Pros
If you love dealing with customers, then this is the job for you. I literally learn something new every day. This may differ from branch to branch, but we have customers bring something weird in about every day. And we have to figure out what they need. If we don't have that product, we will call around town to see who does. It's ALL about customer service with Fastenal. If you don't mind being screwed around a bit on your pay and promises, then this is the job for you. Financially, Will Oberton has made some great decisions to keep this company alive. It really is a sound and strong company that is still opening new branch locations in this failing economy.
Cons
When it comes to upper management, they are just businesspeople that have been working for this company for years. They just think in a business sense, and not in a personal one. When you are hired on part-time, and are told that you will be going full-time within 6 months, and then after two years you are still part-time, some respect becomes lost. It's like from the district managers and above, they just forget about the real people of the business. We make their paychecks, and they just don't care about promises they make, or feelings they hurt. This company is a great, strong company, but we are definitely not a family. Families have respect for one another, and they can trust each other on their promises. Fastenal is just a company without a heart, and is not in touch with its employees.