Fully Threaded Radio

The fastener industry was interviewed at the precipice of dramatic upheaval during the recent Pac-West/NFDA joint conference. None could have foreseen what was actually soon to unfold at the time FTR placed its microphone in front of industry fixtures Frank DeVito, Heidi Volltrauer, Jun Xu, Doug Ruggles, John “Cool Hand” Butler, Jim Howard, Hans Fuller, Tracey Lumia, Jake Davis and many more (41:15). Würth Eastern Region VP Eric Wilk explains a key benefit of growth by acquisition (20:44). Distribution visionary Ian Heller coaches Earnest Machine president Kirk Zehnder in the quest to defend against online marketplaces (1:38:38). On the Fastener News Report, Mike McNulty wonders aloud how much to value the surging FDI numbers given current conditions (1:22:40). And guru Carmen Vertullo explains thread crest basics during the Fastener Training Minute (1:33:59). Brian admits he may have a sanitation issue on the horizon, and Eric stumbles upon a milestone. Run time: 02:37:53

Are services the critical factor for distributor survival in the new market? What caused the dramatic shift in the FDI reading? Which fastener association is best dressed? MWFA president Paula Evitts along with fellow officer, the debonair George Hunt III of Brighton Best, share their view of the fastener biz as they preview a quasi-milestone industry event (1:28:24). Distribution Strategy founder Ian Heller returns to explain his formula for business success in the digital economy (19:37). BTM Manufacturing honcho Jake Davis joins Mike McNulty on the Fastener News Report (56:35). Fastener Fair USA is just around the corner, show manager Bob Chiricosta presents all the details (46:49). Plus, AIM Test Labs senior engineer, Carmen Vertullo looks at galvanized hex nuts on the Fastener Training Minute (1:21:07). Brian and Eric recall their past choices in apparel, which brings to light a surprising revelation involving a bow tie. Run time: 01:59:12

Largely unavailable on any social media platform, the latest episode of predominantly fastener-related talk radio radiates fresh digital effluvia into the audio stream of a new decade, as Goebel Fasteners makes its podcast debut with North American VP Christian Reich (22:40). The Fastener Industry Coalition doesn’t have much of an online presence, but is under new management so that may change, as described by Brighton Best veteran Chuck Halpin (1:10:23). During a tweet-worthy conversation, Baird analyst David Manthey and newsman Mike McNulty review the troublesome FDI finale for 2019 on the Fastener News Report (42:24). Thread guru Carmen Vertullo presents the next in his series of CFS quiz questions on the Fastener Training Minute (1:04:06). PLUS: Marc Strandquist shares thoughts on taking the helm at Optimas (He might not have set up the Snapchat account for his new gig yet) (35:30). Brian and Eric are about as wired in as ever, so they decide it would be a good idea to invite the industry walleye fishing, and send a gift box to Winona for some reason. Run time: 01:46:44

'Tis the season for wrapping up gifts and another year of predominantly fastener-related talk radio, as Advance Components CEO and chief gingerbread architect Suzy Cravens shares heartwarming details of her recent experience on Food Network's Christmas Cookie Challenge (1:21:36).  Offsetting all the peace and harmony, digital distribution pundit Ian Heller, of Rapid Results Marketing explains the gift of disruptive forces in the supply chain (20:46).  Pac-West VP David Palmquist  previews the sure-to-be-merry upcoming table top and joint NFDA conference (42:47).  Then, the delightful Bob "GQ" Baer and Mike McNulty discuss the coal in the latest FDI stocking during the Fastener News Report (51:24). Plus, industry educator Carmen Vertullo plays elf on the shelf as he presents the newest Fastener Training Minute (1:17:14). With maximum jolliness, Brian and Eric check their list for three wise listeners who will soon receive some extra good cheer. Run time: 02:30:47

A screw thread is a helical structure, flowing between the linear and rotational, and when Tim “Action” Jackson along with Jo Morris of Desert Distribution join the podcast it’s a different sort of threadform altogether (1:12:18). With a more precisely pitched dialogue, Würth Industry director of international trade compliance, Danielle Riggs explains key concepts every fastener distributor should understand to avoid costly errors related to imported product (20:46). NFDA president Doug Ruggles joins news editor Mike McNulty to consider the diverging direction of two key components of the FDI on the Fastener News Report (44:53). Plus, thread guru Carmen Vertullo provides a glimpse into the CFS training classroom on the Fastener Training Minute (1:06:38). Brian and Eric advance axially with each segment in turn, despite the onset of screwbola season and a regrettable coin toss. Run time: 02:23:00

It’s a festival of fastener facts and flummery as the National Fastener Tour rolls into town, headlined by rock star of the fastener industry, Simmi of Stelfast along with Star Stainless president, Mr. Tim Roberto Jr. (1:14:02) On a digital tour of his own, London Penland of Eurolink drives ahead with his non-pedantic knowledge series on ISO (13:20). All-West Components boss, Rick Peterson joins Fastener Technology International editor Mike McNulty on the Fastener News Report, uncovering a strange FDI trend (45:39). Plus, guru Carmen Vertullo examines the topic of shear strength during the Fastener Training Minute (1:07:54). Perpetual tourist Brian hints at reasons he never visits France, while Eric sees benefits in an appropriately attired industry group hug. Run time: 02:11:10

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, and YFP award recipient Baron Yarborough (47:06), along with floor interviews with Bernie Longen, Heidi Voltrauer, Bill Unferth, Michelle Richards, Jake Davis, Bill Armstrong, Mike Topolewski, Wayne “Captain Smooth” Wishnew, and many more. Industry anchorman, Mike McNulty welcomes Baird analyst Quinn Fredrickson to discuss the latest unexpected move in the FDI reading on the Fastener News Report (1:09:07). Plus, Carmen Vertullo speaks with Buckeye Fasteners chief, Larry Kelly (1:29:35). At the expo, the lovely and talented Lynn Dempsey, along with Brian and Eric, invited unsuspecting show attendees to the FCH booth to ask the question, “Can you pass the Vegemite test?”
Run time: 02:08:13

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 Eurolink and IFE manager Morgan Wilson look ahead to Vegas (47:29), and industry anchorman Mike McNulty welcomes Blue Chip Engineered Products boss, Ken Sanker to dissect the latest FDI reading on the Fastener News Report (1:03:17). Also, Carmen Vertullo discusses passivation on the Fastener Training Minute (1:25:06). BONUS: Old Rusty Bolt is back!  Brian and Eric hint at their really cool giveaway for this year’s Vegas show, and also traverse the entire known universe. Run time: 02:38:58

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 vision for the NFDA as he takes the helm of the industry powerhouse association (15:50). During a much anticipated feature segment, Marty Nolan of R.L. English sits down with STAFDA CEO, Ms. Georgia Foley, to recount her lifelong affiliation with that flourishing organization and to preview its upcoming annual conference (1:13:09). Plus, find out what to do when confronted with an all too common problem with material finishes, on Carmen Vertullo’s Fastener Training Minute (1:06:25). Brian and Eric expose a case of fasteners becoming a real pain in the backside. Run time: 01:55:36

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 anchorman Mike McNulty on the Fastener News Report to analyze mixed FDI numbers (57:05). Carmen Vertullo explains how long is too long for structural bolts during the Fastener Training Minute (1:21:50). Plus, Marc Strandquist announces a big change (14:02), and the MWFA golf tourney produces an unexpected new champion. Brian and Eric explain exactly what the tariffs mean for the fastener industry, sort of. Run time: 02:02:53