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

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Special Report: IFE 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, including this year&apos;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 reading on the Fastener News Report (56:21). On the Fastener Training Minute, thread guru Carmen Vertullo explains when it&apos;s good to substitute a long socket set screw for a stud, and when it&apos;s not (1:21:37).  BONUS: Fastener CFO for hire Pete Carlson explains why it makes sense to review your financials, and where to look for hidden revenue (41:20). Brian and Eric contemplate the drifting sands of time, while assiduously avoiding sand traps and perilous golf situations in general. Run time:  02:07:33

Episode #168 - Another Slice

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 &apos;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! PLUS: Tough Mudder, NFA meet-up &  golf results. Run time: 42:01

Special Report: MWFA 75th and Table Top

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 explains that blind rivets have a wider range of applications than you might think on the Fastener Training Minute (1:21:06). PLUS: Todd McRoberts has a new cold heading home! Connoisseurs of both snack foods and liberty, Brian and Eric note examples of the stifling results of bureaucratic overreach. Run time: 02:17:11

Episode #167 - Pass the Chips

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 for the electrifying kick-off race (1:52:53). Just back ashore, IFE manager Morgan Wilson previews this year’s Vegas show (53:38). Then, Frank “Balboa” DeVito of Solution Industries joins Fastener News Report editor Mike McNulty for a cruise through the fastener news (1:04:46). On the Fastener Training Minute, Carmen Vertullo describes a specific kind of customer rejection situation (1:44:51). BONUS: S.W. Anderson boss Jim Costello talks hydrogen embrittlement while basting ribs! Brian and Eric have fun with their peers on the piers. Run time: 02:28:47

Episode #166 - The Flotilla

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 (56:03). On the Fastener Training Minute, Carmen Vertullo explains grades of socket products (1:32:09). Upcoming fastener show and event round up. Also, why you should stock up on wing nuts now. Wondering about their booth space, Brian and Eric shadow box an uncertain future as they wander the fastener land. Close theme: GD 7/24/87 Run time: 02:29:12

Episode #165 - Diversions

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 malted medicinals at this year’s fastener shows! (1:48:57) On the Fastener News Report, Mike McNulty hosts Hayes Bolt & Supply VP, Kelly Cole with FDI coverage, headline round up, and Mike’s Back Page Report. (1:06:56)  Industry educator Carmen Vertullo injects his brand of fastener biz know-how during the Fastener Training Minute, covering technical considerations when suggesting substitute parts for your customer. (1:39:15) BONUS JAB: From the studio of quasi-retirement, industry veteran Dick Ripley torches the fret board with a jammin&apos; fastener industry debut. (2:28:05) Brian and Eric confirm that most people have no business screwing with complex software systems. Run time: 02:33:38

Episode #164 - Safe and Effective

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 SmartCert, with Lyndon Lattie of Aramid Technologies, and the carnivorous Mr. Matt Boyd of Parker Fasteners (1:38:00). Solution Industries journeyman Frank “Balboa” DeVito joins intrepid newsman Mike McNulty on the Fastener News Report to examine another record setting FDI report (56:40). Also, Christian Reich of Goebel Fasteners (#GoGoebel) introduces an all-new stainless lock bolt system (46:53). PLUS: Yet another aspect of the insidious scourge, hydrogen embrittlement is the focus on the latest Fastener Training Minute (1:29:24). Brian makes a novel observation about chemtrails while Eric talks Q.Run time: 02:30:08

Episode #163 - Worth Hearing

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 Minute, industry educator Carmen Vertullo covers A36 steel (1:30:10). Plus: NFDA ESPS meeting highlights (15:16). Brian and Eric set the table for a feast, and hope for enough paper towels at clean up time. Run time: 02:51:39

Episode #162 - Our Dinner with Charlie

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

FTR160 Excerpt - Tough Mudder

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 country single debut (44:45). Plus: Carmen Vertullo’s Fastener Training Minute covers the cause of rust on stainless (1:18:19). Brian takes a significant step, and Eric flies solo but he’s not alone.  Run time: 02:20:33 

Episode #161 - Not Lonely

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). Eurolink Fastener Supply Service president, Craig Penland, has the pedal to the metal, as he offers his take on air cargo from Europe (50:10). On the Fastener News Report, industry newsman Mike McNulty welcomes Baird analyst David Manthey to ponder the apparent departure from reality suggested by the latest red hot FDI reading (1:00:14). With impeccable timing and irony, Carmen Vertullo discusses nuts, on the latest Fastener Training Minute (1:27:26). Seeing the chair against the wall, Brian and Eric decide to keep things even more predominantly fastener related than usual. Run time: 02:35:22

Episode #160 - Strange But Good

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 opportunities ahead despite some obvious headwinds (24:32). On the Fastener News Report, intrepid anchorman Mike McNulty welcomes Doug Ruggles of Martin Fastening Solutions to unpack the resilient FDI numbers (49:51). Carmen Vertullo presents the Fastener Training Minute, this time explaining the principle of perpendicularity (1:18:58). BONUS: Meet Screwdolph! (14:01) Brian and Eric note a perfect storm and an upcoming alignment of the stars. Run time: 02:17:58

Episode #159 - Threadnosed

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 Report, battle hardened news editor, Mike McNulty hosts ITR Economics analyst, Alex Chausovsky to discuss the shocking FDI numbers, and to size up prospects for long term prosperity (43:35). Industry educator Carmen Vertullo gets right to the point on the Fastener Training Minute (1:13:05). Cameos: Emerald show manager Morgan Wilson and Jamie Lawrence of AVK Industrial Products. Brian and Eric make peace with the new virtual mindset, and look to the poets for inspiration.  Run time: 02:15:28

Episode #158 - Don't Mess with Jess

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

Special Report: Optimas CEO Marc Strandquist

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