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FALL 2015

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Distributor's Link Magazine Fall Issue 2015 / Vol 38 No4

56 THE DISTRIBUTOR’S

56 THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK FASTENER ADVISORY BOARD DON NOWAK EMAIL dnowak@falconfastening.com RON STANLEY EMAIL rons@empirebolt.com THE FAB GROUP “MIXING BEST PRACTICES WITH MUSIC HISTORY” by Jim Ruetz, AIS (All Integrated Solutions) The Fastener Advisory Board (FAB), met at Martin Supply Company (Florence, AL) and at Martin’s fastener division -Martin Fastening (Jackson, TN.) in late May. The 20 year old industry best practices group learned about M.R.O.P. distribution, as well as, a brief glimpse into their integrated supply division, Martin’s Plant Services. Over the last 25+ years, the plant services division has managed a wide range of MRO items for a number of customers like Nucor Steel, Boeing, Mercedes and others via placing Martin employees in the customer’s plants to purchase, manage, and disperse products in the customer’s facility. After completing operations tours of both Martin’s fastening company in Jackson, TN. and their HQ in Florence, AL., the group met with a number of key team members to gain a better understanding of the firms multi-divisional operations. After the operational review, the FAB members gave Doug Ruggles (FAB member from Martin) a summary of their observations along with suggestions for possible improvements and areas which the group thought Martin was strong in. On average the FAB groups travel to two member’s facilities each year to conduct operational reviews. “When we have our meeting at a member’s site the first day is always dedicated to helping the member we are visiting” noted Ron Stanley of Empire Bolt. On the second day each of the members give a verbal SWOT analysis of their company to the rest of the group, in addition best practice ideas are shared, and general meeting items are discussed. Jim Ruetz - All Integrated Solutions (AIS) stated: ABOVE: FAME STUDIO WAS THE FIRST OF THE MUSIC RECORDING STUDIOS IN MUSCLE SHOALS, ALABAMA. MUSCLE SHOALS RECORDING WAS STARTED BY THE BACKUP BAND (THE SWAMPERS) THAT USED TO WORK AT FAME. IN THE SONG SWEET HOME ALABAMA BY LYNARD SKYNARD - THE SWAMPERS ARE REFERENCED “.. AND MUSCLE SHOALS HAS IT SWAMPERS…. “ THE BACKUP BAND GOT THERE NAME FROM A COMMENT BY MIC JAGGER OF THE ROLLING STONES WHEN THEY RECORDED AT FAME. BELOW: THE PIANO WAS WHERE ARETHA FRANKLIN CUT HER FIRST SONGS AT FAME- THE STUDIO WAS THE LAUNCHING PAD FOR ARETHA’S CAREER. “Personally, I feel that half the value from the FAB meetings come from the operations overviews and the other half comes from the interaction during social dinners and pursuing discussions. There is a lot of industry knowledge at the dinner table on either side of you”. The trip down to Florence & Muscle Shoals was ripe with social opportunities and the chance to mix business with some fun and education. Doug Ruggles (host) was able to schedule the group to visit the FAME recording studios where the Muscle Shoals recording boom started in the early 70’s. “We saw the piano where Aretha Franklin cut her first songs and toured the studios where the likes of the Rolling Stones, the Who, and Arlo Guthrie recorded. We have a lot of fun in between helping each other become better businesses” said Tim O’Keeffe – GL Huyett. The FAB group tries to maintain a size between 5 and 7 member companies at any one time. “If we have too many companies in the group it becomes difficult to schedule meetings” said Don Nowak – Falcon Fastening Solutions. Mark Shannon- Tower Fasteners added “Over the years we have a near 100% attendance record at each meeting-this helps to maintain continuity and a high level of input.” The current membership is at six companies, but turnover can happen suddenly via acquisition, retirement, or even someone passing on. The group is always looking for candidates that are interested should an opening occur. If you are interested in information about the FAB group contact Don Nowak @ Falcon Fastening Solutions dnowak@falconfastening.com ASSOCIATION ARTICLE FASTENER ADVISORY BOARD

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 57

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