Don Surber is Chairman and CEO of ATF, Inc., a global leader in specialty fasteners. A 50-year veteran of the manufacturing industry, Don began his career at Illinois Tool Works (ITW) before becoming President of ATF in 1978 and later acquiring the company in 1982. Under his leadership, ATF grew into a multi-divisional enterprise with ventures such as Rifast Systems and Asyst Technologies. In 1998, he co-founded the Global Fastener Alliance, linking family-owned companies worldwide. A past Chairman of the Industrial Fastener Institute, Don has long championed people development as the key to business success. Beyond industry, he and his family founded the Jason R. Surber Matthews Home charity, which builds housing and strengthens communities in North Chicago.

In this episode, Brad and Don discuss:

• Don’s 50-year journey in the manufacturing industry and the founding of ATF
• Why human resources and people development remain the cornerstone of business success
• How recessions and economic downturns can create hidden opportunities
• The importance of calculated risk-taking and entrepreneurial resilience
• Don’s passion for community service and founding the Jason R. Surber Matthews Home

Key Takeaways: 

• Developing people isn’t just part of business—it’s the core foundation that drives growth, culture, and long-term sustainability. Without investing in people, no strategy will truly last.
• Economic downturns, while often feared, can present the greatest opportunities for entrepreneurs who are willing to see beyond the challenges and take bold but calculated risks.
• The three Ps—passion, purpose, and people—are not optional values; they are the essential elements that fuel success both in business and in life.
• Resilience is about more than survival; it means adapting to change, learning from setbacks, and viewing failure as a powerful teacher for future progress.
• True success isn’t measured only by revenue or companies built—it’s equally about giving back, serving the community, and creating a lasting positive impact.

“Wake up every morning with a purpose, wake up every morning with a passion, and have people in your life every day.” - Don Surber

Resources: 

JRS Matthew Homes: https://jrsmatthewhomes.com/ 

Renew Communities: https://www.renewcommunities.org/ 

Connect with Brad Foley:

Website: https://www.hrvaluepartners.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradfoley/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hrvaluepartners/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrvaluepartners/ 

Email: [email protected] 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.