Fully Threaded Radio

Fastener road warriors approach their travels in different ways, but those who listen to the fastener industry's top on-demand radio show will learn what's keeping the financial system afloat, as Federal Reserve economist, Mr. William Strauss, explains the role and methods of our central bank (73:22). Guest-host, Bob Baer, of Abbott Interfast, joins the discussion, adding his unique style of thinking to the conversation. On the Fastener News Report, Mike McNulty covers several important stories, including a shake up at Cardinal Fastener, and yet another large acquisition announcement. He also speaks with new IFI chairman, Steve Paddock, about the biggest challenge facing the industry, and also announces this year's Soaring Eagle Awards (43:46). Plus, Lou Boyd, of The Olander Company, reviews the recent Pac-West table top and spring meeting and discusses business conditions in the Silicon Valley (21:10). Hosts, Brian and Eric, recount their recent sojourn to central Wisconsin, which was a grea

Assuming anything can be risky, especially when control is the object. Turn-around artist, Vince Chiappone, describes his experience taking the helm at The Richard Manno Company (85:41). Kind of a “big deal” in the fastener industry, Ms. Jackie Ventura, who steers her own ship at Fasteners and Industrial Products, shockingly explains why her choice in smart phones is NOT an iPhone, and also previews the upcoming NCFA Distributor Social (27:56). Also, the FDI reading took a dramatic downturn in February. Mike McNulty and BB&T analyst, Holden Lewis, consider the causes, and also review the MSC and Barnes Distribution deal (55:54). Meanwhile, hosts Brian Musker and Eric Dudas take nothing for granted as they discuss difficulties with the Mars Curiosity rover, HAL 9000, and ubiquitous surveillance cameras. The cyborgs may be coming, but FTR listeners will be prepared. Run time: 02:06:10

How will the fastener industry react to the influx of overbearing government attacks against business at every level? Is the answer to be found in the newest website release by the fastener industry's biggest player? And who drives their business simply on the promise of a good sandwich? Nick Smith, of Nick's Fasteners & Supply, discusses life on the fastener frontier (63:17). Steve Andrasik, of Brighton Best International, joins Mike McNulty on the Fastener News Report (44:15). And Pac-West VP, Ms. Tracy Lehman, previews the upcoming table top and spring conference of the west coast's leading trade association (22:32). Hosts Brian Musker and Eric Dudas worry about counting letters, and ruminate over the impending government-mandated "healthcare" onslaught. Run Time: 01:43:58

What's driving recent rapid fire fastener company acquisitions? Was the explosive FDI rebound triggered by legitimate market growth? And what would happen in the event of a total ban on threaded fasteners? Stelfast president and industry rock star, Simmi, fires off with her perspective (74:00). Mike McNulty and BB&T analyst, Holden Lewis, unload with the latest FDI results (46:25). MWFA president, Mr. Matt Delawder, shares his thoughts on current market conditions, and describes exciting plans for Fastener Tech '13 (21:32). Bonus: Imagine no threaded fasteners (70:34)! Hosts Brian Musker and Eric Dudas keep their powder dry while considering a trip to Stuttgart. Run time: 01:54:38

The legendary Cartwright family made its mark on the old west, just as some have made theirs on the fastener industry. Dan Zehnder welcomes industry magnate, Mr. Ed McIlhon, of Assembled Products, to the latest installment of Legends of the Industry (79:13). It’s amazing what can happen during a simple test of a new phone system. Industry veteran, Paul Cabot, of fastener distributor Main Source, describes current conditions in the northeast, and recounts his foray into the fastener dot-com bubble (20:34). Also, on the Fastener News Report, the ever fastener-focused Mike McNulty talks with Tim Busching, of Elgin Fastener Group, about their recent partnership announcement with Brighton Best International and more. Affable hosts Brian Musker and Eric Dudas note the industry’s interest in wind energy, and discover a paradoxical and under-reported ornithological tragedy. Run time: 01:57:54

With world annihilation averted, the FTR boys convene a semi-all star panel to explore the future of the fastener industry after reviewing the year gone by. John Butler, of K&L Sales, the iPhone-toting Andy Pels, of ScrewCrew.com, and the indefatigable, Mr. Tom Buddenbohn, of Technology Components Southwest, share their insights and predictions (81:14). BB&T analyst, Holden Lewis, joins Fastener Technology International editor, Mr. Mike McNulty, on the Fastener News Report to discuss the latest FDI reading, which crept up slightly in December (50:01). Plus, the industry locks and loads as Fidelis Fasteners founder, Rob Lucas, fires at point blank range while explaining his thoughts on the recent round of industry consolidation (14:55). Hosts Brian Musker and Eric Dudas aim toward a future of mobile network access even as they stockpile their ammo for the future of the fastener industry. Run time: 02:24:29

Back away from the cliff! Fastener talk radio triumphantly returns with Mr. Charlie Kerr, of Kerr Lakeside, to discuss the possible impact of the fiscal cliff on family operated fastener companies (80:19). Mike McNulty’s Fastener News Report covers industry headlines and the free-falling FDI numbers from November, along with BB&T analyst, Holden Lewis (47:06). He also talks with Ruth Dowling, of Ningbo Jinding, about her experience at the recent Brazil Fastener Show in Sao Paulo (66:11). NFDA president, Jay Queenin, describes the “new era” and evolving role of the country’s largest national fastener association (22:06). Plus, news from the MWFA, NCFA and the longshoreman’s strike. Special bonus Christmas appearance by The Fastener Chipmunks (79:14). Hosts Brian Musker and Eric Dudas wax eloquent on holidays of yore, and note the chance appearance of a new fastener dog on the program. Ever have that dream where you're helplessly falling? The final episode of 2012 is kind of like that. Run time:

As a brave new fastener world emerges, Mr. Dan Zehnder, of Trinity Hardware Headquarters, reunites legendary industry brothers, Jim and John Zehnder, during a historic interview covering the origins and times of Earnest Machine and life in the “bolt business” (69:29). Mike McNulty, of Fastener Technology International, and BB&T Capital Markets analyst, Holden Lewis, discuss industry headlines and the sinking October FDI numbers on the Fastener News Report (44:31). Industry veteran, Heidi Voltrauer, of Volt Industrial Plastics, describes the recent 20th anniversary and expansion of her company, and also details the upcoming 2013 All-American Fastener Show (20:10). Plus, find out what happened at the NFDA fall conference and who will be leading the Pac-West during the coming year. Hosts Brian Musker and Eric Dudas vote for their favorite BBQ city, and voice their staunch support for sage grouse despite the pesky oil shale conflict. Run time: 02:00:47

The Vegas fastener show is over for another year. Who lost their shirt, and who picked up a colorful new one? Which big names made the biggest splash, and where were the big splashes made during after-hours activities? Industry blogger, Traveling Salesman, along with Rich Cavoto, of Metric and Multistandard Components, join in for a detailed review of this year’s show (76:03). Mr. Dan Zehnder, of Trinity Hardware Headquarters, presents his perspective on the big event, and discusses a new series of upcoming interviews with industry legends (21:43). Mike McNulty and Holden Lewis cover the intriguing September FDI results on the Fastener News Report (50:51). Plus, from the fastener show floor, Sara Mallo, Mike McGuire, Tracey Lumia, Ted Nieman, Bob O’Brien, Dave Audia, and others play Fastener Word Association. And in a stunning bonus feature segment, WIFI founder, the amazing Ms. Pam Berry, guides listeners on an exclusive visit to a mysterious fastener vestibule (119:56) that will remain forever inaccessible

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 th

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. R

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 other

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

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

What happened at the recent Pac-West and SFA spring conference meetings? Did the Taiwan International Fastener Show live up to expectations? How are forward-thinking fastener companies using technology to better serve customers? And is there even one dish that cannot be improved using bratwurst? Tom Stocking, of Stelfast, provides some of the answers (21:55), as do fastener warriors from beyond the cheddar curtain, John Butler and Marty Meyer, of K&L Sales (70:49). Also, Fidelis Fasteners president and CEO, Mr. Rob Lucas, reports from Hong Kong during Mike McNulty’s Fastener News Report (44:16). Hosts Brian Musker and Eric Dudas agree on their favorite single malt scotch from the isle of Islay, and they’re feeling pretty good overall, despite some consternation over travel assignments. Run time: 01:50:27