Fully Threaded Radio

With a long view on the fastener industry and numerous careers to reflect on, Distributor's Link Magazine publisher Mr. Leo Coar recounts the launch of his flagship businesses and shares thoughts on a range of topics. From the shift away from domestic manufacturing and rise of the master importers, to the early days of the fastener shows, to the impact of AI tech on fastener distribution, a true legend of the industry tells it like it was, and the way he sees it in the days ahead. Run time: 47:31

The fastener market may be going nuts, but marketing pros Rosa Hearn of BBI and Joe Shoemaker of AFC Industries keep a steady hand while getting the right messaging to the industry (1:07:11). Würth Industry USA managing director Chapman Revercomb joins senior news editor Mike McNulty on the Fastener News Report to read into the latest FDI rally (21:12). Perigee Manufacturing CEO Michael Topolewski breaks down the fall out from the recent SPS fire (11:45).  On the Fastener Training Minute, Carmen Vertullo presents the most important training topic EVAH! (57:13) Summer is kicking off, so Brian and Eric crave BBQ, as always.  FNR musical interlude: "Dead Man Theme" by N. Young cover. Run time: 01:47:56

Fastener Fair USA in Nashville was a big success with strong traffic, numerous education and networking opportunities, Nascar simulator competition and a down home after hours event. The lovely and talented Lynn Dempsey gathered reactions and commentary from show attendees from across the industry, including Josh Winkler, Louis Speedon, GHIII, Heidi Volltrauer, Tim Vath, Kim Penland, Bob Chiricosta, Henning Cybulski, John "Cool Hand" Butler and many more. Run time: 01:08:27

The screw turns as the industry heads to Nashville for its annual spring jamboree.  NCFA Distributor Social attendees, Gary Graham, Justine Urban, Morgan Wilson speak with the lovely and talented Lynn Dempsey. On the Fastener Training Minute, thread guru Carmen Vertullo explains new structural bolt standard changes that could impact hydrogen embrittlement. PLUS: Who actually won the FTR award at this year's MWFA Still Screwed Up Open?  Run time: 34:30

With over 20 years at Fastenal, Sam Aldinger makes the jump into homesteading, balancing a blend of animal husbandry, podcasting and digital business coaching all while managing a fulfilling family life.  The discussion touches on the importance of data in fastener distribution and manufacturing, selecting the correct B2B commerce platform, networking into farm communities, the culture at Fastenal, and sheep psychology. Run time: 51.55

The fastener industry reacts to the new tariffs as the impacts begin to take shape.  Field Fastener president Adam Derry joins Fastener Technology International editor Mike McNulty to sort out the tanking FDI numbers on the Fastener News Report (21:16).  Returning from Stuttgart, Goebel Fasteners CEO Christian Reich checks in with his read (12:55).  Plus, John "Cool Hand" Butler of Martin Supply shares news of the largest charity bed build yet (1:54).  On the Fastener Training Minute, Carmen Vertullo talks electro-plating alloy socket set screws (59:50). BONUS: Marco Rodriguez presents the quarterly commercial real estate report (52:23).  Eric is back from the pit, on the way to Nashville.  Close theme: Robert Earl Keen, "Barbeque", 1996. Run time: 01:07:38

The world's largest dedicated fastener show, Fastener Fair Global, took place in Stuttgart, Germany and Eurolink Fastener Supply Service founder and president Craig Penland was there.  He reviews this year's show as well as some of his adventures exploring various locations in Europe. He also shares a surprising take on the European view of the tariffs.  Run time: 33:51

Despite shifting tariff pronouncements, the fastener industry records another strong month as Brighton Best International president Jun Xu joins newsman Mike McNulty explain on the Fastener News Report (28:33). Meanwhile, Rick Perkhaus of Fastener Specialties Manufacturing confronts an issue facing many small to mid-sized family operations (8:37).  On the Fastener Training Minute, industry guru Carmen Vertullo discusses the fine points of mixing small lots when sending parts for plating (1:07:19).  Brian and Eric note an attractive aspect of European fastener shows.  Musical cameo @ 1:04:55 The Meters - "Doodle-Oop" 1971.  Run time: 01:16:20

Endries CEO Michael Knight reacts to the latest tariffs and shares thoughts on what they mean for the fastener industry.  Run time: 21:16

Canadian locknut provider J. Lanfranco Fastener Systems supplies premium fasteners to industries on both sides of the border.  VP Jason Baines discusses his approach working with partners across the supply chain, shares thoughts on changing political conditions, and looks for the best in everyone involved.  Run time: 22:55

Pac-West Fastener Association spring conference floor interviews and coverage, including Paul Vittori, George Martinez, Darlene Collis, Carl Spackman, Michael Chen, Jake "Valdez" Davis, Christian Reich and Steve "The Sasco Man" Dunham. PLUS: Golf tourney winners.  Run time: 27:42

The fastener industry powers ahead amid unsettling tariff news, cyber warfare and sky high egg prices. Martin Fastening Supply EVP Scott McDaniel joins newsman Mike McNulty to sift through the surprising FDI numbers on the Fastener News Report (29:22). From his new operating base in Malaysia, Würth EVP Asia-Pacific Dee Ward shares a very different viewpoint, as he drives growth while patiently waiting for baseball season to begin (8:58).  On the Fastener Training Minute, Carmen Vertullo cautions on a simple but critical difference in an important ASTM vs. ASME standard (1:01:23). BONUS: Marco Rodriguez of Cresa presents his quarterly warehouse space leasing report. Brian and Eric watch for a black swan, and hope it will lay a few eggs.  Run time: 01:13:23

FTR co-host Brian Musker shares two stories from his recent adventures outside of the FCH data lab (15:32). Fastener industry guru Carmen Vertullo explains lot traceability and why you should be on good terms with your test lab (28:19). WTC Managed IT Services senior consultant Will Snyder provides an important Microsoft security tip all distributors should understand (10:05). PLUS: What happened at the NFDA web conference on the new tariffs.  Run time: 53:35

As he rides into the sunset, Steve "The Sasco Man" Dunham stops by to take stock in a fastener career well spent (9:08).  On the Fastener News Report, Mike McNulty welcomes Würth Industry USA COO Jeff Schmitt to read into sinking FDI numbers, plus major strategic announcements from Würth (35:16). Carmen Vertullo explains proper nut lubrication for structural applications on the Fastener Training Minute (1:13:18).  Following the MFDA economic meeting, Brian and Eric consider safe asset classes before anything hits the fan. Run time: 01:29:37

Skidmore-Wilhelm expert and proprietor Mr. John O'Brien and industry guru Carmen Vertullo delve deeply into the applications, uses and origins of tension bolting's most unique and essential tool.  Discover simple yet effective lubricating techniques, little known but deadly hazards of improper bolt tensioning, and exclusive training opportunities during this wide reaching conversation. PLUS: Mysterious K-factor talk aplenty! Run time: 01:23:40

The new fastener year begins with dramatic headlines, Fastener Technology International editor in chief Mike McNulty breaks the stories and welcomes Huyett CEO Tim O'Keeffe to look at complete 2024 FDI numbers plus the outlook for the year ahead on the Fastener News Report. EXTRA: Star Stainless president Tim Roberto Jr. explains the latest huge LSG acquisition. On the Fastener Training Minute, thread guru Carmen Vertullo looks at risk mitigation in structural bolt tensioning. Plus, Fastener Fair USA show manager Blanca Delgado preview the upcoming event in Nashville. Brian and Eric often work independently, but sometimes they join forces, and when they do, it can mean fastener podcast gold.  Run time: 01:19:51

Tis the season to reveal new fastener association officers, as industry veteran rep Robert Rundle of R. W. Rundle Associates takes the lead at the MFDA (8:36).  On the Fastener Training Minute, Carmen Vertullo explains a critical aspect of plating (18:30). Plus, the next winner of the IronClad Gloves Out of The Rut contest. CHRISTMAS BONUS: J. R. Prahl's "The Gift" redux edition (43:55).  Run time: 49:01

The FDI brings a lump of coal to fastener industry, but Star Stainless president Tim Roberto Jr. and Fastener Technology International senior news editor Mike McNulty remain positive, despite mixed feelings over probable new tariffs, on the Fastener News Report (20:23). Goebel Fasteners CEO Christian Reich takes more fastener limelight at this year's Fastenal Expo (14:21). PLUS: Marco Rodriguez of Cressa presents an update on the over land trucking situation (58:02). Brian and Eric teach a new AI old tricks.  Run time: 01:10:34

Premium fastener provider J. Lanfranco sends mining industry veteran Steve Roebuck on a mission to dig up new business from an international market (11:20). On the Fastener Training Minute, thread educator Carmen Vertullo discusses a classic question involving nylon insert locknuts (22:50). PLUS: The first winner of the "Out of the Rut" IronClad gloves contest! Brian and Eric hone their skills and their platform. Run time: 49:28

Fastener industry optimism keeps the latest FDI numbers strong as AFC VP of sales John Kovatch joins Mike McNulty on the Fastener News Report (19:55). There's more good news for fastener mud racers as Jake "Valdez" Davis of BTM Manufacturing announces dates for next year's huge MWFA event (7:15). PLUS: Brian and Eric launch the new IronClad gloves "Out of the Rut" contest. Run time: 53:30