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Stephen Ira

SEO Auditor

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 1, 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.
Stephen Ira
by: Stephen Ira
elastic strap fastener with hook

Taming the Tangle: Elastic Fasteners with Hook and Loop

AI 2 min read

Updated On: Jan 16, 2024

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).
Stephen Ira
by: Stephen Ira
Custom hanging straps for heavy duty use

Hanging Straps: A Versatile and Durable Solution for Your Outdoor Adventures

AI 3 min read

Updated On: Feb 9, 2025

Hanging straps are an essential piece of gear for a wide range of outdoor activities, from camping and hiking to tree swinging and hammocking. They are versatile, durable, and easy to use, making them a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast.
Stephen Ira
by: Stephen Ira
Heavy duty polypro webbing for lifting slings

Polypropylene Webbing: A Versatile and Durable Material for Strapping

AI 3 min read

Updated On: Jun 1, 2026

Polypropylene webbing (also known as polypro webbing) is a type of webbing made from polypropylene, a thermoplastic polymer. Polypropylene is a strong and lightweight material that is also resistant to water, chemicals, and UV radiation. This makes it an ideal material for a wide variety of strapping applications, from light-duty tasks to heavy-duty lifting.
Stephen Ira
by: Stephen Ira
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 1, 2026

Stephen Ira
by: Stephen Ira
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: May 24, 2026

Stephen Ira
by: Stephen Ira
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: May 24, 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.
Stephen Ira
by: Stephen Ira
Camping outdoors with hook and loop fasteners

Enhance Your Outdoor Adventures With Hook And Loop

AI 3 min read

Updated On: Jun 21, 2024

Hook and loop fasteners are a versatile material that can be used in a variety of ways to enhance your outdoor adventures. Here are 8 ways to use hook and loop to make your next trip more enjoyable and safe:

Stephen Ira
by: Stephen Ira
Baby proofing with Velcro makes life easier

10 Ways to Baby Proof Your House

AI 3 min read

Updated On: Jun 1, 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:
Stephen Ira
by: Stephen Ira
Easter bunny made from Velcro fasteners

Happy Easter From HookandLoop.com!

AI 2 min read

Updated On: Jun 1, 2026

It's that time of year again, when bunnies hop around, eggs are hidden, and chocolate is consumed in mass quantities. You might be wondering what hook and loop has to do with Easter, and we've got just the answer for you! Hook and loop fasteners are used in a variety of applications, from clothing and sports gear, to medical devices and strapping. But there are also plenty of fun ways to use these versatile fasteners when decorating for Easter!

Stephen Ira
by: Stephen Ira
Pink hook and loop is perfect for Springtime crafts

Cherry Blossoms Are In Bloom And So Are Our Springtime Hook and Loop Colors!

AI 2 min read

Updated On: Jun 1, 2026

It's Springtime and the cherry blossoms are in bloom and so is our pink and neon pink hook and loop! We stock 25 hook and loop colors in our DuraGrip Brand Sew On products and 16 different colors in our DuraGrip Brand Adhesive Backed hook and loop products.

Stephen Ira
by: Stephen Ira
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