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, journe...
Apr 19, 2022•2 hr 33 min•Season 2022Ep. 175
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 Fast...
Mar 17, 2022•2 hr 32 min•Season 2022Ep. 174
Strong sales and demand keep optimism alive, even as distributors come to terms with the new normal of outrageous delivery schedules. Meanwhile, major shipping concerns are deploying blockchain technology to manage global supply chains, despite the fastener industry’s apparent disinterest. AFC Industries CEO Kevin Godin weighs in on the situation and discusses his company’s recent wave of acquisitions (1:47:16). Fresh off a merger of their own, Lindfast Solutions Group manager Jon Newman and Sol...
Feb 17, 2022•2 hr 35 min•Season 2022Ep. 173
The new year brings continued business momentum, along with a full decade of data on which to measure it, as the Fastener Distributor Index marks its first full decade. Fastenal CFO, Holden Lewis returns to reflect on his role in the creation of the popular industry benchmark (20:36). 2022 also brings continued challenges, and Würth Revcar CEO Chapman Revercomb sees supply chain transparency as a major key to meeting them (1:32:36). On the Fastener News Report , industry newsman Mike McNulty wel...
Jan 18, 2022•2 hr 12 min•Season 2022Ep. 172
The fastener industry knows how to enjoy its festivities, but also how to open its heart when it counts. Jake "Valdez" Davis of BTM Manufacturing and Matt Boyd of Parker Fasteners explain their plan to make a difference (1:35:03). Desert Distribution managing partner Jo Morris looks back on a memorable year, and looks ahead with new offerings (15:57). Eurolink boss Craig Penland discusses his formula for on-time inbound shipments (43:40). On the Fastener News Report , Mike McNulty makes the case...
Dec 16, 2021•2 hr 27 min•Season 2021Ep. 171
The fastener industry converged on Cleveland amid ongoing supply and pricing pressures, a tight labor market and new acquisitions. Despite the challenges, Fastener Fair USA saw good attendance and an abundance of fun. Stelfast president O.J. Simpson announces a new product category and explains the origin of the legendary Monkey (22:54). On the Fastener News Report , Earnest Machine CEO Kirk Zehnder joins screw biz journo Mike McNulty to break down the latest FDI reading (43:49). Industry educat...
Nov 19, 2021•2 hr 16 min•Season 2021Ep. 170
The fastener world is running at a different pace as supply issues and ongoing consolidation impact the industry. Meanwhile, questionable policy trends add further uncertainty and pressure to the mix. Fortunately, emerging technologies such as additive manufacturing offer hope of new opportunities to forward thinking companies, as Achim Grenner of the Würth Additive Group explains (22:56). Adding their observations to the dialogue, Tough Mudder team mates Jake “Valdez” Davis , John “Cool Hand” B...
Oct 21, 2021•2 hr 38 min•Season 2021Ep. 169
The 2021 International Fastener Expo surprised many with its stronger than expected attendance and upbeat feel. Direct from the scaled down show floor, the lovely and talented Lynn Dempsey speaks with attendees on a wide variety of topics. Plus, results of the hotly contested golf tourney. Run time: 50:00
Sep 23, 2021•50 min•Season 2021Ep. 4
Fastener Professional of the Year, family business operator and philanthropist Jim Derry of Field Fastener reflects on what it takes to be successful in business and in life (1:29:32). NCFA Screw Open full coverage, including this year's winner of the coveted FTR Award, Laura Vath , Dan Duffield , Kim Arnold , Charlie Kerr , Kurt Triptow and many more! (20:36). Star Stainless national sales manager, Bryan Wheeler joins industry newsman Mike McNulty to discuss the latest FDI and shocking outlook ...
Sep 18, 2021•2 hr 8 min•Season 2021Ep. 168
The Mid-West Fastener Association table top show, 75th anniversary black tie gala, and annual golf tournament were wildly successful. Kicked off by a pair of unofficial but equally energized events, FSTNR Week '21 was received by an enthusiastic fastener industry, ready to return to face to face events. Nancy Rich, GHIII, Kam Dorsey, Mike Stamm, Rob "Big Country" Reynolds, Bobby Wegner, Heidi Volltrauer, John "Cool Hand" Butler, Christian Reich, Colin Cochart, Jake "Valdez" Davis and many more! ...
Aug 25, 2021•42 min•Season 2021Ep. 3
Fastener industry legend and chip shot artist Mr. Robbie Gilchrist describes current market conditions, the future of the rep business, and how the NFDA found its way (18:28/1:30:25). AIM Testing Labs partner Rob LaPointe explains how hydrogen embrittlement is like an M&M (42:29). On the Fastener News Report , Fastener Technology International managing editor Mike McNulty hosts S.W. Anderson Company senior manager Jim Costello to unpack the latest mixed FDI numbers (53:28). Carmen Vertullo e...
Aug 13, 2021•2 hr 17 min•Season 2021Ep. 167
Fastener distributors rely on firmly grounded suppliers, especially in stormy seas, so it’s good to know Star Stainless Screw Company has an experienced captain at the helm. President Tim Roberto Jr. opines on the choppy overseas shipping situation, and the benefits of a good float (20:18). With the MWFA’s big week on the horizon, board member Tabitha Herbst , along with Bobby Wegner of Beacon Fasteners & Components, and Jill Lewis of Associated Fastening Products weigh in on preparations fo...
Jul 17, 2021•2 hr 29 min•Season 2021Ep. 166
Sales activity continues to boom, along with supply chain headaches, so naturally INxSQL founder Bob Reynolds and the uncancelable Joe Truckey of Cal Fasteners turn their thoughts to summer golf (1:41:19). In pursuit of another kind of diversion, EFC International sales manager Paul Musgrove offers pro tips for better BBQ (23:21). Industry editor Mike McNulty welcomes Optimas CEO Marc Strandquist , as they mostly stay on the topic of the latest amazing FDI results during the Fastener News Report...
Jun 19, 2021•2 hr 29 min•Season 2021Ep. 165
It’s safe to say Jake “Valdez” Davis of BTM Manufacturing and Bob “GQ” Baer of Abbott-Interfast have been training with varying degrees of intensity, but will their efforts prove effective during the upcoming Tough Mudder event? They compare notes on race prep, current supply chain craziness, and the MWFA super-event happening this summer. (18:52) George Schrull of Buckeye Fasteners describes new “lights out” fabrication capabilities, and confirms there will be plenty of proven fastener-related ...
May 12, 2021•2 hr 34 min•Season 2021Ep. 164
From a rural Texas workshop to the minds of fastener users around the world, technical educators Randy Lammers and Aaron Keevan share their vast knowledge on the exciting new webcast, Würth Knowing . They explain their vision for the online series, and also a few behind the scenes details, including the origin of Randy’s legendary Uncle Moe stories (19:21). Also well worth hearing, AIM Test Labs founder, Carmen Vertullo leads a discussion about an intriguing new cert management platform called S...
Apr 15, 2021•2 hr 30 min•Season 2021Ep. 163
During a veritable banquet of fastener industry intel and commentary, Mr. Charlie Kerr of Kerr Lakeside serves up a super-sized portion of predominantly fastener-related banter. Who ordered the surcharges? (1:35:17) Brighton Best International president, Jun Xu joins Mike McNulty on the Fastener News Report with shocking FDI results (55:32). Nelson Valderrama of Intuilize explains how distributors are harnessing data to implement AI systems to up their game (24:08). On the Fastener Training Minu...
Mar 19, 2021•2 hr 52 min•Season 2021Ep. 162
Jake "Valdez" Davis of BTM Manufacturing and John "Cool Hand" Butler from The Olander Company inadvertently sign up for a grueling obstacle course race. But like the resilient industry they support, they’re sure to make a strong finish. Run time: 4:52
Mar 10, 2021•5 min•Season 2021Ep. 162
As dark winter storms freeze the country, MWFA president George Hunt III plans for a heated race come summer, and ever expanding product lines for Brighton Best International (1:27:54). Expansion keeps good company as Würth Industry North America VP of Marketing, Becky McMorrow describes another prime acquisition, and a new digital media offering for the industry giant (13:12). G.L. Huyett CEO, Tim O’Keeffe joins Mike McNulty on the Fastener News Report , and gives the podcast its first ever cou...
Feb 19, 2021•2 hr 21 min•Season 2021Ep. 161
The fastener industry reports booming business, while the world at large seems poised for something else. What gives? Tough guys Jake “Valdez” Davis of BTM Manufacturing and John "Cool Hand" Butler of the Olander Company attempt to solve this riddle as they take on the obstacle course that is the screw biz (1:36:35). Case in point: Logistics expert, Chris Donnell of Scanwell, describes the outlook for inbound sea and air shipments, as importers contend with ongoing massive disruptions (22:08). E...
Jan 21, 2021•2 hr 35 min•Season 2021Ep. 160
As the year winds down, the fastener industry is buoyed with optimism, even as it faces growing market pressures and wild uncertainty. Keeping things jolly, Buckeye Fasteners manager, Larry Kelly shares the frostified back story of Old Rusty Bolt beer, the benefits of employee owned companies, and his deep knowledge of working in the sweet spot (1:27:11). Also joining the reindeer games, Würth Industry North America VP, Jeff Schmitt weighs in on the over seas freight situation, and sees growth o...
Dec 17, 2020•2 hr 18 min•Season 2020Ep. 159
If the fastener business sometimes feels like mortal combat, one group seems prepared. YFP president, Jake Glaser leads a wide ranging conversation with fellow youthful thread warriors London Penland , of Eurolink, and Young Fastener Professional of the Year, Jessi Solt , that reveals a true fighting spirit (1:22:06). Meanwhile, the fastener industry inducted the far less bellicose John “Cowboy” Wachman , and G.L. Huyett CEO, Tim O’Keeffe to its Hall of Fame (16:34). During the Fastener News Rep...
Nov 21, 2020•2 hr 15 min•Season 2020Ep. 158
Bold strategies and a new leadership direction for industrial fastener supplier Optimas Solutions are the topics as newly appointed CEO, Mr. Marc Strandquist discusses key points of their exciting recently announced initiative, his management approach, the Fastener Distributor Index , and success after personal setback. Run time: 24:44
Oct 29, 2020•25 min•Season 2020Ep. 2
The screw biz rebounded sooner than expected, but the customer meeting game still has a long way to go. Veteran sales pro Jackie "Kind of a Big Deal" Ventura guest-hosts a timely segment that details the current picture, as she welcomes fellow rep John "Cowboy" Wachman , and Christian Reich of Goebel Fasteners (1:25:17). The Industrial Distribution "Big 50 List" just hit the street, managing editor Mike Hockett has the story (21:45). On the Fastener News Report , industry newsman Mike McNulty ta...
Oct 18, 2020•2 hr 8 min•Season 2020Ep. 157
The one sure bet in the fastener industry is the Vegas show. But with this year’s long-odds cancellation, the FTR boys needed a way to unload their huge supply of giveaway Vegemite . They decided to set up a virtual booth anyway to see if the format could lure in any takers, and to get a reading of the screw biz during the strangest year on record. Bryn Stock , Jake Davis , Mike Topolewski , Matt Boyd , "Iron" Bill Armstrong , Cari Bailey , Tom Buddenbohn and the always coiffed Rosa Hearn make t...
Sep 22, 2020•1 hr 53 min•Season 2020Ep. 156
Things don’t seem to fit together the way they once did, but an otherwise ripe market always seems out of whack to the inattentive. So when the circumspect Mr. Andy Cohn , of Duncan Bolt, joins news editor Mike McNulty to discuss the startling FDI results on the Fastener News Report , the ensuing conversation expands into a predominantly fastener-related discussion that fastener distributors should heed (45:07). The PPE space has become a topic of interest for many industrial distributors, but i...
Aug 15, 2020•2 hr 20 min•Season 2020Ep. 155
Feeling right at home in their new roles with LindFast Solutions Group, Bernie Longen and John "OJ" Simpson explain recent developments and things to come as the fastener industry powerhouse supplier hits its stride (1:17:49). ITR Economics analyst Alex Chausovsky presents a clear, if uneven, path to growth and a key opportunity segment as he summarizes his recent NFDA virtual summit presentation (20:16). The maverick CEO of G.L. Huyett, Tim O'Keeffe joins Fastener Technology International edito...
Jul 21, 2020•2 hr 7 min•Season 2020Ep. 154
As the “new abnormal” grinds on, industry veteran rep Rick Rudolph relies on his standard cordiality and grace to serve fastener companies in the New England region (10:41). AIM Test Labs founder Carmen Vertullo along with Eurolink vlogger London Penland explore how the market approaches ISO vs. DIN standards (1:34:33). The Fastener Distributor Index battles back, and Marc Strandquist of Optimas joins Mike McNulty to compare notes, on the Fastener News Report (57:25). During the Fastener Trainin...
Jun 18, 2020•2 hr 41 min•Season 2020Ep. 153
Thread game veterans Rich Cavoto and Bob “GQ” Baer explain the origins of the infamous Naperville Fastener Association , share fitness training secrets, and offer ideas for an improved city driving experience (1:32:18). Newer to the field, but aiming to innovate, AJ Strandquist of Würth Industry North America is forging boldy into the realm of additive manufacturing, believing the long-expected impact will soon be felt (21:50). Then, it’s absolutely the worst FDI reading on record, as Solution I...
May 16, 2020•2 hr 31 min•Season 2020Ep. 152
Lessons of basic courage and practical survival unfold along with the story of a New York based fastener manufacturer during the outbreak, as told by Jason Wagner and Ilian Dimitrov of The Richard Manno Company, during a supplemental yet essential episode of the podcast. Run time: 31:48
Apr 23, 2020•32 min•Season 2020Ep. 1
During a novel edition of fastener talk radio, we hear stories from industry insiders across the operational spectrum. Jun Xu of Brighton Best, Mike Topolewski of Perigee Manufacturing, Joanne Bialas of International Fasteners, and Matt Boyd of Parker Fasteners share their experiences, thoughts and feelings as they face the dramatic impact of COVID-19 with the lovely and talented Lynn Dempsey (1:51:23). Looking at the possible impact on the global supply chain, Harry Moser of the Reshoring Initi...
Apr 16, 2020•2 hr 51 min•Season 2020Ep. 151
