The Young Fastener Professionals organization has appointed three new members to its Board of Directors. Joining the Board of Directors are Baron Yarborough of Spring Bolt & Nut Mfg., Jessi Solt of G.L. Huyett and Amber Artz of the Boulder Company. According to Ryan Kertis, the President of the Young Fastener Professionals, these new Board members embody the “spirit of our organization and bring the essential aptitude, proficiency and energy to the table which will enable YFP continued success.”
In addition to thee three national Board members, Derek Dandy of Bodycote also joined the Board for the Mid-Atlantic Young Fastener Professionals; Michael Robinson of The Dyson Corporation and Bob Morrissey Jr. of American Ring joined the Board for the North Coast Young Fastener Professionals; Kenny Sanker of Blue Chip Engineered Products joined the South East Young Fastener Professionals Board; Matt Roberts of W.J.Roberts Co., Inc. joined the North East Young Fastener Professionals Board; and Mike Ricciardi of ITW Shakeproof joined the Mid-West Young Fastener Professionals Board.
The existing Board of Directors Ryan Kertis, Melissa Patel, Aaron Shushan & Bryan Wheeler will remain in their positions throughout 2017.
In a series of interviews, we will be introducing you to these new members of the Young Fastener Professionals Board. We introduce you to Matt Roberts of the North East Young Fastener Professionals Board.
Matt Roberts, of W. J. Roberts Co., Inc. is a Wentworth Institute of Technology alumni with a degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology. He is a problem solver in both his work and personal life. Taking a hands on approach to his work allows him to see and diagnose possible problems in a different way than some of his peers.
- How did you enter into the fastener industry?
I entered the fastener industry following my father’s line of work. When applying to colleges I was planning on getting civil engineering degree, this quickly changed when I started working at the family company and developed a love for the trade and the industry as a whole.
- You are a representative of W. J. Roberts Co., Inc.. What is your role in the company?
My role at W. J. Roberts Co., Inc. seems to change on a day to day basis. We are a small family owned manufacturer, with that being said I have to know how to do many of the jobs in the warehouse and on the production floor. I have done every job outside of the office and now have worked in many office positions as well. Most of my days now are spent answering customer questions, managing parts of the warehouse, and working with the company’s general manager.
- What are your favorite aspects of the fastener industry?
If I had to pick one thing I would have to say the people. Our industry is full of great peers, customers, suppliers and even competitors. The people I have met through industry events and trade shows have been very friendly and helpful.
- Why do you think that having the Young Fastener Professionals Organization is so important in the fastener industry?
I believe that the Young Fastener Professionals Organization plays a very important role in bridging the age gap in our industry. As a whole our industry is lacking the younger generation. I believe that the Young Fastener Professionals have and will continue to play a large role in bringing the next generation into the fastener industry, allowing it to continue to thrive.
- Describe your role on the North East Young Fastener Professionals Board of Directors.
I see my new role as a regional board member in the North East as a way to help bring the next generation into the fastener industry. I feel that through being at trade shows and other industry as a Young Fastener Professional Board Member will help spread awareness of the industry. I also feel that networking with my peers can help bring up the amount or millennials that are employed in the fastener industry.
- What do you hope to bring/contribute to the future of the Young Fastener Professionals?
I hope that I can be a link for millennials in the North East. I hope that I can raise awareness for the fastener industry. I hope that I can play a positive role for both the Board and the industry as a whole being an ambassador to the industry in the North East Region.
Thank you to Mr. Roberts for his time. We anticipate his success on the board!
Related Links
- Young Fastener Professionals: An Interview with Derek Dandy
- Young Fastener Professionals: An Interview with Baron Wayne Yarboroug
- Young Fastener Professionals: An Interview with Amber Artz
- Young Fastener Professionals: An Interview with Kenny Sanker
- Young Fastener Professionals: An Interview with Mike Ricciardi
