A photo of Stephen Ira

Stephen Ira

Owner and President

Expertise:

Hook-and Loop Product Engineering
Product Innovation
Mechanical Engineering
Stephen Ira worked as an inventor for a small manufacturing company where he developed several patents that included Velcro® brand products which led to his founding of HookandLoop.com in 1989, distributing Velcro® brand fasteners across the country. Stephen’s company has grown into a business that specializes in manufacturing hook and loop products that are used in the final products in many industries around the world. Stephen is a graduate of the University of Memphis with a BS degree in mechanical engineering and specialized in machine design and solar engineering. He lives in Jacksonville, Florida where he enjoys an avid outdoor lifestyle and spending time with his two daughters.
10+ Years of Experiences
180+ Articles Written
Organization
The association for Business Journalist

Stephen'S Picks

Metal grommets for custom straps

Grommet Power Up: Adding Strength and Versatility to Your Hook and Loop Straps

AI 2 min read

Updated On: Jun 23, 2026

Need a little extra security for your straps? Let's talk metal grommets. These small but mighty reinforcements add strength and functionality to your hook and loop straps, making them ideal for tackling tougher jobs.
elastic strap fastener with hook

Taming the Tangle: Elastic Fasteners with Hook and Loop

AI 2 min read

Updated On: Jun 23, 2026

Elastic fasteners are a great way to get a firm and snug closure while still maintaining a wider range of sizes one strap can fit. Elastic fasteners are where stretchability meets secure hold. Interwoven with rubber fibers, stretch loop material allows for about a 50% stretch, which can extend the functional length of elastic straps (sometimes called elastic with hook).
You can now order an angled cut of webbing ranging from 1-50 degrees!

Webbing Angle Cuts Now Available

AI 3 min read

Updated On: Jun 23, 2026

A large roll of waterproof navy blue fastener material on a white background used for manufacturing outdoor heavy-duty Hook and Loop Straps.

Does Outdoor Hook and Loop Exist?

AI 2 min read

Updated On: Jun 23, 2026

A beige leather luxury car interior viewed from above the driver seat, showing the steering wheel and dashboard which can be maintained using Hook and Loop Straps.

Using VELCRO® Brand Fasteners For Car Repairs

AI 2 min read

Updated On: Jun 23, 2026

VELCRO® Brand fasteners are a versatile and convenient tool that can be used for a variety of car repairs. They are strong, durable, and easy to use, making them a great option for DIYers and professionals alike.
Baby proofing with Velcro makes life easier

10 Ways to Baby Proof Your House

AI 3 min read

Updated On: Jun 23, 2026

Hook and loop fasteners are a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of purposes around the house. It is especially useful for baby proofing, as it can be used to create a barrier between your baby and potential hazards. It's also easy to keep on hand, and can offer a quick fix. Here are 10 ways to use hook and loop tape to baby proof your house:
Quick samples are available with custom logo imprinting for just $95!

Strap Samples With Your Custom Logo For Just $95!

AI 2 min read

Updated On: Jun 23, 2026

If you're familiar with HookandLoop.com, you may already know we offer a quick sample service where we make four custom straps for $20, including shipping. We're also able to print your company logo, or any custom imaging, onto these straps for just $95.

UPS Ground Shipping Transit Map

HookandLoop.com Shipping Transit Times

AI 3 min read

Updated On: Jun 23, 2026

At HookandLoop.com, we're always looking for ways to be more transparent about our process. That includes shipping transit times. Now, how long an order takes to ship depends on the product being ordered, whether we are holding stock on that item, how much is being ordered, and so much more. But once an order leaves our facility, it can take anywhere from 1-5 business days to arrive. But how long will it take to get to you?
3D printed custom jig for quality control manufacturing straps

Hook and Loop Quality Control Measures

AI 2 min read

Updated On: Jun 23, 2026

We manufacture custom straps at HookandLoop.com, and part of that process includes quality controls. There are lots of ways we make sure that the products you receive meet customer expectations. Specifications and tolerances play a role in determining if additional effort is needed, and that can include custom jigs, measuring fixtures, and random inspections of material throughout the manufacturing process. We're happy to do anything a customer wants done to ensure they're getting exactly what they want.
Shipping Materials

Shipping Lead Times

AI 4 min read

Updated On: Jun 23, 2026