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

A scattered pile of bulk black adhesive fastener pieces mixed with white backing tags featuring the red VELCRO brand logo for industrial Hook and Loop Straps.

How to Buy VELCRO® Brand Fasteners in Bulk (and What to Look For)

AI 3 min read

Updated On: Jun 23, 2026

Whether you're a distributor, contractor, or OEM, sourcing VELCRO® Brand fasteners in bulk requires more than just finding a supplier. To get the right product at the right price-without delays or quality issues you need to know what to ask and where to buy.
Custom Hook and Loop fasteners

Why Leading Industries Rely on Custom Hook & Loop Fasteners

AI 4 min read

Updated On: Jun 23, 2026

In fast-paced industrial environments, efficiency and flexibility are everything. That’s why more industries are moving away from traditional mechanical fasteners and embracing custom hook and loop fasteners as a modular, low-profile, and reliable alternative.
Heavy duty Hook and Loop fasteners

Where to Buy Heavy-Duty Hook & Loop Fasteners in Bulk

AI 5 min read

Updated On: Jun 23, 2026

Heavy-duty hook and loop fasteners are essential for industries that demand high strength, durability, and versatility. Whether you're working in construction, manufacturing, or equipment assembly, buying these fasteners in bulk offers serious advantages in cost, consistency, and availability. But how do you choose the right supplier, and what makes a hook and loop fastener truly "heavy-duty"?
Industrial adhesive hook and loop tape

Guide to Buying Industrial Adhesive Hook & Loop Tape

AI 4 min read

Updated On: Jun 23, 2026

Industrial environments call for fasteners that are strong, versatile, and easy to apply. Adhesive hook and loop tape offers a clean, reliable alternative to screws or rivets in many applications—from bundling cables and mounting signage to securing panels or equipment parts.
A bundle of electrical cords organized and bundled together on a bright pink background using a colorful green and orange fastener made of Hook and Loop Straps.

How Hook & Loop Fasteners Support Cable Management & Wire Harnessing

AI 4 min read

Updated On: Jun 23, 2026

When it comes to effective cable management and wire harnessing, hook and loop cable ties stand out as one of the most reliable and versatile solutions. Unlike traditional cable ties, hook and loop fasteners offer the unique advantage of being reusable, adjustable, and gentle on cables, making them an ideal choice for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. Whether you're organizing cables in a data center, setting up an AV system, or managing wires in a complex machine, these fasteners help you achieve a neat, organized, and tangle-free setup.
Hook and Loop vs traditional fasteners

Hook and Loop Tape vs. Traditional Fasteners: Pros & Cons

AI 3 min read

Updated On: Jun 23, 2026

Hook and Loop in medical devices

Hook and Loop Fasteners in Medical Devices: Features & Use Cases

AI 5 min read

Updated On: Jun 23, 2026

In medical environments, fasteners must be reliable, safe, and easy to use-often under time-sensitive conditions. Hook and loop medical devices offer healthcare manufacturers and OEMs an adaptable, skin-safe solution that can be used across a wide range of clinical and patient-facing applications.
A screenshot of a backend content management system panel displaying fields for Title and URL-Key next to uploaded Featured and Mobile images of a black industrial loop strap with a yellow pull tab used for Hook and Loop Straps manufacturing.

Custom Velcro Strap Manufacturing for OEMs: What OEMs Need to Know

AI 5 min read

Updated On: Jun 23, 2026

Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) rely on precision, durability, and efficiency. When sourcing custom Velcro straps, the ability to tailor fasteners to fit exact design requirements can make the difference between a streamlined assembly process and a costly production bottleneck.
Close-up of hands using a sewing machine to attach a VELCRO® Brand hook and loop patch

Making Custom or Embroidered VELCRO® Brand Patches

AI 5 min read

Updated On: Jun 23, 2026

Custom patches are a fast and easy way to customize jackets, sweaters, shirts and even pants. This is why they have become a favorite of the military, law enforcement and athletic organizations. Combining patches with hook and loop fasteners makes them easy to remove for cleaning the garment, or to change out when needed. With that in mind, here’s how to make custom VELCRO® Brand patches.
Black Hook and Loop roll detail

How to Use VELCRO® Brand fasteners Rollers?

AI 5 min read

Updated On: Jun 23, 2026

Since its invention back in the 1940s, VELCRO® Brand hook and loop fasteners have proven remarkably versatile. From hanging art to closing spacesuits, hook and loop fasteners have found applications in all sorts of areas—including beauty. For example, VELCRO® Brand rollers are known for their ability to add bounce, volume and curl to straight hair. What’s more, they can work with or without heat. Here’s a look at how VELCRO® Brand fasteners work, and how to use VELCRO® Brand rollers.