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At the heart of Buckeye Fasteners, there’s a steadfast presence that has weathered decades of change and growth. Meet Ron Foreman Jr., a cornerstone of our team since February 1980. Ron joined our team over four decades ago, just as Buckeye Fasteners was becoming an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) company. He currently serves as a luminary in the Weld Department, specializing in training.

What do you enjoy most about the work you do?

I have always enjoyed helping our customers correct the resistance welding process with both initial set-up schedules for their machines and through continual successful welds with production runs. Traveling over the years to see how our fasteners are being used in the field and meeting the people doing the welding has been one of the best parts of my job. I enjoy working with people.

What inspired you to join the team here?

Coming out of the United States Navy, I was interviewing and had an offer to work at Cleveland NASA, but the most intriguing offer came from Buckeye Fasteners, a company that was about to become employee-owned. Knowing that every year you can gain a bigger piece of the pie as part of Fastener Industries ownership sounded like the best opportunity for a young person to join this team.

What would you describe as a “typical” work week?

The Welding Department is ready to answer welding questions from customers every day. For myself, this includes answering customers beyond my 7 hours in the office. We weld stock and custom levelers daily as jobs get scheduled, along with a new service for welding customer assemblies as this grows. We also make the electrodes for Buckeye Fasteners stock parts. 

Looking back, what advice would you give to newer employees who are just starting their journey with the company and may eventually become long-term ESOP participants?

The best advice I can give our new Employee Owners is to take time to realize you will be getting shares of stock every year you are working with us that no one outside of this company can own. Take pride in every aspect of your journey through the years of being an owner with us. Remember every job here is important for our continued success and growth in value both individually and as a corporation. You make this happen. 

When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing?

I enjoy being around the boating society, cooking on my outside grill, and spending time with my wife.

What is something surprising that not many people know about you?

I am a boating enthusiast. Ienjoy navigating the waterways. I also enjoy aviation, but hearing loss has ended that experience. I thought of building a small Bede single-engine aircraft kit for years until my hearing disability. Now, I find peace out on the water.

Favorite food, celebrities, sports teams?

I enjoy a good steak. My favorite celebrity is Clint Eastwood. I am a Cleveland Browns fan.

With which cartoon character would you most wish to swap lives with? Why?

Superman. Knowing you can survive any situation sounds like the type of person I would like to be.

Ron Foreman Jr.'s four decades at Buckeye Fasteners exemplify dedication and expertise. His commitment to customer satisfaction and employee ownership has been integral to the company's success. We are incredibly fortunate and proud to have him as a part of the Buckeye Fasteners family.