Fully Threaded Radio

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 Repurposed Materials explains why excess fastener inventory can be such a challenge (33:34). Then, Rick Peterson of All-West Components sits in to comment on rebounding Fastener Distributor Index numbers (1:18:02). During the Fastener Training Minute, guru Carmen Vertullo reminds us that commingling fasteners is still an important consideration (1:39:45). Plus, show manager Morgan Wilson previews the upcoming International Fastener Expo, and announces some welcome improvements (1:02:48). Thematically, Brian and Eric saw some action of their own recently, courtesy of the FCH Thread Shad.Run time: 02:28:04

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 recent joint conference with the NFDA (22:30). Then, freshly returned from Germany, Star’s Bryan Wheeler reviews this year’s Stuttgart fastener show (54:19). Also, industry sentiment is measured during the Fastener News Report with Mike McNulty, as he speaks with Abbott-Interfast president, Bob “GQ” Baer about the latest FDI numbers (1:04:32). Resident technical expert, Carmen Vertullo addresses an important new plating standards update during the Fastener Training Minute (1:36:51). Plus, Fastener Fair USA manager, Carroll Henning highlights exciting new features of the upcoming show in Detroit (10:29). Brian and Eric flirt with the type of intelligence required to babysit a talking parrot.Run time: 03:25:20

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 hear (1:41:23). Würth senior VP, Marc Strandquist, joins fastener industry newsman Mike McNulty on the Fastener News Report to offer analysis on the latest sagging FDI numbers (1:11:01). Plus, MWFA board member Paula Evitts previews FastenerTech 19 (1:02:21). As always, industry guru Carmen Vertullo presents the Fastener Training Minute, this time discussing the often misunderstood material, Grade L9 (1:33:42). Hoping to make new connections of their own, Brian and Eric get an uncharacteristic jump on the fastener trade show season. Run time: 02:38:32

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 Aim Test Labs founder, Carmen Vertullo for a closer look at this persistent and costly problem (1:29:27). Industry anchorman, Mike McNulty welcomes Baird analyst Quinn Fredrickson to discuss flat January FDI numbers, on the Fastener News Report (58:33). During the Fastener Training Minute, learn how to submit sample test material to a lab for accurate testing (1:23:57). Plus, Fastener Fair USA manager, Jessica Boweak presents the latest updates for the upcoming show in Detroit (51:24). You can never tell who you’ll see searching the FCH Sourcing Network, so Brian and Eric discuss a recent survey of network users, and go on to describe a real Opportunity lost. Run time: 02:26:28

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 Supply Service edge in this specialty niche (16:30). NFDA vice president and Trinity Logistics EVP, Dan Zehnder joins industry newsman Mike McNulty to take measure of mixed FDI results on the Fastener News Report (47:36). Carmen Vertullo uses recent news of another bridge problem as an object lesson in structural bolting during the Fastener Training Minute (1:09:19). Plus, an all points bulletin remains in affect for a certain missing fastener bobblehead, last seen at the Vegas show. Brian and Eric wrestle with thematic development issues and water bottles. Run time: 02:00:51

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) enterprise, assisted by a little help from their friends, including a surprise industry legend (27:28). Fastener Technology International editor, Mike McNulty speaks with Baird analyst David Manthey about shifting sentiment among FDI respondents during the Fastener News Report (56:51). On the Fastener Training Minute, learn to become aware of the nuances of specifying salt spray coating (1:18:55). ALSO: Is another major bridge project suffering from hydrogen embrittlement? With nary a chortle to be heard, from their non-palatial digs, Brian and Eric share a breaking story, and also review the annual Best Booth Awards in denouement of IFE 2018, and the current podcast season. Run time: 02:24:23

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 award winners Jun Xu and Peggy Hsieh of BBI, along with Hans Fuller, Matt Boyd, John “Cool Hand” Butler, Don Nowak, Rich Cavoto, Baron “The Bearded Nut” Yarborough and more (20:01). Fastener Technology International editor Mike McNulty breaks industry headlines and the latest rally of the FDI on the Fastener News Report (48:53). Plus, four important reference resources your fastener business cannot afford to be without, on this edition of the Fastener Training Minute with Carmen Vertullo (1:01:07). BONUS: Winner of the 5th annual FTR/FTI Fastener Training Week scholarship, and also the winner of the First Edition FCH Thread Shad contest. Brian and Eric expand their vocabularies as they note a major addition to the coffee drinker's lexicon. Run time: 02:46:15

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 Technology International editor, Mike McNulty on the Fastener News Report to discuss cooling FDI readings (24:48). Plus, industry educator Carmen Vertullo discusses zinc plating alloy steel socket screws during the latest Fastener Training Minute (52:14). Brian and Eric relate their ongoing challenges with branding, and given a rash of recent communication snafus, half expect to begin receiving inquiries for greasy fried chicken. Run time: 01:52:45

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 offers a rare glimpse into his artistic pursuits (32:17). R. W. Baird analyst

David Manthey

joins

Mike McNulty

on the

Fastener News Report

to review the latest FDI results and speculate if this ride is nearing an end (53:51). Plus,

Carmen Vertullo

presents the

Fastener Training Minute

, this time recommending a must-read book for fastener professionals (1:17:22).

BONUS:

Homegrown, barn-burning rock n roll written, performed, and produced by Dick Ripley (2:06:46). Brian reports on a field trip to Chicago’s

Design Innovation Institute

, and Eric juggles recursive technical issues and untimely fastener dog intrusions. Run time: 02:11:11

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 Zehnder

joins

Mike McNulty

on the

Fastener News Report

to examine what’s fueling the current FDI spike (51:45). Plus,

Morgan Wilson

and

Linh Vu

, of Emerald Expositions, preview this year’s much anticipated Vegas fastener show, also known as IFE (37:58). The

Fastener Training Minute

presents what you need to know about surface discontinuity (1:16:36). In denouement, Brian and Eric discover a clearinghouse of a different stripe, and observe that occasionally the best things are indeed free. Run time: 02:11:42