Domestic manufacturing is the topic of John Ratzenberger’s keynote address to the 2017 Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Association 41st annual convention.

Actor Ratzenberger, best known as mail carrier Cliff Clavin on the NBC sitcom Cheers, produced and starred in the Travel Channel series Made in America.

STAFDA will meet November 12-14, 2017, in Austin, TX. Web: STAFDA.org

Prior to Cheers, Ratzenberger lived overseas and worked as a carpenter, archery instructor and deck hand on a fishing boat. 

Ratzenberger recalled his mother handing him old radios and toasters with the cords cut off and having him take them apart. 

“Growing up, everyone we knew could make something and knew how to fix things,” he said. “Kids aren’t making things anymore. Instead they are going to college to get degrees and can’t find a job.”

“Today, many do not even know how to use simple tools, hammers and screwdrivers.  Manufacturers say high school kids can’t even read a ruler. How are they going to build airplanes, build homes, or even perform simple household repairs?”

Ratzenberger also developed Ecopack, a biodegradable shipping material that replaces Styrofoam.

 • Metabo Power Tools / North America CEO Joe Smith will give the Associate State-of-the-Industry address. He has 28 years of sales, product development and senior management experience with Metabo, Bosch and Milwaukee Electric Tool, and is active in the “Cordless Tool Revolution.”  Smith holds an MBA from Benedictine University and Bachelor’s in marketing from Purdue University.

Metabo has manufactured German-engineered power tools worldwide since 1924.

 • STAFDA president Tom Leahy of Border Construction Specialties of Phoenix will give the annual distributor State-of-the Industry address.