The Fastener Hall of Fame recognizes professionals who have made significant and enduring contributions to the industrial fastener industry on a national or global scale. Individuals selected for induction will join other honored industry members, including but not limited to inventors, business leaders, and educators. This years recipients were recognized at a special event during the International Fastener Expo and received a commemorative plaque for their contributions. This years inductee’s included: Edward McIlhon, Chairman and CEO of Assembled Products, Inc., Marty Nolan R.L. English, and Young Fastener Professional of the Year was awarded to Baron Yarborough.
The award ceremony takes place on the floor at Sessions Corner and is always the most well attended event at the International Fastener Expo. Congratulations to all of the awardees on their recognition and achievements.
The ceremonies kick-off with Eric Dudas of Fully Threaded Radio and FCH Sourcing Network and Jo Morris from The Fastener Training Institute presenting for the sixth consecutive year, announce their scholarship winner. This years awardee was Richard Rengers, of Wurth Timberline was awarded full tuition to the FTI course, Fastener Training Week. Once completed, the course qualifies the student for the Certified Fastener Specialist exam, a distinguished industry credential.
2019 Fastener Industry Hall of Fame inductee Ed McIlhon
Induction Intro | Casey McIlhon | Assembled Products Inc.
Dad in five words…
- Integrity
John Deere a customer for 40+ years
Deere SOY and Supplier HoF
Work he conducted on behalf of industry for Fastener Quality Act
- Relationships
Dedication to National Fastener Distributors Association
- Generosity
Charitable contributions, bonuses, raises
- Love
Doors always open, employees treated like family
- Fun
National Fastener Distributors Association bus rides, golf outings, and this press release from November 2005
Ed McIlhon, former president of Bossard/IIP and prior to that president of Iowa Industrial Products, formed Assembled Products Incorporated, a kits and bundles operation. The move is largely seen as a way for fast Eddie to get off his ass, while also opening up exciting possibilities to write off many expenses associated with his recent acquisition of approx 2/3 of the properties in North America. While McIlhon brings some extensive experience in the “your customer should do it this way” field, it will be quite a challenge for him to deliver this message while snagging snook aboard his 25 foot Tarpon Tracker. Those closest to McIlhon knew all along that retirement wouldn’t last long, but even they are surprised that McIlhon considers this new lifestyle “work.” Fortunately, fast Eddie is doing an exemplary job in teaching his protégé’s McIlhon Jr (Casey McIlhon) and McIlhon WannaBe (Ulrich) how to manage a corporate empire from the tropical paradise of Marco Island, FLA!!!!!!!!!!!
Ladies and Gentlemen, 2019 Fastener Industry Hall of Fame inductee and my Dad, Ed McIlhon
2019 Fastener Industry Hall of Fame inductee Martin ‘Marty’ Nolan
Award presented by: Bob Baer | President | Abbott Interfast
Our newest member of the Fastener Hall of Fame is not only one of the humblest guys I know, but one of the hardest working and effective reps in our industry today.
Most reps are well known within their territories, but mention Marty’s name, or his alias, anywhere across Fastener USA and I assure you most of us know him and his accomplishments. But just in case you don’t, let me enlighten you to just a handful that stand out for me:
As a long time board member and subsequent President of the North Coast Fastener Association, he established and orchestrated the NCFA Social, the only strictly social event in our industry that draws hundreds of participants, both attendees and distributors to Ohio from all over the country. I think the Social is in its 11 year now.
Before they were popular, and before all the social media craze, he started and authored a fastener blog as the mysterious Traveling Salesman. I for one, regularly enjoy his thought provoking posts.
As an Fastener Industry Coalition board member and subsequent Chair, he helped revitalize the relevance of the FIC and developed the FIC Summit, a half day educational event supported by many of our industry giants and held during Fastener Tech in Chicago.
Talk to any of our local or national trade associations, any of the Fastener Trade Show executives or managers, any one of the several press, media or social outlets in our industry, and somewhere along the line Marty has been involved with them, in a supportive or contributing role.
His voice and interesting questions are unmistakable when hear him on any given episode of Fully Threaded Radio, or during one of his recent “10 minutes with” interviews.
In Las Vegas during our trade show, mention the Bourbon Room and we have great memories of a well attended social event after hours on the first day of our show, feeling like an “official” show event when in reality it was just Marty doing what he does, namely providing a gathering place for networking for our industry.
And while most of draw a paycheck when giving back to the industry, as a rep who pays his own way, his time, effort and contributions truly define the word “volunteer”.
Finally, let’s not forget it was Marty who nor only coordinated saving the Fastener Hall of Fame bricks from becoming construction dust, but he also revitalized the HOF itself when for years it was dormant. And now he will become part of that institution himself, and amount the youngest members, if not the youngest, to be inducted.
It is with the greatest admiration and respect that I introduce to you Marty Nolan of R L English, aka The Traveling Salesman.
Bob Baer Inducts Marty Nolan Marty Nolan Acceptance Speech
Baron Yarborough | Spring Bolt & Nut Manufacturing recognized as the 2019 Young Fastener Professional of the Year. The award recognizes and honors a young professional who has made significant contributions to fastener industry. The recipient was recognized at a special event during the International Fastener Expo and received a commemorative award.
FCH & FTI Present 2019 Fastener Training Award
Eric Dudas of Fully Threaded Radio and FCH Sourcing Network and Jo Morris from The Fastener Training Institute for the sixth consecutive year announced the scholarship winner. Richard Rengers, of Wurth Timberline was awarded full tuition to the FTI course, Fastener Training Week. Once completed, the course qualifies student for the Certified Fastener Specialist exam, a distinguished industry credential.
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