Benjamin Smallwood

Quick Overview

Hello, I’m Ben, an industrial consultant with a hands‑on technical background and more than a decade of experience supporting manufacturers and distribution‑driven operations. My career spans machine operation, skilled trades, industrial sales leadership, and field‑level automation support. I bring a practical, customer‑focused approach to helping organizations improve efficiency, reliability, and overall performance.

About Me

I began my career on the shop floor as a machine operator, where I developed a strong appreciation for how equipment, materials, and processes come together in real‑world manufacturing environments. That foundation was reinforced through technical education and hands‑on training in fabrication, machining, welding, and electrical work, allowing me to understand not just what needs to be done, but how and why it works.

Building on that technical base, I spent eight years with Fastenal in industrial sales, holding roles that included branch leadership, sales management, and team development. During that time, I led a team of eight and managed annual revenues exceeding $4 million, working closely with customers to support MRO, production, and supply chain initiatives. This experience shaped my ability to align technical solutions with business objectives while developing and leading high‑performing teams.

I later served as a Technical Field Representative with SMC, a global automation manufacturer, where I worked directly with customers to support pneumatic and automation systems. Partnering with maintenance, engineering, and operations teams, I helped troubleshoot challenges, optimize system performance, and improve long‑term reliability across a range of manufacturing environments.

Today, I combine my hands‑on technical background, sales leadership experience, and automation expertise to support practical, data‑driven decisions around industrial and packaging solutions. I’m proud to be part of Fastpak Systems, a Georgia‑based, family‑owned company, and I’m based in Columbus, GA, with the resources to support customers well beyond my local market. I’m most motivated by opportunities where taking the time to understand the operation first leads to meaningful, sustainable improvements.

Outside of work, I enjoy staying active, exploring new technology, traveling, and experiencing live music—most often alongside my wife. We love attending concerts together and have been fortunate to see a wide range of artists over the years. We also spend a lot of time with our rescued animals, which has been a meaningful and grounding part of our life together.

I’m also part of a close‑knit drifting community with a group of friends, where we build our cars, host events, and spend time on the racetrack in a safe, controlled environment. It’s a hobby that combines mechanical skill, precision, and teamwork, and it’s something I genuinely enjoy sharing with others who appreciate the craft behind it. At my core, I value continuous learning, strong relationships, and practical problem‑solving—both professionally and personally.