no training at all. If you have no experience in industrial/construction products, you will sink. - Sales Trainee/OSP Fastenal Employee Review

2.0
Sep 28, 2012
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The people I worked with were very friendly and were willing to help me as much as possible.

Cons

This company runs lean on everything, including employees. At my store, we had the GM, myself, and a part time sales support person. During my first 2 weeks, I had no formal training and was left alone in the store for hours on end. I had no idea what I was doing or what the products were/where they were located due to lack of training. When people would call or come in and ask questions, my only resort was to call my GM and see if I could get ahold of him on his cell while he was filling vending machines or trying to make a sale. Not his fault, he had no time to train me.

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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