Archive for year: 2026

Speedbear, a trusted name in rivets and fastening solutions for racing and industrial applications, today announced that Austin Berry is the new owner of Speedbear.

Berry purchased the company in March 2026 with a focused set of goals: creating a stable future for his family, supporting his race team, and continuing to grow a business built in the racing industry. 

“There are a handful of reasons for buying Speedbear,” Berry said. “But if I had to narrow it down to my top three, it’s about family, supporting my team, and the fact that this is a business rooted in racing.”

Berry also credited his family for making the decision possible.

“My wife, Chas (Chasity), has been right there with me—She’s kind of gotten used to me jumping in the deep end with these ideas,” Berry said. “She’s always there to support me and help me along the way, and the rest of my family has been all in as well,”  Berry added that his brother helped him learn the ins and outs of the business, and his parents have supported day-to-day operations like packing orders and stocking shelves, while also helping him navigate the financial side of taking on a new ownership role.

Customers should expect a seamless transition

Speedbear customers can continue to expect the product quality and fast fulfillment they rely on. Berry emphasized that the customer experience remains the priority. “Our #1 goal has been to make this transition as seamless as possible to all our customers,” he said.

Customers will notice only a few operational changes. The address has changed, and Berry answers the phone directly—replacing the previous owner’s voice. Otherwise, Speedbear is focused on continuity across the essentials customers count on: ordering, response, fulfillment, inventory availability, and technical support.

Over the coming months, Speedbear will also ramp up its social media presence, paired with more technical content designed to educate customers on the different rivet options and help them make better decisions for their specific applications.

Built on racing experience and practical fastening performance

As a racer, Berry brings firsthand perspective on what fasteners must deliver in real-world conditions. He explains that fastening performance is an integrated system—where the rivet must draw tight and stay tight, grip properly for the application, and withstand the vibration and environment it’s used in. Speedbear also emphasizes that reliability and repeatability matter just as much: customers need fastening solutions that perform consistently, run after run, in the real world.

“There isn’t a one-size-fits-all,” Berry said. “If anyone tells you they have a rivet that will do it all, they’re either lying or compromising strength on one end of the scale or another.”

“I have used a lot of different fasteners during my racing career, some good, some not so good, so me being a racer has offered me some insight on what I expect from my fastener solution, and how I feel it might be possible to improve upon what we already have as a great established product.”

Austin also brings a more technical layer to the customer experience.

“Although Butch did race at one point in his career, he never raced at the level that my team does, so I can offer insight on actual use—while still attending the ‘Uncle Butch school of rivets,’” Berry said, using humor to convey an important point about the transfer of knowledge that has been occurring. He added, “My engineering education also helps me provide insight into design reasoning and constraints.”

Speedbear’s performance promise is clear: the right rivet for the job—selected from multiple options—paired with high-quality, competitively priced fasteners that are proven to hold and perform.

Expanding racing-focused supply and trusted access

In addition to maintaining core inventory—with over 12,000 products in stock—Berry plans to expand racing-focused coverage so customers can find the right fasteners faster. When Speedbear doesn’t have a specific item on the shelf, the company can source what customers need through its network.

Berry added that Speedbear is committed to serving industries where supply speed matters, including trailer, truck, and bus building and repair, along with a strong interest in the portable toilet/restroom industry, where units are assembled using rivets.

PRI appearance in Indianapolis—always in the same booth

Speedbear will also be at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) trade show in Indianapolis this year, just like they always have, in the same booth as always. Speedbear will attend December 1–12, 2026. 

More details about this year’s PRI show will be shared in the coming months—so be sure to follow Speedbear on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SpeedbearFasteners.

Continuing a legacy of relationships

Berry takes the handoff seriously and credits the founder’s legacy—Butch Novak– for creating a relationship-based culture in which many customers referred to him as “Uncle Butch.” 

Berry will carry forward Butch’s philosophy: the importance of relationships, consistent expectations, and the willingness to help.

Contact

For more information, visit Speedbear.net, or contact Speedbear at 800-433-3444 or [email protected].