The International Fastener Expo has partnered with the Fastener Industry Coalition to choose the winners of the Fastener Hall of Fame and Young Fastener Professional of the Year Award. The Fastener Hall of Fame Award recognizes and honors inventors, business leaders, and educators who have made significant contributions to the fastener industry. The Young Fastener Professional of the Year Award recognizes and honors a young professional under the age of forty who has made significant contributions to the fastener industry.
A special recognition award ceremony will take place on the show floor in the Sessions Corner at IFE in Las Vegas, NV on Wednesday, Oct. 31 from 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Hall of Fame Award Winners
Bob Sachs, XL Screw Corporation
In 1979, Bob Sachs became a shareholder and Vice President of XL Screw Corporation. In January 2003, Bob was promoted to President. Owning 100% of XL was a lifelong goal and through hard work and dedication, that dream came true in 2005. Under Bob’s leadership, XL is a major contributor to the distribution market…"a company you can always count on." XL will be celebrating 50 years in business in November 2018. Please join us in congratulating XL on their 50 year milestone.
Robbie Gilchrist, Capital Marketing
Robbie Gilchrist is in his 47th year in the fastener business. Each day communicating with many industry people. Throughout the years he was President of the SEFA, serving on the board for two terms; served on the board of the NFDA and was a committee chair for three years, in all trying to improve the fastener industry.
The greatest part of Robbie’s career has been the formation and distribution of “The Gilchrist Foundation”. The Foundation was formed after the sale of Capital Fasteners in 2000 to assist students in their continuing education. Robbie and his wife Gina of 31 years, had been successful and wanted to give back to the industry that had been so supportive of them. Since the inception of the scholarship endowment, 60 scholarships have been awarded to people working in the industry or family members of those working in the industry.
Young Fastener Professional of the Year Award Winners
Peggy Hsieh, Brighton-Best International
Peggy Hsieh is the Chief Operating Officer of Brighton-Best International (BBI) where she oversees the operations and IT functions of all 32 BBI branches across 6 countries. BBI has always been at the forefront of using technology to help the fastener industry reduce transactional costs. Peggy not only manages the IT department but she tries to engrain technology as a philosophy throughout all BBI departments and the fastener industry.
Jun Xu, Brighton-Best International
Jun Xu is the President of Brighton-Best International (BBI), where he is responsible for the strategy and purchasing for all of BBI’s locations across 6 countries. Through his leadership and direction, BBI’s purpose and role in the fastener industry has been transformed from selling products to focusing on how to help distributors grow and succeed. Jun not only provides the strategic focus within BBI but also serves as a Board of Director member of the NFDA.
Jun and Peggy have been married and have worked together for over 10 years. They live in Los Angeles and have two children together.
