Endries Seeks to Get 'Back to the Basics'

Dan Crociata certainly picked an eventful time to accept a promotion. 

This spring – just weeks after an announcement of sweeping new tariffs sent shockwaves through the industrial sector – Crociata, then the chief financial officer of Endries International, was announced as the company’s next chief executive. 

After marking his first 100 days at the helm of the Wisconsin fastener and Class C components distributor, Crociata joined ID for an email Q&A about what he’s heard during his initial weeks on the job, how Endries is navigating the uncertain environment, and what he expects from the industry moving forward.

INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION: How have your first few months gone as CEO?

DAN CROCIATA: The first few months have gone well. I’ve spent a lot of my time listening to our customers and associates and receiving feedback on what’s working and what needs to change. We have organized around four key strategic priorities to create the necessary focus and to eliminate the distractions. We are getting back to the basics – the ”nuts and bolts” – and it starts with an external focus on our customers.

ID: It would be an interesting time to become chief executive of a distributor, I’d imagine; how has Endries been impacted by tariffs and the trade environment thus far?

Endries International Inc.DC: Like most businesses, we have been impacted by increased costs due to tariffs. To put this in perspective, we are managing tariff costs that are astronomical compared to the previous tariff rates. While tariffs have presented challenges, they have reinforced the need for resilient supply chains. Endries has been delivering solutions and adapting for over 55 years. Customers rely on us to keep their operations running smoothly, so we are constantly innovating and finding ways to add value.

ID: Are tariffs causing Endries to reevaluate sourcing or other strategic initiatives?

DC: Yes, we continue to evaluate sourcing that provides the lowest delivered cost. This is challenging because of the fastener manufacturing infrastructure that has been in place in the Asia-Pacific region for the past 75 years. However, I’m committed to focusing on initiatives that are within our control and will have meaningful impacts on the business. For example, we are investing in our people development, leveraging AI-powered technology platforms, and enhancing our trade compliance solutions. This includes implementing a new Foreign Trade Zone, or FTZ, later this year. Our goal is to give customers peace of mind so they can stay focused on their own business priorities.

ID: What have you heard from your customers since you became CEO, and how are you working with them to navigate this environment?

Endries International Inc.DC: Customer feedback has been very positive as we continue to work closely with them to navigate this environment. We have a very experienced, customer-centric organization that is dedicated and committed to our core value of ”customer focus.”

ID: What has the impact been to your international operations? Canada, in particular, but also the Netherlands?

DC: Our international operations have been working to optimize the supply chain by evaluating different sourcing alternatives. The Netherlands is a smaller portion of our overall sales, so the impact is less, but we have a great team there that is managing the business well.

ID: What do you anticipate from the industry over the coming months, and how is Endries preparing for that?

DC: We anticipate a number of changes in the industry on the horizon. To prepare, Endries is focused on our four strategic priorities that will allow us to be nimble and flexible and quickly adapt as those market changes take shape. This positioning allows Endries to meet the needs of our current customers and drive growth through unwavering customer service.