Cut Throat - Pyramid Scheme - Used and Abused - General Manager Fastenal Employee Review

3.0
Jan 19, 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Good starting point for a young college grad, total freedom, great building blocks in getting your hands dirty, role playing included being a janitor, clerk, inventory analysis, warehouse/dock worker, forklift operator, delivery driver, maintenance mechanic, manager, inside/outside sales, customer service, accounting (recruiting & hiring was taken away)

Cons

36k base, I can only imagine the base outside a major city, no raises (was told sell more to gain commission), paid on sales, growth, margin, & AR. Commission cap at 55% margin (if margin exceeded 55% you do not get paid on it even though you did the work to gain it), when customers don't pay their bills within net terms Fastenal takes it from your commission, if you do not grow vertically (year over year) it hits your pay check, you are given employees but they are paid nothing and turnover occurs which in the long run affects the manager, performance based compensation, "here do this with this" and when you reach or exceed their goals it's not enough "sell more", sales numbers and margin is tweeked at the end of the month to prevent additional commission being paid out (watch out they steal from you)

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.

1
See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All