Episode #196 - Clean Up

Elite fastener mud racers Bob "GQ" Baer, Jake "Valdez" Davis, and GH3 break a shocking development pertaining to the 2024 Rugged Nut event scheduled ahead of this year's MWFA FSTNR week.  How will this news impact the growing tradition, and what does it mean for the future of fastener mud racing?  Run time: 16:33

Infrastructure projects create huge demand for fasteners once they work their way to the market. The always affable Jason Baines of premium locknut provider J. Lanfranco knows how to provide the parts, as well as a few nut jokes (1:33:20). Meanwhile, domestic manufacturing benefits by the need to re-shore parts, as  Atlanta Rod sales manager Chris McCaffrey explains (17:34). He also tells the tale of an unlikely travel companion. On the Fastener News Report, Brighton Best International president Jun Xu offers his evaluation of the latest FDI, with his signature confidence and pragmatism, as he joins intrepid screw biz reporter Mike McNulty (50:34).  On this edition of the Fastener Training Minute, thread guru Carmen Vertullo addresses the age old question of where to torque a bolt (1:22:53). Brian and Eric fearlessly resume normal air travel and get rewarded with a down home Texas brisket. Run time: 02:20:56

The new year begins with high flying headlines as Würth Industries all-star Mr. Dee Ward receives big news that has him taking to the skies (19:14).  Fastener forecasters Jo Morris of the Fastener Training Institute and Jake "Valdez" Davis, CFS of BTM Manufacturing discuss their recent training week experience in lieu of actually prognosticating on the coming year (1:33:56).  On the Fastener News Report,  Abbott-Interfast president Bob "GQ" Baer joins news editor Mike McNulty with complete FDI data for last year along with a look ahead (53:26).  Industry guru  Carmen Vertullo presents the Fastener Training Minute, this time discussing the risky business that is the fastener game (1:28:23).  PLUS: Everyone's fastener friend, Star Stainless manager Mike Robinson, CCFE makes two big announcements (40:57).  Brian and Eric will continue to travel by air, but probably won't be sitting near the emergency exit. Run time: 02:30:24

As the world moves towards more complex and sometimes risky technologies, successful fastener entrepreneurs like Scott Camp of Atlas Distribution Services rely on strong fundamentals and organic development to grow (1:46:24). Meanwhile, tech-based fastener businesses forge ahead, as BoltWise co-founder Cole Weiler looks for ways to match distributor challenges with AI-based solutions (26:15). AFC Industries CEO Kevin Godin joins news editor Mike McNulty to evaluate strengthening FDI numbers, and Marco Rodriguez delivers a commercial property update on the Fastener News Report (1:00:41).  PLUS: Christian Reich of Goebel Fasteners is one of the newest Certified Fastener Specialists in the industry (53:18). On the Fastener Training Minute, industry guru Carmen Vertullo looks at tamper-proof screws (1:37:09). Brian and Eric wonder who actually writes the news. Run time: 02:43:15

In a world of blurred history and uncertain truths, it's perfectly clear that Lindfast Solutions Group VP of Quality Darlene Collis is advancing the fastener industry with her work at ASTM and other standards organizations (1:45:18).  Likewise, Würth Revcar CEO Chapman Revercomb and the Würth Group are raising the bar with their newest automated facilities and processes (22:55).  Pac-West president Hans Fuller joins newsman Mike McNulty on the Fastener News Report to explain the latest uptick of the FDI (55:11). PLUS: Rosa Hearn of Brighton Best International extends an invitation to the complimentary NFDA webinar on AI (45:21). On the Fastener Training Minute, industry guru Carmen Vertullo enlightens the subject of blind rivets (1:33:29). Brian and Eric wonder what Ed McMahon was really doing all those years ago. Run time: 02:30:28

Sometimes the end is the beginning. In the case of a fateful but long forgotten mission to Columbus, the fastener industry revived a dormant tradition. The conclusion of the brief FDI rally may be another story, as newsman Mike McNulty and Baird analyst Quinn Fredrickson explain on the Fastener News Report (50:30).  Brighton Best International event planner extraordinaire Rosa Hearn and Parker Fasteners sales boss Matt Boyd announce an exciting new partnership (1:33:29). At the end of his mud racing career, Eurolink Fastener Supply Service president Craig Penland shares info on new red tape for distributors coming out of the EU as he looks ahead to grandly opening his new distribution facility (32:32). On the Fastener Training Minute, thread wizard Carmen Vertullo describes the risks of socket screw plating.  PLUS: IFE '23 discussion and reactions (1:21:31). BONUS CAMEOS: Marty Nolan, Andy Pels, more. Seeing it as something more than just another brick in the wall, Brian and Eric reflect on their journey in the fastener industry.  Run time: 02:26:34

The fastener industry climbs back as Endries CEO Michael Knight joins newsman Mike McNulty to unpack the dramatic FDI rebound on an epic Fastener News Report (49:34).  Conjuring solutions is no trick for Don "The Amazing" Shan as he sets off on a spellbinding new venture (17:02).  The "Bolts N Hose" podcast cracks open the fastener media mix as  Patriot Bolt operators Bryce Oliveira and Kris Kolb explain (1:34:59). On the Fastener Training Minute, Carmen Vertullo and Jorge Munoz of Ababa Bolt talk cutting taps (1:25:05).  PLUS: Charlie Kerr of Kerr Lakeside spins the UAW strike (43:24). Brian looks for the perfect cracker and Eric bids farewell to a legend. Run time: 02:22:12

MWFA FSTNR Week highlights and floor interviews including Christian Reich, Don "The Amazing" Shan, Nick Penney, Ashely Parker, Jeremy Gethmann, Andres Green, Nancy Rich, Jake "Valdez" Davis and more. Golf results and FTR award update. PLUS: The promised AI for Distribution Conference promo code, and is it really time to say goodbye? Run time: 40:03

Chris Nissen of Aspen Fasteners traces amazing changes in the fastener industry during his long tenure as a family owned importer turned digital seller(1:34:57).  Newsman Mike McNulty and Frank "Balboa" Devito of Brighton Best discuss the latest FDI numbers that have many sensing something unpleasant in the air, on the Fastener News Report (41:20). John "Cool Hand" Butler rides shotgun on the Fastener Training Minute with Carmen Vertullo during part 2 of his series on tapping (1:20:24). PLUS: Real estate advisor and long-time fastener pro, Marco Rodriguez explains the current state of commercial leasing and warehouse space (20:21). Brian and Eric look for ways to clear the air.  Run time: 02:27:05

S.W. Anderson president Jim Degnan dives into his tenure at the head of the  NFDA as new trends and looming technologies challenge the fastener industry (1:19:07).  Baird senior analyst David Manthey joins newsman Mike McNulty on the Fastener News Report to evaluate the straining FDI and the rise of re-shoring (41:32).  Brighton Best International regional manager George Martinez previews the upcoming Pac-West fall conference (18:36).  On the Fastener Training Minute, veteran educator Carmen Vertullo launches a new series on thread tapping (1:11:04). PLUS: IFE manager Morgan Wilson talks golf and this year's Vegas show (32:46).  Brian off-shores himself while Eric warns against drinking the water. Run time: 01:54:45