Marketplace All-in-One Getting down to the nuts and bolts of the trade war
Oct 24, 2025
Rob Lehmann, founder of Fairwind Fasteners, shares insights from the frontlines of a small business in the midst of rising tariffs and material costs. He discusses how fluctuating import prices impact sourcing from global suppliers and the challenges of maintaining inventory. As costs surge by up to 50%, Lehmann reveals the tough decision to raise prices for customers. He also highlights the confusion caused by unpredictable tariffs, making it hard to provide stable quotes in an ever-changing economic landscape.
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Small Business Grew Beyond Boats
- Rob Lehmann started Fairwind Fasteners expecting to serve the marine industry but quickly found demand across construction, electrical, and machinery manufacturers.
- He sources fasteners globally and supplies diverse industries beyond boats.
Global Sourcing For Quality
- Fairwind sources fasteners from the best manufacturers worldwide, including the U.S., Taiwan, Vietnam, Korea, Japan, Europe, and China.
- Sourcing decisions mix quality and geography, reflecting a globally distributed supply chain.
Demand Holds While Margins Shrink
- Business demand remains solid even as input costs rise and inventory costs climb rapidly.
- Customers keep spending, but margins are squeezed by higher material prices.