Robin Roberts, senior vice president-sales, Protective Industrial Products Inc. (PIP), Latham, N.Y., will present the Associate (Manufacturer) State-of-the-Industry Address at the Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Association’s upcoming Phoenix Convention & Trade Show, Nov. 8-10. Roberts will address the General Session audience on Monday, Nov. 9.

Roberts began his career in the safety industry working in sales for Jones Safety Supply, Roanoke, Va. He was quickly promoted to branch manager at their headquarter location. Shortly thereafter, in 1988, the company was acquired by W.W. Grainger. Three years later, he relocated to Chicago where he took on the responsibility of product manager interacting with multiple business units which included Allied Safety, the core Grainger distribution business, and Grainger’s integrated supply business then known as GISO.

In 1997, Roberts accepted a position of vice president-sales for the Bata Shoe Company (now, Onguard Industries). However, his greatest opportunity came in 2000 when he was recruited to lead the sales team for PIP. Roberts’ leadership and direct customer involvement have been instrumental in PIP’s sales growth, expanding from $30 million in 2000 to over $200 million today. He has served on numerous safety industry committees and supplier advisory councils.

STAFDA’s 39^th Annual Convention & Trade Show in Phoenix is for members only. Registration materials will be mailed to all members on June 26; online registration opens on Monday, June 29, at 8:00 a.m. Central from the members-only section of www.stafda.org.

For more information on the STAFDA Convention & Trade Show or membership, please contact Catherine Usher, cusher@stafda.org, 262/784-4774 or 800/352-2981.