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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

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Polypropylene vs. Nylon Webbing: Exploring Material Differences

AI 12 min read

Updated On: Jun 23, 2026

When you need webbing for home, work or school use, it is important to know the best varieties for different purposes. Webbing is a durable woven fabric available in an assortment of widths and thicknesses for use on:

• Camping gear – straps and handles on tents and sleeping bags
• School supplies – shoulder straps on backpacks
• Military gear – waterproof belts and straps
• Furniture – outdoor items such as chairs and chaises
• Vehicle safety – seat belts and shoulder harnesses
• Pet supplies – leashes and collars
• Clothing – embellishments or functions

Stephen Ira
by: Stephen Ira
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How Long Will It Stick? Understanding the Lifespan of Hook and Loop

AI 3 min read

Updated On: Jun 23, 2026

Hook and loop closures are easy to use, safe, and discreet, but they don't last forever. Every type of hook and loop closure has a lifespan, or cycle life, after which it will no longer be able to stick as well as it used to. At this point, it will need to be replaced.

Stephen Ira
by: Stephen Ira
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DIY Summer Games with Hook and Loop

AI 2 min read

Updated On: Jun 23, 2026

Summer is the perfect time to get outside and have some fun with the family. By using hook and loop, you can create summer games that will amuse and entertain your kids for hours and save you some money.

Here is a great blog post with a ton of good ideas for some DIY summertime family fun. That post has suggestions ranging from obstacle course parties and sponge water bomb fights to open air art boards and music fences. There are also some suggestions that require hook and loop fasteners.

Stephen Ira
by: Stephen Ira
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Make It Stick: Adhesive Backed Hook And Loop Tips

AI 4 min read

Updated On: Jun 23, 2026

Every once in a while, we will have a customer call us because the adhesive has peeled from its bond and they are having trouble keeping it in place. While all pressure-sensitive adhesives will eventually wear out over time, we thought we could provide you with some helpful tips to make sure you are using the right adhesive and that it lasts as long as possible by being correctly applied.
Stephen Ira
by: Stephen Ira
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4 Questions to Ask Your Hook and Loop Supplier

AI 3 min read

Updated On: Jun 23, 2026

When deciding what company to do business with, it’s important to know what you’re looking for as well as what each company can offer you. At HookandLoop.com, we offer excellent customer service, quality, and fast turnaround for a great price. Each company has different benefits, but each one reflects some combination of those four. Here are some questions to consider when looking for a hook and loop supplier with which to work.

Stephen Ira
by: Stephen Ira
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Sew-On, Stick-On, or Iron-On: Which Hook and Loop Should I Use?

AI 1 min read

Updated On: Jun 23, 2026

When it comes to hook and loop fasteners, there are a wide range of styles from which to choose. It can be overwhelming for someone who isn’t used to all the product terms. Here is a quick summary of the most popular hook and loop styles and when to use them.

Stephen Ira
by: Stephen Ira
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5 Inexpensive Ways to Entertain Kids With Velcro® Brand Fasteners

AI 4 min read

Updated On: Jun 23, 2026

Clothing, sports equipment, home improvement—hook and loop fasteners show up in many applications. Even many toys and games feature hook and loop fastenings. Sometimes known better by brand names such as Velcro® or DuraGrip®, hook and loop fasteners come in a huge array of sizes, shapes, colors, and strengths. It even supplies the basis for a hilarious carnival game where participants don suits made with Velcro® brand fasteners and then run and jump on a springboard, launching themselves to affix their bodies as high as possible on a wall made of Velcro® Brand wide loop.

Stephen Ira
by: Stephen Ira
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Specialty Fasteners for Virtually Any Application

AI 4 min read

Updated On: Jun 23, 2026

At HookandLoop.com, our goal is to be your one-stop shop for all your hook and loop fastener needs. We stock a huge selection of fastener products in a range of sizes and colors. Our large in-stock inventory helps us provide quick order fulfillment for the vast majority of our customers’ orders. But sometimes an application needs a specialty hook and loop solution; we can accommodate those orders too!

Stephen Ira
by: Stephen Ira
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Discover the Advantages of DuraGrip® Fasteners

AI 6 min read

Updated On: Jun 23, 2026

Much like Kleenex® is synonymous with facial tissue, VELCRO® is synonymous with hook and loop fasteners. When it comes to hook and loop fasteners, alternatives to the VELCRO® Brand do exist. Not all brands are the same and it pays to understand the advantages and differences offered by other manufacturers. At HookandLoop.com, we are proud to offer our own DuraGrip® Brand of hook and loop in addition to being a distributor of VELCRO® Brand products. In this post, we highlight the unique benefits of DuraGrip® Brand hook and loop so you can determine if this brand is right for you.

Stephen Ira
by: Stephen Ira
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Introducing the 4D Program

AI 2 min read

Updated On: Jun 23, 2026

Some exciting changes are coming to HookandLoop.com! Our goal is to be the leader in hook and loop manufacturing solutions for industry. With that goal in mind, we have been busy analyzing how we interact with our customers and looking for ways we can better serve you. These efforts culminated in the development and launch of our new 4D Business Consulting Service. The 4D program is a structured approach to developing custom hook and loop fasteners. The purpose of the program is to get you the right hook and loop product for your application, as quick as possible, at the lowest total cost.
Stephen Ira
by: Stephen Ira
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No Sew Hook and Loop Projects

AI 1 min read

Updated On: Jun 23, 2026

Sewing is not for everyone. Fortunately, hook and loop fasteners, combined with other common craft items, eliminates the need for sewing while allowing you to achieve impressive project results. With some inspiration, patience and the right materials, you can enjoy a variety of craft projects and no one will know that you did not sew a stitch.

Stephen Ira
by: Stephen Ira
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