Shortly before Mother's Day, I had a chance to do an interview with Travis Buley, part of a mother-son team who is working to improve the construction industry with the Badger Grip Clip. Engineered to simplify and strengthen rebar cage assembly, this groundbreaking innovation is designed for jobsite durability, speed, and ease of use—benefiting contractors, builders, and DIYers alike.
Crafted from heat-treated metal and finished with mineral oil for anti-corrosion purposes, the Badger Grip Clip delivers unmatched strength, grip security, and long-term performance in concrete structures. Whether used in large-scale commercial foundations or residential projects, the clip streamlines the rebar assembly process by reducing labor time and ensuring precision in reinforcement placement.
How did you come up with the idea for the Badger Grip Clip?
I’ve worked in construction my whole life and dealt with the headache of wire tying rebar more times than I can count. But the real eye-opener came when people started sending me their plans and asking me to pre-weld rebar cages in my shop and ship them to job sites. That’s when I thought, there has to be a better way. While recovering from a serious health scare, I picked up some of my mom’s old design sketches for a ring clip-based solution and started refining the overall concept. I welded prototypes, field-tested ideas, and eventually created what is now the Badger Grip Clip, a tool-free, zero-waste solution that changes the way we fasten rebar.
What is it like doing business as a parent-child pair?
It’s incredibly rewarding. My mom is one of the hardest working people I know, and she’s had a front-row seat to every high and low of this journey. We challenge each other, support each other, and bring very different strengths to the table. We don’t always agree, but we always move forward with trust and respect. Working together on this project has deepened our relationship and our purpose.
What are some of the things that surprised you the most about bringing this product to market?
How long everything takes and how fast it can move once the right people get involved. The construction industry is slow to change, but when contractors see how much time and energy this saves them, they get it instantly. Another surprise has been how much people want something better, the feedback has been overwhelming in the best way. We’ve had union workers, inspectors, and even engineers tell us, “Why didn’t someone do this sooner?”
How can family members who work together learn from each other, especially if they’re from different generations?
By staying open-minded. My mom comes from a generation of perseverance and grit. I bring a lot of vision, speed, and risk-taking. When those things align, it’s powerful. We’ve learned to listen to each other and respect what each of us brings to the table. It’s not about who’s right, it’s about what’s best for the mission.
In an industry traditionally dominated by men, Badger Rebar Products is redefining what leadership looks like in construction. At the heart of this transformation is Gloria M. Buley, co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer of Badger Rebar Products—and proud mother to fellow co-founder and CEO, Travis Buley.
Together, this mother-son team is driving change through practical innovation, starting with their flagship
product: the Badger Grip Clip, a patented fastening solution that’s reshaping the rebar assembly process. But beyond product engineering, Gloria’s vision is raising the bar for how construction brands operate, innovate, and grow sustainably. “We’ve never let titles or age define our roles—we just roll up our sleeves and do the work. Travis has vision and grit, and I’ve always been the one to keep the engine running behind the scenes,” said Gloria.
“We built the Badger Grip Clip with the trades in mind,” said Travis Buley, who co-founded Badger Rebar Products with his mother, Gloria Buley. “Contractors are always looking for faster, cleaner, more efficient solutions—and this product delivers just that. It’s strong, simple, and eliminates the hassles that come with traditional wire ties and time-consuming fastening methods.”
The Badger Grip Clip is ideal for professionals in the concrete and infrastructure sectors, as well as savvy DIY builders looking for pro-grade reliability. Its rugged design meets the demands of heavy-duty construction while offering an intuitive snap-on application that minimizes error and fatigue.
In an industry where time and precision are critical, Badger Rebar Products is helping professionals gain a competitive edge. With increasing demand for high-efficiency fastening systems, the Badger Grip Clip arrives as a timely and essential tool for forward-thinking builders who value both innovation and reliability.
The product is backed by a warranty covering material faults and is available through select distributors and online. Badger Rebar Products will also be showcasing the Badger Grip Clip at key construction trade events throughout 2025.
About Badger Rebar Products
Co-founded by mother and son duo, Gloria and Travis Buley, Badger Rebar Products is an industry leader in innovative rebar fastening solutions, dedicated to providing high-quality products that enhance construction efficiency and reliability. Known for its flagship product, the Badger Grip Clip, the company focuses on engineering excellence and practical solutions for rebar assembly. Crafted from heat-treated metal for maximum strength and durability, the Badger Grip Clip is designed to securely assemble rebar cages for concrete structures. Badger Rebar Products remains committed to advancing construction technology and supporting professionals in building stronger, more reliable structures. For more information, visit https://badgerrebarproducts.
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