Thomas Foster

About Thomas Foster

Owner and CEO of Strapworks, I bring over two decades of experience in custom manufacturing, operations, and entrepreneurial leadership to the table. My background is rooted in hands-on problem-solving, shaped by an early career that didn’t follow a traditional path. After graduating from UC Davis with a degree in Soil Science and Renewable Natural Resources, and running the whitewater program there, I discovered my passion wasn’t in labs or offices, but in building real things that people use every day. That drive to create, improve, and simplify complex challenges eventually led me to start my own company.At Strapworks, I’ve grown a garage startup into a trusted U.S. manufacturer serving over customers across all industries. We specialize in private-labeled strap products, from pet collars and tie-downs to instrument straps and outdoor gear. I oversee daily operations, product development, team leadership, and long-term strategy, ensuring we deliver high-quality, customized solutions at scale. Our facility in Eugene, Oregon, is powered by a team of over 50 people and built around the belief that small businesses deserve access to the same level of quality, branding, and service as the big guys.What sets me apart is a practical, boots-on-the-ground mindset. I’ve done the work, solved the problems, and built systems from scratch to make things more efficient—not just for our team, but for every client who trusts us with their brand. I understand what it takes to bring a product from idea to market and take pride in helping other businesses grow through thoughtful design, reliable production, and personal attention.If you’re passionate about creating quality products, running a business with purpose, or simply appreciate a straightforward approach to manufacturing and leadership, I’d be glad to connect. 54••••••36 t•••••@strapworks.com

Experience

1. CEO Helping you Personalize your Top-selling Straps and Strap Products with your own Branding

   Strapworks

   Jan 2000 — Present · US

   As founder and CEO of Strapworks, I\'ve grown a small, family-owned strap manufacturer into a trusted national brand with a sq ft facility and a team of 50+ dedicated professionals. My leadership balances strategic planning with hands-on involvement—every day, I’m working alongside the team to deliver high-quality, custom strap solutions across industries.Major Responsibilities: Define company strategy, oversee operations, and manage cross-functional teams in production, sales, marketing, and customer support Direct product development, prototyping, branding, and quality assurance Build and nurture relationships with vendors and clients in pet gear, music, outdoor, promotional, and industrial markets Optimize supply chain, order fulfillment, inventory, and customer service processes Champion a company culture rooted in family values, team collaboration, and community engagementKey Achievements: Scaled from a one-room start-up to a multi-million-dollar enterprise serving clients in every industry and on every continent, including NASA and Disney Expanded production from a home setup to a sq ft warehouse (2005), sq ft (2009), a custom sq ft facility (2013), and an additional sq ft (2017). Built a reputation for flexible order quantities, from single custom items to mass runs of over units, with fast turnaround times Secured long-term contracts with major organizations like Nike, Target, the FBI, and the U.S. military by consistently delivering quality, branding, and service Created a family-first culture with employee appreciation events, holiday celebrations, and community support efforts Leading with a problem-solving spirit and a hands-on mindset, I’m committed to doing things the right way, helping small businesses grow, innovating in custom manufacturing, and empowering my team.Happy to connect, share insight, or explore collaborations.

Education

• University of California, Davis

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Soil Science and Renewable Natural Resources (it was the 70's)

• University of California, Davis

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Soil Science and Renewable Natural Resources

  1974 — 1979