MWFA FSTNR Week ’25 is right around the corner, that means it’s time to start prepping for fastener mud racing! Team leaders Bob “GQ” Baer of Abbott-Interfast, Jake “Valdez” Davis of BTM Manufacturing and Bobby “Tater Tot” Wegner of Beacon Fasteners set the stage for another memorable year. Once again, they hope to avoid electrocution, dehydration, excessive grass stains, and of […]
In this episode, Eric Dudas of FCH Sourcing Network is joined by Fastenal veteran turned homesteader Sam Aldinger and ERP code-slinger Anders Green of ALOX4 to dive deep into the evolving world of fastener sourcing, exploring why it’s still very much an art—despite rising interest in AI, B2B e-ecommerce and automation. They discuss the […]
Written by R.W. Baird analyst David J. Manthey, CFA with Quinn Fredrickson, CFA 6/6/25 Key Takeaway: The seasonally adjusted Fastener Distributor Index (FDI) saw month-over-month improvement, reaching 50.4 (April 46.9). This reflected improvement in three of the four underlying components (sales, employment and supplier deliveries). The Forward-Looking Indicator (FLI) also improved at 50.2, the first reading above 50 […]
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 […]
Read More… from FTR Unthreaded: Link Magazine Publisher Leo Coar
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 […]
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 […]
Read More… from Special Report: Fastener Fair USA 2025 Floor Interviews
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 […]
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 […]
Read More… from FTR Unthreaded: Fastening to Farming with Sam Aldinger
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, […]
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 […]
Read More… from Special Report: Stuttgart 2025 with Craig Penland of Eurolink
