In The Brainard Rivet Journey – Building an Employee-Owned Legacy, we shared how the company’s long history of innovation and craftsmanship set the foundation for something even more powerful: a future owned entirely by the people who make it all happen. Now, we’re proud to spotlight what being 100% employee-owned and operated truly means. We’ll explore what it means for our team, our customers, and the community we call home.
What Employee Ownership Means at Brainard Rivet
At its core, employee ownership is a business model. One that gives employees a direct stake in the company’s performance and success. Like their parent company, Buckeye Fasteners, Brainard Rivet is proud to be 100% employee-owned. Through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, or ESOP, each Brainard Rivet team member indirectly owns company stock, creating both a retirement benefit and a shared sense of purpose. But for us, employee ownership is much more than numbers. It’s about working for an organization that takes a holistic approach to employee well-being, offering benefits and opportunities that truly set us apart.
Benefits That Go Beyond Expectations
As part of the Fastener Industries ESOP family since 1998, Brainard Rivet takes pride in offering a truly comprehensive benefits package designed with employees and their families in mind. Some benefit highlights include:
- Employer-paid retirement plan Biannual dividends on employee stock after the first year
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance with 100% of premiums paid for employees
- Educational assistance up to $4,000 per year after one year of employment
- Quarterly profit-sharing bonuses
- Paid vacation, 10 paid holidays, and an annual company picnic
- Employee referral bonus program
Our people are our greatest investment, and our benefits reflect that.
Culture: Accountability, Collaboration, and Care
The culture of an employee-owned company feels different. It’s similar to a family-owned business, but with even greater accountability. At Brainard Rivet, every employee’s work impacts the company’s performance. In turn, that performance affects profit-sharing bonuses, the value of the stock, and ultimately, each employee’s financial future. That understanding shapes how employees show up each day. Everyone pitches in, regardless of their status, and the customer always comes first. Employees aren’t just numbers; their ideas and well-being matter. Ownership inspires a powerful sense of unity and shared responsibility. When each person succeeds together, everyone benefits.
Tim Fawcett, Sales Engineer, explains:
“We take great pride in our customer service and work to maintain the highest level with all of our customers. From small orders of 1,000 pcs. to 1,000,000 pcs plus, we believe our customers are equally important and deserve the best.”
Building Stability, Growth, and Longevity
Becoming employee-owned has had a lasting impact on both employee retention and recruitment. The ESOP structure helps our team plan for the future, and for some, it makes early retirement possible. The company contributes 15% of each person’s gross earnings into the stock program, with dividends paid up to twice a year. It’s a benefit that provides financial security and long-term value that few employers can match. While today’s labor market can be unpredictable, Brainard Rivet continues to attract and retain people who value purpose, stability, and a shared reward. This model isn’t for everyone, but for those who embrace the model and culture, it’s very rewarding.
From 1998 to Today
Brainard Rivet became employee-owned in May 1998, joining Fastener Industries, one of Ohio’s oldest and most respected ESOPs. In the early years, the company focused on re-establishing its position with customers and becoming a profitable subsidiary. Once that foundation was solid, Brainard began contributing to the larger Fastener organization. As success grew, so did our benefits, programs, and investments in people. Each General Manager has continued the tradition of strengthening our employee offerings, ensuring Brainard Rivet remains a workplace where ownership, opportunity, and excellence thrive together.
Lessons Learned Along the Way
One of the greatest lessons from our 27 years as an employee-owned company? Never underestimate the value of good succession planning. Preparing future leaders, sharing institutional knowledge, and mentoring the next generation of owners ensures our culture and craftsmanship remain strong decade after decade.
Looking Ahead
Today, Brainard Rivet is entering an exciting new chapter. With 53% of our workforce having five years or less of experience, we’re balancing a blend of fresh talent and seasoned expertise. We’re making strategic equipment investments, modernizing training, and adapting to new learning styles to support this evolving workforce, all while maintaining the quality and precision our customers expect.
Leslie Phillips, General Manager, noted:
“We’re at a pivotal moment. The goal is to restore balance between our experienced and new team members, ensuring everyone contributes and grows together.”
Why Employee Ownership Matters More Than Ever
At Brainard Rivet, ownership means involvement, accountability, and pride in every part of the job. It means caring about your own success as much as the company as a whole. That mindset is what continues to make Brainard Rivet strong, adaptable, and united almost three decades after taking ownership into our own hands. The future of Brainard Rivet is in good hands because it’s in our hands.