The recipient of the National Fastener Distributors Association’s (NFDA) top annual honor is Marc Strandquist, a well-known fastener industry veteran who passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Aug. 31, 2023.

Awarded the NFDA’s 2024 Fastener Professional of the Year, Strandquist was a 37-year industry veteran who joined industrial distributor Martin Inc. in January 2023, operating out of its Jackson, TN location. 

Prior to Martin, Strandquist helped lead fastener distributor and manufacturer Optimas Solutions for nearly two years, including as CEO from October 2020 to August 2021, and held positions at Würth Industry North America for the previous seven years. He was also President of the NFDA from 2016-2017.

In his nomination of Strandquist, Martin Inc. Co-CEO Doug Ruggles stated, “I don’t know anyone who has had a broader impact on the industry driving professionalism, growth, and a commitment to giving back,” the NFDA shared in a news release. “He was beloved by his team and customers because of his ability to connect with them and truly care for their goodwill.”

The NFDA shared the following commentary in its award recognition for Strandquist:

“During his career, he accomplished much, and he prided himself on creating positive work cultures and employee engagement,” the NFDA added. “His enthusiasm and positive approach to managing was infectious and felt by employees and customers alike.

Marc was the consummate businessman who could relate to people and circumstances at every level, from warehouse employees to C-suite executives. He knew how to bring individuals together to solve problems and move the business forward. Marc helped craft some of the largest and most complex contracts in the fastener industry. His work in mergers and acquisitions added many strategic and synergistic companies to his management portfolio.”

In late 2020, MDM had an in-depth Premium Q&A with Strandquist about his career in the industry.

Marc’s family will accept the NFDA Fastener Professional of the Year award in his memory at the NFDA Annual Meeting & ESPS in Irving, TX on June 13.

See the NFDA’s full award news release for more info, including about the Marc Strandquist Memorial Scholarship Fund.