Fully Threaded Radio – Details, episodes & analysis

When do the AI job losses hit? Distribution Strategy Group chief strategy officer Ian Heller describes the advance of new tech impacting every level of the thread game (1:46:33). Meanwhile, the fastener industry faces a raft of other pressures, including tariff uncertainty and global conflict. The affable Jason Baines of J. Lanfranco offers perspective (23:38). On the Fastener News Report, Würth Industry USA president Chapman Revercomb joins newsman Mike McNulty to explain an unusual alignment in the latest FDI reading (59:57). Industry guru Carmen Vertullo looks at rigging and lifting hardware, on the Fastener Training Minute (1:35:00). Also, Fastener Fair USA show manager Blanca Delgado previews the upcoming conference in Charlotte (52:14). PLUS: A surprising retirement announcement, and when is it NOT good to locate near a shipping hub? Brian and Eric try getting a bot to draw a pentahead. Run time: 02:36:18

Is there more than hot air behind the CBAM regulations now in full effect in the EU? How should the North American fastener industry view these new mandates? Braving conditions created by inevitable climate change, the gas loving Charlie Kerr of Kerr Lakeside offers his views from the ski slopes of Lake Tahoe (1:42:54). Würth Industry USA compliance officer Danielle Riggs provides more sober commentary from the conventional setting of her office (14:52). On the Fastener News Report, Brighton Best International president Jun Xu joins senior news editor Mike McNulty with strong FDI numbers, and plenty of reaction from the market (44:40). Thread guru Carmen Vertullo presents options for meeting non-conformance situations on the Fastener Training Minute (1:32:28). BONUS: Where is the sweet spot in new warehouse space? (38:07) Brian and Eric look ahead to significant warming as they consider who vandalized the Sphynx. Run time: 02:43:50

Tough Nutters George “GHIII” Hunt of Brighton Best, Bobby “Tater Tot” Wegner of Beacon Fasteners, Bob “GQ” Baer from Abbott-Interfast, and BTM Manufacturing president Jake “Valdez” Davis put on their jerseys to relive highlights of the dirtiest fastener networking event of 2025. Run time: 47:07

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

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 she welcomes fellow rep John "Cowboy" Wachman, and Christian Reich of Goebel Fasteners (1:25:17).  The Industrial Distribution "Big 50 List" just hit the street, managing editor Mike Hockett has the story (21:45).  On the Fastener News Report, industry newsman Mike McNulty talks with Solution Industries senior manager, the indefatigable Frank "Balboa" DeVito to unpack the latest FDI results (52:58).  Thread stick-out is the topic of the minute,  The Fastener Training Minute with Carmen Vertullo (1:18:29).  PLUS:  IFE manager Morgan Wilson has the names of this year's Hall of Fame inductees in his hand!  Will he divulge the winners during the podcast (42:38)?  Brian and Eric can't decide if they hate Amazon more because it's taking over the world, or because their packages have started taking longer to arrive. Run time: 02:08:01

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 anyway to see if the format could lure in any takers, and to get a reading of the screw biz during the strangest year on record. Bryn Stock, Jake Davis, Mike Topolewski, Matt Boyd, "Iron" Bill Armstrong, Cari Bailey, Tom Buddenbohn and the always coiffed Rosa Hearn make their way to the virtual show floor to share their thoughts, and to dodge offers of droll breakfast spread on toast. Baird analyst, Dave Manthey, breaks down the FDI with Mike McNulty on the Fastener News Report (46:38), and Carmen Vertullo expounds on the importance of documentation supplements during the Fastener Training Minute (1:11:02). BONUS: Cameo by the lovely and talented Lynn Dempsey. Clearly in demo mode, Brian and Eric explain the FCH Scrubber process and find some consolation in the lengthy shelf-life of their surplus promotional item. Run time: 01:53:14

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 discuss the startling FDI results on the Fastener News Report, the ensuing conversation expands into a predominantly fastener-related discussion that fastener distributors should heed (45:07). The PPE space has become a topic of interest for many industrial distributors, but it’s not a good match for every company, as safety veterans Neil Sexton and Michael Stewart of Northern Safety and Industrial explain (1:39:12). On the other hand, more companies are finding that online meetings provide a direct path to more effective sales, as “Cool Hand” John Butler of The Olander Company will attest (15:37). During the Fastener Training Minute, Carmen Vertullo provides System 22 thread inspection guidance that maps perfectly to a listener’s query (1:27:12). Also: IFE manager Morgan Wilson addresses show cancellation questions. To round out the non sequitur festival, Brian wants to roll out his old English sports car, while Eric imagines rolling out a barrel. Run time: 02:19:55

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).  ITR Economics analyst Alex Chausovsky presents a clear, if uneven, path to growth and a key opportunity segment as he summarizes his recent NFDA virtual summit presentation (20:16). The maverick CEO of G.L. Huyett, Tim O'Keeffe joins Fastener Technology International editor Mike McNulty on the Fastener News Report to discuss the surprising resurgence of the latest FDI numbers (43:54).  Plus, nylon insert locknuts receive the Carmen Vertullo treatment during the Fastener Training Minute (1:10:24). Brian and Eric make excuses for terrible fishing, but their determination to keep plugging is never in doubt.  Run time:  2:07:23

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 Eurolink vlogger London Penland explore how the market approaches ISO vs. DIN standards (1:34:33). The Fastener Distributor Index battles back, and Marc Strandquist of Optimas joins Mike McNulty to compare notes, on the Fastener News Report (57:25). During the Fastener Training Minute, a new fastener standards resource makes its debut (1:25:06). Also, Eric builds a gym and Brian quotes the Founders, raising the question: Is he really from New Hampshire?  Run time: 02:40:50

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). Newer to the field, but aiming to innovate, AJ Strandquist of Würth Industry North America is forging boldy into the realm of additive manufacturing, believing the long-expected impact will soon be felt (21:50). Then, it’s absolutely the worst FDI reading on record, as Solution Industries heavyweight Frank “Balboa” DeVito joins Mike McNulty on the Fastener News Report to shed light on the dim situation (54:52). Plus, industry educator Carmen Vertullo presents all you need to know about weathering steel during the Fastener Training Minute (1:23:44). Viewing every adventure as a calculated risk, the FTR boys blow past the clear danger as Brian flagrantly visits a restaurant, and Eric suggests an eye-opening read. Run time: 02:31:07