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The power of Fastenal people
Why do some companies thrive, While other companies just survive? The teamwork approach to everyday problem-solving for reaching practicable, common goal solutions. Here's a first hand account of the Fastenal Company leadership principles at work in the workplace and beyond
142 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 1997
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
April 3, 2025
2 stars. I read the 2020 2nd edition.
The start of my rare book collection! I was lucky enough to win this book in a twitter giveaway by Rainmakers Pod. Given the incredible compounding success of Fastenal, I was excited to give it a read.
Unfortunately, I didn’t really enjoy reading this book. Most of the advice seemed generic and seemed like stuff I could find on the walls of any corporate office. I also thought there would be more anecdotes about Kierlin’s time at Fastenal or in the Minnesota State Senate, and I think that contributed to the feeling of genericity.
Additionally, Robert seemed to be an idealist on the source of motivation for most employees. From my life experience, most low wage workers are at the job solely for the money, and did not care at all about the goal of the business. Note that I am 21 years old and am probably out of place disagreeing with a guy who founded and ran a business worth ~$40B
But with that being said, I am not in the stage of my life where I would use this information. It is likely that a reread later in my career will lead to better takeaways and the book viewed in a more positive light.
Some quotes that will stick with me:
“Make learning a lifelong activity. The world is a marvelous place inhabited by remarkable creatures. The more you learn about the wonders of life, the more you will appreciate the value of each life that makes up humanity.”
“To a large extent, we are what we have lived. And when we think about problems and solutions, we call on the historical library of what we have accumulated.”
“The 10 basic rules about leadership:
1. CHALLENGE rather than CONTROL
2. Treat everyone as your equal
3. Stay out of the spotlight
4. Share the rewards
5. LISTEN rather than SPEAK
6. See the unique humanness in all persons
7. Develop empathy
8. Suppress your ego
9. Let people learn
10. Remember how little you know.”
The start of my rare book collection! I was lucky enough to win this book in a twitter giveaway by Rainmakers Pod. Given the incredible compounding success of Fastenal, I was excited to give it a read.
Unfortunately, I didn’t really enjoy reading this book. Most of the advice seemed generic and seemed like stuff I could find on the walls of any corporate office. I also thought there would be more anecdotes about Kierlin’s time at Fastenal or in the Minnesota State Senate, and I think that contributed to the feeling of genericity.
Additionally, Robert seemed to be an idealist on the source of motivation for most employees. From my life experience, most low wage workers are at the job solely for the money, and did not care at all about the goal of the business. Note that I am 21 years old and am probably out of place disagreeing with a guy who founded and ran a business worth ~$40B
But with that being said, I am not in the stage of my life where I would use this information. It is likely that a reread later in my career will lead to better takeaways and the book viewed in a more positive light.
Some quotes that will stick with me:
“Make learning a lifelong activity. The world is a marvelous place inhabited by remarkable creatures. The more you learn about the wonders of life, the more you will appreciate the value of each life that makes up humanity.”
“To a large extent, we are what we have lived. And when we think about problems and solutions, we call on the historical library of what we have accumulated.”
“The 10 basic rules about leadership:
1. CHALLENGE rather than CONTROL
2. Treat everyone as your equal
3. Stay out of the spotlight
4. Share the rewards
5. LISTEN rather than SPEAK
6. See the unique humanness in all persons
7. Develop empathy
8. Suppress your ego
9. Let people learn
10. Remember how little you know.”
July 6, 2023
I was given this book because I’ve taken a leadership role at Fastenal but I think anyone who’s interested in business would enjoy it. It’s about unconventional tactics that are different than how older companies typically managed. Just over 100 pages it’s a quick read but jam packed full of information.
April 25, 2025
Privileged to get my hands on this rare puppy. The book was a masterclass by the late Bob Kierlin, founder of Fastenal, on how to create a successful company. It starts with the people.
A theme in this book that Rockefeller and Andy Grove both express is Humility. Rockefeller goes to bed and tells himself he will get knocked down at some point. Andy Grove's says "Only the paranoid survive" and Kierlin says "Focus on what you don't know." These are statements that force you to push yourself to be better if you want to build a great business.
Not the most interesting thing I have ever read. A bit abstract given I am not leading my own organization right now, but if I do, I will certainly refer to this book as my guide.
Main takeaways/favorite quotes:
- Focus on how little you do not know
- Chaotic communications: talking to people from different areas of the company to solve problems
- “The general who talks with the private or travels with the squadron is the one who is remembered”
- “If you want to choke off the growth of your ego, shut up”
- “We don’t do everything in the most efficient way the first time; but the important thing is our learning of new things”
A theme in this book that Rockefeller and Andy Grove both express is Humility. Rockefeller goes to bed and tells himself he will get knocked down at some point. Andy Grove's says "Only the paranoid survive" and Kierlin says "Focus on what you don't know." These are statements that force you to push yourself to be better if you want to build a great business.
Not the most interesting thing I have ever read. A bit abstract given I am not leading my own organization right now, but if I do, I will certainly refer to this book as my guide.
Main takeaways/favorite quotes:
- Focus on how little you do not know
- Chaotic communications: talking to people from different areas of the company to solve problems
- “The general who talks with the private or travels with the squadron is the one who is remembered”
- “If you want to choke off the growth of your ego, shut up”
- “We don’t do everything in the most efficient way the first time; but the important thing is our learning of new things”
January 1, 2026
Great book by a great man
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews