Jeff Hicks is a seasoned executive with over 30 years of experience in the industrial supply industry, currently serving as Senior Vice President of Solutions at Fastenal. A visionary in supply chain innovation and leadership development, Jeff brings unmatched expertise in customer-facing technology, enterprise strategy, and operational excellence. His career, rooted in hands-on management and elevated by strategic foresight, spans decades of transformative leadership across sales, technology, operations, and international development.

Jeff’s journey with Fastenal began in 1994 as a Manager Trainee in Mattoon, Illinois. Through his innate ability to lead, connect, and deliver results, he quickly moved into progressively senior roles—Assistant Manager, General Manager, and eventually District Sales Manager in South Bend and Indianapolis. These early roles laid the foundation for his people-first leadership style and sharpened his understanding of decentralized business operations while achieving consistent top-tier performance rankings.

Throughout his career, Jeff has mastered the complex interplay between centralized strategy and decentralized execution. His leadership in district operations across multiple geographies equipped him with deep insights into customer engagement, financial accountability, hiring and development, and adapting to local market demands. During this time, he earned his MBA from Illinois State University, complementing his BS in Business Management from Southern Illinois University.

In 2017, Jeff stepped into an enterprise leadership role as Vice President of Government Sales. He developed comprehensive strategies for servicing government entities, including the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. He initiated programs to increase vendor diversity, streamline purchasing platforms, and build strategic partnerships that aligned with national procurement goals—solidifying Fastenal’s presence in a vital market segment.

As Vice President of Fastenal Solutions, Jeff led the growth of the company’s Managed Inventory Technology division, overseeing innovation, lifecycle management, and global support. Under his leadership, the business expanded from supporting $1B to over $3B in revenue. He pioneered platforms like FASTStock and FASTBin, significantly boosting productivity and driving operational efficiency, all while reducing costs and capital investment—a testament to his ability to lead both innovation and discipline.

In 2025, Jeff was promoted to Senior Vice President of Solutions, a role in which he now oversees over 400 professionals across three departments. He is responsible for developing and implementing technology solutions that enhance global supply chain operations, support over $5B in annual sales, and empower more than 15,000 employees. His ability to scale teams and infrastructure while keeping customer value at the core defines his unique executive presence.

Internationally, Jeff has led initiatives in India, China, Southeast Asia, Europe, Mexico, and Canada. His global work includes deploying technology teams, engaging with sales operations, and working with contract manufacturers, giving him a robust understanding of cross-cultural collaboration, global sourcing, and remote team development. His leadership bridges geographic and functional gaps with clarity, trust, and results.

Beyond business, Jeff is deeply committed to mentorship, youth development, and community leadership. He’s been a head coach and committee chair for youth football leagues, a Boy Scouts of America merit badge counselor, and a volunteer leader in his church. His volunteerism reflects his values: integrity, responsibility, and a belief in growing the next generation.

Jeff has also contributed thought leadership through his eight Forbes Business Council publications on topics including supply chain disruption, leadership, decentralized decision-making, and leveraging Industry 4.0. His writing blends strategic insight with actionable guidance, resonating with both seasoned executives and up-and-coming professionals.

Looking ahead, Jeff is seeking board service opportunities to share his breadth of experience and contribute to organizations focused on innovation, operations, and sustainable growth. His career reflects a lifelong commitment to leadership, improvement, and service—qualities he brings to any boardroom with humility, clarity, and impact.

Character: 
Jeff Hicks is recognized for his unwavering dedication to team-building and personal development, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence. Jeff is committed to continuous self-improvement and empowering others to reach their full potential. By inspiring commitment and leading with a strong moral compass, Jeff ensures that doing what is right remains at the core of every decision and action.

Knowledge: 
With an MBA from Illinois State University and a BS in Management from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Jeff Hicks has a strong academic foundation that complements his extensive industry experience. Jeff is dedicated to continuous education, regularly engaging with leadership and business books to stay at the forefront of industry trends and best practices. Additionally, Jeff actively participates in developing educational opportunities for others, such as the Fastenal School Business course Leadership Enhancement Program, which is designed to cultivate the organization’s top leaders.

Strategic: 
Jeff Hicks has successfully led initiatives that have driven significant growth and innovation, managing over $5 billion in annual sales and spearheading technology advancements in supply chain operations. Jeff displays a strong aptitude for strategic planning and change management, effectively aligning people and resources to achieve organizational goals. This involves the coordination of numerous teams and overseeing over $100 million in expenses and nearly $1 billion in asset management.

Communication: 
Jeff Hicks ability to effectively engage with diverse talent pools and contribute thought leadership to platforms like Forbes Business Council highlights strong communication skills and industry influence. Jeff has extensive experience working with individuals and large teams from various geographical locations and at different levels within the organization, both internally and externally. In Jeff’s current role, he regularly speaks to groups of all sizes on a variety of topics, inspiring growth and development for both individuals and the business.