Fully Threaded Radio

Like a skilled sommelier, Threaded Fasteners CEO Billy Duren uncorks The Nuts and Bolts of Leadership, a new podcast designed to inspire, instruct and inform budding leaders (1:36:26). With his nose for success in the fastener game, John "Cool Hand" Butler avoids any sediment build-up after his recent course change, and shares a pleasing pairing of aromatic announcements prompting a surprise guest...

As the fastener market adapts to unsettled circumstances, Endries International president and CEO Michael Knight engineers a strategy for continued growth (1:44:56).  Distributors report mostly positive sales last month, as Brighton Best president Jun Xu and news editor Mike McNulty dissect the FDI (and question an iron-fisted Fed) on the Fastener News Report (58:30).  Mike Robinson leads the NCFA...

IFI Director of Training and senior fastener consultant, Laurence Claus describes a key challenge facing all fastener companies, the standards process, and his approach to bringing perspective to the industry (1:43:17).  Great Lakes Fasteners COO Brian Potasiewicz explains his rapid climb up the fastener learning curve, and offers constructive criticism of FCH (22:18).  On the Fastener News Report...

Premium locknut supplier J Lanfranco sees big opportunities appearing, as the cosmopolitan Jason Baines leads their North American push (1:47:01). Likewise, hard charger Matt Boyd is helping to guide Parker Fasteners forge ahead toward their vision of continued expansion and growth (28:28).  In contrast, the FDI took a dramatic hit to close the year just ended, and this time forward looking sentim...

Like a bobsled down a frozen precipice, the fastener industry streaks to the close of another blazing fast year. Fresh off the slopes, Mr. Charlie Kerr of Kerr Lakeside discovers a vexing industry development, and shares his approach to achieving top speed on skis (1:39:54).  Metric supplier Eurolink finishes the year with new beginnings, as CEO Craig Penland finds ways to expand during periods of...

Selling fasteners begins by asking for the order, as Tim "Action" Jackson proved during an illustrious career in the thread game (1:30:37).  Newly appointed Marine Fasteners CEO Dee Ward asks his team for their best whenever he takes the field (15:31). Fastener newsman Mike McNulty asks about the decline of the FDI with Earnest CEO Kirk Zehnder on the Fastener News Report, then explains what it ta...

IFE is like no other show in the fastener industry, and this year's edition seemed a lot like "the good old days" without the carpeting.  The lovely and talented Lynn Dempsey took her mic to the show floor and spoke to attendees from every part of the thread biz (9:34, 1:03:52).  Fastener Technology International editor Mike McNulty presents the Fastener News Report and fires hard at the powers th...

Industry veteran Marc Strandquist announces a new mission with Sellside Group, helping fastener companies navigate the challenges of a market in flux.  David Kerr of Metal Resource Solutions warns of coming price hikes on European steel. Plus: Jake "Valdez" Davis of BTM Manufacturing is quitting? Run time: 30:47

Has tragedy been narrowly averted or is the supply disruption train still racing down the track, set to impact business across the country? Scanwell Logistics freight forwarding expert Chris Donnell shares his view (16:31). On the other race front, Rugged Maniac team veterans Jake "Valdez" Davis of BTM Manufacturing, Mike Robinson of Star Stainless and Brandi Bertoia of INxSQL Software recount the...

The Mid-West Fastener Association annual FSTNR Week and table top show, golf tournament and lead up events were wildly successful again this year.   TJ McFarland, Don "Tex" Carr, Mike Robinson, Jake "Valdez" Davis,  Erica Strandquist, Bob "GQ" Baer, Kam Dorsey, Ashley Parker, Wayne "Captain Smooth" Wishnew and many more! PLUS: Golf highlights including this year's FTR Award winner. Run time: 41:14

When big fastener companies acquire other big fastener companies, and people who know big fasteners talk about it, you have the makings of an aptly titled podcast. Star Stainless president, Tim Roberto Jr. discusses the recent big headlines involving the acquisition of his company by Lindfast Solutions Group (12:38). Big bearded Baron Yarborough of Birmingham Fasteners returns to weigh in and disc...

Strong sales and ongoing supply challenges remain the top themes as the fastener industry keeps its optimism heading into a hot summer.  On the water, at the bar or while making his podcast debut, Jason Baines of J. Lanfranco makes a big splash wherever he goes (13:49).  Prepping for the Rugged Maniac race ahead of FSTNR Week,  TJ McFarland of Goebel Fasteners and Brandi Bertoia of INxSQL Software...

The lovely and talented Lynn Dempsey hit the floor at Fastener Fair USA with mic in hand. Her interviews with show attendees reveal steady progress along with a vague yet persistent uncertainty (1:41:04). Less ambiguous, Würth Construction Services CEO Alex Mikros describes the clear path he sees while guiding his reformulated organization towards continued growth (17:18). Star Stainless Screw pre...

As Brian returns from down under, and with the Detroit show just around the corner, the FDI cools and the fastener world reconsiders its supply chain.  Industry veteran Preston Boyd of the Industrial Fasteners Institute describes how his organization is reaching out to distributors to reintroduce domestic suppliers (1:39:47).  Scanwell Logistics senior expeditor Chris Donnell explains a wide range...

The old adage about people not leaving the fastener industry proves true again as reluctant highway pilot Tim "Action" Jackson returns.  Back from an extended RV misadventure to report on the recent Pac-West conference, he sees the industry with the eye of an outsider coming back in (1:33:50).  Likewise, the screw biz was never far from the heart of life-long  thread man Don "The Amazing" Shan , a...

There’s no hyperbole suggesting the fastener industry is moving at a hyperbolic rate, as world events impact supply and pricing at a dizzying pace. Star Stainless president, Tim Roberto Jr. describes “Rusty Monday”, shocking developments in the nickle and stainless markets (51:38). Counseling a pragmatic approach amid ongoing disruptions, Brighton Best International president Jun Xu joins newsman...

Strong sales and demand keep optimism alive, even as distributors come to terms with the new normal of outrageous delivery schedules. Meanwhile, major shipping concerns are deploying blockchain technology to manage global supply chains, despite the fastener industry’s apparent disinterest. AFC Industries CEO Kevin Godin weighs in on the situation and discusses his company’s recent wave of acquisit...

The new year brings continued business momentum, along with a full decade of data on which to measure it, as the Fastener Distributor Index marks its first full decade. Fastenal CFO, Holden Lewis returns to reflect on his role in the creation of the popular industry benchmark (20:36). 2022 also brings continued challenges, and Würth Revcar CEO Chapman Revercomb sees supply chain transparency as a...

The fastener industry knows how to enjoy its festivities, but also how to open its heart when it counts. Jake "Valdez" Davis of BTM Manufacturing and Matt Boyd of Parker Fasteners explain their plan to make a difference (1:35:03).  Desert Distribution managing partner Jo Morris looks back on a memorable year, and looks ahead with new offerings (15:57). Eurolink boss   Craig Penland discusses his f...

The fastener industry converged on Cleveland amid ongoing supply and pricing pressures, a tight labor market and new acquisitions. Despite the challenges, Fastener Fair USA saw good attendance and an abundance of fun. Stelfast president O.J. Simpson announces a new product category and explains the origin of the legendary Monkey (22:54). On the Fastener News Report, Earnest Machine CEO Kirk Zehnde...

The fastener world is running at a different pace as supply issues and ongoing consolidation impact the industry. Meanwhile, questionable policy trends add further uncertainty and pressure to the mix. Fortunately, emerging technologies such as additive manufacturing offer hope of new opportunities to forward thinking companies, as Achim Grenner of the Würth Additive Group explains (22:56). Adding...

The 2021 International Fastener Expo surprised many with its stronger than expected attendance and upbeat feel.  Direct from the scaled down show floor, the lovely and talented Lynn Dempsey speaks with attendees on a wide variety of topics. Plus, results of the hotly contested golf tourney. Run time: 50:00

Fastener Professional of the Year, family business operator and philanthropist Jim Derry of Field Fastener reflects on what it takes to be successful in business and in life (1:29:32). NCFA Screw Open full coverage, including this year's winner of the coveted FTR Award, Laura Vath , Dan Duffield , Kim Arnold , Charlie Kerr , Kurt Triptow and many more! (20:36).  Star Stainless national sales manag...

The Mid-West Fastener Association table top show, 75th anniversary black tie gala, and annual golf tournament were wildly successful.  Kicked off by a pair of unofficial but equally energized events, FSTNR Week '21 was received by an enthusiastic fastener industry, ready to return to face to face events.  Nancy Rich, GHIII, Kam Dorsey,  Mike Stamm, Rob "Big Country" Reynolds, Bobby Wegner, Heidi V...

Fastener industry legend and chip shot artist Mr. Robbie Gilchrist describes current market conditions, the future of the rep business, and how the NFDA found its way (18:28/1:30:25). AIM Testing Labs partner Rob LaPointe explains how hydrogen embrittlement is like an M&M (42:29). On the Fastener News Report, Fastener Technology International managing editor Mike McNulty hosts S.W. Anderson Co...