Eurolink Tour T Shirt! See you there!

Bonus Tip:

If you still haven't purchased your registration for the 2024 International Fastener Expo. Use our promo code or use our registration link, below, to receive 50% off their registration.

Promo Code: EXIV846735

Promo Link: https://registration.experientevent.com/ShowFAS241?flowcode=ATTENDEE&marketingcode=EXIV846735

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