Built on Craftsmanship.
Sustained by Values.
Since 1926.
Our Mission
To uphold the legacy of American-made excellence by providing high-quality, precision-crafted products that honor the identity, achievements, and affiliations of our customers. We blend a century of tradition with modern innovation to deliver value-driven solutions built on a foundation of integrity.
Established on a Strong Foundation
Our founder, Manuel Gorriaran, grew up in Havana, Cuba and earned an engineering degree from MIT. After graduating, he spent several years traveling the world, gaining a global perspective on industry and life. Upon returning to Cuba in 1926, he became affiliated with a dynamic new Rhode Island company called Hook-Fast, named for its innovative “Hook-Fast Can’t Slip Belt Buckle”, a fully customizable product designed to reflect a wearer's identity, trade, and affiliation.
Manuel applied his expertise in engineering and business ethics to the company's growth. In 1929, he relocated to Providence and purchased Hook-Fast. Demand grew quickly, and the company expanded beyond belt buckles into badges, nameplates, awards, emblems, and specialty accessories.
Through the Great Depression, World War II, and decades of economic shifts, Hook-Fast weathered every era by remaining nimble. We have remained dedicated to providing exceptional products that are manufactured right here in America. In the late 1980s, with foresight and confidence, Manuel welcomed his grandson, Daniel Gorriaran, into the business.
After earning a degree in Business and Economics from the University of Rhode Island, Daniel worked closely alongside Manuel, mastering the craft and gaining a deep understanding of what it takes to lead a successful, value-driven company. In 1991, Daniel assumed the role of President of Hook-Fast.
Daniel took the baton and carried the company into the digital age, implementing leading-edge systems for business management, production tracking, and customer service. He continues to invest in modern equipment and technology, enabling our team to work with greater precision, efficiency, and economic sensibility.
These systems work fluidly behind the scenes, allowing the Hook-Fast team to focus on what matters most: producing high-quality products that customers trust and rely on.
Resilience with Integrity & Expertise
We believe that if Manuel were here today, he would be proud, not only of how far Hook Fast has come but of how faithfully it continues to honor the values on which it was built.
Our Core Values
Uncompromising Craftsmanship
From our original "Can’t Slip" buckle to today’s specialty accessories, we believe that if a product carries the Hook-Fast name, it must be built to last. We take pride in the details that define quality.
Integrity Above All
Following the example set by Manuel Gorriaran in 1926, we conduct business with honesty and transparency. We believe that long-term relationships with our customers and employees are more valuable than short-term gains.
American-Made Heritage
We are steadfastly committed to domestic manufacturing. By keeping our production in Rhode Island, we support our local economy and ensure that every item meets our rigorous standards for American quality.
Purposeful Innovation
While we honor our past, we do not live in it. We embrace new technologies and leading-edge systems to improve precision and efficiency, ensuring we remain as nimble and relevant today as we were 100 years ago.
Respect for Identity
Our products are more than just accessories; they are symbols of who people are and what they have achieved. We treat every badge, emblem, and nameplate with the respect that our customers’ professions and affiliations deserve.
Proudly American-Made for Over 100 Years
Innovation + Quality + Service + Price = Best Value
We combine the best available technology with outstanding craftsmanship to create a quality custom piece.