Nearly six years ago Walmart sent 500 shelf-scanning robots home after concluding that workers picking online orders could see the
Conversations On Retail
July 20, 2026
Join Vic Miles for “Beyond the Tech,” a community focusing on the human side of technology, and celebrating the thought leaders, innovators, and disruptors behind some of the most exciting retail technology solutions being brought to market.
Today Vic welcomes Daniel Florness, President and CEO of Fastenal for a discussion about the obligations of a leader.
(NOTE: You won’t want to miss the ending, where Dan shares 10 things he’s learned about life.)
About Daniel Florness
Mr. Daniel L. Florness has served as the company’s president and chief executive officer since January 2016.
He began his career at Fastenal in 1996 and served as the company’s chief financial officer from June 1996 to December 2002, and as an executive vice president and the chief financial officer of the company from December 2002 to December 2015.
During his time as chief financial officer, Mr. Florness’ experience with the company expanded beyond finance, including leadership of product development and procurement, a portion of our manufacturing division, and, in later years, our national accounts business.
In his role as president and chief executive officer, Mr. Florness provides the board with critical input on the development and implementation of high level strategies for the company and on the overall operations and resources of the company.
In addition, his long prior tenure as chief financial officer makes Mr. Florness uniquely situated to provide the board with in-depth insight into the company’s financial planning, internal controls, and regulatory compliance.
Mr. Florness also serves on the board of directors of H.B. Fuller, a publicly-held company in the global adhesives market and is on the board of trustees of Bellin Gundersen Health System, Inc., an integrated health care system primarily located in Wisconsin, as well as Upper Michigan, northeastern Iowa, and southeastern Minnesota. Additionally, he has served on the boards of various
community organizations.
Mr. Florness has been a director of Fastenal since 2016.
About Vic Miles
Vic Miles is the Americas Business Strategy Leader for Microsoft’s Retail Industry solutions group. Vic is responsible for go to market strategies, guidance to the client service teams and the integrated solution plan for Microsoft products in the retail industry. Vic joined Microsoft in April 2008 after over 10 years in retail as a Wal- Mart IT leader.
Vic has built a specialty around retail store operations. His knowledge comes from leading application development for in-store retail systems, during his tenure at Walmart. Vic serves as an advisor to retail executives around the globe where he helps to achieve the Microsoft mission of empowering every person and organization on the planet to achieve more.
The Beyond the Tech series is sponsored by Microsoft.