Get your experience and get out.... - General Manager Fastenal Employee Review

2.0
Feb 18, 2012
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Opportunity for quick advancement due to high turn over Great way to get your feet wet in sales You will have an instant crash course in business and the industry

Cons

Goals and expectations (30% growth year over year) are unreasonable for many markets. Pressure to sell vending machines is becoming intolerable Unless you are in new markets, GM position is as high as you are likely to get Company relies on your relationship with customers to get them through major flaws in with shipping service (Deliveries are chronically late and/or product lost). Pay is terrible for the amount of work and stress put in. This corporation should not be considered a long term opportunity. The company spends a lot of time telling you progress is just a matter of work ethic and planning, which to a degree is true, but factors such as market potential, lost business due to high turnover, and current successes are not considered at all. Get ready to be constantly chided for one failing or another despite any progress you have been able to make. You will also have a hard time competing with other suppliers which are happier to operate on half the margins with more reliable delivery options. And above all, be prepared to learn everything on your own, make the Fastenal Help line your best friend.

Explore other reviews about Fastenal

5.0
Apr 30, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Good job to have during college. People are easy going and easy to get along with. Overall really good experience

Cons

Gets repetitive after a while

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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