FS3

What FS3 does

FS3 is a privately held specialty industrial distributor founded in 2003 and headquartered in Annandale, Minnesota, serving construction and utility contractors across the upper Midwest. The company supplies utility construction products, fiber optic splicing trailers, horizontal directional drilling (HDD) tools and accessories, cable installation products, reel transport equipment, and a range of safety products. Its supplier portfolio includes established brands such as CORE PRO, Melfred Borzall, DCI Digitrak, Bullard, Klein Tools, and Greenlee, allowing FS3 to function as a multi-brand procurement channel for specialty fiber and utility construction equipment that many contractors would otherwise source from multiple vendors.

The business operates a relationship-based, phone-driven sales model with regional sales representative coverage across Northwest Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota, and does not transact online. Pricing is quote-based and transactional, spanning higher-value capital items such as fiber splicing trailers and reel transport equipment alongside consumable tooling and personal safety equipment. Leadership is family-led, with Brent Baker serving as President, Marty Ferguson as founder, and Laurie Ferguson as CEO/CFO, and the company employs between 11 and 50 people.

FS3's strategic posture is that of a stable niche distributor: it sustains its position through long-tenured supplier relationships, regional brand familiarity, and consultative specification support rather than through scale, technology differentiation, or aggressive expansion. The 2024 introduction of an EV Kit product line is the most recent evidence of incremental product surface expansion within its existing customer base, with no disclosed M&A, external funding, or geographic expansion beyond the upper Midwest.

Name

FS3

Legal name

FS3 Inc

Website

https://fs3inc.biz

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

FS3 is a privately held specialty distributor founded in 2003 in Annandale, Minnesota, supplying fiber optic splicing trailers, HDD tooling, cable installation, reel transport, and safety products to construction and utility contractors in the upper Midwest via relationship-based, phone-driven sales.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Annandale

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Product Sales: Revenue generated from selling utility materials, HDD tooling, accessories, fiber optic splicing trailers, reel transport equipment, and related products to construction and utility contractors.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

FS3 Inc is a wholesale distributor that supplies utility construction products, HDD tooling and accessories, fiber optic splicing trailers, reel transport equipment, cable installation products, and safety/PPE items to construction and utility contractors. The company sources products from multiple leading brands and sells exclusively through direct phone and in-person sales relationships, deliberately not selling online, while also offering on-site demonstrations and the ability to source new products on customer request.

Product overview

FS3 Inc is an underground construction materials supplier serving the utility industry since 2003, operating as a specialized distributor rather than a single unified software platform. The company's product portfolio is organized into five core categories: (1) Fiber Optic Splicing Trailers - three models (7015FT, 7012FT, 7012FS) designed by CORE PRO featuring Intelli-CORE structural composite construction with various sizes and GVWR ratings; (2) HDD Tools & Accessories - Melfred Borzall products including drill bits, reamers, transmitter housings, FastBack system, Digitrak locators, drill rods, Tuff Rod brand products, and replacement parts; (3) Utility Construction Products - extensive lineup including Conduit & Pipe, Handholes & Vaults, Couplers, Grounding & Bonding, Locators, Confined Space Equipment, PPE, Route Marking, Tracer Wire & Connectors, and Work Zone Safety items; (4) Cable Installation Products - cable pullers, blowers, and ID tags; (5) Reel Transport Equipment - manual and electric hydraulic single reel trailers, winder trailers with Timbren suspension, double and triple self-loading reel trailers, and tapered race rotary reel collars. Additionally, FS3 offers Bullard safety helmets and the proprietary FS3 Excavation Verification Kit. The company intentionally does not sell online, preferring direct customer relationships.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• 7015FT Fiber Optic Splicing Trailer State-of-the-art fiber optic splicing trailer designed and engineered by CORE PRO with Intelli-CORE structural composite floor, walls, and roof, intended for cable splicing crews. Features 30 Amp Shore Power, 45 Amp Converter, roof mount A.C. unit, 1500W wall heater, full perimeter LED work lighting, storage cabinets, torsion axles with electric brakes, and 360° view available. GVWR 7000 lbs, Base Weight 2565 lbs.
• 7012FT Fiber Optic Splicing Trailer Mid-size fiber optic splicing trailer designed by CORE PRO with Intelli-CORE structural composite construction. Features 30 Amp Shore Power, 45 Amp Converter, roof mount A.C. unit, full LED work lighting, storage cabinets and tool chests, torsion axles with electric brakes. GVWR 7000 lbs, Base Weight 2410 lbs. Optional E-Drive feature available.
• 7012FS Fiber Optic Splicing Trailer Compact fiber optic splicing trailer designed by CORE PRO. Features Intelli-CORE structural composite construction, LED work lighting, storage cabinets, torsion axles with electric brakes. GVWR 3850 lbs, Base Weight 2200 lbs. Optional E-Drive feature available.
• HDD Bits & Blades Directional drill bits and blades built for drilling through gravel, dirt, and tough ground conditions. Compatible with Melfred Borzall FastBack pullback devices and Pit Bull Design. Nearly indestructible construction for HDD drilling applications.
• HDD Reamers HDD drilling reamers designed for clay, sand, and rock conditions. Available in tornado drill reamers, turbo reamers, and various configurations and sizes. Melfred Borzall brand for quality and versatility in directional drilling.
• Transmitter Housings Ultra-durable HDD transmitter housings to protect directional drill transmitters. Smooth housing design with secure protection for transmitters in directional drilling operations.
• FastBack Direct Pullback System Melfred Borzall FastBack Direct Pullback System for quick pullback of small utilities up to 12 inches in tight spots. Complete HDD-specific system allowing quick reaming without removing drill head. Includes HDD pipe pullback attachments.
• Digitrak Locators Digital Control (DCI) Digitrak transmitter and location systems for accurate HDD job tracking. Includes Falcon F1 and Falcon F5 transmitters for locating solutions in all HDD projects.
• BAM! Bad Ass Mats Ground protection mats made from highly recyclable HDPE material. 4' x 8' sheets designed to protect ground during heavy machinery operations. Superior durability to plywood with environmentally friendly construction.
• Drill Rods & Grease Tuff Rod high-quality horizontal directional drill rods for demanding HDD projects. Compatible with Vermeer, Ditch Witch, TT Technology equipment and more. Designed for tunneling under roadways and drilling in congested or environmentally sensitive areas.
• Drill Rod Trailer Transport trailer for drill rods, reamers, additives, ground mats and miscellaneous jobsite supplies. Equipped with 8000# axle and capacity for 500' of 10' rod. Open center deck design. Operates with 1/2 ton truck, no CDL required.
• Manual Hydraulic Single Reel Trailer Single reel trailer with 5-position pintle hitch, 8000 lb GVWR, and 120 inch reel capacity with spring pin mechanisms. Features dual acting cylinders with manual pumps in lockable metal enclosure, LED lights, DOT reflective conspicuity tape, and 2012 MNDOT lighting package. Dimensions: 175.38"L x 93.75"W x 69"H. Empty weight: 1,656 lbs.
• Electric Hydraulic Single Reel Trailer Deluxe electric version single reel trailer with dual acting independent cylinders controlled via four solenoid-four button pendant system. Electric hydraulic pump and battery with solar panel for maintenance. 8000 lb GVWR, 120 inch reel capacity, LED lights, and DOT reflective tape. Empty weight: 1667 lbs.
• Deluxe Single Winder Trailer with Timbren Suspension Single reel trailer with remote pendant controlled reel winder option and electric start. Engine powered hydraulics in lockable metal enclosure. Timbren axle-less suspension, 7000 lb GVWR, 120 inch reel capacity x 63 inch width. Empty weight: 2100 lbs.
• Double Self-Loading Reel Trailer Double 102 inch rigid frame self-loading reel trailer with battery powered hydraulics and solar panel maintenance. 10,000 lb capacity / 14,000 lb GVWR with dual 7,000 lb axles and suspension. 2018 model with permanent locking system.
• Triple/Double Self-Loading Reel Trailer Self-loading trailer designed for triple or double reel configurations. Battery powered hydraulics with solar panel for battery maintenance. Features suspension system for heavy-duty cable reel transport.
• Tapered Race Rotary Reel Collars Tapered sleeve reel collars that reduce labor costs and improve efficiency and safety. Works on plows, trucks and trailers. Available for 2-1/4 inch and 2-1/2 inch reel bars with 3PT bolt safety fastening system. Can be custom built to fit any bar and arbor.
• Conduit & Pipe HDPE Conduit, PVC Bore Pipe, Repair Conduit, Corrugated, and Flex Duct in various styles and colors for utility industry applications. Available in multiple configurations including RedCorr, standard conduit, and OBG HDPE options.
• Handholes & Vaults Quality handholes and vaults for accessing underground services including electric, water, gas, fiber optics, and traffic signals. Available in wide range of sizes, ratings, and materials including Polymer Concrete and High-Density Polyethylene.
• Couplers Couplers and fittings for connecting innerduct and conduit. Options include aluminum, water-tight/air-tight, PVC, microduct, reducer/transition, and push-fit styles. Suitable for direct bury and directional drilling applications.
• Grounding & Bonding Electrical grounding and bonding materials including ground rods, clamps, connectors, and ground wire for project electrical systems.
• Pipe & Cable Locators Radio Detection and Schonstedt brand locators for damage prevention and efficient utility location. Quickly and accurately locates and marks buried utilities for safe excavation.
• Confined Space Equipment Confined space entry equipment including manhole gates, fall rescue and retrieval equipment, gas monitors, and manhole ventilators for hazardous work site preparation.
• Work Zone Safety Warning signs and stands, stop-n-go paddles, traffic cones, barricades, barricade tape, and lighting for safer and more visible work zones.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Safety equipment including hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, and hi-vis apparel. Brands include Bullard, Gateway and others for job-site injury prevention.
• Route Marking Underground utility protection products including marking paint, flags, whiskers, marker posts, test stations, buried warning ribbon, and signage. Includes FS3's exclusive Excavation Verification kit.
• Tracer Wire & Connectors Large selection of tracer wire and connectors for every application. Products include Tracer-Lock Connectors, PRO-TRACE Three-Way Trace Wire Connectors, CCS Tracer Wire, and various barrel and lock connectors.
• Bullard Safety Helmets USA-made Bullard head protection including Classic C35 full brim hat style, Type II+ safety helmet with FlexBrim removable brim, and C30 cap style hard hat. Features 6-point suspension systems and meets ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 standards. Offers customization on orders of 20+ pieces.
• FS3 Excavation Verification (EV) Kit Compact excavation verification kit for locating and recording buried fiber optic cables, electrical lines, and utilities prior to projects. Kit includes tri-fold ruler, foldable Mark and Hit markers, whiteboard, marker set, eraser, and drawstring backpack. Compacts to 13" x 10" x 2" for easy jobsite transport.
• Cable Installation Products Products for cable installation including Cable ID Tags, Fiber Optic Cable Blowers and Pullers. Tools and materials for proper fiber optic or power cable installation jobs.

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• CORE PROcoreTechnology or IntegrationCORE PRO designs and engineers fiber optic splicing trailers that FS3 distributes. Products include 7015FT, 7012FT, and 7012FS models with structural composite floors, walls, and roof (INTELLI-CORE), optional E-Drive technology, and various specifications for cable splicing crews.
• Melfred BorzallcoreTechnology or IntegrationMajor supplier of HDD (Horizontal Directional Drilling) tools including adapters, transmitter housings, drill bits and blades, reamers, FastBack pullback systems, quick disconnects, swivels, pullers, drive chucks, sub-savers, breakout jaws, and replacement parts.
• Digital Control (DCI)coreTechnology or IntegrationSupplier of Digitrak locators and locating systems for HDD drilling operations, including Falcon F1 and Falcon F5 transmitters.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves4 records

Expansion highlights3 records

Direct peers

• Power & Telephone Supply Company: Specialty distributor of materials for the broadband, telecommunications, and utility construction industries. Closely comparable to FS3 in serving fiber build, utility construction, and HDD-related customers with curated product portfolios.
• Crescent Electric Supply Company: Midwest-rooted electrical distributor serving contractors and industrial customers with electrical supplies, lighting, and tools. Overlaps with FS3's electrical apparatus, wiring supplies, and contractor customer base, with broader scale and multi-region reach.
• Border States Electric Supply: Regional electrical and utility construction supply distributor serving utility contractors across the Upper Midwest and beyond. Highly comparable to FS3 in customer base (utility/construction contractors) and product mix (wire, conduit, electrical supplies, tooling), though at significantly larger scale.
• Stuart C. Irby Co. Regional electrical and utility distributor in the Southeast and South Central US serving utility contractors. Highly comparable product categories (cable, wire, conduit, electrical supplies) and similar relationship-driven GTM.
• Dakota Supply Group: Upper Midwest-based distributor specializing in electrical, utility, and communications products including HDD tooling and underground construction materials. Direct overlap with FS3's core categories and geographic footprint.
• Utility Supply Group (USG): Specialty distributor of utility construction products including conduit, cable, and materials for fiber and power builds. Direct overlap with FS3's underground utility construction product lines.

Broad incumbents

• Graybar Electric Company: National distributor of electrical, communications, and data networking products serving contractors, utilities, and industrial customers. Overlaps heavily with FS3's wire/cable/conduit and electrical apparatus categories but operates at enterprise scale with online ordering.
• Tessco Technologies: Distributor of infrastructure products for wireless, broadband, and utility network construction. Overlaps with FS3's cable installation, fiber optic, and utility construction categories though with a different end-customer mix (carriers and tower operators).
• WESCO International: One of the largest electrical, communications, and utility distribution conglomerates in North America. Operates across the same broad categories as FS3 (wire, cable, electrical apparatus, communications products) but at national scale with vastly broader product and customer breadth.

Emerging players

• Harger Lightning & Grounding: Specialty manufacturer and distributor of lightning protection and grounding products for utility and construction applications. Comparable customer base and partial product overlap in FS3's grounding & bonding category.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/pages/FS3-Inc/471085906329919?ref=hl
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/fs3-inc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about FS3