Lots of work, little reward - General Manager Fastenal Employee Review

1.0
Jun 18, 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Good place to learn and build your resume. However, upper management are the only ones making any money. They preach that the most important job in the company is the GM, but stock options start with management one level above.

Cons

Plan to work lots of hours of your own time to make their store models work. Stores are open 50 hours per week and you are expected to be there. They prefer the GM and salespeople on salary so that they long hours are not an OT issue for them.

Explore other reviews about Fastenal

5.0
Jun 9, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Management is good Hours are negotiable Time off is available Opportunities to move up always available

Cons

No commissions for part time

3.0
Jun 27, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Lots of responsibility. Decentralized company, which can work in your favor.

Cons

Pay is low based on competitors. Politics, lots of it. Cost-centers everywhere. Everyone has to make money off the branches: the hub, NA, regions, support, etc. Being a GM is probably one of the hardest jobs. Your job on the lean team is to support NA and the branch. It is hard to fully support both at the same time. It is a balancing act that frequently is blamed on you. Frequently, your coworkers just want to put their name on your work and create problems because of their egos.

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