Our Team

Fortress is all about its people. We are proud of the industry knowledge, professionalism and personal service that has kept us at the forefront of our industry for more than 30 years


Michael Thompson 
National Manager  
Email: [email protected]steelandtube.co.nz
Mike joined the company in 2004 as a storeman at head office in Auckland. Since then, he has held branch management roles in both Albany and Wellington before taking up his current role in October 2015.

Tait Mitchell
Group Product Manager
Email: [email protected]steelandtube.co.nz
Tait started 1999 as a sales rep covering Waikato/BOP, and later sales manager, then branch manager for the same area. Tait is involved in many aspects of business and is part of the lead team, introducing new products to Fortress and further development of the business as a whole.

Daniel Lawrence
Distribution Manager - Albany
Email: [email protected]steelandtube.co.nz
Daniel started with Fortress in early 1997 and has had managed various sales roles for the company within this time, including establishing the Albany Branch on the North Shore of Auckland. Daniel now also runs the S&T distribution business from the same site as the Fortress business. Daniel’s vast product knowledge is a key attribute in offering quality technical support to the industry and specification level.

Joseph Olliver
Branch Manager - Hamilton
Email: [email protected]steelandtube.co.nz
Joseph started with company in 2004 in the warehouse. Progressing through and covering many roles at Fortress Hamilton. Recently promoted to Branch Manager in December 2018 he continues to try and make Fortress the strongest fastener supplier in the Waikato region.

Troy Neems
Branch Manager - Mt Maunganui
Email: [email protected]steelandtube.co.nz
Troy joined Fortress in1999 starting in the Hamilton warehouse, progressing into Internal sales and then Account Manager. In 2004 moved to Mount Maunganui as an Account Manager for the BOP area, then proceeded to become Branch Manager for the Mount.

Lisa Dahl
Sales Manager - Palmerston North 
Email: [email protected]steelandtube.co.nz
Lisa has a wealth of fasteners experience starting with Fortress in 2013. She has a work force of seven ranging from Sales reps, Internal Sales staff, accounts and warehouse. Passionate and enthusiastic about her role, Lisa provides a very high level of customer service. 

Sarah Karlson 

Branch Manager - New Plymouth
Email: [email protected]steelandtube.co.nz
Sarah started with Fortress in 2016, with many years fastenings back ground under her belt. Sarah was promoted to branch manager early in 2018. Sarah now also runs the S&T distribution business from the same site as the Fortress business.

Wade McKenzie
Branch Manager - Wellington 
Email: w[email protected]steelandtube.co.nz
Wade started with the business in 2013, he has been a successful team member starting as an account manager, sales manager through to branch manager. He leads a team young team full of energy and drive producing amazing results in Wellington.