Ryan Kertis of Stelfast® Wins Young Professional of the Year

May 9, 2016
The Fastener Industry Coalition committee has selected Mr. Ryan Kertis of Stelfast® Inc. as this year’s Young Fastener Professional winner. “There were many good candidates nominated for the Young Fastener Professional award, but Ryan Kertis definitely filtered to the top of the list. As the founder of the Young Fastener Professionals association, Ryan recognizes the need to develop the next generation of fastener professionals and is creating innovative ways to help this important group acquire and develop the skills they need to succeed in our industry. We feel this, in addition to his many admirable personal qualities, merits Ryan to be the first recipient of the Young Fastener Professional award”, says Vicki Lester, Fastener Industry Coalition Board of Directors.

While attending night classes at Monmouth University to complete his MBA, Ryan first post-collegiate job was with Porteous Fastener Company as an Inside Sales person in 2009. In 2012, he received a Master’s degree in business administration and was presented with an opportunity at Stelfast®, Inc. as the Pricing Manager where he would be responsible for the development & adjustment of customer pricing on a national level.

In the short period of time since he has been a part of the fastener industry, he saw the potential for young professionals like himself to thrive and succeed in this industry. In 2014, he founded the Young Fastener Professionals (www.youngfastnerprofessionals.com) organization that aims to empower the next generation of fastener professionals through a multitude of platforms including educating, collaborating & networking.

A special recognition award ceremony to honor Ryan will take place on the show floor in the Session Area at the National Industrial Fastener & Mill Supply Expo in Las Vegas on Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at 2:30 p.m.