International Fastener Expo (IFE) 2025 has announced the newest inductees into the Fastener Hall of Fame, along with the recipient of the Young Fastener Professional of the Year award.
These prestigious honours celebrate individuals who have made “significant and lasting contributions to the fastener industry through exemplary leadership, innovation and dedication".
This year, the Hall of Fame welcomes two distinguished figures.
First, IFE and the Hall of Fame Award Committee have chosen to recognise Maryann Marzocchi (pictured left) of Distributor’s Link Magazine posthumously for her remarkable career and impact on the industry. She began her journey in 1958 at Southern Screw Company in the sales department, where she discovered her passion for customer service and relationship-building.
In 1976, seeing the need for a publication dedicated to uniting the people, products and stories of the fastener industry, Marzocchi joined her brother-in-law, Leo Coar, to launch Distributor’s Link Magazine, which debuted in Winter 1977. As Co-Owner and Vice President of Sales & Marketing, she was instrumental in shaping the magazine’s reach and reputation, working alongside Coar for 36 years and later with her daughter, Tracey Lumia, for 15 of those years.
Also inducted into the Hall of Fame is Laurence Claus (pictured middle) of NNi Training & Consulting Inc., recognised for his deep expertise in fastener applications, outstanding leadership, and lifelong commitment to workforce education.
Since beginning his career in 1988, Laurence has dedicated himself to training and consulting, notably as Director of Training and Education for the Industrial Fasteners Institute and as a lead instructor for the Fastener Training Institute. Through these roles, he has played a pivotal part in developing both current and future generations of fastener professionals.
Meanwhile, the 2025 Young Fastener Professional of the Year Award was presented to Tim Vath (pictured right), Division President of Lindstrom Fasteners. Vath began his career at Solution Industries and rose quickly through the ranks, becoming General Manager at just 28, shortly before the company was acquired by LindFast Solutions Group. Over the next four years, he oversaw two further acquisitions, Hi-Q Fasteners and Merco Tape, as Vice President & General Manager. In early 2025, he was promoted to his current role as Division President of Lindstrom.
IFE praised his trajectory from working in the warehouse of a family-owned business to leading one of the largest master distributors in the United States, calling it “a testament to his determination and leadership.”
