WINTER 2017

10 THE DISTRIBUTOR’S

10 THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK STAR STAINLESS SCREW CO. 810 Aec Drive, Wood Dale, IL 60191 TEL 1-800-323-1034 FAX 630-595-3533 2016 NIFMSE HALL OF FAME RECIPIENT - BRUCE WHEELER Biography Bruce Wheeler, Chairman of Star Stainless Screw Company, began his career in the fastener industry in 1973. Pressured by his father Bill, who was Star’s warehouse foreman, Bruce agreed to take a temporary summer job. He is still working that temporary summer job 43 years later. Bruce worked his way up from the warehouse to expediting, sales, branch manager, Executive Vice President and 25 years later from when he started, he became President. When Bruce began, Star was a fledgling business with only one location in Totowa, NJ. It was number 7 out of 7 competitors in the fastener market. In the last 40 plus years, Star was launched to new heights from its humble beginnings, to become the leading world supplier of stainless fasteners. Over the years the responsibilities of running Star were split between Wayne and Bruce. Wayne focused on the financials, legal issues, and inventory levels. Bruce focused on sales, purchasing, product expansion, and personnel. The Nuts and Bolts of business is easy, he says, the real challenge is in managing employees. Bruce believes that solid relationships with employees, customers and suppliers are critical in a successful business and to this day still operates with an open door policy. THE WHEELER FAMILY (LEFT TO RIGHT): KEVIN WHEELER, BRUCE WHEELER, ROBIN WHEELER, MELANIE WHEELER- FRITSCH, ADAM FRITSCH, BRYAN WHEELER AND LINDSAY KUPSCO. Sadly, as Wayne’s illness progressed Bruce took over completely running the company in Star’s same unique fashion. Looking to the future, in December 2015, Bruce has moved into the role of Chairman of the Board. He is now mentoring the new officers in his business style and approach for Star’s continued future success. On a personal note Bruce has been married to his wife, Robin for 39 years. They have three children, Melanie, Kevin and Bryan (Star’s National Sales Manager). He is active in his church and has sat on the board of their endowment fund for over 25 years. As his children were growing up he was active in various youth organizations. If you are looking for Bruce outside of work, you will most likely find him spending time with his grandson, Connor; or you will find him hunting or fishing somewhere in the world because he loves traveling to adventurous destinations. BUSINESS FOCUS ARTICLE CONTINUED ON PAGE 96