February 12, 2025 | Obituary
It is with profound sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Robert A. “Bob” Kierlin, founder of Fastenal Company, who departed on February 10, 2025, at the age of 85. Born on June 1, 1939, in Winona, Minnesota, Bob’s journey was marked by visionary leadership and an unwavering commitment to innovation in the fastener industry.
Mr. Kierlin retired from the Board of Directors of the Fastenal Company in May 2014. He served as chairman of the board since the company’s incorporation in 1968. The company was started with his initiative, vision, and analysis of a business opportunity largely unmet in the fastener supply and distribution markets and he identified the store locations the company initially pursued. His entrepreneurialism, market analysis, determination, operating skill and prudence, strategic insights, integrity, and furtherance of a unique corporate culture based upon finding, directing, retaining, and motivating employees with opportunities and compensation incentives, have been, and continue to be, significant contributing factors to the company’s success.
Mr. Kierlin served as the company’s chief executive officer from 1968 through 2002, and its president from 1968 through July 2001. In addition, he served as a Minnesota State Senator from April 1999 through 2006, and served as a board member of multiple businesses, and a member and leader of numerous community and educational boards and organizations.
Notably, in the late 1960s, Bob Kierlin envisioned a groundbreaking approach to fastener distribution: fastener vending machines that would dispense nuts and bolts, aiming to simplify the supply process, long before it became a standard in vendor-managed inventory systems, showcasing his forward-thinking approach. Consequently, Fastenal pivoted to a branch-based service model, laying the foundation for its expansive distribution network. Decades later, advancements in electronic vending technology enabled Fastenal to revisit and successfully implement Kierlin’s original idea. By 2019, the company had installed over 100,000 industrial vending devices globally, providing customers with efficient inventory management solutions.
Today, this system is known as Fastenal Managed Inventory (FMI), reflecting Kierlin’s enduring vision and its significant impact on the industry.
For a deeper insight into Bob Kierlin’s journey and the evolution of Fastenal, you might find this video informative:
As we remember Bob Kierlin, we honor a man whose vision and leadership have left an indelible mark on the fastener industry and beyond. His innovative spirit and dedication to excellence continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Bob Kierlin’s life serves as a testament to the power of vision, leadership, and a steadfast commitment to one’s principles. He will be deeply missed, but his contributions will continue to influence and inspire future generations.
Bob Kierlin Obituary
Bob Kierlin, of Winona, passed away Monday, February 10, 2025, at Winona Health, Winona, MN.
Funeral Mass will be 12 p.m. Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona. A private family interment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Winona.
Visitation will be 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the church on Saturday.
In lieu of flowers a charitable donation would be welcomed to Minnesota Masterpiece Hall, P.O. Box 322, Winona, MN 55987.
Services entrusted to Fawcett Junker Funeral Home, Winona, MN. Memories can be given at www.fawcett-junkerfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to local charities in Bob’s memory, continuing his legacy of community support and generosity.
