Global Fastener News

PERSPECTIVE: Thanksgiving in Palm Springs

John Wolz

In 1972 Robbie Gilchrist graduated from high school and took a summer job with Automotive Fasteners in Greensboro, NC.
He intended to go to college, but the summer job lasted 13 years until he went out on his own to start a fastener distributorship.
In 1985 Gilchrist refinanced his house, borrowed from friends and took out a SBA loan to start Capital Fasteners Inc. Such suppliers as importer Eric Cohn lent inventory. His wife, Gina Gilchrist, worked outside the industry to provide a household income while Robbie built the distributorship.
Last year Gilchrist sold the thriving High Point, NC-based distributorship with branches in Chesapeake, VA, and Jacksonville, FL, to Questron Technology Inc. for $10.6 million.
Gilchrist is now a Questron regional vice president.
Gilchrist never did receive a college degree, but he and his wife, Gina Gilchrist, decided to help future students and other causes by forming the Gilchrist Foundation. A part of that foundation is the Robbie & Gina Gilchrist Trust Fund to provide scholarships for people already in the fastener industry and for students who intend to go into the fastener business. A $100,000 portion of their gift becomes a perpetual fund for scholarships to be administered through the NFDA.
�We genuinely wanted to give back and give from the heart,� Gilchrist told FIN.
NFDA members responded to the announcement with a standing ovation for the Gilchrists.
�We have enjoyed tremendous success and opportunity in the fastener industry,� Gilchrist explained to the NFDA. �It was only fitting for us to come up with some idea to give back.�
With their gift, the Gilchrists did more than give thanks. They set an example for others who benefit from the industry.
The Gilchrists can be contacted at Capital Fasteners Inc., 1920 W. Green Dr., High Point, NC 27264. Tel: 336 884-4016. Fax 336 884-1854. E-mail: rgilchr485@aol.com