We rely on fasteners to hold our world together every day. What truly makes them dependable are the people who bring their skill and dedication to every part we make. The People Behind the Bolts blog series is our way of shining a light on members of the Birmingham Fastener family – their journeys, their values and the impact they make both at work and at home.
Seth Mattox is an exceptional example of just how much is possible when determination meets opportunity.
From the Warehouse to Sales
When you ask Seth what keeps him motivated after more than a decade at Birmingham Fastener, his answer is simple: possibility. From his earliest days in the warehouse to his current role in sales, Seth has always seen a clear path forward – proof that hard work and grit pay off in a company built on opportunity.
He joined Birmingham Fastener in 2014, inspired by a family connection. His uncle, Terry Mattox, had built a long career here and encouraged him to apply.
Starting as an order puller at the Hanceville Distribution Center in Alabama, Seth quickly moved through nearly every warehouse role (lab technician, second-shift supervisor, shipping coordinator) before transitioning into a sales assistant role about five years later. Today, he works as an inside sales representative at the flagship Birmingham office.
Seth’s steady career climb gave him something invaluable – firsthand experience with the products and processes he now supports for customers every day.
“Working in the warehouse gave me the chance to handle the material myself,” he says. “Now, when a customer sends me a picture or has a question, I know exactly what I’m looking at.”
A Problem-Solver at Heart
Problem-solving is what Seth enjoys most about his role. From untangling DOT project requirements to coordinating time-sensitive shipments, he thrives on the challenge. Recently, he and his team turned around a major order in just two days, a job that would normally take nearly twice as long.
For Seth, these moments reflect the value of grit from The Birmingham Fastener Way. “Winners find a way, and I hate losing,” he says. That determination, paired with teamwork and communication, helps him deliver results customers can count on.
But his work isn’t only about logistics and deadlines. Seth sees his customers as both business partners and people he can share life with.
“I know a lot about their families, and they know a lot about mine,” he says. “When challenges come up, it’s easier to work through them together.”
That sense of family is one of the reasons he believes Birmingham Fastener is different, even as the company continues to grow.
Pride You Can See
The pride Seth takes in his work is clear, especially when he sees the results out in the world. One of his proudest moments came while visiting a bridge project in Arkansas. Spotting bolts he helped supply was a reminder of the impact of his work.
“To know that something I was a part of is holding that bridge together – it makes you feel good,” he says.
For him, that pride is deeply tied to the company’s commitment to American-made products.
Life Beyond the Bolts
Outside of work, Seth’s life is just as full. He and his wife are raising six children through foster care and adoption. With four boys and two girls, their home is always full of energy. His evenings are often spent coaching youth football, chasing his kids around the yard or wrangling the family’s three dogs, reptiles and axolotl.
“Wild is an understatement,” he laughs. “We typically have a wrestling match as soon as I get home. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Anything Is Possible
Asked to sum up his Birmingham Fastener journey in a single word, Seth chooses “possible.” His favorite scripture guides both his life and career:
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
– Philippians 4:13
For Seth Mattox, and for so many others across Birmingham Fastener, the bolts are only part of the story. It’s the people behind them – their grit, character and pride – that strengthen every connection.
Interested in becoming part of the Birmingham Fastener team? Learn about all we have to offer and apply today.
06/4/2020
