United Tool and Fastener – The Story of an Independent Supplier

By: Jim Kollaer

As a construction subcontractor, getting on a jobsite on time with the right crew on schedule is critical. But if, when you get there, you do not have the right tools, fasteners, and personal protective equipment (PPE) to do the jobs safely, efficiently, and productively, you are as some wise man said, “In deep mud.” That wasn’t exactly the phrase he used, but you get the idea.

Having the right supplier who knows what you need and who can deliver the power tools, fasteners, safety equipment, and personal protection to the right jobsite at the scheduled time is like having a best friend on a hunting trip. You can trust them. That best friend can anticipate how you think, where you might shoot, and how you will act and react in situations where the safety of another person could be at risk. You know that they know their stuff and will not make a stupid move that will endanger the hunt or you.

I recently sat down with Bobby Williams, President of United Tool and Fastener (UTF), to better understand the operations, business philosophy, and overall values for the company that operates in Houston, College Station and San Antonio, but who can deliver the right tools and fasteners to his customer’s jobsite anywhere they are needed. I discovered a number of characteristics that make United Tool and Fastener the supplier of choice with commercial and industrial customers around the region.

Let me share Bobby Williams’ story about how UTF came to be and how he operates it today with his partner, Steve Blackwell. Like many independent company owners, circumstance and “good luck” brought them to this point.

Bobby grew up in Houston, went to community college and then graduated with a degree in economics and business management from Houston Baptist University. That tells me a few things. One, he has the drive to finish. Two, he has a strong personal set of values, or he likely would not have gone to HBU. Three, he has the background needed to run a business.

Perhaps as important as the above might be, he played sports, football and baseball. He was a catcher on the baseball team and caught for a first round draft pick. The catcher, for those of you who are not fans, runs the game on the field. The catcher signals the pitcher what to pitch, signals the infielders when he is about to throw to one of the bases and generally is, as the lovely Barbara Bush once said, the general of the field. Those baseball skills have come in handy as I witnessed first-hand during our interview time together.

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