Everyone is underpaid and over estimated - Branch Operations Manager Fastenal Employee Review

2.0
Jan 1, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

-If your branch manager is cool then it’s a cool environment. -if you hit KPIs and show competency, you will be recognized -they try to recognize hard work it seems. -Upward mobility (except you’ll be underpaid the whole way) -If you are lazy, work here.

Cons

-Pay is horrible -Half blue collar job -you will be surrounded by uneducated people or part time retirees at the branch level -company is built to hook you in and keep lower quality talent. College educated talent can find much better -company is EXTREMELY disorganized. Systematic issues from up top (district level and higher broad strategy level) trickle down and leave the branches to fight for themselves -branch level deals with BS from customers and most importantly BS from internal systemic problems -culture talks about integrity yet gives employees opportunities endlessly to steal and scam which has led to many customer facing issues. I wouldn’t trust Fastenal if I was an outsider as it’s very personal dependent (their systems are so bad it allows for stealing/scamming) -CEO is a quack weirdo

Explore other reviews about Fastenal

5.0
Jun 9, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Management is good Hours are negotiable Time off is available Opportunities to move up always available

Cons

No commissions for part time

4.0
Jul 9, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great company culture, love the investment they put in for career advancement. Great people to work with, CEO is amazing but he's stepping down this month. Benefits are good. Decentralized organization so your ideas and solutions actually get listened to and implemented. Feel like I'm actually making a difference in the company.

Cons

Pay is lower than the industry average for most departments and they don't keep up with the cost of living, don't do bonuses (unless you're in sales) or pay raises. You have to ask to get one and most times they say no. Very male dominant at the branches and in sales, but many women in corporate leadership. Don't have any DEI initiatives. Not flexible on relocation for internal management roles, have to be at corporate HQ in Winona, MN.

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