The National Fastener Distributors Association named Tim O’Keeffe of G. L. Huyett as its 2022 Fastener Professional of the Year.

O’Keeffe grew up in Nebraska and graduated from the University of Nebraska with highest honors in 1983 with a degree in economics and minors in computer science, business and philosophy.

After two-years with Procter and Gamble, he started a business brokerage in Kansas City in 1985. In 1992 O’Keeffe purchased G.L. Huyett from Bob and Dolly Hahn.

What started as a single-employee business has grown to 160 employees, four distribution centers, two manufacturing centers, a Minneapolis, KS, headquarters and a technology center in Sidney, NE.

In 2020, O’Keeffe was inducted into the IFE Fastener Hall of Fame.

He is a columnist for the American Fastener Journal, and he and his colleagues at G.L. Huyett invest in charitable work and community improvement.

He was the NFDA associate chair from 2007-2010, has taught college courses and is a consultant for private equity firms.

O’Keeffe will receive his award at the NFDA annual meeting in Minneapolis, MN, on June 21.

The annual award was created by NFDA to honor individuals and companies that make a substantial positive impact on people’s lives.

Past recipients are: 

  • Robbie Gilchrist, Capital Marketing (2017) 
  • Jim Ruetz, AIS (2018) 
  • Kevin Queenin, Specialty Bolt & Screw (2019)
  • Don Nowak, Falcon Fastening Solutions (2020)
  • Jim Derry, Field Fastener (2021).

Nominations for the 2023 Fastener Professional of the Year will open in January 2023. Web: NFDA-fastener.org