How will the fastener industry weigh in at the polls this November, and does the question belong on fastener talk radio in the first place? What new capability has been developed by the FCH Sourcing Network to connect the industry as never before? And will Andy Pels return to Las Vegas next month after missing last year’s big show? CEO of Quickscrews International, Mr. Greg Wiener, and Lucky 13 Fastener Sales owner, Ms. Julee Mortensen, authentically tackle the issues surrounding the upcoming election from both sides of the aisle (72:02). Ruth Dowling and Cris Young, of WIFI, preview their organization’s upcoming program and meeting, and share recent developments (24:34). Mike McNulty reports from Shanghai, China, and highlights an exciting new program coming soon from Beacon Fasteners & Components (49:22). Meanwhile, hosts Brian Musker and Eric Dudas note the Queen’s favorite scotch, consider iPhone thievery, and wonder whether Rich Cavoto has internalized the metric lifestyle in the truest sense of the word. Run time: 02:03:06

The fastener industry rebounds amid news of new alliances and free flowing beverages. John Wachman, of Desert Distribution, describes his experience working with members of the fastener “rat pack” during his quest for fastener nerdhood certification (74:15). Holden Lewis, of BB&T Capital Markets, joins Mike McNulty on the Fastener News Report to announce better than expected numbers from the most recent FDI survey (48:45). Perhaps most significantly, Larry Kelly, of Buckeye Fasteners, drops a frosty malted bombshell, sure to stagger the halls of the upcoming Vegas show (28:08). Plus, NCFA golf outing coverage. Hosts Brian Musker and Eric Dudas revel at the thought of the forthcoming bounty, and plan their imminent iPhone upgrade path, despite a dubious luminary's befuddling difficulties. Run time: 01:59:12

From Sparta to Los Angeles, the world depends on industrial fasteners. Industry legend, Mr. Ron Sackheim, carries the torch for the fastener industry, and shares his thoughts after a lifetime in the business during an encore conversation with hosts Brian Musker and Eric Dudas (59:32). Industry rock star and Stelfast president, Simmi, discusses her views on the latest FDI numbers, the role of master importers in today’s market, and the upcoming Vegas show (23:02). Plus, USA Fastener Group operations manager, Mike Weaver, explains his company’s recent expansion announcement on the Fastener News Report, with Fastener Technology International magazine editor, Mike McNulty (39:09). Brian and Eric agree it would be good if 50 was actually 35, but realize that’s as likely as 6 being 9. Run time: 01:43:16

Has the effect of a sizzling hot summer been to cool the outlook for the fastener industry? Where can you go to find hard to get fasteners when you don’t know where to go? And exactly who built the successful businesses that make up the fastener industry? Don “Solution Man” Shan, of Solution Industries, chimes in and describes how a business about nothing is actually something you should know about (71:30). BB&T Capital Markets analyst, Holden Lewis, discusses the chilly July FDI results along with Mike McNulty on the Fastener News Report (45:49). Plus, Specialty Bolt & Screw and NFDA president, Mr. Jay Queenin, describes his view of business conditions abroad, and also exciting developments at the largest national fastener trade organization (24:20). Hosts Brian Musker and Eric Dudas celebrate a couple of important milestone birthdays, as they gratefully build their own successful business, one thread at a time. Run time: 01:54:51

Brian and Eric encounter a large mammal swimming across the lake during their latest northwoods adventure. Was it a foreshadowing of softening markets, or of the recent droll headline out of Moscow? Despite lackluster GPS performance, the boys navigate out of the bush to discuss these and other subjects and welcome Mr. Harry Moser, of the Reshoring Intitiative, and Mr. Andy Cohn, of Duncan Bolt. An in-depth examination of the reshoring movement and related issues ensues (56:41). Mike McNulty breaks industry headlines on the Fastener News Report and presents details of the slipping FDI numbers from June, along with BB&T Capital Markets analyst, Holden Lewis (30:58). Also, extended interviews from the MWFA Expo and golf outing featuring Rich Cavoto, John Butler, Vic LaPoma, Jackie Ventura, Matt Delawder, Kameron Dorsey, Don Shan and more (18:18). Like America’s new healthcare system, this episode of FTR is absolutely free. Just don’t expect it to address all your issues in a timely or effective manner. Run time: 01:45:38

Industry consolidation, successful association events, and rising industry index numbers point to a sector that’s doing fine. Or is it? Mr. Charlie Kerr, of Kerr Lakeside, discusses his view of the fastener world and beyond, just after his recent appearance at the NCFA Distributor Social panel discussion (69:59). Industry blogger, Traveling Salesman, provides further details on the event, and notes the presence of a very special fastener brew (19:49). Mike McNulty presents the Fastener News Report, featuring a discussion with BB&T Capital Markets analyst, Holden Lewis, that explores the May FDI numbers and some new trends that seem to be emerging (43:55). It’s a veritable celebration of the private sector, as hosts Brian Musker and Eric Dudas consider counter-rotation and spinnerbaits in advance of their annual pilgrimage to the Canadian Shield. Run time: 01:55:07

When anti-NATO protesters from around the world arrive in Chicago to cause havoc, the Fully Threaded boys naturally think of anti-corrosive fastener materials. Mark Alperin and Mark Klosek, of Vertex Distribution, share their knowledge of the stainless fastener business, as well as a unique training technique that could be considered positively tasteless (56:45). From the Atlanta office of industry leader, Stelfast, branch manager, Mr. Ted Nieman, joins in to discuss his impressions of current market conditions (22:18). Mike McNulty opens the Fastener News Report by pointing out that while the fastener business might not be as exciting as the recent social media IPO mania, at least it doesn’t operate in a soon to burst bubble. Then, he speaks to Rosa Hearn, of Brighton Best International, about the huge expansion program now under way by the master-importing giant (39:20). Hosts Brian Musker and Eric Dudas note the improvement in dinner meeting table fare, and offer cutlery suggestions not like any others you’ve heard before. Run time: 01:36:36

To finish in the money, you need the people, resources and network connections it takes to compete at the highest level. Fastener associations provide many opportunities to bring all the ingredients together. Joe Peplinski, of Beacon Fasteners & Components, explains how success in the fastener business is much like placing in a bass tournament. Pacific Warehouse Sales partner, Kelly Lehman, demonstrates this principle on the golf course, during the 3rd annual Mel Kirsner Memorial Golf Tournament (25:16). Then, NFDA Spring Conference attendees, including incoming president, Jay Queenin, along with Don Haggerty, Robbie Gilchrist, and others, discuss their thoughts on this year's hugely successful event and the direction of the organization (77:29). Also, FTI editor, Mike McNulty, and Holden Lewis present the April FDI survey results, and focus on the numbers and what they mean for fastener distributors (41:43). Hosts Brian Musker and Eric Dudas consider communist propaganda and the epics of Homer. Eric ponders bass fishing, while Brian angles for invitations. Run time: 01:41:12

Will Amazon.com divert the flow of online sales from industrial suppliers? How will rapidly changing conditions in Asian manufacturing countries impact upcoming quarters for fastener distributors? When is a Din 975 NOT a threaded rod? The always insightful, Andy Pels of ScrewCrew.com, shares his thoughts, and reveals a shocking change in his mobile computing preference (16:07). Bruce Darling, of Porteous Fastener Company, wraps up his intensive two-part presentation to the SFA, as he describes the many dynamic forces affecting fastener suppliers (66:38). On the Fastener News Report, Mike McNulty welcomes Mark Packard, sales manager of Rocknel Fastener (46:07). Also, he describes a recent heartening occasion that caused him to momentarily shift his keen focus away from fasteners. Hosts, Brian Musker and Eric Dudas, consider radio gimmickery and BBQ. The subject of glow golf is revisited. Run time: 01:49:13

Avoid student debt by attending online courses in "threadology", advanced fastener industry principles, as Mr. Bruce Darling, of Porteous Fastener Company, presents a wide-reaching introduction to the forces and events that have impacted the industry, leading to the present day (67:26). Industry analyst, Holden Lewis, joins Mike McNulty on the Fastener News Report to discuss the March FDI numbers (40:44). Plus, the political landscape is examined from a fastener man's point of view, as QuickScrews International CEO, Greg Wiener, weighs in with his latest punditry (17:36). Offsetting the heavy coursework, hosts Brian Musker and Eric Dudas opt for elective courses in zipology and glow golf. Run time: 01:48:14