IFE is like no other show in the fastener industry, and this year's edition seemed a lot like "the good old days" without the carpeting.  The lovely and talented Lynn Dempsey took her mic to the show floor and spoke to attendees from every part of the thread biz (9:34, 1:03:52).  Fastener Technology International editor Mike McNulty presents the Fastener News Report and fires hard at the powers that should not be (37:24).  On the Fastener Training  Minute, industry educator Carmen Vertullo explains the facts of bolt stretching (50:10).  Plus: The FDI sinks & Trainageddon update!  Eric embraces the here and now as Brian galavants out west.  Run time: 01:36:07

Industry veteran Marc Strandquist announces a new mission with Sellside Group, helping fastener companies navigate the challenges of a market in flux.  David Kerr of Metal Resource Solutions warns of coming price hikes on European steel. Plus: Jake "Valdez" Davis of BTM Manufacturing is quitting? Run time: 30:47

Has tragedy been narrowly averted or is the supply disruption train still racing down the track, set to impact business across the country? Scanwell Logistics freight forwarding expert Chris Donnell shares his view (16:31). On the other race front, Rugged Maniac team veterans Jake "Valdez" Davis of BTM Manufacturing, Mike Robinson of Star Stainless and Brandi Bertoia of INxSQL Software recount their experience on the mud track, prefaced by Abbott-Interfast president Bob "GQ" Baer (1:38:55). Fastener Technology International editor Mike McNulty welcomes Baird analyst Quinn Fredrickson on the Fastener News Report to examine the highly unusual FDI results (1:01:15).  On the Fastener Training Minute, Carmen Vertullo explains the difference between drywall and wood screws. PLUS: International Fastener Expo manager Morgan Wilson reveals exciting details about the upcoming show in Vegas (46:30).  Brian and Eric wait patiently for their train, but at this point it's anyone's guess if it will arrive. Run time: 02:31:37

The Mid-West Fastener Association annual FSTNR Week and table top show, golf tournament and lead up events were wildly successful again this year.   TJ McFarland, Don "Tex" Carr, Mike Robinson, Jake "Valdez" Davis,  Erica Strandquist, Bob "GQ" Baer, Kam Dorsey, Ashley Parker, Wayne "Captain Smooth" Wishnew and many more! PLUS: Golf highlights including this year's FTR Award winner. Run time: 41:14

When big fastener companies acquire other big fastener companies, and people who know big fasteners talk about it, you have the makings of an aptly titled podcast. Star Stainless president, Tim Roberto Jr. discusses the recent big headlines involving the acquisition of his company by Lindfast Solutions Group (12:38). Big bearded Baron Yarborough of Birmingham Fasteners returns to weigh in and discusses the rigors of building out big new manufacturing firepower (1:24:01).  On the Fastener News Report Mike McNulty welcomes Solution Industries GM Tim Vath to consider the big drop in a leading indicator and what it might mean for distributors (37:47). Industry guru Carmen Vertullo talks fastener chemistry on the Fastener Training Minute (1:08:54).  Thematically, Eric gains a big supply of fasteners and Brian uses a Vegemite mule to supply the biggest fastener show around.  Run time:  02:01:28

Strong sales and ongoing supply challenges remain the top themes as the fastener industry keeps its optimism heading into a hot summer.  On the water, at the bar or while making his podcast debut, Jason Baines of J. Lanfranco makes a big splash wherever he goes (13:49).  Prepping for the Rugged Maniac race ahead of FSTNR Week,  TJ McFarland of Goebel Fasteners and Brandi Bertoia of INxSQL Software plan to make a splash of their own (1:47:57).  NFDA president Nick Ruetz joins newsman Mike McNulty to review mixed signals in the latest FDI on the Fastener News Report (1:02:07).  Carmen Vertullo offers helpful tips to reduce common risks of  technical drawings on the latest Fastener Training Minute (1:37:08).  Brian builds a driveway and Eric builds a case. Closing summer tour jam: GD 7/17/89  Run time: 02:19:03

The lovely and talented Lynn Dempsey hit the floor at Fastener Fair USA with mic in hand. Her interviews with show attendees reveal steady progress along with a vague yet persistent uncertainty (1:41:04). Less ambiguous, Würth Construction Services CEO Alex Mikros describes the clear path he sees while guiding his reformulated organization towards continued growth (17:18). Star Stainless Screw president, Tim Roberto Jr. joins newsman Mike McNulty on the Fastener News Report to review the latest FDI numbers (57:48). Veteran MWFA board member Rich Cavoto of Metric & Multistandard presents a harrowing story from the streets of Detroit, then looks ahead to FSTNR week ‘22 (45:35). Torquing large (frickin’) bolts is the subject of the latest Fastener Training Minute with Carmen Vertullo (1:31:34). PLUS: Rugged maniac Bob “GQ” Baer of Abbott-Interfast puts out the call for able-bodied fastener friends to join him at this year’s obstacle race event (2:11:02). Brian points out that not just anyone should get a free pen, and Eric decides to avoid future dark alleys. Run time: 02:29:07

As Brian returns from down under, and with the Detroit show just around the corner, the FDI cools and the fastener world reconsiders its supply chain.  Industry veteran Preston Boyd of the Industrial Fasteners Institute describes how his organization is reaching out to distributors to reintroduce domestic suppliers (1:39:47).  Scanwell Logistics senior expeditor Chris Donnell explains a wide range of pressures on imports that suggests no improvement for inbound shipments in the foreseeable future (15:41).  Industry newsman Mike McNulty welcomes Sems & Specials VP of sales Kelly Charles as guest commentator on the Fastener News Report (1:00:19).  Thread guru Carmen Vertullo makes a generous offer of mentorship on the Fastener Training Minute (1:28:21).  The boys scramble to hold it all together as they prepare to hit the road for the motor city.  Run time:  02:25:29

The old adage about people not leaving the fastener industry proves true again as reluctant highway pilot Tim "Action" Jackson returns.  Back from an extended RV misadventure to report on the recent Pac-West conference, he sees the industry with the eye of an outsider coming back in (1:33:50).  Likewise, the screw biz was never far from the heart of life-long  thread man Don "The Amazing" Shan, as he announces an all new venture after a brief hiatus (21:53).  Never having strayed the course, journeymen Mike McNulty and AFC Industries VP of sales, John Kovatch pour over the latest FDI report and speculate what it portends for the coming year on the Fastener News Report (53:52).  During a special Fastener Training Minute, Carmen Vertullo lays out everything the well equipped fastener distributor needs on its reference desk (1:19:49).  PLUS: Fastener Fair USA show manager Bob Chiracosta previews the upcoming show in Detroit (1:33:50).  Brian heads south for supplies while Eric hopes to stay off the rocks.  Run time: 02:32:33 

There’s no hyperbole suggesting the fastener industry is moving at a hyperbolic rate, as world events impact supply and pricing at a dizzying pace. Star Stainless president, Tim Roberto Jr. describes “Rusty Monday”, shocking developments in the nickle and stainless markets (51:38). Counseling a pragmatic approach amid ongoing disruptions, Brighton Best International president Jun Xu joins newsman Mike McNulty to discuss the latest FDI and doing business in a climate of uncertainty, on the Fastener News Report (1:03:25).  Würth Industry North America meets the challenges with state of the art distribution center technology, as WINA senior director Ken Misch explains (1:53:30). Financial advisor and host of The Blockchain Advisor podcast, Bill Ulivieri presents advice on getting setup to accept digital currencies (21:27). Plus, Carmen Vertullo has the Fastener Training Minute, this time focusing on torquing nylon insert locknuts (1:42:26). Brian and Eric shun an appeal from yet another false dialectic, opting instead to walk their fastener dogs. Run time: 02:32:20