Tool Town U S A

Ironworkergear.com, located in a small town in Washington state, was founded by a Union Ironworker in the summer of 2000, beginning with little knowledge of computers, ( it took him three days to figure out what 'reboot your computer' meant ) Originally located in in Yelm WA, ironworkergear.com went online in November 2000. A half dozen styles of Union Ironworker t-shirts and a line of work boots were nearly all that were offered. Today, we stock over 1500 products and continue to add more every month. I'm Randall L. Rude ( Rudedog ), a JIW out of Ironworkers Local 86, Seattle and a 32 year member of the trade. I realized that the internet could be a tool used to offer products for my Union Brothers and Sisters throughout the country. What was once a dream became the internets premier Ironworker ecommerce website shipping to all 50 states and numerous foreign countries with an emphasis on Union Made and USA made products. In the summer of 2006 we moved our main operation to Ozark, MO to be closer to our 5 grandkids. We opened a store, HardHatGear that sells a more diversified line of tools, safety vests, and constuction supplies. If you are visiting the Springfield-Branson area, come visit us! We are located approximately 6 miles south of Springfield heading toward Branson on Hwy 65. Hours are 9 am-7pm M-F and 9am-4pm Saturdays. I still actively work iron ( when I can! ) and with the continued support of my wife, Debbie, who gave up a career teaching children, we've created an online storefront where all ironworkers can find the tools of our trade in one place. There have been nights that we've watched the sun rise because neither of us stopped long enough to rest. We pride ourselves with doing whatever it takes to satisfy our customers and enjoy the camaraderie and gaining the friendships of many. With the help of our office staff and customer suggestions, we continue to look for unique items for the trade. Keep coming back as we will continue to add new lines and products. This website is dedicated in memory to my brother, Wayne H. Rude, JIW Local 505/86 who introduced me to the trade back in 1972 at Grand Coulee Dam. In my eyes "Crude Rude, " you were a real Bridgeman. There isn't a day that doesn't go by that I don't miss you. I know your working the Big Job up there brother. One day we'll be in the gang together again...