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, Fastener Technology International, Distributors Link and others. Laurence Claus was inducted into the Fastener Industry Hall of Fame in 2025. Run time: 51:31

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 Spelman speaks from the recent fall conference in Louisville (15:25). On the Fastener Training Minute, guru Carmen Vertullo talks torque to yield fastening (1:25:21). PLUS: Marco Rodriguez of Cresa: buy vs. lease? (35:31) and Parker Jensen of Atlas Distribution and the NFBBQA (39:47). Brian and Eric point out that you don't need a moon roof on a lunar rover. Run time: 02:12:36

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 together which validate Bob Kierlin’s stellar reputation and explain why he was so successful in business and in life. Run time: 35:59

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, Tim Vath of LSG shares his formula for success (37:49). On the Fastener News Report, Hans Fuller of Canadian distributor Fuller Metric joins Mike McNulty to compare notes on the surprising FDI numbers (47:39). Marco Rodriguez of Cresa discloses the 5 hottest markets for industrial warehouse space (1:20:14). Carmen Vertullo talks ASTM A193 B7 on the Fastener Training Minute (1:27:14). PLUS: Ian Heller of Distribution Strategy talks AI from the Applied AI for Distributors conference (1:38:35). Brian and Eric ignore irritating bird noises and think about their new AI-enabled Scrubber. Run time: 02:00:58

Midwest Fastener Association table top show floor interviews featuring the lovely and talented Lynn Dempsey with Rick and Morgan Rudolph, Tom Blakley, Heidi Volltrauer, Josh Winkler, Tom Buddenbohn, Mallory Nichols, Matt Delawder, Sid Hirsch, Jill Coar, Luke Radtke, TJ Munson, Mike McNulty and many more. PLUS: Golf results including winner of the coveted FTR award. Run time: 55:49

Fastener veteran, metric legend of the Midwest, Mr. Rich Cavoto of Metric and Multistandard shares his experiences dealing with tariff confusion (1:36:00). AFC Industries CEO Kevin Godin joins newsman Mike McNulty to question the shocking spike in the FLI on the Fastener News Report (48:42). Joanne Bialas celebrates International Fasteners 30 years in business (39:37). Ali Gonzalez and Kerry Tyler of Emerald preview this year’s IFE (18:56). On the Fastener Training Minute, Carmen Vertullo looks at hydrogen embrittlement testing (1:19:21). PLUS: Marco Rodriguez of Cresa explains what to look for in a build to suit commercial lease (15:18). Brian and Eric remember dial-up AOL as they experiment with Chat GPT 5. Run time: 02:08:07

With tariff talk deadlines looming, Canadian locknut provider J. Lanfranco VP and part-time Highlander Jason Baines provides an update on where things stand. He also explains his entry into the realm of Scottish hammer throwing, how Canada could address some of its challenges right now, and the therapeutic aspect of raising chickens.  Run time: 39:08

MW Components VP of sales, Kara Bosse sees the exciting side of the fastener sales game as she works to make manufacturing an attractive career for the next generation (8:07). Meanwhile, pitmaster Rob “Big Country” Reynolds of INxSQL Software explains how his ERP platform has expanded to support fastener manufacturing as well as distribution (1:40:25). On the Fastener News Report, Baird analyst Dave Manthey joins senior editor Mike McNulty to examine the latest surge of the FDI reading (50:23). Carmen Vertullo highlights conical spring washers on The Fastener Training Minute (1:26:20). PLUS: Ed Smith of Würth Industry USA takes the lead at the NFDA (40:10). Southwest gets Eric to the southwest, but high and dry. Run time: 02:10:10