College of Business

Corporate Connect

Corporate Connect events create an environment for employers, students, and faculty to network, discuss internships and job openings, and learn more about professional opportunities available in today’s economy. If you are an employer interested in our Corporate Connect opportunities, please reach out to Cheryl Montgomery.

Fastenal Corporate Connect

February 19 - 23, 2024

Visit their booths on each floor of Foundation Hall.

The 1st Floor booth will have people available for discussions from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. each day.

**GUEST SPEAKERS:**
Jim Tornstrom	Regional Vice President	Covers Tennessee, North Carolina & South Carolina Jim's Region encompasses portions of 6 states in the Southeast and manages over $40 million in monthly sales revenue. Jim directly oversees 11 district managers and over 250 Fastenal locations. Job duties include sales planning, employee development, Hiring Manager, operations management, and job performance for all locations. Office Location- Knoxville, TN Years of Tenure at Fastenal: 33 years
Nick Arfsten	District Manager	Covers Cumberland Plateau of TN & KY, Chattanooga area Nick began working at the Cookeville location in 2004 as a part-time employee. He was promoted to Assistant Manager of the newly opened Crossville location 3 months later and was promoted to General Manager by 2005. In 2013, Nick was promoted to District Manager and continues that role today. Main duties: Hiring Manager, employment development, Sales Manager, currently manages over $4 million in sales per month and over 100 employees. Office Location- Cookeville, TN Years of Tenure at Fastenal: 20 years
Kevin Fitzgerald	Vice President of Sales Operations	Fastenal HQ- Winona, MN Kevin started part-time working in a Fastenal branch in Richmond, VA in 1999. From there, he has had various roles in the company ranging from Outside Sales to leading the Govt. Sales Team. Most recently, Kevin has been involved in helping to develop a business-led data visualization and analytics team. Years of Tenure at Fastenal: 24 years
Lindsey Fremstad	Director of Marketing	Fastenal HQ- Winona, MN Helps lead project management, strategy, and operations for the marketing team. Experience: PT Computer Support, Product Support, MArketing Coordination, Marketing Manager, Director of Marketing Years of Tenure at Fastenal: 15 years

SPEAKER LOCATIONS:
Lindsey Fremstad	2/19	1:00 p.m.	Dr. Yi Peng
Jim Tornstrom	2/19	1:00 p.m.	Dr. Ryan Matthews
Jim Tornstrom	2/19	2:30 p.m.	Dr. Ryan Matthews
Nick Arfsten	2/21	12:00 p.m.	Mrs. Sherrie Cannon
Kevin Fitzgerald	2/21	1:00 p.m.	Mr. Mick Williams
Kevin Fitzgerald	2/22	9:30 a.m.	Dr. Jim Jenkins
Nick Arfsten	2/22	11:00 a.m.	SAFE Club
Kevin Fitzgerald	2/22	1:00 p.m.	Dr. Jim Jenkins

Fastenal Logo

Students

Students, take advantage of Corporate Connect to:

- Practice your elevator pitch
- Explore internships
- Grow your network

As you read through the professionals participating in Corporate Connect, it is vital to utilize all the resources available to prepare for the week they will visit in the College of Business. If you are interested in positions with a company, curate your resume, and if you need feedback or assistance, reach out to Professional Readiness and Leadership. Students also have access to a wide range of business casual and professional clothes in the Business Professional Closet to make a strong first impression.
Employers

Why Hire Tech?

Tech graduates are prepared for the world of business and equipped with the tools to succeed. Our rigorous academic programs are ranked among the best in the nation and fully accredited by the AACSB, the gold standard in education. Experiential learning opportunities are embedded in our programs and open to all students, making our students career-ready day one.

Build Your Brand

The College of Business works with employers to build a customized plan to strengthen brand recognition, engage with students, and market jobs effectively.

Featured Ways to Engage

Information Sessions

Inform students about your company, the culture, job opportunities, or any relevant topic through a presentation

Tabling

Connect with Tech students by setting up a table in a high traffic location in Foundation Hall to promote your brand and current job opportunities.

Classroom Connections

Connect with students in the classroom on professional development topics. Program Coordinators will reach out in advance to connect you with faculty to provide the course content being covered.

Student Organizations

Created to connect you with student organizations pertaining to a certain discipline or industry area.

Lunch & Learns

Host a lunch & learn to present on a certain professional development topic or industry specific information with business students.