The National Fastener Distributors Association presented its first Fastener Professional of the Year to Robbie Gilchrist.

Gilchrist started in the fastener industry upon high school graduation in 1972 with Automotive Fasteners in Greensboro, NC. 

Thirteen years later with wife Gina Gilchrist, they opened Capital Fasteners Inc. It grew to a distributorship with 65 employees and in 1999 they sold Capital to Questron Technology Inc. 

Since 2002 Gilchrist has operated a rep agency and consulting services, High Point, NC-based Gilchrist Associates.

In 2000, the Gilchrists created the Gilchrist Foundation to award scholarships to students with a connection to the fastener companies. About 50 students have subsequently received scholarships.

The NFDA created the award to honor individuals and companies making a substantial positive impact on people’s lives. Honorees can be individuals who make “exceptional contributions to their company and to the industry” or partners or consultants who demonstrate exemplary supply for the industry.

NFDA vice president Kevin Miller of Bamal Corp. said there were numerous potential honorees who fit the criteria, but “one name shot quickly to the top of the list who embodies the true spirit of this award.” 

Gilchrist “has been a tireless champion for the industry and the associations he has been a part of.”

Gilchrist responded that “It is always wonderful to get recognized, and to get recognized by your peers makes it that much better.” 

“Associations to me are the real backbone of an industry. I have been fortunate to have been part of the NFDA for 27 years. And I was an original member company of the Southeastern Fastener Association.”

“Relationships are made at trade association meetings, not at trade shows,” Gilchrist said. “And, believe me, relationships are still the most important part of business.”

The NFDA will open nominations for the 2018 Fastener Professional of the Year later this year. Web: nfda-fastener.org