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). ...
Mar 19, 2020•2 hr 38 min•Season 2020Ep. 150
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 ...
Feb 19, 2020•1 hr 59 min•Season 2020Ep. 149
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, Bair...
Jan 18, 2020•1 hr 47 min•Season 2020Ep. 148
'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...
Dec 18, 2019•2 hr 31 min•Season 2019Ep. 147
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 ...
Nov 21, 2019•2 hr 23 min•Season 2019Ep. 146
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 Penlan d 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 st...
Oct 23, 2019•2 hr 11 min•Season 2019Ep. 145
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 , Hei...
Sep 28, 2019•2 hr 8 min•Season 2019Ep. 144
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...
Aug 20, 2019•2 hr 39 min•Season 2019Ep. 143
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 m...
Jul 14, 2019•1 hr 56 min•Season 2019Ep. 142
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 e...
Jun 12, 2019•2 hr 3 min•Season 2019Ep. 141
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 Pe...
May 20, 2019•2 hr 28 min•Season 2019Ep. 140
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 Wh...
Apr 18, 2019•3 hr 25 min•Season 2019Ep. 139
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...
Mar 13, 2019•2 hr 39 min•Season 2019Ep. 138
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...
Feb 15, 2019•2 hr 26 min•Season 2019Ep. 137
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,...
Jan 17, 2019•2 hr 1 min•Season 2019Ep. 136
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)...
Dec 14, 2018•2 hr 24 min•Season 2018Ep. 135
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” B...
Nov 17, 2018•2 hr 46 min•Season 2018Ep. 134
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...
Oct 25, 2018•1 hr 53 min•Season 2018Ep. 133
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 Mi...
Sep 23, 2018•2 hr 11 min•Season 2018Ep. 132
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 ...
Aug 23, 2018•2 hr 12 min•Season 2018Ep. 131
Disruptive technology and competition present volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity (VUCA) to the fastener industry, even as the screw biz surges. But fear not, George Hunt III of BBI discusses ways of bringing stability and success to a life in fasteners, with work and family in simple equilibrium (1:16:09). NFDA president, Kelly Cole joins Fastener Technology International editor, Mike McNulty to dissect the latest uptick in the FDI numbers on the Fastener News Report (45:12). Mack...
Jul 26, 2018•2 hr 17 min•Season 2018Ep. 130
Should you be concerned about impending changes to California Proposition 65 ? How can you position your distribution company to thrive in a world dominated by Amazon Business ? And who won the FTR Busch Light 30 pack at this year’s MWFA Open? Industry expert, Carmen Vertullo offers practical advice to the fastener industry as it ponders modifications in labeling requirements that could impact all levels of the supply chain (15:09). Modern Distribution Management president, Ian Heller , discusse...
Jun 20, 2018•2 hr 34 min•Season 2018Ep. 129
Fastener Industry Hall of Fame member and zygologist, Mr. Mike McGuire shares his thoughts on a range of predominantly fastener-related topics, and hints of a new business venture coming soon (1:17:31). The lovely and talented Lynn Dempsey explains the FCH/FTI Fastener Training Week scholarship with past winners, Shenice Peterson of Empire Bolt, and Michael Shibasaki of Fuller Metric (23:52). Würth EVP, Marc Strandquist joins Mike McNulty on the Fastener News Report to discuss the latest FDI rea...
May 23, 2018•1 hr 55 min•Season 2018Ep. 128
The fastener industry converged at the rock hall of fame recently, and it was no mistake, although there was some confusion about the ground transportation. Jammin' Jake Davis of BTM Manufacturing and Brighton Best’s Rosa Hearn share their experiences from Fastener Fair USA (1:28:25). The lovely and talented Lynn Dempsey joined Brian as they traveled to Costa Rica for the NFDA 50th anniversary conference, and they returned with more than tan lines (15:27). R. W. Baird analyst, David Manthey expl...
Apr 22, 2018•2 hr 31 min•Season 2018Ep. 127
Who’s up for some sweet new tariffs? Apparently, not the fastener industry, as Kerr Lakeside honcho, Mr. Charlie Kerr weighs in with his reaction to the news of tariffs on imported steel (13:08). During the second big feature segment, G.L. Huyett CEO, Tim O’Keeffe describes growing a thriving fastener business from humble beginnings and "in the middle of nowhere", while using his writing to connect with the industry at multiple levels (1:29:58). Industry editor Mike McNulty has good news for cra...
Mar 15, 2018•2 hr 21 min•Season 2018Ep. 126
Shaking up the world of hard to locate metric fasteners, Craig Penland explains the unique business model of Eurolink Fastener Supply Service (1:29:24). Solution Industries boss, John Radel talks shop, and announces a shake up of his own (24:27). Plus, Mr. Harry Moser of The Reshoring Initiative discusses exciting progress in the effort to bring manufacturing back to the U.S. and describes a new program designed to help importers make the right decisions (44:52). Mike McNulty presents the Fasten...
Feb 15, 2018•2 hr 15 min•Season 2018Ep. 125
An exciting new era of fastener distribution appears imminent as Mike Ricciardi of ITW Shakeproof and Bryan Wheeler of Star Stainless report on the YFP Leadership Conference that focused on the disruptive technologies that have begun to impact the industry, launching an all new season of fastener talk radio (1:15:55). Raconteur and Fastener Professional of the Year, Mr. Robbie Gilchrist notes important trends to watch in the coming year (21:31). FTI editor, Mike McNulty hosts Baird analyst, Quin...
Jan 16, 2018•2 hr 8 min•Season 2018Ep. 124
Fastener industry leaders Bruce Wheeler , of Star Stainless, Bill Derry , of Field Fastener, and Adam Pratt , of Sherex Fastening Solutions appeared together during a panel discussion at the recent International Fastener Expo in Las Vegas. FTR was there, and we are honored to share this wide ranging discussion as the podcast season finale. Plus, latest FDI reading, the Chevy Bolt, and ITR’s key leading indicators. Run time: 01:19:17
Dec 18, 2017•1 hr 19 min•Season 2017Ep. 123
Self-driven to excel in the fastener game, industry rock star and Stelfast president, Simmi explains state of the art forecasting, what to watch for in the coming quarters, and her choice of victuals in Vegas (1:24:04). Parker Fasteners is leading the market in the use of 3D printed samples. Millennial fastener pro, Matt Boyd describes their recent exhibit at IFE, and real world applications of this burgeoning technology (23:16). Baird analyst Quinn Fredrickson joins Fastener Technology Internat...
Nov 20, 2017•2 hr 12 min•Season 2017Ep. 122
During a landmark podcast that will stand as a historic marker of many lives in fastening, industry pro jocks Jake Davis , of BTM Manufacturing, and Baron “Best Beard” Yarborough , of Spring Bolt and Nut, join in for the annual Vegas show round up (1:20:32). Fellow luxury resort connoisseur, Bill Akerfeldt of Lindstrom comments on recent price increases as well as accommodations at the show (31:01). Würth EVP Marc Strandquist evaluates FDI numbers with industry anchor, Mike McNulty , on the Fast...
Oct 30, 2017•2 hr 13 min•Season 2017Ep. 121
