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

Clicker press dies for die cutting machine

Shapeless to Defined: Unlocking the Potential of Die Cutting with VELCRO® Brand Fasteners

AI 3 min read

Updated On: Apr 2, 2024

Transforming flat materials into intricate shapes – that's the magic of die cutting. And while the term might conjure images of complex machinery, crafting custom VELCRO® Brand hook and loop designs doesn't have to be rocket science. Let's delve into the world of die cutting presses and explore how they can elevate your projects from simple to sophisticated.
Plant VELCRO® Brand garden ties

VELCRO® Brand Fasteners: From Seedling to Sapling

AI 3 min read

Updated On: Apr 2, 2024

VELCRO® Brand hook and loop fasteners, often overlooked in the gardener's toolkit, deserve a closer look. While their association with cable management and office supplies persists, their robust potential extends far into the realm of green thumbs and muddy boots. In fact, garden ties, often referred to as "plant velcro" and "velcro plant tape", offer practical solutions for various tasks in the gardening and farming industries and more.
Thick VELCRO Brand Heavy Duty Tape For Walls

The Unassuming Power of VELCRO® Brand Industrial Fasteners

AI 5 min read

Updated On: May 14, 2025

DuraGrip Brand and VELCRO® Brand industrial strength hook and loop fasteners offer a robust solution for securing objects of significant weight and dimensions. Composed of thick nylon monofilament, these hook and loop fasteners offer superior closure strength and strong adhesive options. These thick VELCRO® Brand products excel in demanding environments. These are our standard hook and loop fasteners and they work well securing tools on workshop walls, bundling cumbersome camping equipment, or even providing a closure of strong velcro for walls, holding objects with unwavering grip.

Grommet Power Up: Adding Strength and Versatility to Your Hook and Loop Straps

AI 2 min read

Updated On: Jun 21, 2024

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.
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).
Custom hanging straps for heavy duty use

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

AI 3 min read

Updated On: Apr 22, 2026

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.

Polypropylene Webbing: A Versatile and Durable Material for Strapping

AI 3 min read

Updated On: Apr 22, 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.

Webbing Angle Cuts Now Available

AI 3 min read

Updated On: Nov 22, 2023

Does Outdoor Hook and Loop Exist?

AI 2 min read

Updated On: Jul 28, 2024

Using VELCRO® Brand Fasteners For Car Repairs

AI 2 min read

Updated On: Jun 21, 2024

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.