As Fab Supply turns 30 this month, it is an exciting time for us and our customers. We are so grateful for reaching this milestone and thankful for the support of our customers and staff. Fab Supply is a full-service provider of press brake tooling and accessories, and our success rides on the shoulders of the relationships we’ve built with our customers over the last 30 years.
Our story began in 1992. While on a fishing trip in Canada with his friend, Dan Provenzano, John confided that he was looking to change career paths. So, Dan presented John with a unique opportunity. He explained that his friend owned a company that was manufacturing press brake tooling and they were looking for someone to represent the product line. That was when all the stars fell into alignment and the idea of FAB Supply was born.
Being fairly new to the industry, John understood that he needed more knowledge before launching this new business. He decided to spend a year working in a shop on a press brake to learn the nuts and bolts of the industry. He was a quick learner and later was considered an expert in the field. But no matter how many years passed, John would be the first to say that there always was something new to learn in this industry.
Mary MacMillan feels fortunate to be able to say that she has been with FAB Supply from the very beginning. After John spent his first year “learning the ropes,” she began working with him to set up the organization of his new venture.
“We worked from a cubicle in his friend’s building making calls, sending out literature, doing all the things that are necessary to a start-up business. Once we began to build up inventory, we moved to a little larger area and, while John built his customer base, I built procedures. Talk about teamwork! Having worked at FAB Supply for almost thirty years now, and after two moves, I am privileged to have been part of its growth from that small cubicle into the efficient and beautiful facility we currently occupy.
“Through all the usual ups and downs of a new business, the largest constants for FAB Supply have always been relationships and customer service. They are the heartbeat of who we are. For example, years ago, one customer had a special just-in-time project and needed a tool that we did not have in stock. With John’s “we can do that” attitude, he assured them that he would take care of it. John had the tool brought in by air and sat at the airport until it arrived. He then took it back to FAB Supply, wrapped it securely, and dropped it off at a UPS site for overnight delivery.
“On another occasion, a customer had ordered a special configuration tool that they needed sooner than the required lead time. John paid the engineer premium to work late into the night to finish the tool. Then, my kids drove John’s truck for four and a half hours overnight to Detroit so our customer would have their tool when they arrived at their shop early in the morning. That is the type of customer service that John professed, and that FAB Supply continues to deliver.”
Over the years, we’ve built a reputation for excellence by providing innovative solutions, high-quality products, and exceptional customer service. Our team is passionate about developing and delivering new technologies that help our customers improve their manufacturing processes and stay ahead of their competition.
To celebrate our 30th anniversary, we will be offering a special promotion (more info to come soon), throughout this summer. We want to show our appreciation for the trust and loyalty our customers have shown us over the years.
At Fab Supply, we are committed to helping our customers succeed. We stand behind everything we offer and strive to provide the highest level of customer service in the industry. Our team is always available to answer questions, offer technical support, and help customers find the right tooling and accessories for their specific applications. No matter how technology evolves, we will always be just a phone call away.
As we celebrate 30 years of excellence, we want to thank our customers, team, and partners who have helped us achieve this milestone. We are excited about what the future holds and look forward to continuing to deliver innovative solutions that help our customers grow and succeed. Thank you for choosing Fab Supply, and here’s to the next 30 years of excellence!
2 Comments
Sally J Foote DVM
I remember those early days, and the ups and downs with starting the business. I am proud of the employees and his sons who are carrying on the legacy of Fab Supply.
Good luck to more years in the future!
Sally J Foote DVM – sister in law of John – wife of brother Tom Wold.
Alan Koch
I met John on a trip to Chicago for some press brake training in 2005 or 2006. Saw one of the Rolla V dies at the company where the training was being held. i said we could use something like that. They called John and he came up and showed me the tooling and explained it usages. We bought the die and could not have been happier. Developed a relationship that lasted through the years. We still turn to Fab Supply for most of our press brake tooling.
Alan