Fully Threaded Radio

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 , an...

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 Euro...

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...

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 anchor...

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 Repurp...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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) ente...

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...

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 Techn...

Sometimes an outside perspective is needed to make sense of things. Such is the case as erstwhile fastener journeyman Don Shan charges into the fray to share thoughts on the Lindstrom/Stelfast deal, the tariff situation, how Amazon could break in, and where opportunities still exist in the screw biz (1:23:38). Temporary sideliner, Dick Ripley speaks publicly for the first time in a long time, and...

During a 100% lead-free episode of fastener talk radio, industry consultant Carmen Vertullo revisits the topic of Prop 65 in the wake of his recent webinar, with the latest developments and thinking on the subject (17:35). Innovative Components founder and president, Mike O’Connor describes the right way to “near-shore” and how to make a better muskie bait (1:23:21). Trinity Logistics CEO, Dan Zeh...

Disruptive technology and competition present volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity (VUCA) to the fastener industry, even as the screw biz surges. But fear not, George Hunt III of BBI discusses ways of bringing stability and success to a life in fasteners, with work and family in simple equilibrium (1:16:09). NFDA president, Kelly Cole joins Fastener Technology International editor, Mi...

Should you be concerned about impending changes to California Proposition 65 ? How can you position your distribution company to thrive in a world dominated by Amazon Business ? And who won the FTR Busch Light 30 pack at this year’s MWFA Open? Industry expert, Carmen Vertullo offers practical advice to the fastener industry as it ponders modifications in labeling requirements that could impact all...

Fastener Industry Hall of Fame member and zygologist, Mr. Mike McGuire shares his thoughts on a range of predominantly fastener-related topics, and hints of a new business venture coming soon (1:17:31). The lovely and talented Lynn Dempsey explains the FCH/FTI Fastener Training Week scholarship with past winners, Shenice Peterson of Empire Bolt, and Michael Shibasaki of Fuller Metric (23:52). Würt...

The fastener industry converged at the rock hall of fame recently, and it was no mistake, although there was some confusion about the ground transportation. Jammin' Jake Davis of BTM Manufacturing and Brighton Best’s Rosa Hearn share their experiences from Fastener Fair USA (1:28:25). The lovely and talented Lynn Dempsey joined Brian as they traveled to Costa Rica for the NFDA 50th anniversary con...

Who’s up for some sweet new tariffs? Apparently, not the fastener industry, as Kerr Lakeside honcho, Mr. Charlie Kerr weighs in with his reaction to the news of tariffs on imported steel (13:08). During the second big feature segment, G.L. Huyett CEO, Tim O’Keeffe describes growing a thriving fastener business from humble beginnings and "in the middle of nowhere", while using his writing to connec...

Shaking up the world of hard to locate metric fasteners, Craig Penland explains the unique business model of Eurolink Fastener Supply Service (1:29:24). Solution Industries boss, John Radel talks shop, and announces a shake up of his own (24:27). Plus, Mr. Harry Moser of The Reshoring Initiative discusses exciting progress in the effort to bring manufacturing back to the U.S. and describes a new p...

An exciting new era of fastener distribution appears imminent as Mike Ricciardi of ITW Shakeproof and Bryan Wheeler of Star Stainless report on the YFP Leadership Conference that focused on the disruptive technologies that have begun to impact the industry, launching an all new season of fastener talk radio (1:15:55). Raconteur and Fastener Professional of the Year, Mr. Robbie Gilchrist notes impo...

Fastener industry leaders Bruce Wheeler , of Star Stainless, Bill Derry , of Field Fastener, and Adam Pratt , of Sherex Fastening Solutions appeared together during a panel discussion at the recent International Fastener Expo in Las Vegas. FTR was there, and we are honored to share this wide ranging discussion as the podcast season finale. Plus, latest FDI reading, the Chevy Bolt, and ITR’s key le...

Self-driven to excel in the fastener game, industry rock star and Stelfast president, Simmi explains state of the art forecasting, what to watch for in the coming quarters, and her choice of victuals in Vegas (1:24:04). Parker Fasteners is leading the market in the use of 3D printed samples. Millennial fastener pro, Matt Boyd describes their recent exhibit at IFE, and real world applications of th...

During a landmark podcast that will stand as a historic marker of many lives in fastening, industry pro jocks Jake Davis , of BTM Manufacturing, and Baron “Best Beard” Yarborough , of Spring Bolt and Nut, join in for the annual Vegas show round up (1:20:32). Fellow luxury resort connoisseur, Bill Akerfeldt of Lindstrom comments on recent price increases as well as accommodations at the show (31:01...

The fastener industry continues to surge, as its key index remains well into expansionary territory for the seventh month running. Fastener Distributor Index co-creator, Holden Lewis , discusses the success of the monthly benchmark, and also his new position as CFO at Fastenal (1:14:11). Field Fastener president, Bill Derry shares his philosophy and formula for success upon his induction into the...