fully threaded radio

It’s a festival of fastener facts and flummery as the National Fastener Tour rolls into town, headlined by rock star of the fastener industry, Simmi of Stelfast along with Star Stainless president, Mr. Tim Roberto Jr. (1:14:02) On a digital tour of his own, London Penland of Eurolink drives ahead with his non-pedantic knowledge series on ISO (13:20). All-West Components boss, Rick Peterson joins Fastener Technology International editor Mike McNulty on the Fastener News Report, uncovering a strange FDI trend (45:39). Plus, guru Carmen Vertullo examines the topic of shear strength during the Fastener Training Minute (1:07:54). Perpetual tourist Brian hints at reasons he never visits France, while Eric sees benefits in an appropriately attired industry group hug. Run time: 02:11:10

Falling in the pool during this year’s International Fastener Expo is something everyone miraculously managed to avoid, despite the intensity of the networking and revelry at the welcome gala extravaganza. Even the life guards were impressed nobody got wet. Show coverage of the fastener industry’s largest trade event features comments from Hall of Fame inductees Mr. Ed McIlhon and Marty Nolan, and YFP award recipient Baron Yarborough (47:06), along with floor interviews with Bernie Longen, Heidi Voltrauer, Bill Unferth, Michelle Richards, Jake Davis, Bill Armstrong, Mike Topolewski, Wayne “Captain Smooth” Wishnew, and many more. Industry anchorman, Mike McNulty welcomes Baird analyst Quinn Fredrickson to discuss the latest unexpected move in the FDI reading on the Fastener News Report (1:09:07). Plus, Carmen Vertullo speaks with Buckeye Fasteners chief, Larry Kelly (1:29:35). At the expo, the lovely and talented Lynn Dempsey, along with Brian and Eric, invited unsuspecting show attendees to the FCH booth to ask the question, “Can you pass the Vegemite test?”
Run time: 02:08:13

Time is getting short ahead of the annual International Fastener Expo, in more ways than one, as Bryce Campbell of Bryce Security Fastener explains during a thought provoking conversation touching on screws, T. rex, and the fabric of reality (1:31:26). Baird senior analyst David Manthey describes what goes into producing the monthly Fastener Distributor Index report (22:52). London Penland of Eurolink and IFE manager Morgan Wilson look ahead to Vegas (47:29), and industry anchorman Mike McNulty welcomes Blue Chip Engineered Products boss, Ken Sanker to dissect the latest FDI reading on the Fastener News Report (1:03:17). Also, Carmen Vertullo discusses passivation on the Fastener Training Minute (1:25:06). BONUS: Old Rusty Bolt is back!  Brian and Eric hint at their really cool giveaway for this year’s Vegas show, and also traverse the entire known universe. Run time: 02:38:58

Sales remain hot for many in the fastener industry as summer sizzles along, yet the FDI shows a dramatic cool down and the outlook isn’t so pretty. Innovative Components chief, Mike O’Connor attests to the mixed signals, and announces a big change at the company he founded as he joins uber-patriot and fastener newsman, Mike McNulty on the Fastener News Report (41:27). Mr. Doug Ruggles explains his vision for the NFDA as he takes the helm of the industry powerhouse association (15:50). During a much anticipated feature segment, Marty Nolan of R.L. English sits down with STAFDA CEO, Ms. Georgia Foley, to recount her lifelong affiliation with that flourishing organization and to preview its upcoming annual conference (1:13:09). Plus, find out what to do when confronted with an all too common problem with material finishes, on Carmen Vertullo’s Fastener Training Minute (1:06:25). Brian and Eric expose a case of fasteners becoming a real pain in the backside. Run time: 01:55:36

Is it a national trade policy or a drinking game? The industry speaks out on tariffs during floor interviews from Fastener Fair USA (20:54) and FastenerTech ‘19 (1:27:25) featuring Wayne Wishnew, Jake Davis, GH III, Rob Reynolds, Jackie “Kind of a Big Deal” Ventura, JR Prahl, Chris McCaffrey, GQ, Bill Boak, Joanne Bialas and many more. Brighton Best VP Steve Andrasik joins industry anchorman Mike McNulty on the Fastener News Report to analyze mixed FDI numbers (57:05). Carmen Vertullo explains how long is too long for structural bolts during the Fastener Training Minute (1:21:50). Plus, Marc Strandquist announces a big change (14:02), and the MWFA golf tourney produces an unexpected new champion. Brian and Eric explain exactly what the tariffs mean for the fastener industry, sort of. Run time: 02:02:53

Like a true life action figure with a sawhorse and a handshake, Tim Jackson explains how he took Action Fasteners from the garage to an acquisition and beyond (1:45:44). The NCFA Distributor Social was a major success with its own brand of fastener action, including plenty of spirited conversation about tariffs (15:09). Moving away from the fastener fray for his own reasons, Damon Carson of Repurposed Materials explains why excess fastener inventory can be such a challenge (33:34). Then, Rick Peterson of All-West Components sits in to comment on rebounding Fastener Distributor Index numbers (1:18:02). During the Fastener Training Minute, guru Carmen Vertullo reminds us that commingling fasteners is still an important consideration (1:39:45). Plus, show manager Morgan Wilson previews the upcoming International Fastener Expo, and announces some welcome improvements (1:02:48). Thematically, Brian and Eric saw some action of their own recently, courtesy of the FCH Thread Shad.
Run time: 02:28:04

Although it required a Texas-sized helping of dubious sandwich spread to pull off, industry veteran and conversationalist, Marty Nolan of R. L. English turns the table on FTR host Mr. Brian Musker during a highly anticipated, landmark interview. Regional association board members Kevin Chavis, of Star Stainless, and George Hunt III, of Brighton Best International, discuss the significance of the recent joint conference with the NFDA (22:30). Then, freshly returned from Germany, Star’s Bryan Wheeler reviews this year’s Stuttgart fastener show (54:19). Also, industry sentiment is measured during the Fastener News Report with Mike McNulty, as he speaks with Abbott-Interfast president, Bob “GQ” Baer about the latest FDI numbers (1:04:32). Resident technical expert, Carmen Vertullo addresses an important new plating standards update during the Fastener Training Minute (1:36:51). Plus, Fastener Fair USA manager, Carroll Henning highlights exciting new features of the upcoming show in Detroit (10:29). Brian and Eric flirt with the type of intelligence required to babysit a talking parrot.
Run time: 03:25:20

When precision fastener manufacturer and conversationalist, Charlie Kerr, of Kerr Lakeside, crashes onto the scene, the discussion topics carom from the master distribution model to blockchain to baseball (13:03). Then, in their direct fashion, Bob and Rob Reynolds of INxSQL Software explain how they connect fastener distributors to an array of business solutions that every thread merchant should hear (1:41:23). Würth senior VP, Marc Strandquist, joins fastener industry newsman Mike McNulty on the Fastener News Report to offer analysis on the latest sagging FDI numbers (1:11:01). Plus, MWFA board member Paula Evitts previews FastenerTech 19 (1:02:21). As always, industry guru Carmen Vertullo presents the Fastener Training Minute, this time discussing the often misunderstood material, Grade L9 (1:33:42). Hoping to make new connections of their own, Brian and Eric get an uncharacteristic jump on the fastener trade show season. Run time: 02:38:32

Apple says it can’t source the tiny screws it needs from U.S. manufacturers, but some domestic suppliers disagree. Could it be a case of missed opportunity? Fastener industry veteran Andy Cohn, of Duncan Bolt, explains from the perspective of an importer who watched production move offshore (23:07). Structural bolt failure is the second main topic, as top industry expert, Dr. Salim Brahimi joins Aim Test Labs founder, Carmen Vertullo for a closer look at this persistent and costly problem (1:29:27). Industry anchorman, Mike McNulty welcomes Baird analyst Quinn Fredrickson to discuss flat January FDI numbers, on the Fastener News Report (58:33). During the Fastener Training Minute, learn how to submit sample test material to a lab for accurate testing (1:23:57). Plus, Fastener Fair USA manager, Jessica Boweak presents the latest updates for the upcoming show in Detroit (51:24). You can never tell who you’ll see searching the FCH Sourcing Network, so Brian and Eric discuss a recent survey of network users, and go on to describe a real Opportunity lost. Run time: 02:26:28

At first glance, the screw biz can seem a sleepy industry, quietly minding its own business. But when Steve Dunham of SASCO Fasteners tells the harrowing tale of a computer ransomware attack on his business, you’ll be roused without even a whiff of Mrs. Olson’s brew (1:16:34). Also on high alert, especially for hard to locate metric fasteners, visionary Craig Penland explains the Eurolink Fastener Supply Service edge in this specialty niche (16:30). NFDA vice president and Trinity Logistics EVP, Dan Zehnder joins industry newsman Mike McNulty to take measure of mixed FDI results on the Fastener News Report (47:36). Carmen Vertullo uses recent news of another bridge problem as an object lesson in structural bolting during the Fastener Training Minute (1:09:19). Plus, an all points bulletin remains in affect for a certain missing fastener bobblehead, last seen at the Vegas show. Brian and Eric wrestle with thematic development issues and water bottles. Run time: 02:00:51

The fastener industry knows how to laugh, but bolts and nuts are serious business. NFDA president, Kelly Cole clearly grasps this as he surveys industry operating conditions, previews an upcoming landmark association meeting, and explains his unique wardrobe selection (1:26:42). Rob LaPointe and Carmen Vertullo of AIM Testing Laboratory share the genesis of their new (and hot out of the gate) enterprise, assisted by a little help from their friends, including a surprise industry legend (27:28). Fastener Technology International editor, Mike McNulty speaks with Baird analyst David Manthey about shifting sentiment among FDI respondents during the Fastener News Report (56:51). On the Fastener Training Minute, learn to become aware of the nuances of specifying salt spray coating (1:18:55). ALSO: Is another major bridge project suffering from hydrogen embrittlement? With nary a chortle to be heard, from their non-palatial digs, Brian and Eric share a breaking story, and also review the annual Best Booth Awards in denouement of IFE 2018, and the current podcast season. Run time: 02:24:23

The fastener industry reacts to the news and events of this year’s International Fastener Expo, featuring perennial expo observers Jake Davis, of BTM Manufacturing, and Rosa “The Riveter” Hearn, of Brighton Best International (1:07:51). Also, from the show floor, the lovely and talented Lynn Dempsey speaks with Fastener Industry Hall of Fame award winners Robbie Gilchrist and Bob Sachs, and YFP award winners Jun Xu and Peggy Hsieh of BBI, along with Hans Fuller, Matt Boyd, John “Cool Hand” Butler, Don Nowak, Rich Cavoto, Baron “The Bearded Nut” Yarborough and more (20:01). Fastener Technology International editor Mike McNulty breaks industry headlines and the latest rally of the FDI on the Fastener News Report (48:53). Plus, four important reference resources your fastener business cannot afford to be without, on this edition of the Fastener Training Minute with Carmen Vertullo (1:01:07). BONUS: Winner of the 5th annual FTR/FTI Fastener Training Week scholarship, and also the winner of the First Edition FCH Thread Shad contest. Brian and Eric expand their vocabularies as they note a major addition to the coffee drinker's lexicon. Run time: 02:46:15

The message is clear: What we have here is the latest installment of predominantly fastener-related talk radio, as Solution Industries’ Frank “Balboa” Devito succinctly communicates about his thinking on recent industry developments, his newest team member, and his long time source of inspiration (58:40). Mr. Marc Strandquist shares his reasons for the big move at Würth, as he joins Fastener Technology International editor, Mike McNulty on the Fastener News Report to discuss cooling FDI readings (24:48). Plus, industry educator Carmen Vertullo discusses zinc plating alloy steel socket screws during the latest Fastener Training Minute (52:14). Brian and Eric relate their ongoing challenges with branding, and given a rash of recent communication snafus, half expect to begin receiving inquiries for greasy fried chicken. Run time: 01:52:45