The National Fastener Distributors Association announced Don Nowak of Falcon Fastening Solutions as its 2020 Fastener Professional of the Year.

Don began his fastener industry career in 1970 at Kar Products, Des Plaines, IL.  In 1987, he went to Hoyt Fastener, Niles, IL, as president and COO.

In 1997 Nowak joined Falcon Metal Corporation of Charlotte, NC, as a minority partner for the distributorship founded by Bruce Roberts.  Nowak developed a marketing strategy and subsequently grew revenues 500%.

Nowak acquired Falcon upon Roberts’ retirement in 2008.  The next year Falcon purchased C&M Industrial Solutions, Louisville, KY, to expand the company’s geographic area.  Falcon now has five facilities – with three as customer specific.

In 2014 the company’s name changed to Falcon Fastening Solutions.  In 2018 came a generational transfer of ownership to his daughter, Carrie Cespedes and spouse Giovanni Cespede.  Nowak remains a part-time consultant.

He was the 1992-93 president of the Chicago Bolt, Nut & Screw Association (now Mid-West Fastener Association) and has been on the NFDA and Southeastern Fastener Association boards.  With other industry leaders he started the Fastener Advisory Board in 1988.

Mark Shannon of Tower Fasteners, Holtsville, NY, nominated Nowak and credited him as “a contributor to the fastener industry and its associations for many years.  His career has been filled with a high standard of ethics and integrity, and he has led a company that has grown in revenue and stature over the years.”  

Shannon added that “Don has been a mentor to many – including myself – and is willing and able to share his sound reasoning and good business sense when asked.”

Nowak will be presented his award at the next NFDA event.

The annual professional award was created by the NFDA to honor individuals and companies that make a substantial positive impact.  The inaugural award in 2017 was presented to Robbie Gilchrist of Capital Marketing, High Point, NC. Jim Ruetz of AIS, Franksville, WI, was honored in 2018 and Kevin Queenin of Specialty Bolt & Screw Inc., Agawam, MA in 2019.

Nominations for 2021 will be open in January 2021.  Web: nfda-fastener.org