Fully Threaded Radio

The International Fastener Expo moved to Phoenix in 2026. Many questioned what would happen with the big change, and the industry responded by turning out in strong numbers to enjoy another memorable edition of the premier annual event. Floor interviews, commentary and semi-comprehensive coverage as seen from the booth of the FCH Sourcing Network and the eyes of Lynn Dempsey and her roving recorde...

LindFast Solutions Group CEO Mike Spencer and Chief Commercial Officer Steve Dean explain their omni-channel vision for the most dynamic master distributor in the industry, and why the future should be a barrel of fun (1:21:15). The FDI scorches on, as data center expansion and strong sales numbers drive record optimism. AFC Industries CEO Kevin Godin joins Mike McNulty to look closely at the numb...

 Würth Industry USA CEO Daniel Schmidt made his way through the  Würth apprentice program over 30 years ago, reaching his current leadership role at the helm of a billion dollar plus industrial organization. During this conversation you’ll learn how he did it and hear about some of the instructive stops he made along the way. He shares his thoughts on the direction of industrial distribution, how...

Chicago hosts the MWFA 80th anniversary gala and FSTNR Week, mud races and table top interviews ensue (24:22). Huge news on tariffs with Canada dominates the Fastener News Report , as Hans Fuller of Fuller Metric joins senior editor Mike McNulty (1:01:43). The online sales game has changed dramatically in the age of AI, Justin King of the B2B eCommerce Association and Sam Aldinger with Highland Co...

Professional fastener consultant and vinter Doug Weiland discloses his best recipe for a thread business with legs (1:46:42). 2026 Hall of Fame inductee Tim Roberto Jr. of LSG joins Mike McNulty to dissect the latest red hot FDI numbers on the Fastener News Report (57:45). Industry guru Carmen Vertullo previews his upcoming in-person risk management conference (21:59), then returns with a Fastener...

Fastener sales are sizzling as much as the summer heat, but is the data center boom really driving all the business? AFC Industries EVP John Kovatch and VP of marketing Joe Shoemaker explain how they view the current market and what they're doing to approach it (1:42:31). Ed Smith of Würth Industry USA looks back at his tenure as NFDA president (13:12). On the Fastener News Report , Advance Compon...

Dr. Salim Brahimi on the recent IFI standards camp and RCSC meeting (16:39), Fastener Industry Coalition chairman and Brighton Best sales manager Michael White (1:46:35), Martin EVP Scott McDaniel joins Mike McNulty on the Fastener News Report (58:08), Rob "Big Country" Reynolds of INxSQL and Tony Martinez of Buckeye Fasteners recap Brisketfest '26 (49:14), plus Carmen Vertullo explains why your g...

A focused discussion with Fastener Technology International senior news editor and FTR contributor, Mike McNulty , tracking his unexpected journey from engineering school to the desk of the industry renowned Fastener News Report. Run time: 48:38

Fastener Fair USA floor interviews featuring Chris McAffrey, Michael White, Blanca Delgado, Jill Lewis, Anders Green, Robbie Gilchrist and many more. On the Fastener News Report, Mike McNulty of Fastener Technology International speaks with Baird senior analyst Dave Manthey to explain the ongoing surge in the Fastener Distributor Index (56:29). Jason Baines of J. Lanfranco introduces a new coaliti...

The well dressed Matt Delawder of SWD and fastener golf ace Jake "Valdez" Davis of BTM Manufacturing discuss industry developments and the upcoming MWFA 80th anniversary extravaganza (12:01). Huyett CEO Tim O'Keeffe joins news editor Mike McNulty on the Fastener News Report to analyze skyrocketing FDI numbers (59:41). Feature: Dealing with tariff rebate questions using AI with Nick Pericle of Tene...

Industry leader, educator, innovator and former introvert Dr. Salim Brahimi discusses his role at the IFI, including new career development programs and upcoming changes to some important standards. He also shares his family story of escaping revolution-era Iran, and how that experience shaped his life and world view. Bonus: Learn how there came to be a bull shark named Salim. Run time: 01:03:51

When do the AI job losses hit? Distribution Strategy Group chief strategy officer Ian Heller describes the advance of new tech impacting every level of the thread game (1:46:33). Meanwhile, the fastener industry faces a raft of other pressures, including tariff uncertainty and global conflict. The affable Jason Baines of J. Lanfranco offers perspective (23:38). On the Fastener News Report , Würth...

Is there more than hot air behind the CBAM regulations now in full effect in the EU? How should the North American fastener industry view these new mandates? Braving conditions created by inevitable climate change, the gas loving Charlie Kerr of Kerr Lakeside offers his views from the ski slopes of Lake Tahoe (1:42:54). Würth Industry USA compliance officer Danielle Riggs provides more sober comme...

Real estate advisor Marco Rodriguez has deep roots in the fastener industry. He reveals strategies for getting the upper hand in commercial leasing negotiations, showing why he has become the go to voice for advice on commercial real estate in the fastener industry. He also shares his thoughts on the impact of AI data centers on the commercial real estate leasing market. Run time: 33:52 Contact Ma...

WIFI Woman of the Year and world traveler Darlene Collis of LSG talks shop and shows why she is the Fastener Ninja (1:05:51). On the Fastener News Report , Birmingham Fastener VP Anthony Crawl joins thread newsman Mike McNulty to marvel at the latest FDI numbers (19:18). Volt Industrial Plastics maven Heidi Volltrauer announces a voyage of her own (10:05). Carmen Vertullo presents his takeaways fr...

Tariff news: Just ahead of the U.S. Supreme Court major announcement on tariffs, Canadian fastener men Jason Baines , of J. Lanfranco and Hans Fuller , of Fuller Metric, discuss bewildering new changes to Canada's steel tariffs that could cause serious disruptions.

The year concludes with mixed news from across the fastener industry, as veteran sales rep Rick Rudolph shares his recipe for seasonal cheer (1:40:39). Eurolink president, Craig Penland is bullish on the future, but keeps watch on European CBAM and other environmental regulations that complicate running a fastener business (23:25). On the Fastener News Report , Martin Inc. EVP Scott McDaniel joins...

Goebel Group CEO Marcel Goebel discusses his life in the fastener industry, expansion across Europe and entering the U.S. market, fastener fitness, finding the right people, and the World Rivet Congress.

Fastener sales continue to race along, as Star Stainless president Tim Roberto Jr. and news editor Mike McNulty explain as they present the latest high octane FDI results on the Fastener News Report (44:34). Meanwhile, industry journeyman and BBQ connoisseur Tony Martinez of Buckeye Fasteners describes a great place for a pit stop (33:15). Back behind the wheel in the fastener industry, newly appo...

Laurence Claus is a widely known and respected fastener engineer, trainer, writer and mentor. With a career in fasteners that began on the manufacturing side, and spanning over 30 years, he continues his work today with the Fastener Training Institute , the Industrial Fasteners Institute and through his company NNI Training & Consulting . His writing appears in American Fastener Journal , Fast...

The fastener industry reports brisk sales, but optimism is slipping. Why is this happening? Abbott-Interfast president Bob "GQ" Baer joins news editor Mike McNulty to mull over the confusing FDI numbers on the Fastener News Report (52:05). Industry legend, Mr. Bruce Darling , is remembered during a heartfelt conversation with Stelfast purchasing manager, Jim Jordan (1:35:36). IFI chairman Larry Sp...

Tough Nutters George “GHIII” Hunt of Brighton Best, Bobby “Tater Tot” Wegner of Beacon Fasteners, Bob “GQ” Baer from Abbott-Interfast, and BTM Manufacturing president Jake “Valdez” Davis put on their jerseys to relive highlights of the dirtiest fastener networking event of 2025. Run time: 47:07

Floor interviews from the  International Fastener Expo  2025, the largest fastener industry event of the year. The lovely and talented Lynn Dempsey traveled to Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas to get in on all the action. Golf results, break out sessions, Fastener Hall of Fame, special events and more. Run time: 01:04:18

Atlas Distribution Services president Scott Camp remembers legendary Fastenal founder, Bob Kierlin. Scott explains how he came to travel with Mr. Kierlin during the early stage of his career, observing and learning lessons he carries with him as he builds his own company today. Bob Kierlin was known for his practicality, common sense and efficiency. Scott Camp shares his accounts of their time tog...

Thinking hard about tariffs, AI tech, reshoring and keeping stock on the shelves, the fastener industry heads to Vegas for its largest annual conference of the year. Director of strategic sourcing for Würth Industry USA, Brian Schommer explains the critical role of sourcing and the reboot of the  Würth Knowing  podcast (14:11). Young Fastener Professional of the Year,...