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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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Learning with Hook and Loop

AI 3 min read

Updated On: Jun 23, 2026

Hook-and-loop material has a great range of practical and creative applications. Using hook-and-loop in the classroom creates possibilities for different types of learning for all ages, from arts and crafts to visual aids.
Stephen Ira
by: Stephen Ira
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Hook-and-Loop Fasteners in Transportation

AI 2 min read

Updated On: Jun 23, 2026

Hook-and-loop applications have advanced and changed over the years, whether through new designs, or new applications by branching out into the diverse areas of the aeronautical, marine, and automotive industries.

Hook-and-loop fasteners are used in the automotive industry in everything from fitting seat trim covers, armrests and head rests, to securing headliners and floor coverings. VELCRO® Brand ONE-WRAP® is used to keep loose wires and cables bundled safely together. The hook-and-loop fastening system is also a handy helper when it comes to aftermarket repairs, parts, and accessories. Sagging headliners, truck bed covers, or peeling door panels can quickly be repaired or secured with acrylic adhesive backed hook and loop.

Stephen Ira
by: Stephen Ira
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Electrically Conductive Hook and Loop

AI 2 min read

Updated On: Jun 23, 2026

Hook and loop has been around for decades, but that doesn't mean its various applications and designs aren't always expanding. Today, there are even hook and loop fasteners that will conduct electricity. This is managed by spray coating the hook and loop with liquid silver. Silver is used because it has the highest electrical conductivity and the highest thermal conductivity of any metal.

Stephen Ira
by: Stephen Ira
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HookandLoop.com Installs Grommets in Straps

AI 2 min read

Updated On: Jun 23, 2026

The service technicians at HookandLoop.com install grommets into straps. Grommets are small rings -- usually brass -- that are punched through any number of materials: paper, canvas, leather, etc. The purpose of these metal rings is to protect the surrounding material from damage when cords or strings are run through the hole of the grommet. Think of the rings your shoe laces are fed through, only stronger. If the rings weren't there, the material would eventually wear out and tear.

Stephen Ira
by: Stephen Ira
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Funny and Strange Uses for Hook and Loop Fasteners

AI 3 min read

Updated On: Jun 23, 2026

Hook and loop fasteners have been around for more than 60 years -- plenty of time for people to discover strange new uses for them. They are used in everyday applications, such as shoes and diapers, to more exotic uses like Aerospace applications. Astronauts dealing with zero gravity use Velcro® for everything from keeping their personal hygiene products in place in storage bags to fastening pieces to a chess board during leisurely time in space.

Stephen Ira
by: Stephen Ira
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Other Uses for Hook and Loop Fasteners

AI 3 min read

Updated On: Jun 23, 2026

Hook and loop fasteners are versatile enough to be used for pretty much anything and everything: camera bags, diapers, display panels at corporate trade shows and conventions -- the list is endless. Because of its ease of use, NASA has even used the fasteners on state-of-the-art astronaut suits. In fact, most individuals are likely unaware of how truly pervasive hook and loop is. Continue reading to discover some interesting fastener uses!

Stephen Ira
by: Stephen Ira
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VELCRO® Brand Hook & Loop Fasteners in Art

AI 2 min read

Updated On: Jun 23, 2026

Creative expression in art takes limitless forms, and the use of VELCRO® Brand hook and loop fasteners can expand artistic applications in unique and innovative ways.

Arts and crafts projects, for both children and adults, benefit from using VELCRO® Brand hook and loop material. A collage can be much more than a flat, two-dimensional work. Instead, it can extend into three dimensions by attaching different shaped items with hook and loop. Three-dimensional models, hand-decorated clothing, tote bags, purses, hair clips, holiday stockings and much more become singular expressions through using hook and loop material.

Stephen Ira
by: Stephen Ira
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What are Hook & Loop Fasteners and VELCRO® Brand Products Made of?

AI 5 min read

Updated On: Jun 23, 2026

Hook and loop fasteners consist of two distinct pieces. The rough, scratchy side is the hook because it is covered with several tiny hooks per square inch. Likewise, the soft, fuzzy side is the loop because it is covered with many small loops. The hooks engage the loops when the two sides are pressed together. This creates a bond that is exceptionally strong and allows for repeated use that lasts for thousands of cycles.

Stephen Ira
by: Stephen Ira
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