 |
Whenever someone asks 2025 Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Association President Dale Hahs II what he does for a living, he tells them, “I run a family business that my grandfather started in 1945, I’ve been there for 40 years, and my son is learning the business and has been there for 10 years.”
 |
| Dale Hahs II |
He usually gets two responses. The first is a smile, because people like family businesses, and the second is a comment, “I didn’t think there were any of you left.”
As the third-generation president and CEO of AIS Industrial & Construction Supply, Dale followed in the footsteps of his maternal grandfather, Paul J. Christensen, who started Aviation Service Supply Company in 1945 after World War II.
Throughout his high school years, Dale worked his way through various positions at AIS. His son Taylor, AIS Industrial & Construction Supply vice president, has since taken a similar pathway into the business. Like his father, his expansion into different divisions has evolved.
For both Dale and Taylor, the choice has always remained to exit the “family business” if there was something else out there that was more appealing. To date, both have continued to learn more about business and industry.
When questioned about the validity or presence of family or independent businesses, his response is always “There are a lot of us left,” particularly within the Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Association.
The majority of STAFDA members are small family or independent businesses with one location and under 50 employees.
“Every one of us has our origin or reason we were founded,” Dale says. “The story typically involves the founder seeing a customer’s need that wasn’t being met and having the courage to start a company to meet that need. I love hearing origin stories, and I think sharing them is a superpower that gives us an edge in the local marketplace.”
Another superpower he sees amongst STAFDA’s small business owners is having so many generations working together.
“The combination of young, fresh minds with older, and hopefully wiser industry veterans leads to the creation of some unique customer solutions,” Dale says. “I’m looking forward to gathering with other STAFDA members in Phoenix, to rub elbows, share stories, and learn from each other.”
This year’s keynote speaker is geophysicist and adventurer Pasqual Scaturro.
“I met Pasquale over twenty years ago after first meeting his son Tim at a charity golf tournament,” Dale says. “Pasquale is one of the most fascinating people you will ever meet, a true modern-day explorer.”
He notes that he knows Scaturro uses tools because he has sold him some to take to his game preserve in Namibia.
“I’m looking forward to hearing him speak, and I know we will all walk away inspired,” Dale says.
As for any transition of leadership at AIS, there is no set time for Taylor to take over, though both are firmly aware that eventually, that time will come.
“I heard the phrase gradual retirement from one of my fellow board members, referring to her 73-year-old father, who is still active in the business,” Dale says. “That is now my life goal.”
To those who are STAFDA members who enjoy the newsletter, utilize the consultants, but have never attended the convention and trade show, he offered a gentle nudge.
“Give it a try,” Dale says. “I think that you will find it is money well spent, and you will come away with innovative ideas and new relationships with vendors and distributors.”
DATE AND TIME
General Session including State of the Industry address and keynote address will take place, Monday, November 10, 9-11 a.m. at the Phoenix Convention Center.
This article originally appeared in the October/November 2025 issue of Contractor Supply magazine. Copyright 2025, Direct Business Media.
CONTRACTOR SUPPLY MAGAZINE
The October/November 2025 issue of Contractor Supply magazine is here!
Our cover story, The Power of Fusion, California Service Tool demonstrates how it has found a way to fuse together its relationships with customers and vendors.
Learn the story of 2026 STAFDA President Matt Kitchens and get the full line up for the 2025 STAFDA Convention and Trade Show Section and also in this issue are Industry Updates.
This digital edition, sponsored by BECK AMERICA Inc., is fully searchable and contains live links to every advertiser and new product listing. Click away!
| Read the Articles Read the Digital Edition |
