Fully Threaded Radio

If the fastener business sometimes feels like mortal combat, one group seems prepared. YFP president, Jake Glaser leads a wide ranging conversation with fellow youthful thread warriors London Penland, of Eurolink, and Young Fastener Professional of the Year, Jessi Solt, that reveals a true fighting spirit (1:22:06). Meanwhile, the fastener industry inducted the far less bellicose John “Cowboy” Wachman, and G.L. Huyett CEO, Tim O’Keeffe to its Hall of Fame (16:34). During the Fastener News Report, battle hardened news editor, Mike McNulty hosts ITR Economics analyst, Alex Chausovsky to discuss the shocking FDI numbers, and to size up prospects for long term prosperity (43:35). Industry educator Carmen Vertullo gets right to the point on the Fastener Training Minute (1:13:05). Cameos: Emerald show manager Morgan Wilson and Jamie Lawrence of AVK Industrial Products. Brian and Eric make peace with the new virtual mindset, and look to the poets for inspiration.  Run time: 02:15:28

Bold strategies and a new leadership direction for industrial fastener supplier Optimas Solutions are the topics as newly appointed CEO, Mr. Marc Strandquist discusses key points of their exciting recently announced initiative, his management approach, the Fastener Distributor Index, and success after personal setback.  Run time: 24:44

The screw biz rebounded sooner than expected, but the customer meeting game still has a long way to go.  Veteran sales pro Jackie "Kind of a Big Deal" Ventura guest-hosts a timely segment that details the current picture, as she welcomes fellow rep John "Cowboy" Wachman, and Christian Reich of Goebel Fasteners (1:25:17).  The Industrial Distribution "Big 50 List" just hit the street, managing editor Mike Hockett has the story (21:45).  On the Fastener News Report, industry newsman Mike McNulty talks with Solution Industries senior manager, the indefatigable Frank "Balboa" DeVito to unpack the latest FDI results (52:58).  Thread stick-out is the topic of the minute,  The Fastener Training Minute with Carmen Vertullo (1:18:29).  PLUS:  IFE manager Morgan Wilson has the names of this year's Hall of Fame inductees in his hand!  Will he divulge the winners during the podcast (42:38)?  Brian and Eric can't decide if they hate Amazon more because it's taking over the world, or because their packages have started taking longer to arrive. Run time: 02:08:01

The one sure bet in the fastener industry is the Vegas show. But with this year’s long-odds cancellation, the FTR boys needed a way to unload their huge supply of giveaway Vegemite. They decided to set up a virtual booth anyway to see if the format could lure in any takers, and to get a reading of the screw biz during the strangest year on record. Bryn Stock, Jake Davis, Mike Topolewski, Matt Boyd, "Iron" Bill Armstrong, Cari Bailey, Tom Buddenbohn and the always coiffed Rosa Hearn make their way to the virtual show floor to share their thoughts, and to dodge offers of droll breakfast spread on toast. Baird analyst, Dave Manthey, breaks down the FDI with Mike McNulty on the Fastener News Report (46:38), and Carmen Vertullo expounds on the importance of documentation supplements during the Fastener Training Minute (1:11:02). BONUS: Cameo by the lovely and talented Lynn Dempsey. Clearly in demo mode, Brian and Eric explain the FCH Scrubber process and find some consolation in the lengthy shelf-life of their surplus promotional item. Run time: 01:53:14

Things don’t seem to fit together the way they once did, but an otherwise ripe market always seems out of whack to the inattentive. So when the circumspect Mr. Andy Cohn, of Duncan Bolt, joins news editor Mike McNulty to discuss the startling FDI results on the Fastener News Report, the ensuing conversation expands into a predominantly fastener-related discussion that fastener distributors should heed (45:07). The PPE space has become a topic of interest for many industrial distributors, but it’s not a good match for every company, as safety veterans Neil Sexton and Michael Stewart of Northern Safety and Industrial explain (1:39:12). On the other hand, more companies are finding that online meetings provide a direct path to more effective sales, as “Cool Hand” John Butler of The Olander Company will attest (15:37). During the Fastener Training Minute, Carmen Vertullo provides System 22 thread inspection guidance that maps perfectly to a listener’s query (1:27:12). Also: IFE manager Morgan Wilson addresses show cancellation questions. To round out the non sequitur festival, Brian wants to roll out his old English sports car, while Eric imagines rolling out a barrel. Run time: 02:19:55

Feeling right at home in their new roles with LindFast Solutions Group, Bernie Longen and John "OJ" Simpson explain recent developments and things to come as the fastener industry powerhouse supplier hits its stride (1:17:49).  ITR Economics analyst Alex Chausovsky presents a clear, if uneven, path to growth and a key opportunity segment as he summarizes his recent NFDA virtual summit presentation (20:16). The maverick CEO of G.L. Huyett, Tim O'Keeffe joins Fastener Technology International editor Mike McNulty on the Fastener News Report to discuss the surprising resurgence of the latest FDI numbers (43:54).  Plus, nylon insert locknuts receive the Carmen Vertullo treatment during the Fastener Training Minute (1:10:24). Brian and Eric make excuses for terrible fishing, but their determination to keep plugging is never in doubt.  Run time:  2:07:23

As the “new abnormal” grinds on, industry veteran rep Rick Rudolph relies on his standard cordiality and grace to serve fastener companies in the New England region (10:41). AIM Test Labs founder Carmen Vertullo along with Eurolink vlogger London Penland explore how the market approaches ISO vs. DIN standards (1:34:33). The Fastener Distributor Index battles back, and Marc Strandquist of Optimas joins Mike McNulty to compare notes, on the Fastener News Report (57:25). During the Fastener Training Minute, a new fastener standards resource makes its debut (1:25:06). Also, Eric builds a gym and Brian quotes the Founders, raising the question: Is he really from New Hampshire?  Run time: 02:40:50

Thread game veterans Rich Cavoto and Bob “GQ” Baer explain the origins of the infamous Naperville Fastener Association, share fitness training secrets, and offer ideas for an improved city driving experience (1:32:18). Newer to the field, but aiming to innovate, AJ Strandquist of Würth Industry North America is forging boldy into the realm of additive manufacturing, believing the long-expected impact will soon be felt (21:50). Then, it’s absolutely the worst FDI reading on record, as Solution Industries heavyweight Frank “Balboa” DeVito joins Mike McNulty on the Fastener News Report to shed light on the dim situation (54:52). Plus, industry educator Carmen Vertullo presents all you need to know about weathering steel during the Fastener Training Minute (1:23:44). Viewing every adventure as a calculated risk, the FTR boys blow past the clear danger as Brian flagrantly visits a restaurant, and Eric suggests an eye-opening read. Run time: 02:31:07

Lessons of basic courage and practical survival unfold along with the story of a New York based fastener manufacturer during the outbreak, as told by Jason Wagner and Ilian Dimitrov of The Richard Manno Company, during a supplemental yet essential episode of the podcast. Run time: 31:48

During a novel edition of fastener talk radio, we hear stories from industry insiders across the operational spectrum.  Jun Xu of Brighton Best, Mike Topolewski of Perigee Manufacturing, Joanne Bialas of International Fasteners, and Matt Boyd of Parker Fasteners share their experiences, thoughts and feelings as they face the dramatic impact of COVID-19 with the lovely and talented Lynn Dempsey (1:51:23). Looking at the possible impact on the global supply chain, Harry Moser of the Reshoring Initiative offers his perspective, and also suggestions for bringing manufacturing back home (25:38).  R.W. Baird analyst David Manthey joins editor Mike McNulty on the Fastener News Report (1:00:34). And the heat is on during the Fastener Training Minute with Carmen Vertullo (1:34:55).  BONUS: Meet the real Mr. Corona! (17:35) Holding conflicting views of the virus, Brian dons the mask and Eric suggests an essential podcast. Run time: 02:50:31