The Fully Threaded Radio Podcast
The FDI rallied back into positive territory and the train strike has been avoided. But will the good news last?
FTR is predominantly fastener-related news, commentary and infotainment for the industrial fastener industry!
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Special Report: Fastener Fair USA '23
Highlights and floor interview from this year's Fastener Fair USA in Nashville. Featuring interviews by the lovely and talented Lynn Dempsey with Rich Cavoto , Jen Kushnir , Jun Xu , Bob Chiricosta , Lonni Kieffer , Itzela V...
Episode #188 - Completely Different
Marine Fasteners CEO Dee Ward and ERP platform founder Bob Reynolds of INxSQL Software view the fastener industry from completely different angles, and share their insights on improving customer satisfaction for continued suc...
Episode #187 - More Wining
Like a skilled sommelier, Threaded Fasteners CEO Billy Duren uncorks The Nuts and Bolts of Leadership, a new podcast designed to inspire, instruct and inform budding leaders (1:36:26). With his nose for success in the fastene...
Episode #186 - Like a Glove
As the fastener market adapts to unsettled circumstances, Endries International president and CEO Michael Knight engineers a strategy for continued growth (1:44:56). Distributors report mostly positive sales last month, as B...
Recent Episodes
Special Report: Fastener Fair USA '23
June 8, 2023
Highlights and floor interview from this year's Fastener Fair USA in Nashville. Featuring interviews by the lovely and talented Lynn Dempsey with Rich Cavoto , Jen Kushnir , Jun Xu , Bob Chiricosta , Lonni Kieffer , Itzela …
Episode #188 - Completely Different
May 14, 2023
Marine Fasteners CEO Dee Ward and ERP platform founder Bob Reynolds of INxSQL Software view the fastener industry from completely different angles, and share their insights on improving customer satisfaction for continued su…
Episode #187 - More Wining
April 18, 2023
Like a skilled sommelier, Threaded Fasteners CEO Billy Duren uncorks The Nuts and Bolts of Leadership, a new podcast designed to inspire, instruct and inform budding leaders (1:36:26). With his nose for success in the fasten…
Episode #186 - Like a Glove
March 16, 2023
As the fastener market adapts to unsettled circumstances, Endries International president and CEO Michael Knight engineers a strategy for continued growth (1:44:56). Distributors report mostly positive sales last month, as …
Episode #185 - Not The End
Feb. 17, 2023
IFI Director of Training and senior fastener consultant, Laurence Claus describes a key challenge facing all fastener companies, the standards process, and his approach to bringing perspective to the industry (1:43:17). Gre…
Episode #184 - Resolutions
Jan. 17, 2023
Premium locknut supplier J Lanfranco sees big opportunities appearing, as the cosmopolitan Jason Baines leads their North American push (1:47:01). Likewise, hard charger Matt Boyd is helping to guide Parker Fasteners forge a…
Episode #183 - Down Hill
Dec. 15, 2022
Like a bobsled down a frozen precipice, the fastener industry streaks to the close of another blazing fast year. Fresh off the slopes, Mr. Charlie Kerr of Kerr Lakeside discovers a vexing industry development, and shares his…
Episode #182 - Asking For It
Nov. 18, 2022
Fully Threaded Title Sponsors >> Brighton-Best International 🔩 Goebel Fasteners Inc. 🔩 Star Stainless Screw Co And we couldn't do it without support from all our partners: 🔩Würth Industry North America …
Episode #181 - The No Show Show
Oct. 27, 2022
IFE is like no other show in the fastener industry, and this year's edition seemed a lot like "the good old days" without the carpeting. The lovely and talented Lynn Dempsey took her mic to the show floor and spoke to atten…
Special Report: Strandquist Sells
Oct. 7, 2022
Industry veteran Marc Strandquist announces a new mission with Sellside Group, helping fastener companies navigate the challenges of a market in flux. David Kerr of Metal Resource Solutions warns of coming price hikes on Eu…
Episode #180 - Trainageddon
Sept. 22, 2022
Has tragedy been narrowly averted or is the supply disruption train still racing down the track, set to impact business across the country? Scanwell Logistics freight forwarding expert Chris Donnell shares his view (16:31). …
Special Report: MWFA FSTNR Week '22
Sept. 7, 2022
The Mid-West Fastener Association annual FSTNR Week and table top show, golf tournament and lead up events were wildly successful again this year. TJ McFarland, Don "Tex" Carr, Mike Robinson, Jake "Valdez" Davis, Erica St…
Episode #179 - Big Fastener
Aug. 19, 2022
When big fastener companies acquire other big fastener companies, and people who know big fasteners talk about it, you have the makings of an aptly titled podcast. Star Stainless president, Tim Roberto Jr. discusses the rece…
Episode #178 - Thread Pilled
July 22, 2022
Strong sales and ongoing supply challenges remain the top themes as the fastener industry keeps its optimism heading into a hot summer. On the water, at the bar or while making his podcast debut, Jason Baines of J. Lanfranc…
Episode #177 - The Other Show
June 14, 2022
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, Wür…
Episode #176 - The Next Episode
May 17, 2022
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 desc…
Episode #175 - Once You're In...
April 19, 2022
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 s…
Episode #174 - Hyper Threaded
March 17, 2022
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 ”, shocki…
Episode #173 - Unchained
Feb. 17, 2022
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 su…
Episode #172 - Milestones
Jan. 18, 2022
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 ro…
Episode #171 - Fit Festivities
Dec. 16, 2021
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 (1:3…
Episode #170 - In All Fairness
Nov. 19, 2021
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. Stelfa…
Episode #169 - Printers & Sprinters
Oct. 21, 2021
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 t…
Special Report: IFE 2021
Sept. 23, 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 va…
Episode #168 - Another Slice
Sept. 18, 2021
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, includin…
Special Report: MWFA 75th and Table Top
Aug. 25, 2021
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 recei…
Episode #167 - Pass the Chips
Aug. 13, 2021
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 ex…
Episode #166 - The Flotilla
July 17, 2021
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 ove…
Episode #165 - Diversions
June 19, 2021
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 anot…
Episode #164 - Safe and Effective
May 12, 2021
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 ev…
Episode #163 - Worth Hearing
April 15, 2021
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 visio…
Episode #162 - Our Dinner with Charlie
March 19, 2021
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…
FTR160 Excerpt - Tough Mudder
March 10, 2021
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 st…
Episode #161 - Not Lonely
Feb. 19, 2021
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…
Episode #160 - Strange But Good
Jan. 21, 2021
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 att…
Episode #159 - Threadnosed
Dec. 17, 2020
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 s…
Episode #158 - Don't Mess with Jess
Nov. 21, 2020
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…
Special Report: Optimas CEO Marc Strandquist
Oct. 29, 2020
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 initiati…
Episode #157 - One More Rep
Oct. 18, 2020
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…
Episode #156 - Virtual Vegas
Sept. 22, 2020
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 an…
Episode #155 - Out-of-Synchness
Aug. 15, 2020
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 di…
Episode #154 - Stay @ Home Tour
July 21, 2020
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…
Episode #153 - Non-Standard
June 18, 2020
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 E…
Episode #152 - Absolutely Threaded
May 16, 2020
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). Newe…
Special Report: A Test of Courage
April 23, 2020
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 sup…
Episode #151 - The NEW Fully Threaded
April 16, 2020
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 Fastene…
Episode #150 - Quarantined
March 19, 2020
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…
Episode #149 - Best Threaded
Feb. 19, 2020
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 office…
Episode #148 - Anti-Social
Jan. 18, 2020
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 d…
Episode #147 - Tahini Tell-All
Dec. 18, 2019
'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…
Episode #146 - Unthreaded
Nov. 21, 2019
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 (1:1…
Episode #145 - Screwzapalooza
Oct. 23, 2019
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…
Episode #144 - Flavor Saver
Sept. 28, 2019
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 guar…
Episode #143 - Hexitivity
Aug. 20, 2019
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…
Episode #142 - Ugly Bolts
July 14, 2019
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…
Episode #141 - Trade War Drinking Games
June 12, 2019
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 R…
Episode #140 - Men of Action
May 20, 2019
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 i…
Episode #139 - The Vegemite Files
April 18, 2019
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…
Episode #138 - Direct Connections
March 13, 2019
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 …
Episode #137 - Opportunity Lost
Feb. 15, 2019
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…
Episode #136 - Wake Up Call
Jan. 17, 2019
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…
Episode #135 - Testers and Jesters
Dec. 14, 2018
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…
Episode #134 - Got Zarf?
Nov. 17, 2018
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 Internati…
Episode #133 - Failure to Communicate
Oct. 25, 2018
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 deve…
Episode #132 - Outsiders
Sept. 23, 2018
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…
Episode #131 - Get the Lead Out
Aug. 23, 2018
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). I…
About the Hosts
Brian Musker
Brian Musker of Eurolink Fastener Supply Service can change the direction of a fastener conversation with insight, expertise, mischief and mayhem. The perfect co-anchor for Fully Threaded commentary and thought-leader interviews.
Eric Dudas
Eric has surrounded himself with passionate subject matter experts to drive Fully Threaded Radio into a second decade as the voice of the fastener industry.
For nearly two-hundred episodes he has been overseeing production of news on the Fastener Distributor Index, and bringing your interviews with logistics, supply chain, sales, testing, and manufacturing experts from throughout the fastener industry. Whether you're looking for information on new products or updates on supply chain issues,
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