ary Swoffer and Bo Kilbourn combined their sales experience and knowledge of the industrial supply industry in 1986 and opened Denali Fastener Supply, a 1,500-square-foot shop in Fairbanks. It rebranded as Denali Industrial Supply in 1989 and over the past thirty-seven years has grown into a multi-million-dollar company with locations in Fairbanks and Anchorage, more than 40,000 square feet of warehouse space, and a statewide delivery system that allows it to serve the North Slope and Alaska Bush regions.

Through the years, Denali Industrial Supply has been a stalwart supporter of the Associated General Contractors, or AGC, of Alaska, stepping up time and again to contribute time and resources to AGC events and participating in the organization’s advocacy efforts.

That is why the AGC Executive Board chose Denali Industrial Supply to receive the AGC Associate of the Year award at the 2023 annual Dinner Dance in November.

“They have representation at just about every event we host, in attendance and sponsorship,” AGC Executive Director Alicia Amberg said of Denali Industrial Supply when presenting the award. “They make sure they have team members at every Anchorage and Fairbanks event and are always some of the first to volunteer door prizes when requested. This company pours support into our organization in AGC’s golf and safety committees.”

Denali Industrial Supply’s steadfast support of AGC endures despite some bumps in the company’s early years. It joined AGC’s member ranks in 1987 but terminated that membership in the ‘90s due to some growing pains, President Gary Swoffer said when accepting the award on the company’s behalf. Denali Industrial Supply weathered that storm, and in 2004 renewed its membership, “probably one of the smartest decisions I’ve made,” Swoffer said.

“We would like to thank our valued customers for their continuing support,” the post read. “It would not have been possible without all of you. We also need to thank our dedicated employees who strive every day to deliver exceptional customer service.”

Swoffer, when accepting the award in November, said the company’s continued support and involvement in AGC is both personal and professional.

“There are just so many friends we have here,” he said. “I just truly believe that, obviously, we need to invest in the partnership that we have developed over the years. This organization is very meaningful to us. That’s why we’re here.”

Denali Industrial Supply’s primary objective is to support the construction, mining, oil and gas, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, and auto repair industries with high-quality products, tools, and accessories from reputable brands to ensure its customers can get the job done right. Being named Associate of the Year, Swoffer said, is proof that the company is doing just that.

“We believe in this organization and in you guys,” he said at the dinner dance. “Thank you so much for trusting us. When you need something, you trust in us.”