YFP Panel Offers Career Advice
First, work hard.
“Perform to a level that can’t be ignored,” Jake Glaser of Sherex Fastening Systems advised Young Fastener Professionals. “Show my company that I have the value.”
Second, don’t overdo it.
“It shows if you try to be something you are not,” said Tim Vath of Solution Industries. “It has to be about authenticity.”
And third, stay curious.
“Ask questions” to get involved in projects, Mike Robinson of Star Stainless Screw suggested.
The three “Leadership Development for the Young Fastener Professional” panelists offered experience and advice to members during the National Fastener Distributors Association 2024 executive summit.
Vath suggested “look at the high-performers” and decide, “I want to be there.”
Understand your own style and where your strengths are day-to-day and beyond, Glaser said.
Glaser, who started with Sherex in inside sales, said he was encouraged to participate in entrepreneurial events and continuing education via local college programs.
“Mentors gave me space,” said Vath, who started in the warehouse.
Mentors need to give the mentee “autonomy to grow,” Glaser said.
Ultimately the mentee must have the “interest, desire and drive” to advance, Glaser said.
Build relationships early and maintain them, Vath advised. There must be mutual respect. “Understand people at their level” and the way they receive information, Vath said.
“Go with your gut,” Vath said. “Accept risk of failure.”
Robinson advised “focusing on relationships” and networking.
Robinson mentioned “EQ” as necessary. Emotional quotient is understanding and managing your emotions and others.
Advancing may require difficult conversations, Robinson noted.
Your path varies if the employer is a family business or large publicly-traded company, Robinson said.
There are also times to let go where it is “just not the right fit,” Glaser pointed out.
Vath added that “you are not going to have a great relationship with everybody.”
For information on the YFP mentorship program email: Amy@NFDA-fastener.org.
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