FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Las Vegas, NV – IFE 2025 is proud to announce the newest inductees into the Fastener Hall of Fame, along with the recipient of the Young Fastener Professional of the Year award. These prestigious honors recognize individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to the fastener industry through exemplary leadership, innovation, and dedication. This year, we are delighted to welcome two outstanding individuals into the Fastener Hall of Fame, each of whom has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to advancing the industry.
2025 Fastener Hall of Fame Inductee: Maryann Marzocchi, Distributor’s Link Magazine
IFE and the HOF Award Committee have chosen to honor Maryann Marzocchi posthumously due to her extensive career achievements, countless contributions, and overall love for the fastener industry.
Maryann began her remarkable career in the fastener industry in 1958 at Southern Screw Company, where she joined the sales department and quickly discovered her passion for customer service and relationship-building.
In 1976, recognizing a need for a dedicated publication that could connect the people, products, and stories of the fastener industry, Maryann’s brother-in-law, Leo Coar, invited her to help launch a new venture. The result was Distributor’s Link Magazine, which debuted its first issue in Winter 1977.
As Co-Owner and Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Maryann was instrumental in shaping the publication and its reach. She worked alongside Leo for 36 years and later, with her daughter, Tracey Lumia, for 15 of those years. Her love for the fastener industry, her clients, and her colleagues was undeniable and seen through her relationship with her industry peers, associations, and companies.
“Receiving this award on behalf of my mother is deeply meaningful — both personally and professionally,” said Tracey, who will be receiving the award on Maryann’s behalf. “It’s a powerful reminder of the legacy she helped build and the lives she touched throughout her career in the fastener industry. I’m proud to carry forward a piece of her story.”
2025 Fastener Hall of Fame Inductee: Laurence Claus, NNi Training & Consulting Inc.
IFE and the HOF Award Committee have also chosen to honor Laurence Claus for his expertise in fastener applications, exceptional leadership, and decades-long commitment to training the current and future fastener workforce.
Laurence began his fastener industry career in 1988 as an engineering intern with a prominent Chicago area fastener manufacturer. That internship would lead to a fruitful twenty-four-year career with the same company where he would rise to Vice President of Engineering. Along the way he would become an expert in many fastener-related applications and topics, most notably, automotive fasteners, specialty engineered brake components, and direct fastening into plastics.
In 2012, he struck out on his own and formed NNi Training and Consulting Inc., where he contributes training and consulting services primarily to the fastener industry. Laurence is honored to play a key role in two of the industry’s most prestigious organizations, serving as the Director of Training and Education for the Industrial Fasteners Institute and a lead instructor for the Fastener Training Institute.
He is also very active in North American Fastener Standardization, holding the chairmanship of the SAE Fastener Committee and Subcommittee Chairmanship roles with ASTM F16 and ASME B18. Outside of the fastener industry, Laurence has been blessed with a wonderful family of five children and opportunities to serve his church as Elder and Treasurer, and Scoutmaster to his sons’ Scout Troop.
“I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Laurence for over 20 years. He has been a great asset to the fastener industry and is truly deserving of induction into the Fastener Hall of Fame,” states Bill Derry, a member of the HOF committee. “Through his extensive training of countless individuals and companies, he has significantly enhanced the technical competency of key contributors in our industry, leaving a lasting impact.”
2025 Young Fastener Professional of the Year: Tim Vath, Lindstrom
In recognition of his unwavering commitment to the fastener industry, inspiring career path, and visionary leadership among his peers, IFE is proud to honor Tim Vath with the 2025 Young Fastener Professional of the Year Award.
Tim’s involvement in the industry started at a young age with Solution Industries, where his mom (Laura) convinced ownership to give him his first job of kitting fasteners at home during the company’s early years. Later, he worked in the warehouse during the summers throughout High School, until he attended Kent State University.
After earning his bachelor’s degree in accounting, he became a Certified Public Accountant. During his CPA pursuit, Tim returned to work at Solution while figuring out his career path, which was inevitably the fastener industry. He quickly advanced at Solution to become General Manager at age 28, which is when Lindfast Solutions Group acquired the company.
Over the next four years, Tim took on leadership over two more acquisitions, Hi-Q Fasteners and Merco Tape, as VP & GM. In early 2025, he was promoted to his current role as Division President of Lindstrom. Tim has been a member and involved with the various regional and national industry associations, participating in events and as a speaker on various panels.
Tim’s journey from working in a warehouse at a small family-owned business to leading one of the largest master distributors in the United States is a testament to his determination and leadership. Throughout his career, he has remained actively engaged in supporting industry associations, initiatives, and programs, demonstrating a deep commitment to the growth and advancement of the fastener community.
Away from work, Tim and his wife Elizabeth have been together for 13 years, married 8, and have three young boys – Julian, Wesley, and Cooper.
“It’s easy to see why the YFP Selection Committee had a unanimous decision in voting Tim as the 2025 YFP Award winner,” says Mike Robinson, a member of the committee. “This is a great way to recognize his tireless work ethic, dedication to the fastener industry, and his exceptional character. Tim continues to show his genuine kindness and inspire everyone around him. Congratulations Tim!”
IFE 2025 Awards Ceremony
The awards will be presented at the IFE 2025 Awards Ceremony, held on Tuesday, September 16th from 3:15PM-4:00PM at the Expo Hall Session Stage. This event is a prime opportunity for industry leaders, professionals, and innovators to come together, celebrate achievements, and discuss the future of the fastener industry. Please join us in honoring these amazing recipients.
About the International Fastener Expo
The International Fastener Expo (IFE) is North America’s most extensive business-to-business trade show for all types of fasteners, machinery & tooling, and other industrial products, catering to every level of the supply chain. Held annually in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, the event consists of a conference program presented by endorsing fastener associations and a show floor with hundreds of exhibitors from around the world. Learn more and register at: https://fastenershows.com/
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