DISTRIBUTOR HIGHLIGHT

SZS Fasteners Inc.

SZS FastenersBased in Dorr, Michigan, SZS was once a modest tool and die shop. But in 1992, the company realized that it needed to respond to the changing times and so it did. SZS’s evolution was in large part due to the dedication and vision of Alan Schut.

Alan, a natural salesman, began his career in retail selling everything from shoes to ladies lingerie. Yet as dedicated as he was, he sought to break from the often long and unpredictable hours of retail. His answer? Sticking to sales but selling in a new industry: fasteners. Through perseverance and a strong work ethic, Alan quickly made a name for himself. So much so that the owners of SZS, and Jim Zoulek especially, routinely relied on Alan for advice. Since Alan had built such a strong relationship with SZS, it only seemed natural to accept the company’s offer to come aboard.

Today Alan is the proud owner of SZS. He has seen it go from two guys and a single computer operating in a small office space to its new, spacious home as of January 2009: a 12,000 square foot building. SZS branched out by gaining more construction business, and then truck garage bin fill programs were put into place. Through these developments, SZS has remained loyal to its customers and has always done their best to never, ever say no to a customer need. “We have always allowed the customer to lead us where we need to go,” Jared Schut, Alan’s son and SZS’s Vice President, said. He continued, “Because we understand our customers, we actually stock what the customer really wants. We really listen to and then react to the needs of each individual customer. It is what’s helped us go from a tool and die shop to evolve into the full-service industrial distributor that we are today.” Jared is quick to reinforce that though inventory is important, it’s servicing SZS that’s most important.

When Alan Schut came aboard to SZS, there were 59 other companies that distributed fasteners in their area and still SZS prevailed. How? Because of a simple philosophy that Alan continues enforces daily: treat people
right. But Alan’s not talking about his customers, he’s referring to his very own employees. “All SZS employees
are unique and different to serve our unique and different customer base. Each employee knows every aspect
of the operation as well. They share the work, and they share the profits! They watch the company dollars as if
they were their own.” It’s obvious that SZS is a team atmosphere with the success of the company in mind.
SZS employees are very conscientious of how they work and how important their customers translating to exceptional customer service.

The SZS tradition will continue but the torch will soon pass to Jared as Alan is phases-out office work in exchange for what Alan affectionately calls more ‘vacation time’.

Like SZS, Earnest Machine also knows more than a thing or two about customer service. A family-run business, Earnest has served its customers for over 62 years, and now operates under the direction of a third-generation Zehnder. Earnest respects and honors the SZS business model. Hats-off to you, SZS Fasteners Inc. for your dedication to both your
employees and your customers. May your generous spirit continue to serve you for many years to come.


*SZS Fasteners Inc. 2634 142nd Street, Dorr, Michigan 49323 Phone: 616-896-1000   •   Fax: 616-896-1111