Federal Brace names director of business development

Federal Brace names director of business development June 7, 2026 | 9:53 am CDT

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Woodworking Industry News

Federal Brace names director of business development

By

Larry Adams

June 7, 2026 | 9:53 am CDT

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Chris Tress

BELMONT, N.C., Federal Brace, a Short Run Pro Brand, has appointed Chris Tress as its director of business development.

With extensive experience in manufacturing, technical solutions, product development, and market expansion, Tress brings a proven track record of creating business opportunities and driving innovation in the cabinetry, furniture, and millwork industries. In his new role, he will focus on helping customers leverage Federal Brace's domestic metal manufacturing capabilities to develop competitive, innovative solutions that strengthen both local and global markets.

"Chris and I have worked together under different hats for nearly two decades, innovating, developing products, and creating new market verticals," said Nelson Wills, general manager of Short Run Pro. "Bringing Chris to Federal Brace, alongside our world-class sales representative network, creates tremendous opportunities for innovation within our industry. Together, we will help customers capitalize on the advantages of domestic metal manufacturing while developing new products that drive growth and competitiveness."

Tress' technical expertise and customer-focused approach align closely with Federal Brace's commitment to delivering high-quality metal product solutions backed by American manufacturing excellence.

"I am excited to roll up my sleeves and get to work directly with Chris, our team, and our customers," added Wills. "By combining our domestic manufacturing capabilities, American ingenuity, and established operational excellence, we are uniquely positioned to solve complex application challenges and create meaningful value for our customers."

As director of business development, Tress will work closely with customers, industry partners, and the Federal Brace team to identify emerging opportunities, support product innovation, and expand the company's presence across key markets. This appointment reflects Federal Brace's ongoing commitment to investing in talent, strengthening customer partnerships, and advancing domestic manufacturing capabilities that support innovation and long-term industry growth.

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About the author

Larry Adams

| Editor

Larry Adams is a Chicago-based writer and editor who writes about how things get done. A former wire service and community newspaper reporter, Larry is an award-winning writer with more than three decades of experience. In addition to writing about woodworking, he has covered science, metrology, metalworking, industrial design, quality control, imaging, Swiss and micromanufacturing . He was previously a Tabbie Award winner for his coverage of nano-based coatings technology for the automotive industry. Larry volunteers for the historic preservation group, the Kalo Foundation/Ianelli Studios, and the science-based group, Chicago Council on Science and Technology (C2ST).

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