By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

Following a successful METALCON, the newly united DMI-LCF Fastener Group is positioning itself for long-term growth, innovation and industry leadership. 

The newly formed DMI-LCF Fastener Group generated noticeable energy at METALCON 2026. The merger unites Direct Metals, Inc. (DMI) and Lakeside Construction Fasteners (LCF), two companies known for quality products, technical expertise and customer-first service in the metal construction industry. 

During METALCON, I spoke with Eric J. Velliquette, the recently appointed group president of the DMI-LCF Fastener Group. He shared how the combined organization will build on the strengths of both companies while creating new value for customers and employees. 

As contractors seek quality products, technical support and dependable supply chains, the timing is right. The DMI-LCF Fastener Group combines the companies’ capabilities while preserving the customer relationships they have built over decades. 

Eric will lead the DMI-LCF Fastener Group’s strategic vision as the companies combine their expertise in fasteners and foam alternative solutions for the metal building industry. He succeeds Andrew Mullen, one of the original founders of DMI Direct Metals, who will continue contributing at the board level. 

The companies bring complementary strengths to the new organization. DMI contributes national distribution and extensive experience serving metal building professionals, while Lakeside adds an innovative portfolio of construction fasteners, sealants, pipe flashings, snow retention systems and foam alternative solutions. 

Together, DMI’s national distribution capabilities and Lakeside’s innovative product portfolio give customers broader resources, deeper expertise and enhanced support while preserving the responsive service that has defined both brands. 

Beyond products and logistics, the companies share a commitment to integrity, accountability, quality and long-term customer relationships. That cultural alignment makes the merger feel less like an acquisition and more like a natural evolution. 

The company’s METALCON messaging reflected that shared philosophy. Its “One Team” theme supports the upcoming One-Team, First-Team initiative, which will promote cross-functional teamwork and organizational alignment.  METALCON conversations about innovation, efficiency, workforce development and the future of metal construction reinforced the need for reliable partners that can help contractors and manufacturers navigate change. The DMI-LCF Fastener Group appears well positioned to meet that need. 

After speaking with Eric and seeing the enthusiasm at METALCON, the DMI-LCF Fastener Group’s direction is clear. Experienced leadership with expanded capabilities and a unified team is positioning the organization to build on the legacies of DMI and Lakeside while creating new opportunities for customers, partners and employees. 

Learn more about the combined organization’s products, services and nationwide capabilities in the Lakeside Construction Fasteners directory on MetalCoffeeShop.

By The Coffee Shops®.

Lakeside Construction Fasteners and Direct Metals expand product access while supporting investments in distribution, technology and domestic manufacturing.

For metal construction professionals, reliable access to products, technical information and responsive service can make a significant difference. In one MetalCast™ episode, Heidi J. Ellsworth spoke with Lakeside Construction Fasteners President Eric Velliquette about the company’s merger with Direct Metals and the opportunities created by bringing the two organizations together.

Both companies began as family owned and operated businesses but developed in different directions. Lakeside Construction Fasteners expanded from a limited product offering to thousands of stock-keeping units serving post-frame, pre-engineered, residential and standing seam markets. Direct Metals brings additional experience in low-slope and standing seam residential applications. “By marrying the two companies, we really do offer a full complement of products to service the metal building industry as a whole,” Eric said.

That combined product ecosystem includes fasteners, foam products, sealants, standing seam clips and ventilation components. Eric described the group as a potential one-stop shop for many of the components used in metal roofing and sidewall applications, excluding the metal panels themselves.

Distribution is another important part of the strategy. Direct Metals has three distribution centers, while Lakeside Construction Fasteners has two. The group plans to use those resources to deliver products to customers more quickly in strategic regions.

The companies are also investing in manufacturing and automation. Eric said Lakeside Construction Fasteners has spent close to $700,000 on automated equipment over the past two years and is considering robotics. Additional equipment is expected to support processes such as washer assembly and painting as the company moves more production to the United States.

Technology is also improving the flow of product information. Lakeside Construction Fasteners launched a new website and developed a mobile app for Apple and Android phones. These resources provide specifications and technical data for architects, designers, engineers and contractors.

“We want to be viewed as a resource,” Eric said. With broader products, engineering capabilities and shared infrastructure, the combined organization is working to help customers respond to changing applications and market needs.

Listen to the full podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about the DMI and LCF Fastener Group by reading the transcript or listening to the full MetalCast episode.

Based out of the Fort Myers, Florida facility, Crouch steps into the national leadership role to spearhead distribution sales growth and develop high-impact wholesale programs.

DMI-LCF Fastener Group, an industry leader in high-performance fastener and metal solutions, is thrilled to announce the promotion of Andy Crouch to national distribution and wholesale director. Operating from the DMI Direct Metals location in Fort Myers, Florida, Crouch will take the helm of all national distribution sales, driving dynamic new strategies and expanding wholesale programs across the organization.

Known for his vibrant energy, strategic mindset and deep industry expertise, Crouch has been a vital asset to the DMI team in Fort Myers. In his new role, he will bring his passion and customer-first philosophy to a national scale, orchestrating comprehensive sales initiatives, empowering distribution partners and crafting innovative national programs designed to fuel mutual growth and success.

“We are exceptionally excited to see Andy step into this national leadership role,” said Eric Velliquette, president of DMI-LCF Fastener Group. “Andy brings an infectious, upbeat energy and an extraordinary dedication to our customers and operations. His proven ability to build strong partnerships and drive market success makes him the ideal leader to expand our national distribution and wholesale footprint.”

As national distribution and wholesale director, Crouch will focus on strengthening collaboration across DMI-LCF Fastener Group nationwide network, streamlining supply channels and rolling out forward-thinking programs that deliver unmatched value to wholesale customers. His forward-looking approach aims to scale operations smoothly while maintaining the personalized, reliable service that customers have come to expect from DMI.

“I am incredibly energized and honored to step into this new role,” said Andy Crouch. “Our DMI-LCF Fastener Group Salesforce team has always shared a relentless commitment to excellence and teamwork, and I am thrilled to bring that same spirit to our national distribution and wholesale operations. I look forward to working closely with our incredible partners and team members nationwide to unlock new opportunities and build an even brighter future together.”

About DMI-LCF Fastener Group

DMI-LCF Fastener Group is a premier provider of top-quality fastener and metal component solutions, delivering reliable, durable products to construction, industrial, metal building and wholesale markets nationwide. Committed to innovation, stellar customer service and operational excellence, DMI-LCF Fastener Group continues to set the standard for the industry.

Former LCF national aales manager steps into executive role to accelerate revenue growth and elevate customer service excellence across the organization.

DMI-LCF Fastener Group, a premier industry leader in high-performance fastener solutions, is proud to announce the promotion of Kris Rose to vice president of sales. In this new executive role, Rose will oversee the groups post frame, retail and pre-engineered sales strategy. Kris will Direct market expansion initiatives and spearheading programs designed to deliver exceptional value and support to partner-customers.

Rose previously served as the national sales manager for LCF, where he established a proven track record of driving new revenue streams, cultivating strategic client relationships and optimizing sales operations. Under his leadership, the national sales team experienced robust growth through a combination of aggressive market penetration, targeted account management and a relentless commitment to high-touch customer service.

“Kris has been an instrumental force within our organization, consistently demonstrating visionary leadership and a deep understanding of the fastener industry,” said Eric Velliquette group president of DMI-LCF Fastener Group. “His ability to align commercial strategy with a superior customer experience has set a benchmark for our team. As we enter our next phase of growth, we are confident that Kris’ strategic insight and passion for operational excellence will further solidify our market leadership.”

In his new capacity as vice president of sales, Rose will focus on scaling DMI-LCF’s sales infrastructure, expanding into emerging markets and embedding high levels of customer service into every touchpoint of the buyer journey. His forward-thinking approach emphasizes collaborative partnerships with clients, ensuring that DMI-LCF continues to meet and exceed evolving industry demands with alternative solutions and unparalleled responsiveness.

“I am honored and excited to take on this expanded role at such a dynamic time for DMI-LCF Fastener Group,” said Kris Rose. “Our success has always been rooted in the trust our customers place in our products and our people. I look forward to working alongside our talented sales organization to unlock new growth opportunities while continuing to raise the bar for customer service and satisfaction. I am excited to unite our sales teams and our customers under the DMI-LCF Fastener Group. One Team-First Team”!

About DMI-LCF Fastener Group

DMI-LCF Fastener Group is a trusted global provider of alternative fastener solutions, serving a diverse range of industries including post frame, pre-engineered, low-slope and distribution. Committed to quality, innovation and reliability, DMI-LCF Fastener Group delivers robust fastening systems designed to perform in the most demanding environments.

By The Coffee Shops®.  

The T17 WOOD-X™ combines strength, durability and installation efficiency for demanding metal-to-wood fastening applications. 

Contractors working with wood substrates need fasteners that can penetrate materials efficiently while standing up to demanding installation conditions. Lakeside Construction Fasteners offers the T17 WOOD-X™, a wood fastener designed for post-frame and residential applications, including projects involving hardwood decking substrates.  

The fastener’s H-Low™ threads and sharp Type 17 cut point are engineered to help it penetrate metal panels for easier installation. An EPDM washer provides a positive seal, while the L3 Dura Protec™ coating is designed to prevent red rust. The system is also approved by Miami-Dade County.  

Another key feature is the reinforced flute located beneath the fastener head. Engineered for high-torque environments, this design allows the T17 WOOD-X to be installed using battery-operated screw guns, including impact screw guns. These features give contractors an option developed around installation speed, durability and performance.  

The No. 10 fastener has a 1/4-inch head, 14 threads per inch and C1022 as well as 300 and 410 stainless steel material construction. Available lengths range from one inch to four inches. Standard options include wet paint and H-Low configurations, while customized powder-coat options are also available.  

Product testing lists torsional strength at 70 inch-pounds, shear strength at 1,900 pounds and tensile strength at 2,300 pounds. Lakeside Construction Fasteners provides pullout test values for plywood, oriented strand board and Southern pine substrates.  

With its specialized thread design, reinforced head flute, protective coating and sealing washer, the T17 WOOD-X system brings together several features aimed at post-frame and residential fastening needs. The fasteners’ compatibility with battery-operated screws guns makes it a foundational piece of equipment for metal contractors looking for durability, lasting performance, versatility and ease of installation.  

Learn more about the T17 WOOD-X system and its available specifications from Lakeside Construction Fasteners.

By The Coffee Shops®.  

ZMAX™ fasteners combine corrosion resistance, holding power and application-focused features for demanding metal building projects. 

Fasteners play a critical role in the long-term performance of metal building systems, particularly in coastal areas and other high-corrosion environments. From the forged zinc alloy head to the innovative threads and cut point, Lakeside Construction Fasteners’ ZMAX™ fasteners are engineered to help contractors create durable metal-to-wood connections in tough conditions.  

At the top of the fastener is a forged zinc alloy head designed to avoid developing red rust. Its larger outer diameter also helps prevent wind uplift, making the fastener suitable for projects in high snow load regions and costal environments. An ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) concealed washer provides another component of the complete fastening system.   

ZMAX fasteners feature Lakeside Construction Fasteners’ trademarked H-Low™ threads. This technology features a deep thread profile for maximum holding power. A Type-17 cut point supports the metal-to-wood application by allowing the fastener to drive through a metal panel and lock into the wood framing beneath it. Together, these features give contractors a fastening option developed around both installation and long-term performance in high-stress environments.  

The No. 10 fastener is manufactured from 1022 material and finished with the L3 Dura Protec™ coating system. Standard options include wet paint and H-Low threads, while a powder coating is available as a custom option, giving contractors more options and flexibiity with their projects.  

For contractors working in coastal environments, high snow load regions or other demanding applications, ZMAX brings its corrosion-resistant head, concealed washer, deep threads and cut point together in one system. The result is a forged, long-life fastener designed to deliver dependable holding power while helping prevent visible red rust on installed fastener heads.  

Learn more about the ZMAX fastener.

Lakeside Construction Fasteners offer a full line of innovative wood fasteners for post frame and residential applications. The T17 WOOD-X™ is designed for all types of decking substrate materials including hard woods. The engineered T17 WOOD-X™ high-low threads along with the sharp cut point allows the fastener to quickly penetrate the metal panel for easier fastener installation!

T17 WOOD-X™ flute located under the head of the fastener is engineered and reinforced for high torque environments. With quality a major focus for Lakeside Construction Fasteners the T17 WOOD-X™ can be used with all battery operated screw guns including Impact Screw Guns! The T17 WOOD-X™ is the fastener of choice by contractors for post frame and residential applications!

T17 WOOD-X™ SYSTEM

• Miami Dade County Approved!
• H-LOW™ threads for Speed of Installation!
• T17 point developed for High Performance!
• Engineered head flute resists High Torque Environments!
• Innovative L3 Dura Protec™ coating to prevent Red Rust!
• EPDM washer for a Positive Seal!

Learn more about the T17 Wood-X system.

ZMAX™ alloy head fasteners are engineered and developed for high corrosion applications. ZMAX™ offers a larger outer head diameter to prevent wind uplift and suitable in high snow load regions. Ideal for coastal environments, preventing Red Rust on fastener heads once installed into metal building systems. ZMAX™ is the Forged Long-Life fastener of choice by contractors and builders!

ZMAX™ SYSTEM

• EPDM Concealed Washer
• Type-17 Cut Point
• H-Low™ Threads

Learn more about the ZMAX sytem.

The T17 FASTLOK™ by Lakeside Construction Fasteners allows for metal panels to be stitched and secured in-place to prevent separation! With the deep major thread design the T17 FASTLOK™ will help bond metal panels together to resist panel separation when utilizing the T17 FASTLOK™ as a stitch fastener. T17 FASTLOK™ is a great affordable solution to help prevent panel overlapping gaps!

T17 FASTLOK™ SYSTEM

• T17 cut point for quick Panel Penetration!
• Engineered thread design to lock Panels In-Place!
• T17 FASTLOK™ for Speed of Installation!
• EPDM washer for Positive Seal!
  Innovative L3 Dura Protec™ coating to Prevent Red Rust!

Learn more about T17 Fastlok.

By The Coffee Shops®. 

As DMI Direct Metals acquires Lakeside Construction Fasteners, leadership looks towards the future and what new opportunities this partnership can bring.  

In a strategic acquisition, two powerhouse brands have come together to expand the reach of metal building materials across the building envelope and propel the market forward. To discuss the new partnership between Lakeside Construction Fasteners (LCF) and DMI Direct Metals, LLC, Eric Velliquette, president and cofounder of Lakeside, sat down for an episode of the MetalCast™ podcast.  

Since founding the company in 2014, Eric has seen the company grow exponentially, becoming a vital source of quality products for the post-frame and pre-engineered markets, as well as for residential and standing seam. Direct Metals, on the other hand, offers a variety of products for the low-slope markets, which makes the merging of the two brands a well-rounded pairing. Eric shared, “By marrying the two companies, we really offer a full complement of products to service the metal building industry as a whole.”  

The acquisition poses an exciting new opportunity, too, when it comes to looking at the future of the industry. “From a fastener standpoint, [Lakeside] provides alternative fastener and foam solutions to the marketplace by trying to engineer and diversify different product offerings,” he noted. This uniqueness allows the brands to bring an eye-catching presence to trade shows in the future and bulking up production speeds thanks to the combined resources and distribution centers now available to Lakeside products. “We want to make it as easy as possible for customers to procure the products they need... it’s a team effort.”  

Eric emphasized the importance of customers knowing that the brands are dedicated to maintaining that family owned feel to each brand’s offerings and customer service relationships, and together, they’re working to make sure each customer gets the attention and quality products they need. “Our customers have built long-lasting relationships, and we pride ourselves on that. We are keeping everyone from Lakeside, bringing them into this new partnership... this is just the start of a great synergy, Eric shared.  

Listen to the podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about LCF, DMI and what this partnership means for the industry!