fastener distributor

Industry consolidation, successful association events, and rising industry index numbers point to a sector that’s doing fine. Or is it? Mr. Charlie Kerr, of Kerr Lakeside, discusses his view of the fastener world and beyond, just after his recent appearance at the NCFA Distributor Social panel discussion (69:59). Industry blogger, Traveling Salesman, provides further details on the event, and notes the presence of a very special fastener brew (19:49). Mike McNulty presents the Fastener News Report, featuring a discussion with BB&T Capital Markets analyst, Holden Lewis, that explores the May FDI numbers and some new trends that seem to be emerging (43:55). It’s a veritable celebration of the private sector, as hosts Brian Musker and Eric Dudas consider counter-rotation and spinnerbaits in advance of their annual pilgrimage to the Canadian Shield. Run time: 01:55:07

When anti-NATO protesters from around the world arrive in Chicago to cause havoc, the Fully Threaded boys naturally think of anti-corrosive fastener materials. Mark Alperin and Mark Klosek, of Vertex Distribution, share their knowledge of the stainless fastener business, as well as a unique training technique that could be considered positively tasteless (56:45). From the Atlanta office of industry leader, Stelfast, branch manager, Mr. Ted Nieman, joins in to discuss his impressions of current market conditions (22:18). Mike McNulty opens the Fastener News Report by pointing out that while the fastener business might not be as exciting as the recent social media IPO mania, at least it doesn’t operate in a soon to burst bubble. Then, he speaks to Rosa Hearn, of Brighton Best International, about the huge expansion program now under way by the master-importing giant (39:20). Hosts Brian Musker and Eric Dudas note the improvement in dinner meeting table fare, and offer cutlery suggestions not like any others you’ve heard before. Run time: 01:36:36

Will Amazon.com divert the flow of online sales from industrial suppliers? How will rapidly changing conditions in Asian manufacturing countries impact upcoming quarters for fastener distributors? When is a Din 975 NOT a threaded rod? The always insightful, Andy Pels of ScrewCrew.com, shares his thoughts, and reveals a shocking change in his mobile computing preference (16:07). Bruce Darling, of Porteous Fastener Company, wraps up his intensive two-part presentation to the SFA, as he describes the many dynamic forces affecting fastener suppliers (66:38). On the Fastener News Report, Mike McNulty welcomes Mark Packard, sales manager of Rocknel Fastener (46:07). Also, he describes a recent heartening occasion that caused him to momentarily shift his keen focus away from fasteners. Hosts, Brian Musker and Eric Dudas, consider radio gimmickery and BBQ. The subject of glow golf is revisited. Run time: 01:49:13

There is no deficit of fastener wisdom as Bruce Darling of Porteous Fastener Company (35:49) and NFDA vice president, Jay Queenin (25:17), join hosts Brian Musker and Eric Dudas. Plus, Computer Insights CEO, Denny Cowhey, describes the genesis of his Business Edge ERP platform (60:39). Mike McNulty's Fastener News Report notes some positive trends for the industry, and laments egregious federal spending habits (15:57). Brian and Eric talk Twitter and consider the intelligence of IE users, while they solemnly hope for government change. Run time: (01:38:58)

Who is bullish on wind energy, and who is regrouping after a run through the proverbial mill? Are there holes in the supply chain after the collapse of Heads? Is LIFO going away? Dokka Fasteners CEO, Marc Strandquist (43:43), and Rob Lucas of Fidelis Fasteners (65:26) join hosts Brian Musker and Eric Dudas and share their perspectives. Mike McNulty's Fastener News Report discusses the chapter 11 filing of Cardinal Fastener, along with the latest industry headlines (15:13). BB&T Capital Markets analyst, Holden Lewis, presents a snapshot of current industrial trends and offers his insights on the wind market (28:25). In the most long winded edition to date, Brian and Eric contemplate fastener flash mobs and the blue screen of death, tilting at windmills through a fastener industry blow torch of their own design. Run time: 01:40:58

What does the end of HTI portend for the fastener industry? How will the market be impacted now that its assets have been sold? Which recent trade event made the largest splash? FTR welcomes PFC executive vice president, Bob Porteous (58:50), and incognito industry blogger, Traveling Salesman (36:27), as they discuss these and other questions. Mike McNulty, of Fastener Technology International Magazine, presents the Fastener News Report and tells which categories of jobs are at greatest risk of elimination (17:02). Plus, the lovely and talented Lynn Dempsey interviews show attendees from the floor of the Branson show (28:41). Hosts Brian Musker and Eric Dudas invite listeners to Tweet more often, and ponder the true identity of a very familiar sounding voice. Run time: 01:31:31

Heads and Threads founding family member and former XL Screw CEO, Ron Sackheim, shares his story along with thoughts on the end of HTI (46:00). American Fastener Journal publisher, Mike McGuire, offers his comments as the Columbus Show ends its 30 year run (31:30). Mike McNulty presents the Fastener News Report, and gives analysis of the troubles in Detroit (12:05). Plus, a report from the site of the second Mel Kirsner Memorial Golf Tournament tells the story of another victory for a legendary west coast golf team (22:44). Hosts Brian Musker and Eric Dudas develop their legal parlance as they delve into the equestrian side of bankruptcy proceedings. Brian heads to Branson, leaving Eric to tend the server farm. Run time: 01:26:31

As the clock ticks toward an uncertain fiscal future, the fastener industry surges ahead. Who is expanding to meet whatever the future might bring? What's the best thing distributors can do to protect margins? Who is gunning for the title currently held by Team Porteous? Listen in as John Gaudette of Metric & Multistandard Components (34:55), Jim Derry of Field Fastener Supply (53:05) and Holden Lewis of BB&T Capital Markets (22:29) offer their views on these and other subjects. Mike McNulty presents the Fastener News Report and unveils his plan to offset runaway government spending (12:48). Plus, hosts Brian Musker and Eric Dudas consider stashing gold bars and discover a new reality now that they can be tracked by their iPhones. Run time: (01:23:08)

American manufacturing is the lifeblood of the country, despite perceptions to the contrary. Joe Greenslade of the IFI and Harry Moser of the Reshoring Initiative offer their thoughts on buying domestic (46:16). Russ Mellott of Activant Solutions speaks on the software giant’s recent acquisition announcement (30:35), and Janice Ceresa of Anixter describes the latest goings on with the industry’s most widely subscribed LinkedIn group (36:17). Fastener Technology International editor, Mike McNulty, brings on the headlines, including more information about Heads and Threads (16:43). Hosts Brian Musker and Eric Dudas discover yet another exotic brew, and remain fearless despite the specter of lurking aquatic birds. Run time: 01:22:30

Fastener events take center stage as the spring meeting and show season begins in full force. Brighton-Best sales VP, Steve Andrasik (53:08), incoming NFDA president, Matt Ulrich (34:51), and North Coast Fastener Association president, Kelly Hommel (26:28), join hosts Brian Musker and Eric Dudas to discuss their events and invite industry participation. Mike McNulty’s Fastener News Report features a summary of industry developments, and includes thoughts on the disasters in Japan, and also the disastrous Chevy Volt (14:31). Mr. Musker reports on fastener distribution “down under”, while avoiding screeching kookaburra and fruit bats. Meanwhile, Eric tries to keep things moving along with mixed success. Run time: 01:18:48

Further thoughts on the situation at Heads, Pac-West spring meeting details, and other insights from Andy Cohn, of Duncan Bolt (30:48). Perspectives from the front lines of the fastener industry with fastener blogger Andy Pels, of ScrewCrew.com (56:22). Mike McNulty's Fastener News Report with notes on ITW, Stuttgart show wrap up, and more (11:17). Plus, Nancy Rich of the MWFA invites the industry to FastenerTech '11 (24:15). Hosts Brian Musker and Eric Dudas celebrate one year in the online fastener talk radio business with their usual semi-fastener related commentary, and observe the ongoing trend towards world domination by smart phones and robots. Run time: 01:36:32

What happened to Heads, and what does it mean to the fastener industry? Which of the latest dramatic headlines will impact distributors the most? What is the NFDA doing in Germany? Join hosts Brian Musker and Eric Dudas as they welcome Rob Lucas of Fidelis Fasteners (54:45) and Tom Buddenbohn of Technology Components Southwest (38:26) to discuss these questions and more. Mike McNulty congratulates Rotor Clip on the Fastener News Report (13:44). Plus, BB&T Capital Markets analyst, Holden Lewis, reports on the numbers and suggests what to watch for in the coming months (26:40). Watson the computer prepares to take over the world, and the FTR boys take note with mixed feelings and ruminations. Run time: 01:37:01

Bruce Darling discusses his return from semi-retirement (29:02). John Wachman and Joe Greenslade explain the upcoming FTI Certified Fastener Specialist program (62:09). Southeast Fastener Association president, Joanne Bialas, describes the upcoming SEFA Spring Conference (38:32). Also, Mike McNulty, of Fastener Technology International, presents the Fastener News Report (17:14). Hosts Brian Musker and Eric Dudas marvel at the modern world and bemoan the effects of global warming alarmism. Run time: 01:35:45

Active Screw & Fastener CEO, Buddy Blattner, and Red Idea Partners president, Ross Shell, talk mergers and acquisitions for fastener distributors (23:53). Industry veteran Todd Walters opines on the rebound of the structural segment while prospecting for new opportunities (55:07). Mike McNulty, of Fastener Technology International, delivers industry headlines on the latest Fastener News Report (12:37). Meanwhile, hosts Brian Musker and Eric Dudas deal in mellifluous tones, discuss the latest FCH improvements, and try to keep things in perspective. Whoever said silence is golden never heard this episode of FTR. Run time: 01:26:11

The distribution wave that transformed the industry is itself shifting, as competition, new technologies, and tumultuous economic conditions present new challenges for fastener distributors. Guests Leo Coar, of Distributor's LINK Magazine (32:49) and Rob Lucas, of Fidelis Fasteners (59:47), examine some of the contributing forces, both past and present, behind these changes. Mike McNulty of Fastener Technology International (11:26) and Holden Lewis of BB&T Capital Markets (23:38) present news and analysis. Also, hosts Brian and Eric consider world travel and agree that self-writing software would make life much easier. Run time: 01:29:59

Androids, Web 3.0 and social media are coming to a fastener distributor near you, but good old-fashioned business sense is still critical to success! Plug in to all of the above as Mike McNulty of Fastener Technology International (13:38) and Bonnie Carter of Metric Screw & Tool Company (25:20) join hosts Brian Musker and Eric Dudas. NFDA Fall Meeting coverage discusses technology in the fastener industry with David Panich, Frank Heenan, Jim Derry, Steen Hanson, Matt Ulrich & more (44:14). A stalwart of the industry calls it quits, and we learn that George Washington had clear preferences in fastener standards. Run time: 01:26:25

How many new Fastenal Stores are coming online? What's the real story behind the recently announced Global Fastener Network? Why are people thinking of ways to get beer into outer space? Guests Gary Polipnick of Fastenal (27:33) and Rob Lucas of Global Fastener Network (52:37) join Brian Musker and Eric Dudas to discuss these and other issues. Also, NFDA executive vice president Mark Lenhart makes his FTR debut and describes the recent fall meeting (12:06). Brian and Eric explain the new FCH deep-linking feature and contemplate an all new beverage concept. Run time: 01:33:26

Will fastener importers soon receive good news about shipping rates? How do successful fastener companies achieve top search engine rankings? Why are the world’s hottest cars burning up the highways for real these days? Hosts Brian Musker and Eric Dudas are joined by Allan Weitzman, of Jay-Cee Sales & Rivet (28:08), Chris Donnell, of Scanwell Logistics (56:47), and analyst Holden Lewis, of BB&T Capital Markets (11:46), as they examine the answers and engage in desultory fastener-related conversation. Run time: 01:31:40

Where are the most favorable conditions for the fastener trade in today's market? What will drive innovation going forward? And what will we be driving going forward? Hosts Brian Musker and Eric Dudas welcome NFDA vice president, Matt Ulrich (13:02), Fastener Technology International editor, Mike McNulty (27:03), and Ohio State University associate professor, Dr. Tony Luscher (53:58). Brian and Eric discuss Fastenal, sheep farming and that huge traffic jam in China. Old Rusty Bolt is served. Run time: 01:21:43

NFDA president Jim Derry shares association news and previews the upcoming Fall meeting in Chicago (13:42). QuickScrews International CEO, Greg Wiener, provides his perspective on the market and technology in the industry, and offers his unvarnished view of the current political climate (26:03). Industrial distribution consultant, Frank Hurtte of River Heights Consulting discusses his thoughts on prepping for trade conferences and staying aware of process in the quest for improved profitability (63:56). Hosts Brian Musker and Eric Dudas explain the latest improvements in the FCH environment, unveil their new battle flag, and rally listeners to voice their beliefs. Perfunctory beer reportage rounds out this episode of Fully Threaded Radio. Run time: 01:39:20