About

WHO WE ARE

SmartBolts® are tension-indicating fasteners designed to enhance safety, reliability, and efficiency in bolted joints. Our patented Visual Indication System™ provides real-time tension feedback, supporting preventive maintenance and reducing costly failures.

Manufactured by Industrial Indicators, an ISO 9001:2015 certified company, SmartBolts are trusted across a wide range of industries to prevent downtime, extend equipment life, and keep your most important asset (your people) — SAFE.

FOR OVER 30 YEARS, SMARTBOLTS HAVE BEEN HOLDING IT TOGETHER — STRONGER, SMARTER, AND PROVEN TO PERFORM.

SmartBolts is Recognized among Frederick's Top 50 Manufacturers

Industrial Indicators is proud to be honored for manufacturing SmartBolts — tension-indicating fasteners engineered for global industries.

OUR HISTORY

Industrial Indicators, Inc. was founded by aerospace engineer and award-winning inventor, Charles H. “Chuck” Popenoe. A thought leader in applied physics and a world-renowned innovator, Chuck was granted 35 U.S. and international patents, including one in 1966 for the original design of the first Direct Tension Indicator (DTI) bolt fastener.

He used this concept to develop SmartBolts, the first bolt to display actual fastener tension visually on a red-to-black scale. Since the commercial success of SmartBolts in General Electric’s electrical distribution product line, hundreds of the world’s leading companies have adapted the product for use in their installations around the world, including the National Weather Service, NASA, FLSmidth, and GE Healthcare.

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QUALITY ASSURANCE

We pride ourselves on being a trusted and longstanding partner throughout your entire SmartBolts experience. SmartBolts significantly improves the safety of our customers’ applications while providing an accessible solution that offers a wide range of unique benefits.

ISO 9001:2005

100% Quality
Inspection

Full Material
Traceability

1-Year
Warranty

MEET OUR TEAM

CHARLES POPENOE
Chief Executive Officer
Leading SmartBolts since 1999, Charles pairs an MBA from American University with a passion for innovation. Son of founder/inventor Chuck Popenoe, he drives safer fastening solutions worldwide. He enjoys flying small planes and sailing the Chesapeake Bay.

RON BURKEY
Customer Satisfaction Specialist
Bringing 30+ years of aerospace experience and a Six Sigma Green Belt, Ron has spent over two years ensuring top-quality products and strong customer relationships at SmartBolts. Off the clock, he enjoys golf and family time.

CINDY DANNER
Marketing Manager
A dynamic leader with an MBA from Mount St. Mary’s, Cindy has been with SmartBolts for over four years. She thrives in fast-paced environments, fostering growth and teamwork. In her free time, she enjoys RVing with family and friends.

MARINA MARTINEZ
Account Manager
With two decades in hospitality and a decade in sales, Marina has spent the past two years helping global partners promote SmartBolts and improve safety—one bolt at a time. She enjoys baking and attending Dave Matthews Band concerts.

SmartBolts is a global company headquartered in Frederick, MD, USA

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