Episodes
June 14, 2022
Episode #177 - The Other Show
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, Würt...
May 17, 2022
Episode #176 - The Next Episode
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 descr...
April 19, 2022
Episode #175 - Once You're In...
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 se...
March 17, 2022
Episode #174 - Hyper Threaded
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 ”, shockin...
Feb. 17, 2022
Episode #173 - Unchained
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 sup...
Jan. 18, 2022
Episode #172 - Milestones
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 rol...
Dec. 16, 2021
Episode #171 - Fit Festivities
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...
Nov. 19, 2021
Episode #170 - In All Fairness
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. Stelfas...
Oct. 21, 2021
Episode #169 - Printers & Sprinters
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 te...
Sept. 23, 2021
Special Report: IFE 2021
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 var...
Sept. 18, 2021
Episode #168 - Another Slice
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...
Aug. 25, 2021
Special Report: MWFA 75th and Table Top
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 receiv...
Aug. 13, 2021
Episode #167 - Pass the Chips
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 exp...
July 17, 2021
Episode #166 - The Flotilla
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 over...
June 19, 2021
Episode #165 - Diversions
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 anoth...
May 12, 2021
Episode #164 - Safe and Effective
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 eve...
April 15, 2021
Episode #163 - Worth Hearing
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...
March 19, 2021
Episode #162 - Our Dinner with Charlie
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 ...
March 10, 2021
FTR160 Excerpt - Tough Mudder
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 str...
Feb. 19, 2021
Episode #161 - Not Lonely
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 ...
Jan. 21, 2021
Episode #160 - Strange But Good
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 atte...
Dec. 17, 2020
Episode #159 - Threadnosed
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 st...
Nov. 21, 2020
Episode #158 - Don't Mess with Jess
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 ...
Oct. 29, 2020
Special Report: Optimas CEO Marc Strandquist
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 initiativ...