The Industrial Supply Association (ISA) announced today that Tom Haag of KYOCERA SGS Precision Tools Group has been selected as the 2026 John J. Buckley Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Haag was formally recognized at ISA26, held April 20–22 in Cleveland, Ohio.
The John J. Buckley Lifetime Achievement Award honors an individual in the industrial MROP channel for longstanding service to the industry. Recipients have made significant contributions to the success of the industrial supply channel and/or their communities, and have earned the respect of their associates and peers through sustained leadership and impact.
Haag has been an integral part of SGS Tool Company since 1984, when his father, Jack Haag, acquired full ownership of the business. Over the decades, Haag played a key role in transforming the family-run operation into a globally recognized precision tooling brand. Appointed President in 2000, he guided the company through significant growth, technical innovation, and improved operational performance, earning SGS a strong reputation for engineering quality and a deep commitment to customers and channel partners.
Following the acquisition of SGS by KYOCERA Corporation in 2016, Haag continued his leadership as President of KYOCERA SGS Precision Tools. In that role, he successfully guided the integration of the two organizations, expanded the company’s reach into new markets, and upheld the legacy of quality and service that defined SGS. He continues to support the company today in an advisory role.
“Tom’s career is a powerful example of what long-term leadership and service look like in our industry,” said Brendan Breen, President and CEO of ISA. “For decades, Tom helped shape not only a respected organization but also the broader industrial supply channel through his integrity, commitment to excellence, and willingness to give back. His influence is lasting, and his impact is widely felt across our industry.”
Throughout his career, Haag has placed a strong emphasis on industry involvement and service. He has served on multiple boards and held leadership roles within trade organizations including ISA (ASMMA and ISMA), the United States Cutting Tool Institute, and the Scanlon Leadership Network. He has also contributed his time and expertise to numerous channel partner advisory groups and task force initiatives, consistently working to strengthen the industrial supply ecosystem.
Colleagues across the industry consistently point to Haag’s generosity and willingness to support others.
“Tom has been a respected industry leader and a great member of our community for his entire career,” said John Wiborg, President & CEO of Stellar Industrial Supply. “He’s helped a lot of people, myself included, with his knowledge and wisdom, and has always been generous with his time, experience and talent.”
Peers also highlight the relationships Haag has built over the years and the way he shows up for others across the channel.
As Bob Mars, President of Mars Supply, shared, “Tom and I have been friends since 1984, and in that time he has embodied everything the Lifetime Achievement Award stands for – fun, loyal, smart, and always willing to help. He’s a great ambassador for our industry and one of my favorite people I’ve met over the years.”
David Ruggles, Co-CEO/President of Martin Supply, added, “Tom embodies everything the award stands for and is a very worthy recipient of this recognition.”
Local community involvement has also been a priority for Haag. He has served in board and leadership roles at St. Joseph Parish School and Walsh Jesuit High School, supporting education and community development efforts close to home.
“I am deeply honored to receive the John J. Buckley Lifetime Achievement Award,” said Tom Haag. “This industry has given me the opportunity to learn from exceptional people, build meaningful partnerships, and be part of something much bigger than any one company. I’m grateful for the relationships, the challenges, and the chance to contribute to an industry that I’ve cared about for more than four decades.”
In addition to his professional and community contributions, Haag is a devoted husband and father of four. He has coached youth soccer, guided his children through their own pursuits, and is an avid runner who has completed numerous marathons, bringing the same discipline and commitment to his personal life that defined his career.
Haag’s lifelong dedication to the industrial supply channel, combined with his service to both industry and community, exemplifies the spirit of the ISA John J. Buckley Lifetime Achievement Award.
