Fastenal Culture
We are defined by our core belief in people: that each individual possesses vast untapped creativity and potential, and that the role of leadership is to find ways to fully develop and utilize it. From this mindset stems a deep commitment to training, decentralized decision-making, and promotion from within (an aspect of our culture that influences everything from how we compensate employees to how we grow as a company). There is no trade-off between our people-oriented values and our business success – the former makes the latter possible, and the latter reinforces the former.
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Fastenal Values
Our most successful employees live and work by the following cultural values.
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Ambition
By thinking big and outworking the competition, we add value for our customers, drive growth for our company, and create opportunities for ourselves. |
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Innovation
We believe the best ideas come from people closest to the customer or process. Looking for a company that listens to (and truly values) your ideas? We’re all ears. |
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Integrity
Our decentralized culture wouldn’t be possible without personal integrity at every level of the company – people who don’t need complex rules and constant supervision to do the right thing. |
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Teamwork
We succeed by surrounding ourselves with talent, supporting those around us, and challenging each other to become better every day. |
10 Basic Rules of Leadership
Our most successful leaders live and work by the following rules, as were originally created by our founder Bob Kierlin.
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1. Challenge rather than control
2. Treat everyone as your equal
3. Stay out of the spotlight
4. Share the rewards
5. Listen rather than speak
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6. See the unique humanness in all persons
7. Develop empathy
8. Supress your ego
9. Let people learn
10. Remember how little you know
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Social Awareness
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Related Links
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Community
When Fastenal went public in 1987, our company founders set aside more than a quarter of the IPO shares to create an educational endowment for local schools. The message was clear: Fastenal is a company grounded in community. Today this spirit shines through in thousands of cities and towns where our local “blue teams” work, live, lead, and give back. A few notable examples:
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Blue Team Sports®
An athletic uniform program available to Fastenal employees and their family members who participate in sports programs in their communities. Learn more. |
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Trinona®
The world’s “biggest little” triathlon, presented by Fastenal. Learn more. |
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BK-5K
An annual race/fundraiser with all proceeds supporting various youth programs demonstrating financial need. In 2018 the program was expanded to include multiple events in different locations. Learn more. |
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Blue Team® Responds
When disasters strike, local Fastenal teams utilize our Blue Team Responds emergency distribution program to quickly provide – and in many instances donate – critical supplies like water, generators, tarps, and tools. Learn more. |